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Annapurna High Route Nar Phu

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Max. Elevation

5300m

Accommodation

Hotel

Best Season

Spring- Autumn

Duration

18 Days

Trip Grading

Easy

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Departure Location

Kathmandu

Annapurna High Route Nar Phu and Tilicho pass

Prepare for the Annapurna High Route, Nar Phu, and Tilicho Pass Trek—an incredible Himalayan journey. You will explore isolated settlements, take on the famous Tilicho Pass, and take in the spectacular splendor of the Annapurna region on this trek. Beautiful scenery, cultural immersion, and an incredibly fulfilling experience are all features of this epic adventure.

The Annapurna High Route, an extension of the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, offers a challenging alternative to Thorong La Pass.  The trek begins at Besishahar, it divides into the remote Nar and Phu Valleys, which feature Mesakinta La Pass and Kangla Pass, close to Koto. As it travels through pristine forests, high-altitude regions, and traditional settlements, it provides stunning vistas of the Himalayas.

  • An escape from the masses on an Annapurna tour.
  • 3 passes over 5,000 m.
  • Views of the towering Himalayan mountains.
  • Tilicho stunning turquoise-blue Lake is another major attraction of the trek.
  • The Beautiful Tibetan villages of Naar and Phu.

Travel Style

  • Nature & Adventure
  • Activities

Description

An extension of the traditional Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Annapurna High Route provides a demanding and rewarding alternative to the Thorong La Pass. Beginning in Besishahar, this journey leads trekkers into the pristine and isolated Nar and Phu Valleys before splitting off at Koto. The journey offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Annapurna Range and has pristine forests, high-altitude scenery, and traditional Himalayan communities.

The Annapurna region of Nepal is home to the well-traveled Annapurna High Route. Naar, Phu Valley, Kangla Pass (5,320 meters), Tilicho Lake (4,900 meters), and Mesokanto La Pass (5,100 meters) are among of the route’s significant highlights. The recently accessible Annapurna High Route is a strenuous substitute for the popular Thorong La Pass and an exciting addition to the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The Nar Valley and the Phu Valley are two isolated valleys that you will traverse on your trek. Trekkers can get a rare look at a distant and little-visited area of Nepal that is rich in culture and natural beauty by visiting these valleys.

The Annapurna High Route trek requires thorough preparation and planning. To maximize your experience and guarantee safety, it is recommended that you hike with a qualified trekking organization or a local guide. The hike is strenuous, and altitude sickness is a possibility due to the high elevation. As a result, it is essential to properly acclimate and heed the recommendations of your guide.

Trekkers embark on a unique and difficult journey across some of Nepal’s most secluded and breathtaking scenery by following the Annapurna High Route. This trek is a voyage of discovery and stunning views, taking you from pristine woods and traditional communities to high-altitude passes and tranquil lakes.The Annapurna High Route is an experience not to be missed if you’re looking for an adventure in the Himalayas that isn’t often taken.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek’s progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you’ll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It’s an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
 
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Annapurna Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
 
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 13,50 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
We leave by bus for Dumre, 130 kilometers from Kathmandu, on the road to Pokhara. The road offers magnificent views of the Trisuli river valley, then we cross superb tropical landscapes, before going up towards Dumre and having a first vision of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare. From there, we continue towards the north, up to Besi Sahar, by a track that curves in the middle of the rice fields. Then, we take a Jeep to reach Jagat, the starting point of our hike.
 
Drive in a private vehicle 
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
The Marsyangdi River rumbles at the bottom of its gorges, forcing us to cross some beautiful suspension bridges. Just before Tal, the valley suddenly opens up and we can admire the Manaslu (8,163 m). After an ascent along the cliffs, we reach Dharapani by another suspension bridge. We are now in a Buddhist country, which was part of the Gyasumdo region, whose center was Manang, and which traded a lot with Tibet.
 
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge

 

The path bends sharply towards the west to enter a valley where the vegetation becomes alpine with pines and junipers replacing the virgin forest. We change the level of vegetation. We start trekking at Dharapani. After an hour’s walk, we arrive at the village of Bagarchap; a little further, we discover our first “8000”; prayer walls and gompas. In Koto, Annapurna II and Manaslu are in focus.
 
5 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
We leave for the first time the traditional classical trek of the Annapurnas, which continues its way towards the west, to engage in a narrow valley to the north, leading to the Tibetan border. From now on, there is a basic lodge or tea house, and the trip takes on a wilder dimension. We will follow the Naar Phu river, with its wooded banks, crossing it and recrossing it before setting up our camp in Meta Village. 
 
8 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,500m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a Tea house
Gradually, we have a clear view of the summit of Kang Guru to the east (6,981 m) and that of Pisang to the west. After an imposing chorten, which marks the entry into Buddhist country, the path rises to reach the village of Meta, built on a plateau. The trail stays high above the river, passing through several hamlets until reaching the Kharka of Junam Goth, We continue on stony moraines before crossing the summer village of Kyang. Then we take a path carved into the cliff at a good height of the river which is now called the Phu Khola. Beyond this rather impressive passage, a course in level curve allows us to find the bed of the river and reach Phu Gate (the door of Phu) which we cross by taking a path in tight zigzags. Behind this passage, we enter an altitude mineral valley in which Buddhist chörtens are placed here and there, reminding us that the inhabitants are of Tibetan origin. We land at the foot of the village on the superb campsite before going to visit this astonishing village with its houses lined up in an arid comb at different levels on the terraces.
 
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,980m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a Tea house
We redo the opposite path until we come to the sight of Meta and we spin full slope in a sandy descent to join the river. We cross it on a footbridge over a deep gorge where tons of water rush. The camp is on the right bank halfway up the hillside in the middle of a grove of junipers.
 
5 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a Gumpa
We will go up to the mountain pastures which precede the village of Naar and pass in front of an imposing series of chortens and mani walls. You still have to be careful of the solitary yaks grazing in these wide open spaces and be as humble as possible when going around them.The path now rises to reach a ridge and a high plateau where the village of Naar is spread out. Visit the Tibetan village. 
 
4 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 4,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
Long and splendid day. The path crosses a detrital shoulder before evolving well above the river on a “Nepalese flat”. Then it bends to the south to reach the Kang Pass. From the pass, the view is breathtaking on (almost…) all the Annapurnas (II at 7,939 m, IV at 7,525 m, III at 7,555 m) and the Gangapurna. The descent on the other side is steep towards the village of Ngawal, first in a moraine then in grassy slopes until Ngawal village. 
 
8 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
A milder day begins with a beautiful forest path, on a balcony above the Marsyangdi River, before reaching the village of Munje. From now on, the valley is wide, the path flat until the beautiful village of Braga, with its terraced houses, dominated by its very old Gompa. We finally arrive at the Tibetan village of Manang, the capital of this small region. This village, at the confluence of two valleys, and framed by several mountain ranges, enjoys an exceptional location. Magnificent and varied views of many Himalayan peaks and their frozen waterfalls.
 
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,450m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge 
In Manang, we find the traditional way of the Turn of Annapurnas but it is for immediately leaving it. Here begins our second detour, which will take us to Jomosom, via an altitude path. While the classic path follows the banks of the Jharsang khola river, to then cross the pass of Thorong at 5,416 meters, we will reach the moraine lake, at the bottom of the north face of Gangapurna (7,454 m) before climbing gradually to the village of Khangsar. The last of our route before Jomosom. From the village, very beautiful view, especially on the Tarke Kang (7,202 m). Continuation to the base camp of Tilicho by taking a path traced on the side in sandy slopes. 
 
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately t 4,150m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Now, we are walking in the footsteps of Herzog’s expedition in 1950, when they were looking for an access route to reach the foot of Annapurna I. They were the first to reveal the existence of the huge lake that stretches at the foot of the Tilicho peak (7,134 m), they also named “the great barrier”, the huge wall that stretches between the Roc Noir (7,485 m) and the northern summit of the Nilgiri (7,061 m). This name imposed itself on the expedition when it became obvious that no passage would be possible through this wall, to reach the slopes of Annapurna I. For two days, we will remain at high altitudes, at most near the summits, on paths that can be covered in snow. This evening, the view from our camp will look down over the Tilicho Lake scoop dominated by the glacial faces of Tilicho Peak. 
 
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 5,020m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We cross a first pass at 5,345 m before embarking on a long crossing of an often snow-covered plateau to a sign indicating the direction of Mesokanto La. We discover the first surprise of the day, namely that we will have to cross a second pass that you reach by crossing using a small path on the side of the screen in almost a contour line.
 
Then it’s a “flat Nepalese” path that will take us to the very end of a ridge where we will cross the Muktinath himal chain via the Mesokanto pass, at 5,100 m. On the other side, at the very bottom of the valley, you can make out the wide bed and the winding meanders of the Kali Gandaki. In the sky, the peaks of Tukuche (6,920 m) and Dhaulagiri, one of the most aesthetic 8,000 m, stand out; while to the north the brown peaks herald Mustang, Dolpo, and Tibet.
 
The descent is a bit long but first, you will have to carefully descend the first meters of a snowy slope sometimes frozen below. At the bottom, we cross the torrent to go up to cross a rocky ridge from which we overlook green mountain pastures. We even distinguish the kharka which will welcome us this evening. Only downside: the path takes its ease to lead us there and we arrive almost at nightfall.
 
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 4,200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
Last day of walking, all downhill, to reach the large town of Marpha, a village surrounded by many orchards where the succulent Mustang apples are grown. Here, in the furrow of the Kali Gandaki, a priori the deepest valley in the world (practically 6,000 m between the peaks of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I) often swept by a violent wind. Last captivating summit: the north face of the Nilgiri (7,061 m), covered with draperies of ice. “Trek is over…”
 
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
We end this superb trek by descending by bus to the impressive gorges that the Kali Gandaki has dug. In Beni, the tar continues the journey to Pokhara for a much-appreciated gluteal rest.
 
Private vehicle 
Final altitude: approximately 800m
Meals: breakfast – lunch
Accommodation: night in a Hotel
Flight Pokhara – Kathmandu.
 
by private vehicle and domestic flight
about 35 minutes
about 1300m
Meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
 

Trip Included & Excluded

Trip Included

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport – Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing twin bedroom at the hotel (3-star category) in Kathmandu – Sharing twin Bedroom on BB Plan.
  • ACCOMMODATION IN POKHARA :
1-night sharing twin bedroom at the hotel (3-star category) in Pokhara on a bed & breakfast basis.
  • WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
  • PERMITS All necessary paper works :
Annapurna Conservation area permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
  • SPECIAL PERMIT :
Nar Phu Valley restricted permit
  • STAFF INSURANCE :
Nar Phu Valley restricted permit
  • MAP :
Annapurna Region Trekking map.
  • MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Air Transportation: (Domestic Flight) While returning: from Pokhara – to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
  • LAND TRANSPORTATION :
Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule and while returning Pokhara to Kathmandu (by tourist vehicles). Drive-by private/tourist vehicle: Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • LAND TRANSPORTATION :
Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule and while returning Pokhara to Kathmandu (by tourist vehicles). Drive-by private/tourist vehicle: Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule and while returning Pokhara to Kathmandu (by tourist vehicles). Drive-by private/tourist vehicle: Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • FOODS & LODGING :
Food 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek.
  • GUIDE :
Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sight-seeing in Kathmandu valley.
  • PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
  • STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • VALLEY SIGHTSEEING :
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley [ Swoyambhu (Monkey temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square] by a professional guide.
  • MEDICAL KIT :

Comprehensive Medical kit.

Trip Excluded

  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • NEPAL VISA FEES :
Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
  • LUNCH & DINNER :

 Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).

  • EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • INSURANCE
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
  • PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
  • TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  • INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek are not included.
  • TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
  • EXTRA :
Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

Notes: Costs may be prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure. your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.

Organization

Your Guide and Team

Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.

 

 
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
 
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
 
The Cook is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
 
The kitchen boy is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
 
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp. 
 
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
 
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
 

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
 
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
 
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and  Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
 

Accommodation during the  peak climbing 

For camping, Tent accommodation: For tent accommodation: during the trek, breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken to the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day’s walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics. During the trek, additional energy food is provided. Purchased locally, they offer a more limited. You can, if you wish, bring some complementary cereal bars adapted to your taste 
 
Here is a typical one-day menu: 
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydralazine, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
 

Preparation for the Trek

Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
 

Medical check-up

Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
 

Acute Mountain Sickness

This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.