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20 Days$3590USD

Activities
  • 14 day trek
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 14 nights wilderness camping
  • 2 night eco-lodge
Meals
  • 16 Dinners
  • 16 Lunches
  • 19 Breakfasts
7
Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Annapurna, Nar & Tilicho Lake Trip highlights


  • Trek into the rugged heart of the Annapurna range
  • Camp at the sacred Tilicho Lake (4900m), the highest lake for its size in the world
  • Explore the remote Nar Phu region and immerse in Tibetan cultural history
  • Cross the Kang La (5320m) and Mesokanto La (5121m) for sweeping views to Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks
  • Wonder at the majesty of the highest mountain range on earth during flights from Jomson to Pokhara & Kathmandu
  • Explore Kathmandu

Why Book With Us

  • Fully supported camping expedition with all meals on trek freshly prepared by our team of dedicated cooks
  • Free use of a World Expeditions trek pack including quality sleeping bag, down jacket, insulated mat and more. Receive a souvenir kit bag
  • Trek led by wilderness first aid trained guide equipped with portable altitude chamber and group medical kit
  • Relax pre and post trek at the 4 star Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu

Our most comprehensive and what we consider the best of the Annapurna's! This trip is for those craving an unforgettable adventure through lush forests, soaring mountain peaks, the finest views of glaciers, high pass crossings and a deep cultural experience. We venture off the highly trekked trails of the classic Annapurna circuit and into the rugged and secluded valleys of Nar and Phu. The villages we pass are enriched with influence from Tibetan Buddhist culture, a stark contrast to the Hindu villages dotted throughout the lower foothills. We trek along ridges looming below the grandeur of surrounding 6000m peaks and cross Kang La pass (5320m). We head up the valley and traverse a series of scree slopes to the highest lake for its size in the world; the sacred Tilicho Lake (4900m) nestled at the foot of Tilicho Peak (7130m). Tilicho Lake is only visited by a handful of trekkers each season and this trek takes us well beyond the guide book trails. We continue into the heart of the Annapurnas, our path to Mesokanto La affords stadium views as we are sandwiched between the world's highest mountain range. Rugged, remote and rewarding, this is Himalayan trekking at its absolute finest!

Meals included
in the price
Valued at USD$900
Trip Code: ATL

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  Nil

From Kathmandu we drive along to the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. We divert off the highway at the bustling town of Dumre. We follow the Marsyangdi valley to the village of Besi Sahar 820m on a plateau high above the river. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We continue our drive along a dirt track that winds high above the Marsyandi river. We pass through secluded villages that once defined the route of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek to the village of Koto. Here you will be greeted by our staff and porters and prepare for the exhilarating trekking stages ahead. That afternoon our local leader will ensure our special permits for the Nar Phu region are endorsed.

Meals:  B,L,D

From Koto the trail diverts and follows the course of the Nar Phu river to our serene campsite – upper Koto camp – set amid pine forest at around 2750m. The rest of the day is free to take in views of Annapurna 2 (7932m) and the host of distant peaks that rise high into the Nar Phu region.

Meals:  B,L,D

We ascend the Nar Phu Khola where we enter spectacular gorge with impressive waterfalls before reaching the substantial settlement of Meta. The impressive chortens and mani walls provide a constant reminder that we are entering a Buddhist region close to the Tibetan border. Just beyond Meta we descend to our camp at Nar Phedi.

Meals:  B,L,D

Heading north up this immense valley, past the turn off to the west to the village of Nar, we are rewarded with a sense of serenity and exploration as we move further away from the defined trails of the lower Annapurna. Impressive peaks surround us, including Kang Guru (6981m) to the east. Along the trail remains evidence of abandoned settlements used by Tibetan warriors from the Khampa region, used briefly following the occupation of Tibet.

Meals:  B,L,D

We trek further up the valley as we slowly ascend to Phu. When compared to the more popular trails in the Annapurna region this is as wild and remote as you can get. An isolated settlement on the borderlands of Tibet. The whitewashed houses and ancient mani walls and chortens reflect a culture more in keeping with Tibet then Nepal.

Meals:  B,L,D

We return to our camp at Nar Phedi savouring the backdrop of peaks including distant views of Annapurna 2 on the far side of the Marsyangdi Valley.

Meals:  B,L,D

We gradually ascend to the settlement of Nar with its barely fields and extensive yak grazing that extend to the snowline. An opportunity to savour the pace of village life linked to the former trading ties between Manang (in the Marsyangdi Valley) and Phu and settlements in Tibet. The village of Nar is the largest in the region, where villagers eke out a living trading and tending their barley fields. Huge lammergeier hover above, while the sound of chanting from the tiny monastery leaves little doubt that you are in an ancient Buddhist land. The views of Pisang Peak (6091m) to the south and the Chulu range to the north west add to the sense of anticipation of the next leg of our adventure.

Meals:  B,L,D

A comparatively short stage to further acclimatise. Our camp affords magnificent views of the Damodar Range to the north while to the south west we appreciate snow bound peaks that form the Annapurna Range. The scant pasture and juniper fields leave little doubt that we are camping in the vicinity of 5000 metres.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Kang La is not an unduly difficult pass and you should be able to complete the ascent to the crest of the pass in 3 to 4 hours – sometimes less depending on snow conditions. An early start is imperative to gain magnificent views of the Annapurna Range to the west, views towards the Thorong La north, and back down the main trekking valley to the south. A panorama of the villages and peaks encircling the Upper Manang valley is suitable reward for reaching the crest of the Kang La. We descend over 1000m to the valley floor before ascending through settlements and trading villages including Ngawal before continuing to Braga. A long yet exhilarating stage that augurs well for the ascent to the Tilicho Lake.

Meals:  B,L,D

We complete the short trek to Manang before ascending above isolated settlements to a well-defined ridge and verdant campsite at Shree Kharka. From camp there are birds eye views down the Manang Valley and across to the Kang La that we traversed two days ago.

Meals:  B,L,D

A short demanding stage. We head up valley before traversing a series of scree slopes. The final slope is far from stable and necessitates a tiring ascend high above the slope to reach the secluded camp and the base camp for Tilicho Lake.

Meals:  B,L,D

We start early morning to ensure breathtaking views east to Manaslu while a host of peaks including the Grand Barrier define the impressive northern ridge of the Annapurna Massif. We complee the steep ascend to the ridge overlooking Tilicho Lake. Reaching a vantage point above the huge sacred lake we appreciate its dimensions, about 4 km by 1.2km, and around 100 metres deep. We have the option of undertaking a number of short day walks, although there is no trail that goes around the lake. We camp on a meadow and savor one of the finest campsites in the Himalaya and enjoy the marvelous, changing colours of the mountains as evening approaches.

Meals:  B,L,D

After savouring the dimensions of the ice bound Tilicho La in the early morning light we commence our trek crossing the Eastern pass (5340m) before making our way towards to the base of the Mesokanta La. This stage offers unparalleled views of the high mountain country set amidst the awesome backdrop of the Tilicho range while from the ridge above the lake distant views of Manaslu leave little doubt that we are in the heart of the high Himalaya. That afternoon we prepare for crossing the Mesokanta La the following day.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start is imperative to complete the ascent to the Mesokanta La to ensure further dramatic views. The Nilgiri Himal provides a stunning backdrop while to the west Dhaulagiri massif completes this spectacular panorama. The Mesokanta La is normally under snow for most the year so anticipate traversing the snow slopes (initially steep in places) as we descend to the regular trail that winds down to our camp at Yak Kharka situated high above the villages and settlements in the Kali Gandaki gorge.

Meals:  B,L,D

It’s a long descent to the Kali Gandaki river and Jomsom but the compensations of peering down the gorge – the deepest in the world where the river forges a path between the 8000 m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri are a fitting highlight to a magnificent trek. After crossing the main bridge over the Kali Gandaki river we head to Jomsom and our comfortable lodge for the night. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We board the early morning flight to Pokhara savouring magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In Pokhara we connect with our flight to Kathmandu. Please Note: should the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara be cancelled due to inclement weather we will drive to Pokhara and connect with the flight to Kathmandu the following day.

Meals:  B

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to other destinations will be transferred to the airport.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 19 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$900
  • Airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 20 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
  • flight Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu valued at approx. US$266
  • an extra 5kg luggage allowance on Jomsom to Pokhara flight, total 20kg
  • special permit US$70
  • expert bilingual guide & medical kit
  • good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
  • use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • private air conditioned transportation
  • porters to carry all personal and group equipment & porter's insurance
  • souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • accommodation in our fully serviced wilderness campsites

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Departure dates


Notes

1
This trip has been confirmed below our normal minimum group size. There may be a small surcharge to pay if you join this departure, which will be removed if minimum numbers are met. Please ask us for details regarding the additional cost.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3590USD

Your trip price includes:

  • Meals valued at USD$900
  • Internal flight valued at USD$266
Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement Hotel OnlyUSD$140
  • Single Supplement Tent OnlyUSD$280
  • Single SupplementUSD$420
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Annapurna, Nar & Tilicho Lake trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Annapurna, Nar & Tilicho Lake Trip reviews


Other trip reviews


Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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