This is probably the best trek of Annapurna region and for those who
want to explore hidden valley and trek off the beaten crossing through
challenging high passes like Masokanto La (5099m), Kangla pass (5200m)
& Tilicho Pass (5230m) with beautiful Lake Tilicho.
Hidden by swirls of mountain mist ahead, from Kang La pass at 5200 m the magnificent panorama view of Annapurna massive appears remote and forbidden. Our destination is the Nar-Phu valley, above the tree line on the upper limits of cultivation, in the very north of Manang district. It takes five hours reaching the pass that links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Nyeshang down valley. Nowadays, Nar Phu has about 300 inhabitants who depend on livestock, unlike most Bhotia people, whose trading patterns changed drastically after the Nepalese government closed borders with Tibet, the people of Nar and Phu valley were least affected by this change. The tortuous path leading from the valley into Tibet had never made them dependent on the salt trade, and till today yak herding is the basis of their livelihood. The Nepal government's recently decision to open up Nar and Phu village to tourists has evoked little enthusiasm among the villagers, whose pastoral lifestyle continues.
Tilicho Lake is one of those places that is next to mythic connotations. The Annapurna undoubtly provides some of the the world's best trekking routes, including as it does a greater variety of scenery and culture that can be found in any other comparable area. The route via Tilicho Lake and the passes (Masokanto La 5099m and Tilicho Pass 5230m) that guard it from the Kaligandaki Valley beyond is still used and offers the adventurous and fit trekker high mountain scenery at its very best. After trekking about 4-5 days through Tilicho Lake and two not just beautiful but challenging pass of this region we end our trek at Jomsom where we catch our flight to Pokhara.
Hidden by swirls of mountain mist ahead, from Kang La pass at 5200 m the magnificent panorama view of Annapurna massive appears remote and forbidden. Our destination is the Nar-Phu valley, above the tree line on the upper limits of cultivation, in the very north of Manang district. It takes five hours reaching the pass that links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Nyeshang down valley. Nowadays, Nar Phu has about 300 inhabitants who depend on livestock, unlike most Bhotia people, whose trading patterns changed drastically after the Nepalese government closed borders with Tibet, the people of Nar and Phu valley were least affected by this change. The tortuous path leading from the valley into Tibet had never made them dependent on the salt trade, and till today yak herding is the basis of their livelihood. The Nepal government's recently decision to open up Nar and Phu village to tourists has evoked little enthusiasm among the villagers, whose pastoral lifestyle continues.
Tilicho Lake is one of those places that is next to mythic connotations. The Annapurna undoubtly provides some of the the world's best trekking routes, including as it does a greater variety of scenery and culture that can be found in any other comparable area. The route via Tilicho Lake and the passes (Masokanto La 5099m and Tilicho Pass 5230m) that guard it from the Kaligandaki Valley beyond is still used and offers the adventurous and fit trekker high mountain scenery at its very best. After trekking about 4-5 days through Tilicho Lake and two not just beautiful but challenging pass of this region we end our trek at Jomsom where we catch our flight to Pokhara.
