New Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT): 11 Days

Depending on your preferred location, you can begin the NATT trek from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. To mark the beginning of your Himalayan adventure, you will drive along the rolling hills to Besi Sahar, leaving the vibrant Kathmandu or the tranquil lakeside city of Pokhara behind. 

The journey from Kathmandu follows the scenic Prithvi Highway, a winding route alongside the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. Driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar is long and exhausting. Keep a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a book or music to accompany you on your journey. Whereas, from Pokhara, you can expect a shorter 2-3 hour drive, enjoying the lush hills and quaint rural life.

Besisahar, also the district headquarters of Lamjung, is considered the gateway to the Annapurna region and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here, you can experience the thrill in the air as trekkers prepare to take on the challenges that lie ahead on their Annapurna trek. 

After an early morning breakfast in the Besisahar teahouse, you leave for your next overnight destination at Chame. Today, you will change to a 4WD Jeep as you get on this exciting Himalayan journey. The jeep ride is a key element of the NATT strategy, which allows trekkers to steer away from the motorable lower trails of the Annapurna region. 

On today’s jeep ride, you will experience the thrill of driving the off-road sections following the Marshyangdi River Valley. The journey takes you deeper into the Annapurna Conservation Area, providing awe-inspiring views of the deep gorges, beautiful waterfalls, and charming villages like Tal and Dharapani. 

After a 5-7 hour journey, you will reach Chame. Chame is the district administrative hub of Manang district. Take in the crisp Himalayan breeze and enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal as you head to your teahouse. 

Pro Tip: The journey includes a dramatic shift in elevation. Keep yourself hydrated to avoid the risks of altitude-related sicknesses. 

Today, you will officially begin your trek along the serene and less-frequented trails of the New Annapurna Trekking Trails. You will leave Chame after breakfast and follow a dense path along pine and fir forests. Your journey continues along the Marshyandgi River as you head to a steep and narrow valley. Upon reaching the narrow valley, you will find a dramatic landscape with views of Paundga Danda rock face. The Paundga Danda rock face is a massive curved slab of stone rising 1,500 meters from the river. Keep your cameras ready to capture this iconic view before heading towards the suspension bridge across the Marshyandgi River. 

After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail ascends to a more scenic route toward Upper Pisang. You will find panoramic vistas of the Annapurna range and the valley below as you make the final push to Upper Pisang. The final leg of today’s journey presents you with a steady climb. Upon conquering this ascent, you will reach your overnight destination of Upper Pisang. In Upper Pisang, you will find traditional architecture, including stone houses and an ancient monastery.

Today’s trek rewards you with incredible panoramic vistas of the Annapurna landscape as you take on the high trail to Ngawal. This is a classic NATT route that is known for its breathtaking scenery. 

The journey begins with a steady climb from Upper Pisang. You will ascend over the Marshyangdi valley and find the views of the entire trek. However, compared to the lower belt trails, this section can be more challenging, as you will be trekking through high-altitude terrains with uninterrupted views of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. 

Continue your journey along the ancient village of Ghyaru. Here, you can explore the picturesque monastery and traditional stone houses. From Ghyaru, you will move forward into the high-altitude terrains to the serene village of Ngawal. 

Pro Tip: The high-altitude treks are exposed, and the sun can be intense at this elevation. Remember to apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and stay hydrated. 

Take in the final views of the Himalayan landscape from the high village of Ngwal before continuing with your trek. Compared to the previous day’s trek, today’s trek is gentle and consists of descents along the beautiful trails toward the main valley floor. You will find a different but stunning perspective of the Annapurna range as you trek the downhill trails through rocky terrains. 

The trek takes you past juniper bushes and across serene plateaus over the Marshyangi River before eventually passing the sparse settlement of Julu to your overnight destination at Braka, or the Braga Village. 

The Braka Village is an ancient settlement within the New Annapurna Trekking Trails with rich cultural significance. Perched on a cliffside, you will find the Braga Gompa, the oldest in the Manang district. After checking in at your teahouse, you can explore this ancient gompa and relish the sights of the stunning collection of statues and thangk

You will follow the principle of “climb high, sleep low” on this acclimatization day, which is designed to help your body cope with the increasing altitude. The day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the incredible Kicho Tal, famously known as the Ice Lake. 

The journey includes demanding ascents and continuous climbing. Ensure you walk at a slow and steady pace. Upon reaching the Ice Lake, your efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the Annapurna Range and the turquoise water. This high-altitude basin has an appearance of a natural amphitheater amid snow-clad mountains that mostly remain frozen throughout the year. 

Take your time to appreciate the raw Himalayan beauty and capture this magical moment in your camera as you enjoy your packed lunch in this awe-inspiring setting. To end today’s journey, you will descend to Manang via Braka. Overnight stay in Manang. 

Pro Tip: The hike to Ice Lake is demanding. It’s recommended to start the trek early. Carry at least 2 liters of water and plenty of high-energy snacks. You can also extend your trek by an additional day to explore the local gompas of Manang and the glacial Gangapurna Lake. 

After your Manang adventure, you will continue toward the strenuous Thorong La Pass. The journey involves steady ascents as you exit the Marshyandgi Valley and enter the Jarsang Khola Valley. During your journey, you will experience a dramatic transformation as the lower-altitude vegetation transforms into alpine grasses and juniper bushes. You will further experience a loss of oxygen.

From Jarsang Khola Valley, you will find relatively gentle trails. However, the high altitude makes the trek challenging. Depending on your condition, you will stop at either Yak Kharka, where you will find herds of the shaggy yaks grazing on the pastures, or continue to Churi Ledar. 

Pro Tip: Tilicho Lake Extension

Take a 4-day detour to Tilicho Lake from Manang. This journey takes you through the rugged yet spectacular trails across Himalayan communities, including Khangsar Village, Siri Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp, before reaching Tilicho Lake. Though strenuous, the journey gives you a rewarding view of the turquoise glacial lake set against a background of snowy peaks.

For more details about the Tilicho Lake Trek extension, contact our travel experts. 

Leaving Yak Kharka or Churi Ledar behind, you will continue your ascent across the Jarsang Khola. The trails take you along the eastern banks of the river before traversing a steep and dramatic slope. It is advised to cross this section with caution, as it poses high risks of injuries. 

After a 3 to 4-hour hike, you will reach Thorang Phedi. You will check into your teahouse located at the bottom of the pass. Take the time to rest and mentally prepare for the demanding Thorong La Pass trek ahead. 

Pro Tip: While some may push to the High Camp today, staying at Thorong Phedi is a safer option, as it allows you to acclimatize and significantly reduces the chances of altitude sickness. 

Today is among the main highlights of the New Annapurna Trekking Trail. The journey consists of challenges and rewards as you take on the strenuous Thorong La Pass. You will begin the trek before dawn, at around 3 or 4 AM. Navigate through the rugged Himalayan terrain in pitch darkness with the help of headlamps.

The journey to Thorong La Pass is demanding. Ensure careful footing and ascend at a slow and steady pace. You will reach the summit just in time for a rewarding sunrise view from the 5,416-meter elevation. From this high pass, you will find yourself surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of snow-capped peaks and the incredible landscape. 

After spending some time in the Thorong La Pass, your descent toward Muktinath begins. In this sacred pilgrimage site, you can explore the revered temple of Muktinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight stay at Muktinath. 

Pro Tip: You will begin the trek in extreme cold and finish in the afternoon. Layering is crucial today. Also, protect your bare skin from the wild and cold during the ascent. 

Your morning starts with a hearty breakfast in the Muktinath teahouse. After breakfast, you can explore the sacred Muktinath Temple, a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here, you can visit the main temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and witness the eternal flame. 

From Muktinath, you will begin your journey to Kagbeni. However, contrary to the popular routes, we will take a detour and visit the secluded village of Lubra, one of the few villages that still practices the Bon religion. To reach Lubra, you will need to follow the trails along the barren and rugged lands of lower Mustang. 

From Lubra, you will descend toward the Kali Gandaki Valley and head to your overnight destination at Kagbeni. You will follow the riverbed as you approach the medieval walled village of Kagbeni. Alongside its famed walls, you can explore the narrow alleyways, see the earthen-walled houses, and visit the red monastery. 

Today is the final day of the NATT trek in Nepal. The day begins with a breakfast in your Kagbeni teahouse. After breakfast, you will set off for the final leg of your journey. You will take on a scenic drive in a shared jeep or bus through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley and pass through Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani. During your journey, you will transition from rugged terrains to lush subtropical forests before finally reaching the tourist hub of Pokhara’s Lakeside.