Teri La Pass Trek

Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Lodge and Camping
Walking Distance
180 km
Duration
19 N 20 D
Max. Elevation
5,595 Meter
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Spring and Autumn
Grade
Challenging

Overview

The Teri La Pass Trek is a remote, challenging trek in Nepal connecting Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley. It offers diverse landscapes, unique Bhottia culture, and Himalayan views. This camping trek requires permits and proper gear, featuring high altitudes and rugged terrain. It's ideal for experienced trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Annapurna region.

Why you will love the Teri La Pass Trek?
    • Chance to explore the remote side of Upper Mustang
    • Experience the well-preserved local culture & lifestyle of Tibetans
    • Opportunity to explore the Lo-Manthang along with the deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki
    • A different picturesque view of the snow-capped mountains in desert-like landscapes
    • The comparatively less crowded trekking route with few small settlements and locals en route
    • One of the major reasons to love the Teri La Pass Trekking Adventure is due to the Teri La Pass itself. Reaching the Teri La Pass is itself a rewarding achievement for the trekkers.

Teri La Pass Trek Overview:

Connecting Upper Mustang and Nar Valley lies one of Nepal's most adventurous and unexplored treks, the Teri La Pass Trek. Unlike any other trekking route where we often see dry mountains as the trail passes through the salt route that connects Manag to Upper Mustang. we find a different landscape here. Far from the crowded trekking route, desert-like terrain with alpine meadows, and a peaceful environment, it is full of adventure. 

Moreover, being a long camping trek in the Annapurna region, this trekking package offers a different level of adrenaline rush to the trekkers. Furthermore, the Teri La Pass Trek experiences less number of trekkers because of its remoteness. Moreover, let us also tell you that trekkers need to obtain permits to enter the restricted areas of Upper Mustang and Nar Phu village. Other than that, the Teri La Pass Trek, being a camping trek, requires proper gear and equipment. Furthermore, you shall also be aware of the fact that no human settlements are starting from Naar Village up until we reach Upper Mustang. 

The thrilling trek starts through the fortified Tibetan villages in Nar Phu Valley. Situated on the northern side of the Annapurna circuit, the trek takes you through diverse terrain, from dry mountains and rocky paths to vibrant red cliffs and serene grassland. You’ll witness unique geological features, including area potential for copper and iron mining along the way.

The trek offers an opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle of local Bhottias (Nepali Tibetians) in Nar and Phu. We’ll discover the preserved culture of Nar Phu Valley where traditional lifestyles remain untouched by modern influences. The stunning views of the Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Himlung Himal further enhance the beauty of Nar Phu Valley.

As the journey progresses from Nar village, the terrain shifts to narrow paths alongside the Lapse (Khola) River. The trek exhibits more challenges, including riskier routes prone to landslides and loose stones, requiring trekkers to be physically and mentally prepared. There is mobile network connectivity in limited places making it essential to travel in groups. The risk of altitude sickness increases as we ascend to higher elevations.

Starting from Koto, the trek passes through Meta, Kyang, NarPhedi, Chankhyu, Dharamshala, Lapse Khola, Papshu Khola, and villages such as Yakpa, Tange, and Yara. The Teri La Pass Trek offers an opportunity to explore the last forbidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang along the Kali Gandaki, the deepest river gorge in the world descending through beautifully carved, colorful gorges concluding the trek.

Best Time For Teri La Pass Trek

The best time to complete this thrilling expedition is near the end of the Spring season and early of the Monsoon season. Especially in August, September, and October, it is more favorable to do this trekking.

The weather is gentle allowing us to navigate the route easily with a great view of the landscapes and the snow-capped mountains. In the morning and after sunset, the temperature gets a bit colder, and during the daytime the temperature is mild. Moreover, there is less chance of sudden changes in weather conditions that affect our schedule.

The flower blossoms and especially, we find different types of wildflowers on the path, making the route more scenic. Moreover, the picturesque view of the Mustang and Nar Phu Valley is much better in these seasons making the journey worthwhile.

While there are chances of doing this journey in other seasons. However, it is not recommended, as the weather condition changes frequently and can get worse within a few moments.

Teri La Pass Trek Route:

The Teri La Pass Trek offers an adventurous route connecting the remote Nar Phu Valley with the Upper Mustang. This trek takes you through a fascinating mix of cultural and natural landscapes, including ancient Tibetan-influenced villages, arid desert-like valleys, and dramatic Himalayan backdrops. Trekkers pass through high-altitude terrain, crossing the challenging Teri La Pass at 5,595 meters. Along the way, you'll encounter vibrant traditions, monasteries, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, making it a perfect blend of cultural immersion and physical challenge in Nepal's hidden corners.

Teri La Pass Trek Key Points:

  • Starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Koto
  • Travels through the secluded Nar Phu Valley with traditional villages
  • Nar village offers insight into Tibetan-influenced culture
  • Challenging ascent over Teri La Pass (5,595 meters)
  • Enters the Upper Mustang region with its distinct landscapes
  • Desert-like valleys and panoramic views of the Himalayas
  • Concludes in Jomsom, followed by a flight or drive to Pokhara

 

Teri La Pass Trek Total Trekking Distance:

The Teri La Pass trek covers an extensive distance through rugged and remote terrain, demanding physical endurance over a variety of landscapes. The trek includes high-altitude ascents and descents, with certain days dedicated to acclimatization and shorter hikes, while others focus on covering more challenging distances. The combination of changing altitudes and remote paths adds to the adventure, making trekking a test of stamina and preparation.

Key points for Teri La Pass Trek:

  • Total distance: Around 180 km (111 miles)
  • Duration: 19-20 days
  • Average daily distance: 10-12 km
  • Longest day: ~22 km (crossing the Teri La Pass)

The trek takes you through rugged landscapes, crossing high-altitude passes and remote valleys, requiring stamina and preparation for varying distances and challenges each day.

Teri La Pass Trek Distance and Duration Table:

Days
Itinerary
Distance
Duration
Day 1
KTM|PKR to Koto (Drive)
175 km
9 -10 hrs
Day 2
Koto to Meta
14 km
7 hrs
Day 3
Meta to Kyang
6 km
4 - 5 hrs
Day 4
Kyang to Phu
8 km
5 - 6 hrs
Day 5
Acclimatization in Phu
(Phu to Himlung Base Camp)
9 km
5 - 6 hrs
Day 6
Phu to Chyakhu
8 km
4 hrs
Day 7
Chyakhu to Nar Gaon
10 km
5 - 6 hrs
Day 8
Rest Day at Nar Gaon
(rest)
(rest)
Day 9
Nar to Lapse Khola
17 km
6 - 7 hrs
Day 10
Lapse Khola to Lungri
15 km
6 -7 hrs
Day 11
Lungri to Teri La Base Camp
10 km 
5 - 6 hrs
Day 12
Teri La Base Camp to Phapsu Khola 
via Teri La Pass
22 km 
8 - 9 hrs
Day 13
Phapsu Khola to Yakpa
11 km 
5 - 6 hrs
Day 14
Yakpa to Tannge
8 km 
5 - 6 hrs
Day 15
Tannge to Yara
13 km 
6 - 7 hrs
Day 16
Yara to Lo Manthang
17 km 
7 - 8 hrs
Day 17
Lo Manthang (Exploration and Rest day)
21 km 
6 - 7 hrs
Day 18
Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
17 km
6 - 7 hrs
Day 19
Dhakmar to Jomsom (Drive)
---------
4 -5 hrs
Day 20
Jomsom to Pokhara (Drive)
155 km
7 - 8 hrs

Teri La Pass Trek Driving Distance and Total Duration:

The trek begins and ends with long drives, setting up, and concluding the trekking journey. The main portion of the itinerary is spent trekking, with time for acclimatization and cultural exploration.

Key points:

  • Kathmandu | Pokhara to Koto: ~250 km (9 -10 hours)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara: ~155 km (6-7 hours by road or 20-minute flight)
  • Total program duration: 19-20 days
  • 16-18 full trekking days

Challenges and Difficulties In Teri La Pass Trek

While a fit individual can easily complete most treks in Nepal, the Teri La Pass Trek is an exception. The route perfectly suits people looking for a thrilling and adventurous journey. In addition, being able to sustain in high altitudes, have great physical fitness and further technical skills are required for passing through multiple rugged terrains.

Most of the trails are desert-like landscapes, which consist of rocky paths. This makes the trail more dangerous as the strong wind blows the rocks from high in the mountains and blocks our way. Moreover, trekking on these terrains is also quite challenging.

During our journey, we will spend 5 to 7 days trekking through the mountains. As we pass through Nar Village, the path gets a bit challenging, as the trail gets narrower. The stones here are loosely coupled making a constant threat of falling rocks. Also, there are some landslide areas in between. Therefore, we have to be cautious while passing through these areas.

Reaching a staggering altitude of 5,577m is challenging itself. There is always a constant threat of altitude sickness in these ascends. Meanwhile, there are some sections in between, where we won't even have a cellular network for a few days. So, preparing for these situations and acclimatizing properly at different altitudes is crucial to adapting to the environment at higher points.

Why choose North Nepal Trek for your Teri La Pass trek:

  1. Guide Expertise: Local certified trained guides with in-depth knowledge of the terrain, culture, and hidden gems of the Annapurna region.

  2. Local Agency: Run by locals who live in the Himalayas, providing authentic insights and supporting the local economy.

  3. Flexibility: Customizable itineraries catering to any age group, ensuring a trek that matches your pace and preferences.

  4. Cultural Immersion: Unique opportunities to engage with local communities, thanks to the agency's strong regional connections.

  5. Safety First: Guides are well-versed in high-altitude safety protocols and emergency procedures.

  6. Sustainable Tourism: Commitment to eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities along the trekking routes.

Permits Required For Teri La Pass Trek

Permits are crucial documents required while trekking in different parts of Nepal. It is a piece of document that allows us to pass through different sections in our journey.

Since Upper Mustang, which shares a border with Tibet, is home to the Teri La Pass. So it is a restricted area, therefore trekking on this route requires special permits. Below is the list of permits required during the Teri La Pass Trek:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit with TIMS Card.

  • Nar Phu Restriction area Trekking Permit

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

Mentioned permits are all we require, to do this trek without any interruption. Solo traveling is restricted in these areas, so we won't get any permits if we are traveling solo. Since it consists of passing through a restricted area, the number of permits given out each year is also quite low. Moreover, one thing that the trekkers must be aware of is that the cost of the permits for the Teri La Pass Trekking Adventure varies based on the season you choose.

Teri La Pass Trek Photo

Trei La Pass Trek Itinerary

  1. day 1

    Drive from Kathmandu|PKR to Besisahar

  2. day 2

    Trek from Koto to Meta

  3. day 3

    Ascend from Meta to Kyang

  4. day 4

    Trek from Kyang to Phu Gaun

  5. day 5

    Rest or Acclimatization Day in Phu Gaun

  6. day 6

    Trek from Phu Gaun to Chyakhu

  7. day 7

    Trek from Chyakhu to Nar Gaon

  8. day 8

    Rest Day at Nar Gaon

  9. day 9

    Descend from Nar Gaun to Lapse Khola

  10. day 10

    Trek from Lapse Khola to Lungri

  11. day 11

    Trek from Lungri to Teri La Base Camp 

  12. day 12

    Trek from Teri La Base Camp to Phapsu Khola via Teri La Pass

  13. day 13

    Trek from Phapsu Khola to Yakpa 

  14. day 14

    Trek from Yakpa to Tannge 

  15. day 15

    Trek from Tannge to Yara Village

  16. day 16

    Trek from Yara Village to Lo Manthang 

  17. day 17

    Rest Day at Lo Manthang

  18. day 18

    Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar

  19. day 19

    Drive from Dhakmar to Jomsom

  20. day 20

    Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

WHAT'S INCLUDED

    • All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trek from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
    • Tea, coffee, cookies, and hot water during the trek.
    • Tents for guests, Nepalese staff, kitchen, dining, and toilet. 
    • Guides, cooks, and required porters for the camping trip. 
    • All staff expenses, including meals, accommodation, salaries, equipment, insurance, and transportation.
    • Transportation arrangements for guests and crew throughout the trek.
    • All necessary trekking permits for Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, ACAP, and TIMS.
    • A kit bag for storing personal belongings and a duffel bag for porters.
    • Essential paperwork, including government and local taxes.
    • A certificate of appreciation from North Nepal Trekking after a successful trek.
    • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

  • Accommodations and transportation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  •  Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu before and after our journey
  • Travel insurance, international airfare to and from Nepal
  • Alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone calls, and the internet
  • Personal trekking equipment and emergency evacuation equipment in case of an emergency
  • Any costs that arise due to a change of itinerary, because of landslides, bad weather, and any unforeseen circumstances 
  • The rent of horses and extra porters during the trek.
  • Tips for trekkers, porters, and drivers.
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusion section.

Accommodation In Teri La Pass Trek

En route, we will find multiple tea shops and lodges for accommodation. These places will provide us with basic amenities and are feasible for staying overnight. In the early days, we could find multiple options from basic to standard ones accordingly.

Until Nar Village, we can find multiple teashops and lodges. But as we move further in our journey, the accommodation is quite basic, with a shared bathroom. Not to mention, there will be days when we need to be accommodated in a camp.

Another important thing to remember is the backups, we will require in our journey. As there won't be any cellular networks and power in between. Therefore, we will have to prepare beforehand for these situations.

Travel Insurance Policy For Teri La Pass Trek

It is always recommended to have travel insurance while trekking in any section of Nepal. Talking about Teri La Pass Trek is further situated in a remote area than other trekking routes. Also, we pass through some of the restricted areas with the help of necessary permits.

No matter how thrilling the journey is, there is always a constant risk of changing weather drastically leading to some problems. And altitude sickness is common while ascending at such altitude.

Therefore, getting travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical assistance can be crucial in this journey.

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