Teri La Pass Trek is an exciting and challenging trekking trail that connects the districts of Mustang and Manang in Nepal. It offers a unique route from Upper Mustang to Nar Phu Valley, allowing trekkers to explore remote and less-frequented areas of the region.
Historically, the pass was used by salt traders to facilitate trade between the people of the Lo Kingdom in Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley. The trekking trail follows the footsteps of these ancient traders, providing a sense of history and cultural significance.
It's important to note that the Teri La Pass Trek is located in a restricted area of Nepal, which means that a special permit from the Immigration Department is required for both Nar Phu and Upper Mustang. However, reputable trekking agencies like Nepal Nomad Trekking can take care of obtaining these permits and organize your trip with the most up-to-date information on all routes to the Teri La Pass Trek.
The trek itself is known for its challenging nature, and it's recommended to embark on a week-long camping trek to fully experience the adventure it offers. Throughout the journey, you'll have the opportunity to cross high passes, venture through remote villages, and explore the diverse landscapes of Lower Mustang, Upper Mustang, High Passes, isolated moraines, and the hidden valley of Nar Phu.
One of the major highlights of the Teri La Pass Trek is the breathtaking views it provides. Trekkers are treated to stunning panoramas of the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Damodar Himal, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and the neighboring peaks. These majestic vistas create unforgettable memories and make the trek even more rewarding.
Overall, the Teri La Pass Trek is an adventure that combines challenging terrain, remote landscapes, and magnificent views. It's a trekking experience that caters to the enthusiasm of trekking enthusiasts seeking unique and less-explored routes. Reputable trekking agencies like Nepal Nomad Trekking ensure a well-organized and memorable experience, allowing you to make the most of this newly discovered trekking trail.
Teri La Pass Trek is a recently discovered trail linking Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley, connecting the districts of Mustang and Manang.
- Embarking on a journey through Kathmandu and the Mustang region of Nepal promises an immersive experience steeped in rich culture, natural beauty, and adventure. Starting in Kathmandu, a city renowned for its ancient heritage, you'll explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase the vibrant history and spirituality of Nepal.
- Your first stop is Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, this temple complex is a significant pilgrimage site and a hub of religious activity. Witness the mesmerizing rituals, ceremonies, and cremations that take place along the river, offering a unique glimpse into the customs and beliefs of the Nepali people.
- Next, visit Swayambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple." Perched on a hilltop, this Buddhist stupa offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. As you ascend the stairs, be greeted by mischievous monkeys and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance. Admire the intricate architecture, colorful prayer flags, and the all-seeing eyes of Buddha that symbolize enlightenment.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square awaits your exploration next. This ancient square showcases a blend of architectural styles, including pagoda-style temples, palaces, and courtyards. Marvel at the intricately carved wooden structures, stone sculptures, and the famous Kumari Ghar, the residence of the living goddess Kumari. This square encapsulates the cultural and historical significance of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Leaving Kathmandu behind, you'll embark on a scenic drive along winding hilly roads. The journey offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, lush jade hills, terraced farmlands, and charming hillside villages. Nepal's geographical diversity unravels before your eyes, from verdant forests to barren yet beautiful hills.
- Arriving in Pokhara, you'll board a thrilling flight to Jomsom, a gateway to the Mustang region. The flight showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Prepare to be mesmerized as you soar above these majestic peaks, with their snow-clad summits and rugged grandeur.
- As your adventure continues, you'll embark on a challenging high-altitude trek, navigating rugged terrains with steep ascents and descents. Traverse the formidable Teri La Pass, reaching a staggering altitude of 5,577 meters (18,297 feet). The physical exertion is rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, Mustang Himal, Saribung, and Manshail.
- Throughout the trek, you'll witness the distinctive beauty of the Upper Mustang region. The arid desert-like terrain, reminiscent of the Tibetan plateaus, showcases the region's unique topography. Marvel at the red rock walls, vibrant canyons, and extraordinary structures formed by erosion, creating a surreal landscape. Explore the caves and high cliff settlements, offering a glimpse into the ancestral way of life in this remote region.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture and spirituality by visiting monasteries, gompas, and Lakhangs. These sacred sites provide insight into the ancient Buddhist traditions and the profound spirituality that permeates the Mustang region. A visit to the sky caves, and ancient dwellings carved into the cliffs, offers a truly transformative experience, transporting you to a bygone era.
- The trek takes you to the restricted area of Lo Manthang, a place where Tibetan Buddhism is well-preserved. Here, you'll witness the influence of Bon culture, which predates Tibetan Buddhism. The ancient traditions, rituals, and customs observed in Lo Manth
Overview of Teri La Pass Trek
The Mustang Teri La Pass and Nar Phu Valley Trek take you through a dry and arid desert-like landscape that resembles the Tibetan plateaus. This region, near the Nepal-Tibet border, offers stunning views of towering mountains and hills with sparse vegetation, creating a unique and breathtaking environment.
In addition to the natural beauty, this trek is culturally enriching. You will have the opportunity to explore the forbidden kingdom of Lo Mantang, which has a long history of isolation and boasts a distinct culture and traditions. The visit to this ancient kingdom will provide insight into a way of life that has remained relatively untouched by modernization. Similarly, the less-frequented Nar Phu Valley offers a glimpse into a remote and authentic Himalayan region, where you will encounter ancient caves, centuries-old monasteries, medieval villages, and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.
The 26-day adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After exploring Kathmandu and visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, another domestic flight will take you to Jomsom, where your trek commences. The trail will lead you through lush green forests, alongside waterfalls and streams, and across suspension bridges.
As you progress, you will pass through quaint villages like Kagbeni, Chaile, Geling, and Chharang before reaching the walled city of Lo Mantang. This region has preserved its unique Tibetan culture and traditions over the centuries. Along the way, you will encounter Chortens, stupas, prayer wheels, and mani walls, which are important elements of Tibetan Buddhism.
Continuing your trek, you will venture to Teri La Base Camp via villages like Yara, Tangya, and Yak Kharka Samena Khola. Acclimatization will be crucial, and you will spend a day at Samena Khola for that purpose. From there, you will proceed to Teri La Base Camp and High Camp Teri La. The following day, you will cross the high pass, Teri La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek. Further along the trail, you will reach Nar Gaon and Phu Gaon, where the daily lives of locals have retained their traditional essence.
Throughout the trek, you will encounter monasteries and Lhakhangs (temples) that offer insights into the local culture and traditions rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. The journey concludes with a trek from Meta to Dharapani via Koto, followed by a drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. On the last day, you will board an international flight, bidding farewell to Nepal while carrying unforgettable memories of this remarkable adventure.
Trek Route to Teri La Pass
The Teri La Pass Trek can be done in a clockwise direction, starting from Chuksang village in Mustang district and ending in Besisahar village in Lamjung district, which is the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trek.
After your arrival in Nepal, we will take care of obtaining your trekking permits and then take you on a sightseeing tour of the city. The next day, we will drive to Pokhara and catch a flight to Jomsom, which serves as the starting point of the trek.
From Chhusang, the trek takes you through Giling, Ghami, and Gar Gompa as you make your way to the enchanting village of Lo-Manthang. You will have a day to explore and acclimatize in Lo-Manthang, which is rich in Tibetan culture and features ancient monasteries and traditional architecture.
Continuing the trek, you will head towards the eastern part of Upper Mustang, visiting Yara and Tangye villages. These remote settlements offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and stunning landscapes of the region.
After spending a day in Tangye, the camping trek officially begins. Over the course of a week, you will traverse challenging terrain, cross high passes, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the trail as you make your way to Nar, a village located in the Manang region.
From Nar, you will continue the trek to Koto and then drive back to Kathmandu after exploring the scenic Nar Phu Valley. Throughout the journey, you will encounter Tibetan culture, and Buddhist memorials such as Chortens, monasteries, Mane walls, and shrines, adding to the cultural richness of the trek.
Overall, the Teri La Pass Trek offers a unique and adventurous experience, showcasing the natural and cultural wonders of the Mustang and Manang regions.
Best Season of Teri La Pass trek.
The best season for the Teri La Pass Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer the most favorable weather and conditions for trekking in the region.
During spring, the weather starts to warm up, and the snow begins to melt, allowing for clearer trails and better visibility of the surrounding mountain vistas. The temperatures during the day are usually mild and pleasant, making it comfortable for trekking. Spring is also the time when the rhododendron flowers bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscapes.
Autumn is another excellent season for the Teri La Pass Trek. The weather is stable and dry, with clear skies and excellent visibility. The temperatures are mild during the day, and the evenings can be cooler. The autumn months also offer stunning views of the mountains, as the skies are generally clear, providing trekkers with panoramic vistas.
Both spring and autumn are popular seasons for trekking in Nepal, including the Teri La Pass Trek. The trails are generally more crowded during these seasons compared to other times of the year, but the weather and conditions are at their best.
It's important to note that the Teri La Pass Trek is located in a rain shadow area, which means it receives less rainfall compared to other parts of Nepal. However, even during the best seasons, weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so it's essential to be prepared and stay informed about the weather forecasts before embarking on the trek.
Teri La Pass Trek Difficulty
The Teri La Pass Trek is indeed rated as a difficult to challenging trek, making it suitable for those seeking an adventure in the wilderness of the Himalayas. It is important to note that the trek involves reaching high altitudes, with the Teri La Pass itself being located at an elevation of 5,577 meters or 18,297 feet. Additionally, trekkers will need to cross several mountain passes over 5,000 meters, including Nyi La Pass, Lo La Pass, Dhi La Pass, and Teri La Pass.
The trail is rugged and remote, requiring trekkers to be physically fit and prepared for the demands of high-altitude trekking. Previous experience with high-altitude trekking is beneficial, as the challenging terrain and high altitudes can be physically demanding. It is recommended that trekkers have a good level of physical fitness and stamina to tackle the daily trekking hours.
On average, trekkers can expect to trek for around 5 to 6 hours a day, with a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 7 hours of trekking in a day. This indicates the endurance required for the Teri La Pass Trek.
Overall, the Teri La Pass Trek is a rugged and physically demanding trek that rewards experienced trekkers with the opportunity to explore the remote and stunning wilderness of the Himalayas.
Why Us
Nepal Nomad is a reputable travel company with 25 years of experience. We offer exceptional travel services, and customizable itineraries, and prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our clients. Our professional trekking team is experienced, certified, and trained in first-aid and evacuation procedures. Positive feedbacks from satisfied travelers contribute to our strong reputation in the industry.