21 Nights & 22 Days
5,416 Meters / 17,764 Feet
Minimum 2 or +
March-May & Sep-Nov
Nar-Phu Trekking truly amazes you walking into time forgotten hidden country within lost Shangri-La enclosed between North of Annapurna and South East of Damodar Himal with Chulus peaks.
Certainly an adventure takes you incredible areas within pristine terrains with fabulous scenery of dry and arid landscapes in contrast to white-snow capped peaks, one of the most fascinating places around high North Mid-West Himalaya.
Nar-Phu Trekking excites you on daily walks with its fantastic scenery of dramatic landscapes and high peaks, where route leads into narrow river gorge covered within green woodland of tall rhododendron-oaks-hemlocks-pines-birch and fir tree lines, and then entering into a wide windswept country at high areas of Nar-Phu and its villages-monasteries of great interest.
At Nar-Phu with ample time to explore its interesting villages with old Tashilkhang and Samdu Choling Monastery includes views of Kyauchyu waterfalls, Phu village of 100 to 150 inhabitants.
From Phu heading towards its another Nar village where walk leads further to cross over high Kang-la overlooking superb panorama of mountains and then on main trail of Annapurna circuit to main Manang village unto high and scenic Thorang-la.
After Manang village heading to highest spot of the adventure to traverse from Manang to Mustang district via (5,416m) high Thorang-la pass to reach at holy Muktinath, a famous and popular pilgrimage for Hindu and as well for some Buddhist people, and then ending our marvelous adventure with a scenic-short flight from Jomsom to beautiful Pokhara.
Nar-Phu Trekking begins with a drive to Nepal Mid-West walking from low warm areas to cooler alpine hills and to high arctic zone of arid terrain and ending with swift and scenic flight to Pokhara, one of the most beautiful and famous touristic city of Himalaya a great place to end our marvelous adventure Nar-Phu Trekking.
We will welcome you at the international airport and guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to get you settled into your hotel.
In the afternoon (depending on your arrival time) we can take you on a bazaar walk exploring the secret alleys and courtyards of old Kathmandu that most visitors don’t get to experience.
We begin by walking into the old city and exploring the small alleyways, myriad of hidden temples belonging to both Hinduism and Buddhism (in some cases, both!) and make our way through local bazaars of fruit, vegetables, spices and stunning wares made of brass, bronze and copper. Not only exotic produce, but a fascinating mix of people are everywhere; along with the brightly clad locals of the Kathmandu Valley, you’re likely to see ‘Gurkhas’, Sherpa women in their striped aprons, traders from India, and sadhus – Hindu holy men – perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the many temples and shrines of the valley. (Note: this is a walking tour) Overnight in Kathmandu.
After the breakfast, your guided tour will start where you will be taken to most of the historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath’ and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where you can ask any questions regarding your upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Right after breakfast you will leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. You can see picturesque views of Nepal countryside, lush greenery, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8/10 hours of drive you will reach Chyamche via Beshisahar. Overnight in Chyamche.
After having breakfast, you have to start the trek from Chyamche until you reaches the river. Then you’ll have to ascend further to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. After crossing a suspension bridge, you need to climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. You’ll pass by a Tal towards steep forested village of Karte. You will finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.
We head to Bagarchhap which takes about one hour going through pine and fir forests. We can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally we arrive in Koto village. Overnight in Kotto.
In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharamsala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Metha.
Morning walk continues towards northern area, as the journey progress further north towards Phu region in complete isolation and wilderness, around this area chances of seeing some wildlife like Blue sheep, Snow Leopards. Trek passes several cattle herder’s huts and shades on the upstream walk following Phu Khola to reach at Kyang for overnight stop. Overnight in Kyang.
Today heading to Phu valley and its village one of the highlight of this trip, morning trek leads towards a raging Phu Khola upstream. Then descending to the river and walk along the river bed, after crossing the stream leading to a climb into a valley and into a gorge then reaching an area where this glacial valley widens and opens up, after a good interesting walk of the day on the pasture lands till it reaches the Phu village for overnight stop. Overnight in Phu village.
Today, it is planned as acclimatization day whereby we are recommended to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the local people. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight in Phu village.
After a nice time in Phu Goun we will trek back on the same way as on the two day before to arrive at Chyako with its lodge and the nice camping ground. Overnight in Chyako.
Today from Chyako we walk via Junam Goth back in the direction of Meta to arrive at the sign-posted junction where the trail to Nar Goun starts. The path first leads you steeply down to the Nar Khola, where you cross the river over an old stone bridge. On the other side you have to climb steeply uphill to reach the large Yunkar Gompa, which was established only a few years ago and usually is open for visitors. From there the trail leads up to Nar Goun in several steep turns and can be rather challenging. Eventually you will arrive at an extended terrace, where you have to climb over a wall which is used as Yak fence. Finally, a flat trail leads you to the village of Nar which is already close. Overnight in Naar Goun.
After a great interesting time around Naar village, journey starts heading towards western direction, the morning walk carry’s on with a pleasant walk into a small forest of firs and pine trees, then leaving the tree lines behind towards barren country trekking for few hours, then with a long slow climb through lateral moraine of Temdenzon khola, trek continues for another couple of hours on this nice gradual path, then finally reaching at the base of Kang la pass at (4,530m) for overnight stop on a flat grassy field. Overnight in Kang La Phedi/High camp.
A Big Day! today crossing the first pass of this adventure is another highlight of this trip, early morning starting the walk with a stunning view of Pisang Peak and Chulu Far East Peak, walk leads crossing a stream on a long bridge and then it leads to a climb slowly up to the top ridge at Kangla pass at (5,306m/17,408ft), so far the highest point before Thorang-la, the top of Kangla Pass offers overwhelming views of scenic landscapes and of Annapurna huge massif range, Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal and number of peaks of Annapurna Himalayan range, after an amazing scenery, walk downhill through Julu village and then to overnight stop at Ngawal village. From Kangla pass reaching into Manang area onto the most popular scenic route of Annapurna circuit trek. Overnight in Ngawal.
A different and strong feeling after the high pass and being in the hidden area of Nar and Phu village, from this interesting village at Ngawal, morning walk heading on to Manang valley, then reaching at Humde a large village with an airstrip (the air strip for smaller planes flights are normally 3 times a week only) from here three hours of good scenic walk leads to Manang village through Braga village with its very old monastery, worth a visit in old Braga monastery which houses old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and frescos, offering stunning views of Annapurna’s Himalaya, after Braga an hour walk reaches at Manang village and its wide windswept valley, in Manang overnight stop in cozy nice lodge, this village with houses in traditional Tibetans style and rich Buddhist culture. Overnight in Manang.
You will have an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorung La. You can stroll by the river to see the tremendous ice-fall coming down from the Annapurnas. You can also climb high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. You can also visit Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post in the village. Overnight in Manang.
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream and climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang leads you to the Marshyangdi Valley. The trail follows the valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. You’ll pass by a small village of Ghunsa and through meadows where horses and yaks graze. When you cross a small river on a wooden bridge, you’ve to pass by an ancient old Mani wall and then you’ll reaches another village of Yak Kharka where you’ll have a night stay. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
After a good time at Yak Kharka, morning adventure offers you tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks. As the walk progress, getting closer to the base of Thorang-la, crossing a bridge then a climb along the river bank of Jarjung, leads you to cross a steep rocky slope and finally reaching at Thorung Phedi. Depending upon the physical conditions of the clients, if all goes well, you will have an hour steep climb to the overnight stop at Thorang High Camp. Overnight in Thorong High Camp.
You’ll have an early start today for crossing Thorung La (5,416m). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. After 4 hours of steady climbing you will reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. You’ll see snow covered mountains ahead of the Kali Gandaki valley and then hills of Mustang. You need to descend down to Muktinath for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. You’ll have a night over at Muktinath. Overnight in Muktinath.
You will now descend down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, through this arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. Instead of going the classic way down to Kagbeni and then down the windy valley to Jomsom (a lot of which now follows the road) you will go via Lupra village (2,790m). This will gets you off the road and you can also see the monastery of Samasim (Bonpo Monastery) that is located in Lupra. This is the only village in the Annapurna Region where you will find and can gain such an insight into the ancient Bon religion. From here you will descend to Jomsom, sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from where you will have fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. Overnight in Jomsom.
You can take a flight to Pokhara. You will have one of the most stunning mountain flights to the high arid landscape of the mountains and down the deepest gorge in the world. All the colours will dazzle you as we get out of the plane, as will the change in temperature and humidity! The rest of the day is free to relax or to explore this charming lakeside town. Overnight in Pokhara.
Pokhara has an abundance of things to do, regardless of whether you are in an adventurous or relaxed frame of mind: you can go for a leisurely boat ride on the lake; take a 2 hour return walk up to the World Peace Pagoda with its incredible views to the Himalayas; visit one of the Tibetan refugee villages that dot the area, where Tibetan carpets and other handicrafts are available; hire a bike and cycle along the lakeside; you can try your hand at tandem paraglide with a professional pilot, an ultralight flight, or even take a ride on the new zipline! Of course, it is also lovely to just relax and take in the surroundings in one of the many lakeside cafes.
After nice time in Pokhara finally, we’ll escort you to the domestic airport for your return fight to Kathmandu, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore, at your pleasure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today is your last day in Kathmandu and is an opportunity to do all the bits and pieces you thought of doing over the past few weeks including any last-minute shopping, returning to places that you enjoyed or didn’t get a chance to visit before your trek. Do let us know if would like help organising anything for today. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After a great breakfast at your hotel, you are free until it is time for us to transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home. We bid farewell for now and until next time!