Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the unexplored, unspoiled, and less crowded off-beaten trekking trail of Nepal. This adventurous trek leads you to two hidden valleys between the Trans- Himalayas.
This trek starts from Jagat and follows the Annapurna Circuit trek trail. The trail to Nar Phu Valley diverges from Annapurna Circuit Trek trail at Koto. From Koto, the trail traverse from the regular route to the off-beaten path that leads to Nar Phu valley in the north of the Manang valley.
The trail proceeds via Kang La Pass and enters into Nar village. After exploring Nar village, the trail enters into the Phu villages. These two villages are glory where you can experience the untouched natural and cultural beauty of the Trans-Himalayan land.
Walking via wild, dry, and rocky terrain is one of the major specialty of this trek. The trekking trail also goes via beautiful locations like Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and pass via Thorong La Pass and visit the holy temple of Muktinath.
Ancient Tibetan culture with the superb views of massif Annapurna Himalayan range is a major highlight of Nar Phu Valley trek. The culture of the Himalayan people along the trail is fascinating to observe.
Nar Phu Valley Trek requires special trekking permits via government registered trekking agencies. Although on the trail there are enough tea houses or lodges, you can do camping trek as well. Teahouse accommodations are simple, and almost along the trail you’ll find Nepalese food.
All in all, experiencing the wilderness and beauty of trans Himalayan region from this off-beaten trail is just beyond your imagination!
Moreover, if you would you like to avoid the crowded trekking trails like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, then you can opt for this trek.
Highlights
- Sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley including UNESCO world heritage sites
- Walk via fantastic Trans-Himalaya Landscape with unique rock formation
- Fantastic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Himlung Peak
- Cross the Kang La Pass (5,315 m), on the way to Manang
- Thorong La Pass
- Visit Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus
- Explore the remote hidden valley, i.e. Bhotia villages
- Experience the remoteness life of Himalayan people
- Experience unique Tibetan-Buddhists culture
- Witness endangered flora and fauna including snow leopard and blue sheep
| Days | Itinerary | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival to Kathmandu (1,338 m) | - |
| Day 02 | Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | - |
| Day 03 | Drive to Jagat (1,100 m) | 8-9 hrs jeep drive |
| Day 04 | Trek to Dharapani (1,960 m) | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 05 | Trek to Koto (2,610 m) | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 06 | Trek to Meta (3,560 m) | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 07 | Trek to Phu Gaon (4,080 m) | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 08 | Phu Gaon: Acclimatization Day | - |
| Day 09 | Trek to Nar (4,110 m) | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 10 | Nar: Acclimatization Day | - |
| Day 11 | Trek to Ngawal via Kang La Pass (5,306 m) | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 12 | Trek to Manang (3,540 m) | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 13 | Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018 m) | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 14 | Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,600 m) | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 15 | Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) | 8 hrs |
| Day 16 | Trek to Jomsom (2,715 m) | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 17 | Morning Flight to Pokhara (827 m) | 30 minutes |
| Day 18 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu and farewell dinner in the evening | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 19 | Transfer to the International Airport for Final Flight Departure | - |
Max Elevation: 1338 m, Kathmandu
Osho Vision’s representative will greet you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our staff will escort you to the respective hotel. After checking into the hotel, you may take rest or visit around.
After freshening up, you’ll visit our office for a short briefing about the trip. In the evening, you’ll join a welcome dinner where you’ll get a chance to interact with your trek guide and fellow trekkers.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll start the sightseeing tour of historical monuments. At first, you’ll visit one of the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva -Pashupatinath Temple.
We’ll also visit monkey temple, Swayambhunath and largest Buddhist stupa- Boudhanath. You’ll also walk via Kathmandu Durbar Square. Living goddess Kumari temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Nautale Durbar, Taleju Temple, and the freak street are some highlights of the square.
In the evening, your trekking guide will check your trekking gear and equipment. If anything left, you can purchase in colorful tourist market Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Travel Duration: 8-9 hrs jeep drive
Max Elevation: 1,100 m
At early dawn, you begin the trek with a long drive to Jagat. Throughout the drive, you’ll enjoy the picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, waterfalls, rivers, and mountain vistas.
After 7-8 hours of the drive, you’ll reach Jagat via Besisahar. The road is quite dusty however, the scenic view from our window will compensate these bumping ride.
Overnight stay at a teahouse in Jagat.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Max Elevation: 1,960 m
After breakfast, you begin the trek descending the Ghatte Khola stream and ascending again via forest to reach Chamje. From Chamje, crossing the suspension bridge over Marshyangdi river and climbing steadily uphill you reach Tal, a former lakebed.
Continuing the trail via wheat, potato, and barley fields along the pine forest we pass Khorte and Karte village and finally reach Dharapani. It is one of the biggest Tibetan villages in Manang valley.
You’ll spend an overnight at a teahouse in Dharapani.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Max Elevation: 2,610 m
Early in the morning, you’ll head toward to the typical Tibetan style village of Bagarchha via pine and fir forests. In this village, we’ll visit the whitewashed monastery. A steep climb from Danakyo will take you to Timang village.
Enroute, you’ll enjoy the good view of Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II, and other surrounding peaks. Walking via pine forests, at first you reach Latamarang and finally reach Koto. It is a small village where you encounter Gurung communities.
Overnight at a teahouse in Koto village.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Max Elevation: 3,560 m
Leaving behind the main trail of Annapurna Circuit, you’ll head towards the high valley of Nar and Phu. The trail leads into a narrow gorge between great walls of high rock cliffs and enters into the alpine forest of pine and rhododendron.
On the trail, you’ll pass via many small streams and suspension bridge before reaching Dharamshala. Before we reach Dharamshala, a beautiful waterfall will greet you. Soon after Dharmashala, the trail leads towards Meta.
En route, you’ll pass via the forests, and after a steep climb, you’ll reach Meta Village. This tiny village stands on a Tibetan Plateau and, it is a first ex-Khampa settlement on this trek route.
You’ll spend a night at a teahouse in Meta village.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Max Elevation: 4,080 m
After breakfast, you’ll follow the uphill and downhill trail and traverse via suspension bridge over different streams. Walking along the left bank high above the Dho Khola you’ll reach Junam Goth- the next ex-Khapma settlement.
Further, the trail gradually descends to the side valley with two parallel streams. After crossing the stream, you continue the trek and ascend to lower and upper Chiyako. Again the trail passes via a steep slope, and after few up and downhill climb trail descend to Kyang- another Khampa settlement.
From Kyang, walking on the rocky trail for about 3-4 hours, you’ll reach main entrance gate of one of the hidden valleys-the Phu valley. Soon after the valley widens and you’ll cross the bridge and pass via some old Buddhists Chortnes and Mani Walls.
The beautiful Phu village is rest on the hill at the confluence of Phu river. The teahouses of this village are very well maintained. Therefore you’ll spend a night at one of the finest teahouses in Phu village.
In the high altitude trek, the acclimatization day is essential. So, this day is for both purpose: acclimatization and exploration of Phu village.
Therefore, after having a hearty breakfast, you’ll visit Thashi Lhakhang Monastery- considered to be one of the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. After exploring the monastery, you’ll also visit Yak Pasteur just below the glacier.
You’ll get a close insight of culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the ethnic group living in the village. The surrounding landscape is wild, and barren and you can notice the Tibetan influence in the architecture of their homes and gompas.
After exploring the village, you’ll get back to the teahouse for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 4,110 m
After breakfast at Phu village, you’ll head towards another hidden valley Nar village. You’ll retrace our step back to Phu gate Khyang, Charkha, and Jhunam to the main junction where the trail heads towards Nar village.
Walking along the bank of Phu Khola you’ll head towards a flat ground of Nar Phedi. Enjoying the breathtaking scenery and passing via Buddhist’s mani walls, you continue your walk towards Phu Khola and reach a suspension bridge over Phu Khola.
Again you’ll continue the walk for an hour, and after a steep uphill climb, you reach Nar village for an overnight stay.
Today is the second acclimatization day for this trek. In a high altitude trek, it’s essential to adapt to the thin air. Therefore, today you’ll do side trips and other activities that help in the process of acclimatization.
Nar village is bigger than Phu village. It is a non-touristic region, as only a few trekkers visit this region. You’ll visit Tashi Lhakhang and hike to Himlung Base Camp.
You’ll explore the culture and lifestyle of the trans-Himalayan people in the village. You’ll spend a night at a tea house in Nar village.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Elevation: 5,306 m, Kang La Pass
Early in the morning, you’ll ascend via the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola. Walking on the pleasant path across the yak pastures, you’ll get superb views of the west ridge of Pisang Peak. The trail takes you to Jhombu Kharka also known as Kang La Phedi at the bottom of Kang La Pass.
It’ll take around two hours to cross the Kang La Pass. You need to be little careful as to get to the top of the pass you’ve to make it via steep trail. From the top of the pass, you’ll get the beautiful view of massif Annapurna range and other surrounding peaks. After three hours of steep descent, you’ll reach Ngawal village for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Elevation: 3,540 m
Leaving behind an old and beautiful Ngawal village, you’ll head towards Manang. Today you’ll follow the easy trail and get to enjoy the superb view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Pisang Peak.
On the trail, you’ll pass beautiful Braga village, home to Braga Monastery. Further, leaving the main trail off to Tilicho lake on the left corner you’ll continue your walk to Manang for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Max Elevation: 4,110 m
Early in the morning, crossing a stream, you gradually climb to Tenki village about Manang and continue our trek towards the Marshyangdi valley. Passing a few yak pastures, you’ll ascend northwards.
Further, following the trail, you’ll reach a small village of Gunsasn where you’ll get to see the house made of flat mud roof.
Soon you will cross a small river on a wooden bridge and reach Yak Kharka,a small settlement. This tiny village offers an outstanding view of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Max Elevation: 4,600 m
Today, following the Annapurna Circuit trail, you’ll head towards Thorong Phedi. You’ll gradually ascend the flat trail to reach Thorong Phedi. Throughout the Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, you’ll enjoy the great mountain views including Mt. Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, Thorung Peak, and Tilicho Peak.
Actually, there are two options you can choose for night stay either Thorong Phedi or High Camp. According to your body fitness, our guide will decide where to stay. In fact, most trekkers make to high camp to get the stunning mountain views and also it make easy to cross Thorong La Pass.
However, sleeping in the higher elevation is not advisable so, you’ll stop at Thorong Phedi for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Max Elevation: 5,416 m, Thorong La Pass
You have come to end of our Annapurna Circuit trek. In fact, the trail from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath connects two valleys: Marshyangdi valley and Kali Gandaki valley or Manang and Mustang.
Crossing one of the famous high passes, Thorong La Pass will be an amazing lifetime unforgettable experience!
You’ll start the trek from Thorong Phedi. The trail from Thorong Phedi to High Camp is quite steep. From here the trail gets pleasant, but the hiking is no less tough as the high-altitude starts to affect you..
However, the walking on the icy high altitude trail is worthwhile to view from the top of the pass is truly breathtaking!
After enjoying magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, you’ll start to descend to Muktinath for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Max Elevation: 2,715 m
Early in the morning, you’ll explore around the Muktinath temple. It is famous for its 108 cold springs, ancient fossils, and natural methane gas. You visit a Vishnu temple and a nearby monastery. After strolling around the temple area, you’ll be back to the teahouse.
After having breakfast, you’ll head towards Jomsom, the capital of the Mustang district. At first, you’ll climb Lubra Dana and walk down to Lubra village, one of the picturesque Thakali village in this area.
The stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and other surrounding peaks are simply amazing. Finally, walking on the flat and wide trail, you’ll reach Jomsom for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 30 minutes
Max Elevation: 8,27 m
Today, in the early morning, you’ll take a mountain flight to Pokhara. Once you check into the hotel, you’ll have full leisure time to explore Pokhara city. You can stroll around the lakeside or also can go for a boat ride in Fewa Lake. Also, you can have some good massage to recover from tiredness after such a long trek in the high mountains. Overnight at Pokhara.
After having breakfast, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu in a 6-7 hours drive. Once you reach Kathmandu, you’ll transfer to the hotel. After taking a short rest, you can go for last-minute shopping at nearby places like Thamel and Durbarmarg.
In the evening, we’ll celebrate the successful completion of our adventurous trek with a farewell dinner.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Our Osho Vision representative will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or, you can extend your vacation for short tours like Jungle safari, paragliding tour, rafting, Tibet tour, etc.
Trip Note: We can customize this trip according to our client requirements. Feel free to contact us for the further queries. Happy Trekking!
Cost Included
- Airport pick up and drop off service by a private tourists vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Accommodation in tea houses during the days in a trek
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu half day sightseeing
- Tour-guides for sightseeing
- Airfare from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- Annapurna Conservation Area permits and TIMS card fee
- A professional English speaking guide
- All government taxes, VAT, and service charges
- First aid kit box
Cost Excluded
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee
- International Airfare
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal gear for trekking
- Extra baggage charges
- Personal Expenses (Soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks, laundry, telephone bills, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Gratitudes to the guide and porter
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