Nar Phu & Annapurna Circuit Trek-19 Days
(ETNNP161)  Nepal Group Tour

Overview

Nar Phu Valley Trek is a lesser known, beautiful trail north of Annapurna. This region remains untouched by modern civilization and mass tourism.  Often referred to as the ‘’hidden valley trek’, Nar and Phu valley offer a spiritual trekking experience with numerous villages of Tibetan heritage and undisturbed religious sites.  People here herd yaks, trade with lower regions and harvest indigenous medicinal herbs for livelihood. Our 19-day-long Nar Phu Valley Trek starts with a sightseeing tour of some of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, we drive to Jagat, a quintessential teahouse village in the Annapurna Circuit.

We follow the Annapurna circuit trek trail till Koto and branch off from there to Nar Phu Valley on a rugged, enthralling trail. We have set aside day 8 and day 10 for acclimatization which is crucial to adjust your body to high altitude. Apart from the valley of Nar and Phu, crossing Kang La Pass (5,315 m) is another major highlight of the trek. The pass rewards us with spectacular views of  Annapurna II (7937m), Tilicho Peak (7134m)  and Gangapurna (7455m). The Kang La pass connects Nar valley with Manang district and three other ethnic Bhotia villages of Neyshang valley. A huge stretch of high snow-peaks, grazing settlements, and ancient villages make Nar and Phu valley the gem of Annapurna.

We gradually climb down from the Kang La pass to Thorong La pass and ultimately to Jomsom via lower Mustang. We fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and finally head back to Kathmandu the next day. Nar Phu Valley Trek is ideal for those who have a special interest in remote communities and their age-old ways of life.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), you will be welcomed by our office representative. After sorting out your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be then transferred to your respective hotel in private vehicle and give you some time to freshen up. After this, you will attend an orientation about your trek led by the trekking leader over a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Today, we go on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. We start the program after breakfast, first visiting the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main premises of the temple we are allowed to visit the cremation site and surrounding areas. We then head to Boudhanath, considered one of the largest stupas in Asia due to the massive mandala that surrounds the main dome. The smell of Himalayan incense and locals doing kora(making clockwise rounds of the stupa) gives you a little insight into Buddhist culture. Our next stop is Swayambhunath also known as the Monkey Temple, located on top of a hill. The stupa is similar to Boudhanath, but here the stupa is surrounded by many temples and shrines. Some of the temples date back to the medieval Lichchhavi period. Our final stop is Kathmandu Durbar square which is a fine example of Newari architecture. The premises of the Durbar square house many temples and royal palaces, however, most of the temples and buildings were destroyed by the 2015 earthquake and are being renovated.

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Jagat (1100m): 8- 9 hours

It is a long drive to Jagat, so we start early in the morning. After breakfast, we board a bus to Besisahar. The countryside sceneries rich with lush green forest, rivers and mountain vistas is quite pleasant. Upon reaching Besisahar we board another vehicle that will take us to Jagat. It is a bumpy ride on the dusty, rough roads.

Day 4: Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m) : 7-8 hours

Put on your trekking boots as today marks the start of our actual trek. After a filling breakfast, we get going to Dharapani. The trail starts with a descent towards the Marsyangdi River followed by a walk through a dense forest. We continue on the trail towards Chamje with fantastic views of the Annapurna Range. We cross a suspension bridge after Chamje heading towards Sattale(7 storeyed). The next village en route is Tal(Lake) where we arrive after a towards the grassy riverbanks Marsyangdi River. The trail goes constantly up and down and eventually takes on a steep forested path towards Karte. We pass by a few small waterfalls and streams and cross a suspension bridge to get to Dharapani.

Day 5: Trek Dharapani to Koto (2,610m) : 5-6 hours

Our destination for the day is Koto. First, we trek towards Bagarchhap, walking through pine and fir forests. While at Bagrachhap, we explore the local monastery. After an hour’s trek, we arrive at Danaque followed by a steep climb towards Timing with marvelous views of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. Again, the trail passes through the pine forest towards Latmarang and along the way we catch a glimpse of Annapurna II. A short walk from Latamarang will take us to Koto.

Day 6: Trek Koto to Meta (3,560m) : 7-8 hours

After leaving the village of Koto, we will enter the restricted area, so our permit will be checked. After passing through the check post we continue on our trek to Meta. The path to Meta starts with a trek along the Soti Khola banks which continues through lush pine forest. Along the way, we pass by many small streams and have to cross a number of suspension bridges and the village of Dharmasala. As we near Meta, we have to overcome a steep climb through another forest. Magnificent views of the Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal keep us enthralled.

Day 7: Trek Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m) :7-8 hours

Today’s trail starts with a descend to Jhuman followed by a gradual climb towards Khyang. Here we can see the ruins of the Khampa settlements (Khampa are refugees from Tibet) and also spectacular views of Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Gyaji Kang among others. The path is rocky from here onwards. We cross the Phu Khola to reach Phu Gaon. Overnight in Phu Gaon.

Day 8: Acclimatization/rest day at Phu Gaon

Acclimatization plays a key role in a successful trek. Today is set aside to adjust to thinning air at high altitudes. Few activities are planned for the day to blend better with the changing condition. Firstly, we go around the village to better understand the culture and the daily lives of the locals. This village is diverse in culture as people of different ethnic groups live here including Gurung, Ghale, and Lama. Further, we explore Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, the last monastery built by Karmapa Rinpoche. It is also one of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries. Besides all the cultural diversities, another attraction of this village is the breathtaking views of the Himlung Himal.

Day 9: Trek Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m) : 6-7 hours

We descend and ascend, pass by many streams and cross a few suspension bridges to finally reach Nar. The day starts with a downhill drop till Mahendra Pul after which we cross an 80 m high suspension bridge over the Lapche River. The trail then climbs up to Nar, passing many stupas and chortens on the way. We can explore many monasteries at Nar and also enjoy the fantastic views of Pisang Peak and other surrounding peaks.

Day 10: Another Acclimatization day

This is another acclimatization day to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness when crossing the Kang La Pass at 5,322m the next day. Today, we go on a short hike around the village and also explore the local culture and tradition. However, make sure not to overwork yourself as you’ll need to be fully rested to overcome the high pass tomorrow.

Day 11: Crossing over Kang La Pass (5,322m) to Ngawal (3,660m) : 7-8 hours

Today will be a bit challenging as we cross Kang La Pass at 5,322m. The key to avoiding AMS at high altitudes is to walk at a slow but steady pace. We start early in the morning with the target of crossing the Kang La Pass before noon to avoid the strong winds which can make it impossible to overcome the past. From the top of the pass, we can enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna Massif. We then head down to Ngawal for a good night’s sleep.

Day 12: Trek Ngwal to Manang (3,540m) : 4-5 hours

Our destination for the day in Manang. Our trail starts with a descent towards Braga village through a pine forest. While at Braga we also visit the monastery there. The trail then climbs up towards Manang accompanied by the views of Annapurna range and Tilicho Peak.

Day 13: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m) : 4-5 hours

We ascend from Manang to a village just above called Tenki and follow an uphill trail out of the Marshyangdi Valley towards the Valley Jarsang Khola. The trail then gradually climbs up through pastures and juniper trees. Enroute to Yak Kharka, we pass a small village of Ghunsa followed by pastures where horses and yak graze. We cross a small river via a wooden bridge to finally arrive at Yak Kharka.

Day 14: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) : 4-5 hours

Today, we are headed to Thorong Phedi, the last settlement before crossing the Thorong La Pass. This small settlement is also called the base camp of Thorong La Pass. Today’s trek mostly consists of uphill climb beginning with an ascent towards Ledar Village. We climb further up to reach Thorong Phedi enjoying spectacular views of Mt. Syagang, Mt. Gudang, Mt. Katungkulan and Thorung Peak among others along the way.

Day 15: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La (5,416m) : 7-8 hours

Today we overcome another high pass but it is going to be much more challenging than the previous one. Our target is to cross the pass before 9- 10 am so we can avoid the strong winds at noon which makes it practically impossible to cross the pass. Hence we start our ascent, which will take about 4 hours at 4 am. We don’t spend a lot of time at the top and make a quick descent towards the holy town of Muktinath. Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus as it consists of many stupas and temples. The 108 watersports here and the eternal flame, besides the temple itself, are the main attractions here.

Day 16: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m) : 5-6 hours

Early in the morning we go around and explore the temples and monasteries. Then, we get packing for Jomsom, a town popular for apple and apple products. The trail starts with a descent towards the Kali Gandaki Valley following the Kali Gandaki River on a rocky path with many ups and downs. The views of Tukuche, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri accompany us throughout the day. Once at Jomsom, you can try out the famous apple brandy.

Day 17: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (823m) : 25 minutes flight

We board an early morning flight to Pokhara. We reach Pokhara in half an hour at most. After checking into our hotel room, we visit some of the popular places in the City of Lakes including Phewa Lake, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Fall, and Peace Pagoda among others.

Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m) : 5-6 hours

After breakfast in Pokhara, we board a tourist bus that will take us back to the capital city. It will take around 6 hours to reach Kathmandu via Prithivi Highway. Once in Kathmandu, you can enjoy the last days of the trek roaming around the city, buying some souvenirs or you can just opt to rest in your hotel room.

Day 19: Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Farewell! Today concludes our 19 days Nar Phu Valley Trek. A representative from our office will drop you off at the airport according to your flight’s schedule.

Tour Cost & Schedule in 2022 & 2023

• Calendar
• List

Value Added

We are ready to welcome you with all the necessary safety measures (Post -19 Pandemic Halt). Hence we assure you of safety and security by following the optimal precautions.

Safety Assurance from Us (Tour/Trekking Operator)

• Vehicles fully cleaned and disinfected
• Foot bath mat available at entrance
• Extra masks available (if required)
• Safe distancing
• We carry limited number of passengers
• Our crew wear full PPE while disinfecting the vehicle
• Temperature screening available
• Our crew tested fit to travel
• Sanitizers available
• We carry additional deep wipe down cleaning of high touched areas
• Hygiene kit available for sale
• Our crew wear face mask and face shield

Safety Rules for Travelers (You)

• Namaste over handshake
• Do not travel if unwell
• Wear face mask all the time
• Maintain safe distancing
• Use foot mat while boarding
• Undertake temperature screening
• Ventilators over air conditioning
• Avoid unnecessary surface touching
• Wash/Sanitize hands regularly
• Follow sneeze etiquette
• Follow safety instructions (from local authority)
• Carry your personal hygiene all the time

Customer Reviews (17)