Nar Phu Valley Trek - 22 Days - 22 Days

It is a newly opened trekking destination (since 2003) located in the Annapurna region which is inhabited by Tibetan Nepalese and where the age-old practices of yak herding and farming still retain. This region was first explored by Tilman in the 1950s after walking for two days from the border of Tibet. Nar Phu Valley trek is perfect for travelers who want to discover the Annapurna circuit as well as explore an untouched valley. Nar Phu Valley trek combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas, and unique cultures. Nar Phu Valley trek starts at Besi Sahar following the popular Annapurna circuit trail and branches off at Koto to follow the off the beaten track to Nar Phu valley in the north of Manang. Camping along the way we visit some of the most unvisited and interesting villages in the Tibetan Buddhist world.

Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Overnight in Hotel. Meals: Welcome Dinner.

Drive to BESI SAHAR (800m/2625ft)
It takes around six hours and we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Besi Sahar, the headquarters of Lamjung, has long been the starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to NGADI (930m) 5 Hours
From Besisahar we follow the west bank of the Marsyandi River to the village of Khudi where we cross a tributary of the main river and continue on to Bhulbule for lunch. The views from Bhulbule are tremendous, especially the snowy peak of Himalchuli (7893m). In the afternoon we cross the Marsyandi to the east bank, and after a short distance, views of Manaslu (8156m), Peak 29 (7541m), and Lamjung (6986m) open out on the horizon. The afternoon’s walking is easy and we stay in the small village of Upper Ngadi. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to JAGAT (1341m) 6 Hours
From Ngadi we cross a small suspension bridge over the Musi Khola to start a gradual climb to the village of Bahundanda (1311m) located on a ridge top. After a short descent, we follow the river valley again and stop for lunch at Syange (1136m). In the afternoon the track follows a cut in the near-vertical cliffs high above the river to reach Jagat (1341m), a Tibetan village that served as a customs post on the old trading route from Tibet. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to DHARAPANI (1890m) 6 Hours
We leave the village and cross the river on a large suspension bridge from where the trail ascends quite steeply, with the river tumbling through a maze of large boulders. After reaching the top of the zigzag climb, the valley widens out to reveal the village of Tal, nestled amongst fields of barley, wheat, and potatoes. The afternoon’s walk follows the river valley, crossing back to the west bank before gradually ascending to Dharapani (1890m). Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to NAR PHU VALLEY CAMPING SITE (2740m)
As we cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path consists of steep stone steps. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. When the steep incline ends we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. We then cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of Koto (2600 m) from where we can look straight up at the magnificent Annapurna II. This is also where we leave the Annapurna Circuit. We cross the Marshyangdi river and enter the Nar-Phu valley. From the bank of Narphu Khola, we start climbing to our first camping site, which we reach about two hours from Koto. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to DHARAMSHALA (3230m).
Most of the day we walk on small jungle paths, which is quite a change from the bigger trail around Annapurna. The first part is up and down and then we have a short steep ascent to Choto (2840m). We then have lots of steep ups and downs and the path is quite exposed above the Nar Phu Khola. At the altitude of 3090m, we cross a suspension bridge, here the valley is very narrow and just before the bridge there are some hot springs. The rock-carved path now becomes very exciting, both because of danger, but also because there are some big waterfalls. We climb to a two-storied hut at Sinhenge Dharamsala, where we set camp for the night. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to UPPER CHAKU VILLAGE (3720m)
We begin the day by crossing the Methang Khola river and then start a breathtaking climb on a winding path to the Methang pastures. Here at Methang there is an ancient Chorten and marvelous views of Kang Guru. Further on we pass the abandoned Methang village (3560m), from the village there is a path to Kang Guru BC. The path to the next village Junan is easy and flat, Junan is also abandoned. From here we continue to have an easy walk to Lower Chaku village, which has about 15 houses. We continue to Upper Chaku on a steep trail. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to PHU VILLAGE (3980m)
This day begins with a hard steep ascent to the abandoned Kyan village Vhaku, where there is a nice long mani wall. We continue on an amazing tunnel carved rocky path 70 meters above the river and then descent to the riverbed, we follow the riverbed and pass some Mani Chortens. We then climb up from the riverbed to the Phu valley entrance door (Phuohi Yalgoe). About an hour from the valley entrance we cross the Phu Khola and begin climbing up to the village. Phu village consists of about 30 houses, which are home to 100-150 people. We camp near the river.Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Excursion around PHU VILLAGE
Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to NAR CAMPSITE (3550m)
To get to Nar we have to go back down the valley, we pass Chaku and walk on for a couple of hours before we cross the Phu Khola at Nar Phedi (two bridges to Nar). From here we climb up to a very nice grassy campsite. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore NAR VILLAGE
Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to KANG LA PHEDI (4530m)
From our campsite it is a steep couple of hours climb to Nar Village (4110m). We continue on a long but gentle ascent through the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola, on a nice path. At the bottom of Kang La, we camp on a nice grassy spot. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to MUNJE (3330m)
Today we have a long and hard day ahead of us, however, it is very rewarding. We have to cross the big Kang La pass (5280m). It is a very steep ascent to the top of the pass where there are a Chorten and some great views of the Annapurna massif. Just before reaching the pass, there is a small lake where we take a rest before making the last effort to reach the top. From the top of the pass, it is a very steep descent, but after an hour we take a grassy path that leads to Ngawal. There are restaurants and lodges in Ngawal. We continue all the way to Munje. On the way, we pass beautiful forests. We camp there for the night. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to MANANG (3540m)
Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we can see the village of Braga with its splendid monastery. Large Chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m]. After a short steep climb, we reach Manang. We camp here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to LETDAR (4250m)
From Manang, we climb to the next village of Tengi. We are surrounded by magnificent peaks of the Annapurna Himal, Peak 29, and Himalchuli. We are now past the tree line. The vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrubs juniper. Climbing the path past the summer village of Gunsang, we cross the Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. From here we can see ahead the mountains surrounding the Thorung La which we will cross tomorrow. The trail is up and down as the elevation gradually increases and we soon enter an alluvial delta where there are yak pastures. An hour beyond this, we come to the small settlement of Letdar. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to THORUNG PHEDI (4500m)
Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi. Overnight in Tented Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to MUKTINATH (3800m)
Today we start very early, around 3 am, so we can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep, and the long, gradual approach crosses several false summits before reaching some stone cairns marking the true crest of the pass at 5416m. In fine conditions, the views from the pass are truly fantastic offering an amazing panorama of the Annapurna, Mukut, and Mustang ranges with the Kali Gandaki valley seen far below. The descent from the pass is fairly steep but compensated with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukche Peak (6920m). This is a long walk and we should arrive at the village of Muktinath, in the early afternoon. Muktinath is one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is well worthwhile visiting the monastery and the pagoda-style temple with 108 waterspouts in the form of cows’ heads. There is also a temple where burning natural gas and a small spring emerging from the rock in the same vicinity can be seen. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to JOMSOM (2665m)
From Muktinath, the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through the village of Jharkot, back-dropped by sensational views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061m). The terrain around Jharkot is a yellow, barren, almost moonlike landscape, dotted with patches of green cultivation, where man-made canals cut across the fields, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. From here a short steep descent leads to our lunch stop at Eklebhatti on the floor of the Kali Gandaki Valley. In the afternoon we follow the river heading south, through the wide, windswept, and barren valley to Jomsom. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to POKHARA (820m)
After an early breakfast, we fly to Pokhara and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or wander around. Overnight in Hotel. Meals: Breakfast

Drive to KATHMANDU
After our breakfast, we drive to Kathamndu and which takes 7-8 hours. We will have free and leisure evening and stay Overnight in Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

FLY BACK HOME OR EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYS
Today is free to relax until your departure or to commence any additional trips or activities you may have booked. If you are departing, you’ll be transferred to the international airport in time for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast

Cost Include

All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
2 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
18 Nights stay in Tea House during the trek.It means, sharing Bathroom
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only
Welcome and Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu
National Park Permit and TIMS for Annapurna
Airfare from Jomsom to Pokhara and domestic flight departure taxes
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag that needs to be returned to office after trek completion
ACH Kitbag and T-shirt for you
Kathmandu to Besisahar and Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus

Cost Exclude

Nepal Visa fee
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature
Travel insurance including evacuation
1 Lunch in Kathmandu
Tips for local staffs, guides, and porters
Entrance Fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Desserts, Mineral Water, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi