Highlights
Visit the holy temple of Muktinath and bathing in its many taps, Cross the amazing Thorung La Pass (5416m) and Kang La Pass (5320m), Explore the discreet valleys of Nar and Phu.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
GRADE Strenuous
TRIP DURATION 19 days
BEST SEASON March to May & Sep. to Dec.
Maximum Altitude 5,416 Meters
The Trek
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a relatively new trekking route that explores the northern region of Manang. This region was closed to the outside world till 2002. This trek provides you the experience of witnessing medieval villages, narrow gorges, and the spectacular Kali Gandaki gorge that is bound to make anyone jump with joy. Relish at the sight of glorious mountains and find yourself in a state of deep cultural awakening after completing this once in a lifetime trek.
The Nar Phu valley trek takes place in the globally famous Annapurna region which is bordered by the Kali Gandaki and Marsayangdi rivers. The trek follows the route of the Annapurna Circuit trek and provides travelers with a unique opportunity to witness the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. You’ll need a trekking permit to trek in the Nar Phu valley. This trek explores the ancient Tibetan influenced lifestyle and traditions of the people of Meta, Phu Gaon, and Nar. You’ll trek through Bhotia villages and learn more about the Gurung, Ghale, and Thakali people too. The lowest elevation observed during the trek is at Jagat, which stands at 1100 meters. As we venture through the amazing terrain, we find ourselves at a height of 5416 meters at the Thorung La Pass. The terrain is rocky and arid with strong winds so be careful while walking. You’ll have to walk 5 hours a day on average. As the trek takes place in the Himalayas, be sure to wear warm clothing.
While doing the Nar Phu valley trek, you can opt for the Mustang Cultural trek or the Jomsom Muktinath Trek as well.
Accommodation:
You will arrive in Kathmandu where you will be greeted and 3* hotel accommodation will be provided. On the trek, the accommodation will Lodges or what is known as a teahouse (Mountain hut). All accommodation is on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and at an additional cost. Lodges in most places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, please note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Regarding the budget, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded and downgraded in Kathmandu.
Food:
On your trek, you will experience authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as more common international food (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) Breakfast and dinner will be served in the Lodge where we spend the night and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided while trekking while only breakfast in Kathmandu.
Electricity facilities in trekking lodge:
Some villages will have hydropower lines but most commonly there will be a solar power system. There are likely to be battery charging facilities in most of the Lodges but for these facilities, there may be a separate charge (a cost of about 1USD for 1hour of charge).
Outline itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a company representative will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. After a drive to the hotel, you can take a stroll around the hotel area.Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Our day will be spent on exploring the major landmarks of the Kathmandu valley which comprise of sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. Similarly, the durbar squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur are also great destinations for sightseeing tours. All of these sites are also enlisted by the UNESCO as world heritage sites. After exploring these sites, we make preparations for the trek.Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1100m): 8-9 hours
Our day mostly consists of driving all the way to Jagat. The drive starts early and it shall take you through the amazing greenery and Himalayan vistas. We take a break at Besisahar and drive northwards from here. The bumpy ride finally stops at Jagat. Jagat sits in the Lamjung district of the Gandaki region and is the first step in the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Overnight stay at Jagat.
Day 04: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m): 7-8 hours
We shall aim to reach Dharapani for today. The trail sees a descent towards pine forests and later goes through Chamje. After walking on the rocky and grassy terrain, we land at Tal. As we traverse through waterfalls and cliffs, we arrive at Dharapani. The trail on this day runs along the Marshyangdi River.Overnight stay at Dharapani.
Day 05: Dharapani to Koto (2,610m): 5-6 hours
The trail initially leads to Bagarchhap and goes through pine and fir forests. We take a quick break at Danakyu and later walk on the ascending trail towards Timang. Koto village is wildly isolated and offers a tantalizing view of the Annapurna Mountains. You can see fellow trekkers as well here. We arrive in the Koto village later in the evening. Overnight stay at Koto.
Day 06: Koto to Meta (3,560m): 7-8 hours
Firstly, we will get our permits registered in the checkpoint. We walk on the banks of the Soti Khola and into the lush pine and rhododendron forests. We shall take a quick break at Dharamsala. The Meta village sits on the Tibetan plateau and here you can find Tibetan influenced lifestyle and culture. Soak in the amazing culture of the Tibetan people. We can catch glimpses of the Annapurna Mountains from here. Overnight stay at Meta.
Day 07: Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m): 7-8 hours
The initial part of the day is spent on going up and down the streams and crossing suspension bridges. We reach Kyang and take a quick break here. Phu Gaon was once housed by the Tibetan refugees, also known as the Khampa. You can see the ruined forts there. After walking on the banks of the Phu Khola, we reach the Phu Gaon. Overnight stay at Phu Gaon.
Day 08: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Today we won’t do any trekking but rather rest and then explore the Phu Gaon. You can visit the Tashi Lhakhang monastery which is believed to be the oldest in this region. People believe that it was constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. You can watch the animal breeding stations and the agricultural fields. This village serves as the great vantage point for the Himlung Himal (7126m).Overnight stay at Phu Gaon.
Day 09: Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m): 6-7 hours
We shall aim to reach the Nar village today. The road to Nar takes us through numerous suspension bridges and to the famous Mahendra Pul. We can observe the amazing Lapche River and go through numerous Buddhist stupas. The Nar village houses many ancient Buddhist stupas, and from here we can see the glorious Pisang Peak (6091m). Overnight stay at Nar.
Day 10: Acclimatization and preparation at Nar
Today is another day of acclimatization and we shall spend it by tasting some delicious Nepali cuisines and interacting with the locals present there. The Nar village is often called the hidden valley of Nepal and it was once a restricted area. The people here follow the Tibetan religion, Bon. Observe the ancient Buddhism practices and the ruins of the ancient fort.Overnight stay at Nar.
Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass (5,320m) to Ngawal (3,660m): 7-8 hours
Today we will wake up early and leave Narto cross the Kang La Pass (5320m). The trail is filled with adventure and it sees a sudden rise in elevation. The Kang La Pass provides amazing scenery of the snow laden mountains in Pisang and Annapurnarange. After crossing the pass, we headtowardsthe Ngawal village. This village is filled with teahouses that thrive in ancient Tibetan culture. Overnight stay atNgawal.
Day 12: Ngawal to Manang (3,540m): 4-5 hours
Along the way, we’ll go through the Paugh village. The trail gently climbs to Mingling and it eventually reaches Manang. Manang is considered to be a Himalayan jewel as it is greatly influenced by the Tibetan culture and provides a sublimeview of the Pisang Peak (6091m). You can alsovisit the Gangapurna Lake and Gangapurna Glacier here. Overnight stay at Manang.
Day 13: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m): 3-4 hours
Yak Kharka is a vast land where animals graze. This grazing ground provides an amazing view of the Annapurna Mountains and we can even see horses and yaks here. The trail is relatively short too. The route towards Yak Kharka goes to Tengi and climbs out the Marshyangdi valley. We walk on the north part of the Jharsang Khola and arrive at Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.
Day 14: Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4,600m): 3-4 hours
We shall make our target to reach the foot of the Thorung La Pass (5416m), also known as Thorung Phedi. The trail is relatively short and lasts for about 4 hours. Thorung Phedi hasa small settlement and serves to offer a brief stop for travelers heading to the top of Thorung La Pass (5416m). Overnight stay atThorung Phedi.
Day 15: Thorung Phedi to Thorung La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m): 7-8 hours
Our Destination for the day is the holy Muktinath temple and to reach there, we must go through the difficult Thorung La Pass (5416m). The trail to the top is pretty challenging and provides a picturesque view of the mountain in the Annapurna ranges. After crossing the pass, we walk downhill and arrive at Muktinath. The Muktinath temple is a religious shrine of great significance to those of Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m): 5-6 hours
Our day comprises of walking for 6 hours and heading to the beautiful town in the Kali Gandaki valley of Jomsom. Our trail takes us through the Tibetan villages like Jharkot and Khingar. As we walk on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, we finally arrive at Jomsom. Jomsom is famous for rock climbing and mountain biking as well. Overnight stay at Jomsom.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (820m): 30 min flight
Today, we fly to Pokhara. The flight is pretty early so manage accordingly. The flight lasts for 30 minutes and it shows you the magic of the Annapurna region. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can take a stroll in the city. Pokhara houses many natural wonders like the Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas Lakes. You can even visit the World Peace Pagoda and observe the roaring Davis Falls. Spend your night by strolling in the Lakeside. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m): 5-6 hours’ drive
Wake up early and get on a drive that leads all the way to Kathmandu. The drive takes you through the amazing PrithviHighway which delights you with its amazing mountains and hills. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, head back to your hotel. You can also shop for gifts and souvenirs in the local markets in the city.Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure from Nepal
Today is your final day in Nepal and our representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. We are always ready to serve on your next adventure in Nepal.