Duration
21 days
Max. Elevation
5416m
Group size
2+ Above
Nar-Phu Valley Trekking is an adventure that leads you to one raw and fresh new high country beyond Annapurna Himalayas. The area around Nar-Phu was opened to the outside world in 2002 but remains a restricted region to control the mass flow of trekkers. Where a special permit is required to enter Nar-Phu on leaving the popular main trails of the Annapurna Circuit trek from Kodho onward. Nar-Phu Valley Trekking, offers exciting views and scenic walks in harmony with the giant snow-mountain range, and with the local immense culture.
Trekkers will be highly delighted to soak in a beautiful country, where only a few people seldom venture around the hidden valley of Nar-Phu. Nar-Phu Valley trekking route, located around the high Manang area and beyond far north of Annapurna massive mountain range. Extends towards Upper Mustang in the northwest, and is close to Damodar Himal with Chulu and Pisang peaks south of Manang valley. Due to its remoteness, where lodges are not up to the standard like on the main routes of Annapurna Circuit.
However, an enjoyable walk leads you to absolute wilderness enclosed within an array of snow peaks, and captivating scenery of dramatic landscapes. The main villages are Phu and Nar, where you will have ample time to explore its impressive age-old heritage.
Which is a very similar culture to its Tibetan predecessor interwoven with Buddhism religion and tradition, with old interesting monasteries. Nar-Phu Valley Trekking begins from the capital Kathmandu heading Mid-West to warm low farm areas of Lamjung at Besar. A large town and headquarter of Lamjung district, our journey continues following the Masrsyangdi River upstream to start the trek. After an exciting drive, the walk takes you to cooler hills covered in a serene forest of tall rhododendron and pine trees.
As the adventure progress enters Manang country into the nice villages of Tal-Besi and Dharapani, where strong Buddhism custom starts. Walk follows prayer monuments to reach Kodho village near Chame the headquarters town of the Manang area. From here our route diverts on leaving the main and popular Annapurna Circuit trail for more than a week duration.
Where the trek heads towards our main destination and highlights around Nar-Phu valley, off the beaten tracks. Entering a narrow river gorge lined with rhododendron and pine trees, the walk continues day by day.
Then reaching a wide-open scenic Nar-Phu valley, an isolated country within a Shangri-La, well hidden from the rest of the world. Our adventure takes you first to visit and explore Phu village, a wind-blown village with closely intact houses. At Phu a rest day to enjoy its wonderful surrounding with a tour of impressive old Tashi-Khang and SamduCholing Monasteries.
After an interesting time at Phu village, the next visit leads to its sister village of Nar, which is quite similar to Phu. The same type of house was built of stone and plastered with red earth, a remarkable place to explore around the quaint village of Nar. From Nar-Phu enjoying a great experience around the pristine environment and getting to know the local impressive culture with friendly villagers.
The adventure continues leaving wonderful Nar and Phu villages to cross the first pass over Kang-La to reach Manang valley. A steep climb to traverse to reach one beautiful area to another magnificent region. After crossing Kang-La within the backdrop of the outmost scenery of snow peaks, then heading back on the main Annapurna circuit trail.
A lovely scenic and pleasant walk to reach the main Manang village, located in a lovely valley. Enclosed by the high Annapurna Himalaya and Chulu group of peaks, and staying in a nice lodge facing views of the mountain range.
From Manang village, the walk leads slowly on a pleasant path to climb over Thorang-La, the highest point of the adventure. On top of Thorang-la, festooned with hundreds of prayer flags that mark the pass, the hard climb rewarded with mind-blowing views. Enjoy overlooking a grand panorama of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar with the Dhaulagiri Himalaya range then head for a long descent to the Mustang area.
On reaching the bottom of Thorang-La Pass which forms a barrier between the Manang and Mustang districts, an easy walk to Muktinath. A holy pilgrimage spot for all Hindu followers, with a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also houses a Buddhist monastery. The word Muktinath comes from ancient Sanskrit and means a place of Nirvana and Liberation.
From here onward on an easy pleasant trail down to Kaligandaki River valley, located on the old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route to Tibet. The Caravan trail to Tibet follows beyond Upper Mustang, as our last day trek continues following the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Jomsom is a headquarters town and the main hub of the Mustang region, the home to the Thakali people, the indigenous tribe of Kaligandaki River valley.
Follows the path of Tibetan Buddhism like in Nar Phu and Manang valley, the area famous for delicious apples and products. From Jomsom spend a pleasant overnight, the next early morning a swift short, and scenic flight brings you to beautiful Pokhara. Where our adventure and great experience are complete and then back to Kathmandu to conclude our marvelous trip on Nar-Phu valley trekking.
Winter (December-February): This is the coldest time of the year. It will be difficult to walk because of the heavy snowfall. There is a high probability of closing the trek at this time.
Spring (March-May): This is the best time to trek to Manaslu. You will have wonderful weather with warm temperatures.
Summer (June-August): This is the monsoon in Nepal. But the Nar Phu Valley is a rain shadow area. Still good to trek here. A rain poncho or rain jacket is required.
Autumn (September-November): This is another great time to hike. After the rainy season. It will be fresh and the weather will be clear. It will be hot.
They provide authentic Nepali food including rice, pulses, vegetables, and pickles to the guests. Some newly built hotels and guest houses also offer visitors Western food and Asian dishes. Aside from food worries,
If you traverse the region from December to August, the permit costs US$75 per person for a week. beyond a Week, the permit cost $ 15 per day. Apart from that, The trekkers need to pay a mandatory US$30 per person for an ACAP permit. All the permits should issue in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Compared to Lukla (2,860 m) in the Everest region, it is less than the height achieved in one day when flying from Kathmandu. We have not experienced people getting sick in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) in the Everest region while guiding us in the Himalayas. If we had to compare the height of the Nar Phu trek with the Namche altitude, we would say that we can reach this height in only 4-5 days. Despite the high passes, it has a low altitude sickness ratio compared to other Nepali trekking areas.
This comparison shows that the Nar Phu area is much better than the Khumbu area for the Everest base camp trek. However, we cannot say who is suffering from Altitude Sickness. It's not about age or health. However, our itinerary gives you plenty of time to adapt. And the trick is going slowly, staying hydrated, and paying attention to what your body tells you.
Breakfast: Simple Breakfast (Eggs any item with has-brown potato, toast or Tibetan Bread, Pancake, Muesli, Oat Porridge, etc.)
Lunch: Nepali plate (plain rice, lentil soup, potato curry, green vegetables, papadam, tomato hot spicy, chicken curry optional), macaroni, spaghetti, potato stuffing, momo or dumplings, pizza, fried rice, fried noodles, french fries, etc.
Dinner: Nepali plate (plain rice, lentil soup, potato curry, green vegetables, papadam, tomato hot spicy or pickle, chicken curry optional), macaroni, spaghetti, potato stuffing, mo or dumplings, pizza, fried rice, fried noodles, French fries, etc.
Dessert: Fresh fruit (apple, orange, pomegranate, banana with any seasonal fruit) serves as a sweet dessert.
Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -22 degrees C or 30 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag, A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksacks covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you on trekking
Important Note
Day
1On arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport via various international airlines, received by our guide and staff for a short transfer to the heart of Kathmandu city. Where is your hotel located, after checking into your rooms, and then meet other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for a briefing.
The briefing includes important information regarding Nar-Phu Valley Trekking, to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable. The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music.
Day
2After early breakfast, a scenic drive leads towards the scenic highway. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalayas. The road has been greatly improved in recent years. As our route diverts from Dumre town towards north to Besisar from the main highway. A large town and headquarter of the Lamjung region.
From here drive continues on a rough track following Masrsyangdi River, as the road follows upstream to reach Syange village. The drive continues high above the river valley to reach Jagat and then at Chamche village for an overnight stop, after a long exciting overland journey from Kathmandu. Transfer into a nice local lodge and get rest for the next morning's walks towards Manang and Tilicho Lake.
Day
3Morning from Chamche, walk leads to cross a suspension bridge over raging Masrsyangdi river, after the bridge climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal Besi is reached, the village situated on a wide valley by the side of the Masrsyangdi River.
From here on into Manang district, on leaving Tal walk gets easier on the gentle path till to a bridge, from here a short climb to a small place with few teahouses, the walk winds on the up and downhill path coming to a large bridge, after the bridge another hour of great walk brings to the village of Dharapani.
From Dharapani the vegetation, people, and landscapes changes, and the air get cooler, the trail then climbs through forests to Bagarchap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture, facing views of Annapurna peaks. Transfer to a nice lodge, around this quaint village with strong Tibetan culture of Buddhism religion. After a pleasant overnight stop at Bagarchap
Day
4A cool morning walk begins as altitude gains slowly reaching the apple country area at Dhanaqi village. A walk leads past the farm area of an apple orchard and beautiful pine forest with views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. From here climb to Timang village for a lunch stop, a large village of mixed hill tribes with views of Lamjung, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalaya towards the east.
Afternoon walk following Masrsyangdi River upstream to reach Kodho village situated near the town of Chame, headquarters of Manang region. Overnight in Kodho, our last overnight within Annapurna Circuit main trail, check into a nice local lodge.
Day
5From this nice village, our route diverts towards a restricted region of Nar and Phu valley, taking a slow stride to enter the Nar-Phu area. A long day walks starting as early as possible. As route leads into a river gorge through beautiful pine and rhododendron woods, encountering small cave shelters.
The trail leads into a canyon, walking below a cascading waterfall, from here onward the forest turns thinner, overlooking grand views of beautiful landscapes. Heading to a steep climb, facing views of snow peaks, and then end the day by reaching Meta for an overnight stop. Located on a wide-open plain with few simple lodges for an overnight stop.
Day
6Today a short distance to reach Kyang, as elevation gains towards the open valley and high ridges, the morning walk heads north on arid landscapes. Where you can spot some wildlife around this remote area, sometimes one can catch a glimpse of a herd of Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, and Musk deer as well as the elusive snow leopard and mountain goats.
Walk carries on a wide valley to reach Kyang for an overnight stop. A small settlement of Yak herders with simple stone houses that serves as Tea-House and lodges. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy views of the high snow-capped mountains that surround this isolated spot.
Day
7Staying in a simple lodge at Kyang, today is another short day walk of a few hours to reach our destination to Phu village. The walk begins following the Phu River for a while and then down back to the river. As route leads to a Buddhist monument known as Chorten.
The trail meanders towards a ridge facing views of Nar Phedi and the Monastery. As trek leads through scenic canyons and gorges to reach a monolith that marks a steep path uphill to Phu. Enjoy overlooking views of the village with an old “Dzong” a Tibetan-style fortress, the remains of two old ruined forts, standing on top of a valley just before the village.
Then cross a bridge to enter Phu, coming across lovely Chorten. As the walk reaches Phu village, staying here for two nights in this wild country.
Day
8After several days of continuous walking, a deserving rest day which is also necessary for acclimatization, after breakfast explore around the village and visit Tashi-Khang and SamduCholing Monastery and Kyau-Chu waterfalls, Phu Village with about 30 houses for 100 to 150 local residents.
Phu an interesting village, as well to observe the village life, where locals spin yak and sheep wool, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or with their daily routine and chores. At Phu visit includes of famous Tashi Lha-Khang Gompa the seat of Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche who migrated to Nepal from Tibet in early 1959.
Day
9Enjoy a lovely and pleasant time in Phu village, start the morning walk back on the same path for a few hours, and then descend into a narrow gorge of Phu Khola / stream. From the stream and Khola, a gradual climb to Yu-Ghat, a small village with Mani and Chorten, a Buddhist monument, and head towards a flat area where Nar Phedi is located for an overnight stop.
The lodge is quite small but the rooms are neat and clean enjoy the rest of the afternoon observing and interacting with nuns and the locals.
Day
10From Nar Phedi, after breakfast walk to Phu Khola, for some hours to cross a bridge, a path leads to painted, bamboo-topped Chorten on the way to the old village of Nar for an overnight stop. Nar-Gaon is almost similar to Phu but quite smaller due to its remote location with high altitude dry landscape.
Overnight in simple teahouses and lodges built on the outskirts of Nar, staying in a comfortable lodge with a long list of food menus to choose from. The village is more social and lively than Phu, rest of the afternoon explore the village, and witness the native with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets.
Day
11Day
12An early start before sunrise, after having breakfast to cross Kang-la pass towards another side of Manang valley. The walk leads to a steep climb on a narrow trail to reach the top marked with a stone cairn and prayer flags. Enjoy marvelous scenery of Annapurna Himalaya range with Pisang and Chulu peaks, towards a north view of Damodar Himal with Himlung Himal in the east of Phu valley.
Kang-La passes at 5, 306 m / 17, 408 feet high, after grand mountain views, heading on a long stretch downhill to Ngawal village for an overnight stop. Ngawal, located above Pisang village close to Annapurna Circuit trail, is much different from the old style of Nar and Phu villages. At Ngawal, the lodges are better with a good food menu to enjoy after a long day's walk over Kang-La Pass.
Day
13From Ngawal onward walks along facing grand views of snow-capped peaks, as the trail leads to short ups with more downhill with excellent scenery of Manang valley and high peaks that includes Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilicho, and on the right Chuli east, on the back facing Pisang peak.
After a great view heading towards lower Manang valley, as walk leads on a flat wide trail to reach Manang. As altitude gains are slowly as you reach Braga village near main Manang village. At Braga with time for a short visit to Braga Monastery the oldest and most important Buddhist monastery located on top of a village, it has an outstanding display of statues, Thangka (religious paintings) with ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
From here it is only an hour's walk to the main Manang village for an overnight stop. The village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, a picturesque setting amongst some spectacular scenery of Annapurna- II, Annapurna- III, and Gangapurna to the South - Tilicho peak at 7,132 m. includes the Grand Barrier to the North-West - Chulu West, and Chulu East peaks.
Day
14After a pleasant overnight in a large village of Manang, the morning starts past the adjoining village of Tenke with down and ups walking on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit, as the route leads to a small settlement of Ghunsang village, and then reach Yak Kharka for an overnight stop.
Enjoying a scenic trek with views of snowcapped mountains, on crossing a small stream to Yak Kharka, a small settlement with several good lodges facing views of Gangapurna, Annapurna-III, and Chulu Peaks.
Day
15Day
16Today, another highlight of the adventure as the walk starts after an early breakfast is a long climb to Thorang-la with a steep and winding path to reach atop Thorang La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high. The highest spot of the journey enjoys the spectacular panorama high mountain range of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himal with Dhaulagiri snow-capped peaks.
The pass festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, and from here a long downhill to Muktinath around the Lower Mustang area. After an easy walk from the bottom of Thorang-La reach Muktinath for an overnight stop, a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means a place for Liberation from the present life to Nirvana’.
Day
17After Muktinath, the adventure continues with an easy descent of 1,200 m drop to Kaligandaki River valley, as walk passes Ekale Bhatti as the valley gets very windy in the afternoon time. Walk from here follows on the gentle trail for another two hours to reach Jomsom town for an overnight stop, where the lodge is much better of a high standard with a long list of the food menu, like in Manang village.
Jomsom, headquarter of the Mustang district with a small airstrip, above Kaligandaki River. Located on the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route to Tibet that extends beyond Upper Mustang.
Day
18Morning, having a hearty breakfast short walk to Jomsom airport, and then board a small aircraft for a sweeping short flight to Pokhara, flight enjoy grand views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of peaks. As the plane lands at Pokhara airport and then transfers to your hotel by Phewa Lakeside.
Pokhara is a beautiful and renowned tourist city, blessed with the natural beauty of the massive Annapurna Himalaya that reflects on its serene Begnas and Phewa Lake. Rest of the day enjoy exploring lovely Pokhara and enjoy views of great snow mountains.
Day
19Day
20Day
21On this lovely Nar-Phu Valley Trekking for the first few days overnight stop in a nice tourist standard lodge and guest house. Having large or small rooms with attached and non-attached bathrooms and toilets includes a large dining room with a warm environment and friendly hospitality and services including an excellent food menu with some home-baked bakeries items. But after Khodo on route to Nar and Phu, the lodge is very simple with a limited food menu, but comfortable with nice homely service, clean and hygienic meals to enjoy from few western, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese food available as per the standard of the lodge. From Manang onward till Jomsom with nice lovely lodge and great food menu to enjoy at the end of the trek.
Communication is available in all major trekking destinations from ISTD to STD or Sat-Phone, besides mentioned communication system. Cell phones are used by all Nepalese in whole Nepal. Where you can buy a local SIM for the trek as well, the difference is where you are. Sometimes the network does not work at its best, due to bad weather or in a deep valley and gorge as well enclosed by a high mountain range.
Not at all, the trek is safe accompanied by our expert guide and strong loyal porters. The only health risk could be your personal medical problem or sudden unavoidable circumstance arising as bad weather, heavy snowfall, or rock falls which can happen any time anywhere. Our guides are experts taking care and precaution for the whole group for safety and making secure with an enjoyable holiday in Nepal.
Hiker Himalaya staff and guides as well representatives will be at the airport to receive your welcomes with a traditional welcome of garland and then escort you to your hotel.
For altitude mountain sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the best is proper acclimatization and taking good rest, and drinking enough fluids like water, warm soup, and light green tea or hot lemon. Walking high and sleeping low is another good way of acclimatizing to high altitude. Trekkers with these symptoms should descend to a lower level with accompanying guides, staff, and close friends or relatives. In a very severe situation immediate rescue medical evacuation taking Helicopter service back to Kathmandu or the nearest city with good hospitals. But on this trek hardly people get altitude sickness as elevation gains slow and gradually and staying overnights at certain heights and walking slowly will prevent you from catching altitude sickness.
Nar and Phu valley remain a restricted area to control the mass flow of trekkers to save its pristine wilderness, the other reason is it falls close to the Tibet border further north from Phu villages. As well Phu area extends to Upper Mustang which is another restricted region.
