The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a relatively new and less frequented trekking route in Nepal that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. The trek takes around 18 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 120 km (75 miles).
Trip Highlights
- Explore Annapurna’s most remote region
- Observe the Tibetan culture and lifestyle
- Pass the Phu, Nar and Thorong La passes
- Observe yaks grazing on their pastures
- Relax in hot springs at Tatopani
- Visit the highest lake in the world, Tilicho lake
- Stay at Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang
- A day at tourist hub Pokhara
- Visit the renowned Tashi Lhakhang Gompa
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Challenge Trek who will take us to Hotel Norbulingka or another hotel of a similar category. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with a brief cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: D
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Nepal Challenge Trek office or Hotel Lobby. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1100m/3608ft): 8-9 hours
We begin our journey at early dawn as we have a long drive ahead of us. Head-start right after breakfast and leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. We see picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive we reach Jagat via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Overnight in Jagat.
Day 04: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours
Upon breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.
Included meals: BLD
Day 05: Dharapani to Koto (2,610m/8,563ft): 5-6 hours
We begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally we arrive in Koto village. Overnight in Koto.
Day 06: Koto to Meta (3,560m/11,680ft): 7-8 hours
In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.
Day 07: Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m/13,944ft): 7-8 hours
We start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 4 hours of trek we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived). We further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in Phu Gaon.
Day 08: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale in here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.
Day 09: Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m/13,484ft): 6-7 hours
The trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Nar.
Day 10: Acclimatization and preparation at Nar
This is the second scheduled acclimatization/rest day for this trek. We spend the day taking a day hike nearby and explore Nar village and have a close look over the local culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the trek next day. Overnight in Nar.
Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass (5,322m/17,460ft) to Ngwal (3,660m/12,008ft): 7-8 hours
Today is adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla pass. From pass we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Ngwal.
Day 12: Ngwal to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft): 4-5 hours
From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of Annapurna range. Then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang, where we set up our camps for overnight stay. Overnight in Manang.
Day 13: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3-4 hours
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Included meals:B
Day 14: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3-4 hours
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Friendship World Treks’s team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can have sound sleep in lower altitude rather than risking sleeping in a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 15: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5,416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft): 7-8 hours
Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5-6 hours
We begin descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge through the arid land. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which has typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (823m/2,700ft): 30 min flight
After breakfast we check in the airport for Pokhara flight. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to lakeside hotel. We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while admiring the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat-ride in Fewa or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft): 5-6 hours drive
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. It’s better to hold on to the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Friendship World Treks Trekking staffs. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure from Nepal
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Nepal Challenge Trek representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
What’s Included
In the Above Cost It Includes:
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. 4 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast)
5. All accommodation during the trek.
6. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
7. Transportation to and from trail head.
8. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
9. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Equipment such as tents And Mattresses, Cooking Equipment, Camp site charges, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs.
10. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
11. Trekking staffs wages etc.
What’s Excluded
Services and Cost Does not Included in Price:
1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
Trip Information
The trek starts from Jagat, which is a 9-10 hour drive from Kathmandu, and passes through scenic villages such as Koto, Meta, Phu, and Nar before ending at Besisahar. The highlight of the trek is the remote Nar Phu Valley, which is home to ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. You’ll have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, interact with the friendly and welcoming locals, and learn about the unique way of life of the people who inhabit the area.
Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, lush forests, and alpine meadows. You’ll also have the opportunity to cross high mountain passes, including the Kang La Pass (5,240 m / 17,192 ft), which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a great option for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path trek that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. As with all treks in Nepal, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges of altitude and the rugged terrain. It’s also recommended to trek with an experienced guide or group for safety and support.