Annapurna Nar and Phu Valley Trekking in Nepal

Nar and Phu Valley & Tilicho Lake trekking is an ideal for those trekkers who have time and appetite to venture into some of the less trodden remote regions of Nepal beyond the regular trekking routes. This tented camping trek offers the pictorial landscape of recently opened region of Nar and Phu valley, situated just north of popular Annapurna circuit route. The Nar Phu valley topography is Trans Himalayan and similar to Tibet. Trails are still rugged that has changed little over the years. We spend few days in exploring this remote valley and cross the Kang La pass (5300m) on the way to Manang. Since few years, research travelers are increasing to research Snow – Leopard in this region. Leaving famed Manang we head to Jomsom via the best-kept secret remote trekking route of Meso Kanto pass (5099m) and the world’s highest situated outstanding Tilicho Lake (4919m). This less trodden trail offers a more challenging and exciting alternative to the popular Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route. We take mountain flight to Pokhara to savor our exhilarating journey to Nar Phu valley and Tilicho Lake trip.

Highlights of Trekking: -
Panoramic Himalayan scenery, Kang La pass, Thorung La pass, exploring hidden valley of Nar and Phu, Manang, Ngawal village, old monasteries in Phu village and beautiful Himalayan tribes.

Fact of Trekking: -
Trekking Destination: Nar / Phu & Kangla Pass (5315m) & Thorong La Pass (5416m)
Group Size : Min - 2 :: Altitude Ranges: 760m to 5416m : : Grade :  Moderate to Strenuous : : Season : Spring & Autumn : : Accommodation : Tented Camp : : Duration : 28 Days : : Entry : Besi Sahar : Exit : Pokhara 

Suggested itinerary in details: 23 Days

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1348m).
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Khudi (800m)
Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1310m)
Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1430m)
Day 06: Trek to Bagarchhap (2130m)
Day 07: Trek to Koto. (2600m)
Day 08: Trek to Dharamsala (3230m)
Day 09: Trek to Kayang (3740m)
Day 10: Trek to Phu (4050m)
Day 11: Explore at Phu Village (4050m)
Day 12: Trek to Junam (3550m)
Day 13: Trek to Nar (4150m)
Day 14: Explore around at Nar Village
Day 15: Trek to Ngawal (3675m) via through cross Kang La Pass (5240m)
Day 16: Trek to Manang (3540m)
Day 17: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4550m)
Day 18: Trek to Muktinath (3800m)
Day 19: Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 20: Trek to Jomsom (2730m)
Day 21: Fly to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Day 22: Rest at Kathmandu to explore around.
Day 23: Drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your onward destination.

Discount Offers:

- 4 plus offer: If you collect 4-9 people in a group then 40 USD discount on per person's price.
- 10 plus offer: If you collect 10 or more than 10 people in a group then 40USD discount on per person's   price and one (Trip Leader) get free trip.
- Winter offer: If you travel in winter (December and January) USD 50 discount on per person's price.
- Monsoon offer: If you travel in Monsoon (June and July) USD 50 discount on per person's price.
- Early Booking Offer: If you Book a Trip 6 months before the trip departure, you will get 5% discount from original cost.

Special Notes:

PRICE: All the Prices are in US $ Dollar Per Person.
AVAILABLE: This date is available and open for booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed for departure.
LIMITED: There are a very limited number of available places on this departure.

- If the above set departure dates are not suitable for you, you may choose your own departure date. These types of departures are best suited for solo travellers, couples, families, charity and small groups. 
- Customized/Tailor-made itinerary are available on request.

Suggested itinerary in details: 23 Days

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1348m)
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu/Bhaktapur. After time to get refreshed, and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing.
We do three places Kathmandu valley sightseeing - Swayambhunath (the monkey temple), Boudhanath Stupa watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm and Hindu Pashupatinath temple.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Khudi (800m)
We take a private bus for the 6 hour drive to the end of the road, either at Besi Sahar or walking to the small Gurung village of Khudi, where we spend our first night.

Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1310m)
Leaving Khudi we trek typical middle hills. After crossing a suspension bridge at Bhulbhule, the trail passes a waterfall and as we traverse the rice terraces the views of Manaslu are magnificent. From here we climb, steep and hot, to Bahundanda.

Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1430m)
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda through green rice terraces before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. Chamje is an atmospheric village of traditional style teahouse, always packed with local horses, also bedding down for the night.

Day 06: Trek to Bagarchhap (2130m)
The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II (the 16th highest mountain on the planet) becomes visible ahead, we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Day 07: Trek to Koto. (2600m)
After an hour of lovely, open forests, we reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where we will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. On the way we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a stunning sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan Mountains! This is where the 'Remote Nar Phu' and the 'Lost Worlds of Manaslu & Nar Phu' treks meet.

Day 08: Trek to Dharamsala (3230m)
This morning we head out early, as we have a long and somewhat difficult day before us. Just past the check post, we cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys, and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola (river). The route takes us through some beautiful woods and past several small shelters (caves) and a pilgrims' 'Dharmasala'.

Day 09: Trek to Kayang (3740m)
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings us finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. We pass by the scenic kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where we will probably share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The landscape is similar to the Sierra Nevada; white rocks, low shrub and juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafed bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate, white, sandy trails and knarled trees. Last year we saw a massive yak caravan from Phu pass by at Chako on their way down to Manang to re-supply. A scene from old Tibet! Many more ups and downs take us to tonight's campsite at Kyang, the extensive winter settlement of Phu, on a plateau high above the river.

Day 10: Trek to Phu (4050m)
Dropping steeply down to the river, we trek for a while along the river bank and past the "submarine" rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. Today, we really start to see some of the unique, colorful chorten for which Nar and Phu are justly famous. We have to rock-hop carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Some large steps do the trick! Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon lands and gorges, and the "leaning tower of Pisa" monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe. This ancient gate provides us with our first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old "dzong" and the remains of two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu. Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chorten color the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill, amphitheater style. We will set up camp on the lower reaches of Phu, formerly called Gomdzong, and head up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa on a neighboring hillside to pay our respects to Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche, a "trulku" who came to Nepal with HH the Dalai Lama back in '59. He is also a renowned "amchi" or Tibetan doctor, as well as a thanka painter and father of several children (some "trukus" as well as certain lamas are permitted to marry). Later, we might head up to the village to hunt down some chang.

Day 11: Explore at Phu  Village (4050m)
Having spent quite a few days getting to Phu, we will spend an extra day in the area to enjoy it, meet the local Phu residents and do some exploring up the wide valley systems above us. Tibet is two long days away, so a bit far for a visit, but we might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement, or "kharka" at Ngoru, a three hour's walk past the Gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village, and a day is well spent sitting with the villagers as they spin their yak and sheep wool and chat, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or involve themselves in the countless activities that take up a day in Tibetan villages. For photographers, the light is spectacular, and the skies a deep blue and we may even see some blue sheep on the surrounding hillsides.
An alternative daytrip for those with lots of energy: a hike towards the east through a glacial valley leads to Himlung Himal Base Camp (7125m) peak recently opened for climbing. There are usually a few expeditions climbing this peak, as well as nearby Gyanji Kang. The mountain views are tremendous! For others, a walk west up past Phu towards the chorten on the hillside provides some incredible vistas and views down over Phu and the surrounding fields, forts, valleys and peaks. A wander through the village will probably involve an invitation into someone's home for some authentic Tibetan salt butter tea, or perhaps a small glass of local 'raksi'.

Day 12: Trek to Junam (3550m)
Back through Phu gate, we descend to the river, and retrace our steps back to Junam Kharka, a lovely spot as any for our campsite for the evening. In 2003 we camped with some Phu residents (all but one woman) on their way back up to Phu with huge loads of planks from the nearby forests, and the evening was filled with Tibetan, or Manangi songs, smoky shelters and that unique Tibetan laughter.

Day 13: Trek to Nar (4150m)
Another classic Himalayan trekking day, as we trek down to the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge (cameras out for this crossing!), and then all the way back up again. It's a good thing the scenery is so stunning ... Below us sit Gyalbu Khumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. We finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chorten and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old, colorful and traditional Gompa and the snow-peaks looming overhead. We arrive early, so will have some lunch in the sun before doing some exploring. And what exploring there is to do...

Day 14: Explore around at Nar Village
Physically, Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, but it feels centuries away, is rarely visited by trekkers and is about as picturesque as they come. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu, and the village 'square' is full of chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets, pounding mustard seeds for oil, or spinning the ubiquitous wool while catching up on the news. The children in Nar seem to be always out in the streets, presumably preferring this life to the classroom! Each family in Nar seems to have at least one son or daughter in a Gompa, and many live at home or visit frequently, so there is the resonating sound of cymbals, chanting and drums echoing throughout the village. Other Nar villagers may be printing prayer flags, doing some carpentry, collecting wood from the forest and carrying large loads with a head-strap back up to the house, harvesting the crops, tending the yaks, sheep and goats or spinning the prayer wheels in the center of town.
Alternatives for day excursion: visit some of the Gompa, climb the prayer-flag festooned hill above Nar for wonderful views, or sit at our lovely guest house overlooking the whole scene in the sun, sheltered from the chilling and ever-present afternoon winds. It is a good day to try some local buckwheat pancakes or 'diro'. Depending on the condition of the group, we will either spend the night at Nar, or leave early afternoon for a two hour easy walk up the valley towards the pass, and camp just below the access trail to the pass by the river.

Day 15: Trek to Ngawal (3675m) via through cross Kang La Pass (5240m)
The Kang La is not a difficult pass in GOOD conditions, but it can be a long and difficult day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking its toll. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, and the peaks surrounding Tilicho.
Ngawal; the place on the Upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit trek. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times.

Day 16: Trek to Manang (3540m)
We start the day with a two hour walk through open forest to Braga, an old Tibetan-style village of about 150 partially deserted houses. We have time to explore the old village of Braga, with its large, old Gompa perched colorfully above the stacked houses. The Gompa has an elaborate collection of thanka and statues, and it is worth finding the key-keeper to open the assembly hall and ‘lha khangs’ for us. Braga also has an impressive collection of traditional architectural details, so keep your eyes open for beautifully carved wooden windows and doors. The prayer wheels and chorten at the foot of Braga are particularly brightly painted.

Day 17: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4550m)
We will walk 5 hour walk up to the Thorung La Base Camp Hotel at Thorung Phedi, and a free afternoon to either hike up to the lodge at High Camp for some acclimatization, .

Day 18: Trek to Muktinath (3800m)
Up early for the four hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 5400m, where we are treated with spectacular views over Mustang and the surrounding peaks. We stay just five minutes down the trail from Muktinath at Ranipauwa.
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus situated in a tranquil grove of trees, and contains a wall of 108 waterspouts in the shape of cow heads spouting sacred water, the Jwala Mai temple with a perpetual spouting flame and the pagoda-styled Vishnu Mandir, all of which make up the auspicious combination of earth, fire and water. We bed down for the night, finally, at the Royal Mustang Lodge, with a great dining area and hot showers.

Day 19: Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)
This morning we trek along a wonderful trail through more Mustang villages. Half an hour down the trail, Jharkot is an old Mustang village with a medieval feel to it, a Shakya Gompa which is a traditional medicine center and incredibly photogenic whitewashed houses and streets. We stay at the Annapurna Lodge, a traditional guest house with wonderful rooms.

Day 20: Trek to Jomsom (2730m)
We might take an alternative route to Jomsom valley down the west side of the river depending on the conditions of the trail. There are groups of villages near the trail to visit; otherwise we will walk down the Kali Gandaki riverbed, looking for saligrams along the way, to Jomsom, the administrative center for the region.

Day 21: Fly to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Early in the morning fly to Pokhara and changes plane at Pokhara airport for Kathmandu. If anyone is interested in spending some time more time in Pokhara, just let us know.

Day 22: Rest at Kathmandu to explore around.

Day 23: Drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your onward destination.

NOTE: On Nar Phu Valley trekking, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Note: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner, A - Accommodation

Includes in the Packages:

- Kathmandu International Airport transfer by private vehicles.
- 2 Night Hotels in Kathmandu/ Bhaktapur and 1 night in Pokhara on BB plan.
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara with domestic airport taxes.
- All land transfer as per given itinerary.
- Annapurna Conservation entry permits fees.
- TIMS (Trekkers Information System) permit.
- Special controlled region permits for Nar and Phu Village
- Tented accommodation and guest house accommodation during the trekking.
- 3 meals in each day (Bf, Lunch Dinner) serve with hot drinks while on camping trekking days.
- Fully escorted trek with fluent English speaking license holder Local Mountain trekking Guide, professional cook, Sherpa & required porters as upon the group size.
- All kitchen and cooking equipment's during the trekking.
- All program according to itineraries on full board.
- Trekking equipment and other facilities to Nepali trekking staffs.
- Food, accommodation, salary and Insurances for all Nepali trekking crew.
- We will show you a special video documentary about Annapurna region trekking in our office before your trip departure
- A special gift: through the Company “Gokyo Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd.

Excludes in the packages:-

- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)
- Optional Excursions: optional excursions such are culture trips, ethno trips, and festival trips, monastery meditation with Lama & monks, nature medicine trips, bird watching, sports, farming trips and other incentive trips as per the client’s interest.<
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters.
- Hot Shower in during the trekking period
- Cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form, cancellation of flight or reasons beyond our control.
- Personal equipment, nature or any donation.
- All types of drinks.
- Tips for the crew (Note: TIPS is not compulsory but expected)
- International Airfare and departure airport taxes.

Guest feed back / Testimonials

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Equipments checklist: -

When selecting your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you'll be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleecy jacket
T - Shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp.
Mountain trekking boots, Polypropylene/wool socks, Light cotton socks for under wool socks.
Rucksack, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, Sun block for lips
- Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Insulated pants Nylon windbreaker
- Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit
- Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries

What Our client Saying!!

In August 2010 I have trekked with my son and a friend the Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar to Beni. We had a guide, from Gokyo Treks Co.

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