16 Days Nar Phu Valley Trek: Nar Phu Valley Trek via Kangla pass

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Annapurna
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    16 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    Moderate
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Annapurna
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    5320m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Tea House
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    All Season

16 Days Nar Phu Valley Trek

HIDDEN VALLEYS UNCHANGED FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS.

This 16 day Nar Phu Valley trek takes you to untouched villages, such as Phu and Nar, rich in Tibetan culture, soaring peaks, deep valleys and high altitude passes (Kanga La Pass (5322m) - were very few tourists venture. This area is unspoiled and its pristine wilderness will please the more adventurous trekker. Wedged between the well known Annapurna and Manaslu regions the Nar Phu valley has some fascinating views of these colossal peaks: Gangapurna (7455m), Annapurna II (7937m), Himlung Himal (4900m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m).

The trek to Nar Phu Valley exposes you to ancient untouched Tibetan villages rich in history and traditional Buddhist life. The mostly Mongolian people with their genuinely warm and welcoming smiles will warm your soul as you stop at the tea houses and lodges. The green pastures where yaks graze is in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape and towering mountains. Being a mostly Buddhist region you will see many chortens (Buddhist shrine/monument), gompas (monastery or temple), mani walls (stone walls that form a 6 symbol prayer), and Tashi Lhakhang Buddhist monastery in Marpha Village. Toward the end of the trek, you will get a chance to relax and unwind at the therapeutic hot springs at Tatopani.

The Nar Phu Valley trek can be challenging at times due to some steep ascending trails, high altitudes, and narrow rocky terrain. The trail takes you through some lush forests and arid landscapes surrounded by magnificent peaks looming right before your eyes. Following the trail, you will suddenly drop into some hidden valleys with their unique style of stone buildings and Tibetan style architecture. The natural beauty and Tibetan Buddhist villages in this remote out-of-the-way place make this trek an adventure of a lifetime.

After driving from Kathmandu we begin the trek from either Chame or Dharapani and follow the Annapurna Circuit Trail to Koto and then up to Meta crossing the Marsyangdi River before entering the Nar Phu Valley. As we enter the more open spaces in the valley we have incredible views of Mt. Kang Guru (6981m) and Mt. Pisang (6091m). The trail passes numerous small untouched Tibetan villages with their unique religious monuments and passes the very strange blue sheep and yaks grazing in these alpine regions. We pass through Nar and then head across the Kang la Pass (5322m) before reaching Tilicho Base Camp (5000m), where we can see the spectacular soaring peaks of Annapurna II (7937m), Gangapurna (7455m) & Tilicho Peak (7134m). At this point, we have the option of climbing to the turquoise Tilicho Lake (4920m) and then head across Mesokanto La Pass (4919m) before heading on to Jomsom. Our last stop on the trek is a relaxing dip in the Tatopani Hot Springs before driving on to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu.

This is a very remote region on the Tibetan plateau where it seems that time has stood still and lost its meaning. This trek can be strenuous at times but is rewarded with an understanding of how the local Tibetan Buddhists cope with everyday life in these harsh conditions.

Key Features of Nar Phu Valley Trek

Explore the lifestyle of the Mongolian Tibetan culture in this far off region near Tibet.
View the amazing rugged and harsh landscapes with mountains shrouded in cloud.
Surrounded by vast mountain ranges, such as the enormous peaks Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna.
Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Cross the high altitude Kang La Pass (5322m) & Mesokanto La Pass (4919m)
The weathered friendly faces of Tibetan Buddhists in their traditional costumes in remote villages
Trek on the Tibetan plateau that extends into Nepal & through Nar Phu Valley
A trail with ever-present Buddhist religious artifacts -chortens, Gompa, Mani walls & Tibetan prayer flags.
Witness chortens, Gompa, monasteries prayer flags along the trail & the lifestyle of the Mongolian Tibetan culture in this far off region near Tibet.
View the amazing rugged and harsh landscapes with mountains shrouded in cloud.

ITINERARY

Expand All

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1,300m) Duration: 8-9 hours.

After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu heading toward Besisahar through a lush green landscape and via numerous villages and farms. We first reach Besisahar Village and then continue until we reach Jagat where we stay the night

Day 2 : Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1,860m): 6-7 hours.

Today our trek begins as we follow the descending trail from Jagat until we reach the river and then continue through farmland where locals grow corn, barley, rice, and potatoes. Along the trail, we pass through bamboo and rhododendron forests before having to ascend to a ridge where we have spectacular views down into the valley and of waterfalls cascading into the river, and views of the magnificent towering Annapurna Mountains. We follow a rock-strewn trail that requires some effort before descending to the river that leads to Tal Village and a little further on Dharapani where we stay the night.

Day 3 : Dharapani to Koto (2,610m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

This morning we start our trek to Bagarchhap, about 1.5 hours taking us through pine and fir forests until we reach the village where there is prominent monastery painted white. We follow the steep trail, with signs of landsides, for another hour before we reach Danaque. Looking skyward we are blessed with some amazing views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We continue for 1.5 hours until we reach Latamarang Village (2400m) where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue on and on occasion get a glimpse of the enormous Annapurna II peak (7937m). We eventually arrive at Koto Village where we will stay the night.

Day 4 : Koto to Meta (3,560m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

This morning we have to register for our restricted area permit and then continue along the trail along the riverbank until we reach of Soti Khola Village located on the banks of the river. The trail continues passing pine forests, rivers before crossing a suspension bridge before ascending to Meta Village situated on a vast open plain on the Tibetan Plateau from where you have fantastic views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Day 5 : Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m): Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today the undulating trail takes us over several suspension bridges and after 4 hours we reach Kyang Village and its ancient ruins where ruined forts of the Tibetan Khampa people who once fought with Nepal and later settled. We pass Phu Khola until finally, after 3 to 4 hours reach the Phu village of Phu Gaon where we stay the night.

Day 6 : Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today the trail descends passing many streams and crossing numerous suspension bridges until we reach Nar Village that has several Buddhist monasteries and some awesome views of Pisang Peak (6092m) and other snow-clad mountains. Tonight we stay at Nar with its many stupas (dome-shaped Buddhist shrines) and incredible stone buildings.

Day 7 : Acclimatization day at Nar

Today it is necessary to acclimatize and prepare for the higher elevation at Nar. Health specialists recommend staying active while acclimatizing, so today we will wander around the village and check out its unique Tibetan cultural icons and meet the very friendly local people with their warm smiling faces. We can also trek from Nar to Tashi Lhakhang (monastery) and head up to Himlung Base Camp (4842m) and only a 3 to 4 km trek. Tonight we stay at Nar. [An alternative to spending an extra day in Phu means you may have the option of climbing to Tilicho Lake from Manang, rather than head through Thorong La Pass and then on to Yak Kharka. This is something you can discuss with your guide]

Day 8 : Nar to Kang La Pass (5,322m) to Ngawal (3,660mt) Duration: 7-8 hours.

An early start today begins with a long uphill trek to Kang La Pass through Jhombu Kharka Village (also referred to as Kang La Phedi) at the base of Kang La Pass. The view from here of the Annapurna Massif is breathtaking. Heading through the pass we continue on descending quite rapidly to Nawal Village where we stay the night.

Day 9 : Ngwala to Manang (3,540m) Duration: 3-4 hours.

Today we leave Nawal for Manang and on the trail pass through the mountainous village of Paugh perched on the side of a mountain with the usual stone buildings. The vast Annapurna Mountain views in the background of Paugh can be seen in the distance. At the small village of Mungi we connect with the main Annapurna trail and continue until we reach Manang where we will stay the night.

Day 10 : Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m) Duration: 4-5 hours.

Today we head off on a 10.4 km uphill trek of around 3 to 4 hours and head to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests and will see yak grazing in the pastures. On the route we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. The vegetation at this elevation is mostly juniper trees. Depending on the conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Leader.

Day 11 : Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) Duration: 3-4 hours

Climbing higher we gradually get used to the higher altitude. We follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola and along with the trail view steep bluffs before reaching Thorong Phedi (meaning foothills). If we are lucky we may see the famous blue sheep and even a snow leopard! This is also home to Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the mythical griffons are in this region!

Day 12 : Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5,4525m) to Muktinath (3,800m) Duration 7-89 hours.

Today is most likely the toughest day of the trek, hiking for around 7-8 hours. The higher altitude contributes to the degree of difficulty and sometimes strong winds in these upper regions. Along the trail we may pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting their goods. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and the eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend around 1600 metres and the brilliant Dhaulagiri (Dhaula Giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. The trail is more undulating and relatively easy before we reach Muktinath where we stay the night.

Day 13 : Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m) Duration: 4-5 hours.

From Muktinath, we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams passing through Kagbeni before we reach Jomson in the Kali Gandaki valley. Kagbeni has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry. Tonight we stay at Jomsom.

Day 14 : Drive from Jomsom to Tatopani (1,200m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we leave Jomsom by local transport to Tatopani taking us through the deepest gorge in the world – the Kali Gandaki Gorge with the Kali Gandaki River that separates the major peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m) on the west and Annapurna (8091m) on the east. As we head further down the gorge the vegetation changes from arid dry barren rock to more lush pastures and farmland. After arriving at Tatopani we can relax the tired muscles in the hot natural springs by the river.

Day 15 : Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

This morning we drive to Pokhara. After arriving at Pokhara we will head to our Lakeside hotel and after check-in can explore Phewa Tal (lake) and admire Mt Machapuchare (Fish Tail) in the distance. Alternatively, we may wish to take a boat ride on Phew Tal – Nepal’s second-largest lake, or meander along Lakeside and do some shopping. Tonight we can visit some of the clubs and bars to celebrate our return to civilization.

Day 16 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!

SERVICES

Cost Included

Drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar or Jagat and from Jomsom to Tatopani to Pokhara by Local bus.
Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus.
One night accommodation in a selected hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast.
Tea House/ Lodge, camping accommodation including meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trek.
Government License holder Sherpa Expedition and Trekking experienced and qualified trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide, (12 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter to help trekkers luggage (2 trekkers: 1porter).
Coverage of guides and porters meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
Nar Phu valley restricted area permit.
Catering extra dietary requirements
All Government and Local Taxes.
Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking appreciation of certificate after over the successful trek.
Farewell dinner.

Cost Excludes

International Flight.
Excess baggage charges.
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and pokhara.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (because of any reason) prior to the plan scheduled itinerary.
Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee extra porters, etc.
Personal clothing and gear.
Tips for guide and porters.
Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Manang & Mustang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.

Physical fitness

This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.