Nar Phu Valley Trekking

19 Days

Overview

Nar Phu Trekking is an adventure into the wild and uncharted territories towards the north of Annapurna. The rugged trails of this trek explore the exotic and fascinating valley of Nar Phu. The trek commences from Jagat which then follows the ever-popular Annapurna Circuit trail then branches off from Koto and winds along the off the beaten paths to Nar Phu valley in the north of Manang way past the Kang La pass. En-route witness spectacular views of Annapurna massif. The Kang La pass links Nar with Manang and three other Tibetan villages in the Neyshang valley. The valley structure above open ups to a colossal expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient settlements and high altitude grazing grounds. During the trek, you will have to hike into a hidden valley where Tibetan culture is practiced in undisturbed form and also witness dramatic mountain vista along with great alpine landscapes. Afterward, the trek heads west over the Thorung La pass and down thru the lower Mustang before going to Jomsom. The ends at Jomsom then fly back to Pokhara and later on eventually back to Kathmandu.

Outline Trekking Itinerary for Nar Phu Valley Trekking
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1100m) 8-9 hrs
Day 04 : Jagat to Dharapani (1960m) 7-8 hrs
Day 05 : Dharapani to Koto (2610m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06 : Koto to Meta (3560m) 7-8 hrs
Day 07 : Meta to Phu Gaon (4250m) 7-8 hrs
Day 08 : Acclimatization at Phu Gaon (4250m)
Day 09 : Phu Gaon to Nar (4110m) 6-7 hrs
Day 10 : Acclimatization and preparation at Nar (4110m)
Day 11 : Nar to Kang La Pass (5322m) to Ngwal (3660m) 7-8 hrs
Day 12 : Ngwal to Manang (3540m) 4-5 hrs
Day 13 : Manang to Yak Kharka (4110m) 3-4 hrs
Day 14 : Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4420m) 3-4 hrs
Day 15 : Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5416m) to Muktinath (3800m) 7-8 hrs
Day 16 : Muktinath to Jomsom (2715m) 5-6 hrs
Day 17 : Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (823m) 30 min flight
Day 18 : Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive or fly)
Day 19 : Transfer to the Airport for your onward destination

Trip Highlights

  • View magnificent vista of the world’s highest mountain series while flying out to the Kathmandu Valley
  • Enjoy sightseeing tour in UNESCO World Heritage Sites during Kathmandu city tour
  • Witness panoramic views of Annapurna range along with snow-capped peaks
  • Carry out Off-the-beaten paths trek into the undisturbed locations in the Annapurna region
  • Explore Hidden Valleys of Nar Phu
  • Hike past gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers etc
  • Discover ancient Tibetan culture & traditions and the daily lives of the people living in remote areas

Itinerary

After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your designated destinations, you will be received by a representative of the travel company at the arrival gate who will then transfer you to you allotted hotels. If the time persists, you can either visit the city or relax at the hotel to overcome your jet lag. O/N at Hotel.

The Kathmandu sightseeing trip will begin in the morning. After breakfast, you will be taken towards Kathmandu Durbar (Palace) Square, one of the heritage sites where you can view many historical and cultural monuments. Later, you will visit another heritage site known as Pashupatinath Temple. This is a sacred Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva named which is always crowded by Hindu pilgrims. After lunch, visit to Buddhist pilgrimage Swoyambhunath (famous by the name of Monkey temple among tourists) will be carried forward. Likewise, Boudhanath Shrine will be covered by the evening. After concluding the sightseeing, there will be seminar for you to attend to discuss about the upcoming trekking plans. O/N at Hotel.

Today start-off early in the morning as it’s a long drive today (8-9 hrs). The trail passes thru lush green landscapes, rivers, villages, farmlands and beautiful mountain views en-route. You will have to drive past Besisahar then finally reaching Jagat. The drive up till Besisahar is smooth with black-topped road but after that is a bumpy ride however the scenic view from your windowpane makes you forget this. O/N at Lodge.

After breakfast, start the trek with the trail descending until reaching the river then it continues thru a lush forest. You will have to further ascend that leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En-route Chyamje comes into picture. The trail then crosses a suspension bridge and climbs steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging route to Sattale. You will have to cross rock-strewn trail and descend to a grassy riverbank leading to Tal. After Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding then reaches steep forested village of Karte. After crossing waterfalls and cliffs, Dharapani is finally reached after crossing a suspension bridge. O/N at Lodge.

The trial passes thru pine and fir forests to reach Bagarchap. You can visit a white washed monastery in this village. Then continue the trek till Danaque then steeply ascending up to Timang. Majestic views of Manaslu and Peak 29 can be seen from here. The trail then continues thru pine forest till Latamarang. We take a lunch break here then resume the trek crossing forests taking short glimpse of Annapurna II and finally reach Koto village. O/N at Lodge.

Entering the restricted area and we shall register the permit at the check-post. The trail goes thru the bank of Soti Khola again passing along pine forest, streams, suspension bridge and reached Dharmasala. You will continue the trek thru forest and after ascending steeply will reach Meta village. From the Tibetan plateau, good views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal can be seen. O/N at Lodge.

The trek today involves traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After trekking for about 4 hours will reach Kyang where one can spot the remnants, the ruined forts of the Khampa village (the place where Khampa refugees from Tibet once lived). You will further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail until finally reaching Phu village. O/N at Lodge.

Today is for acclimatizing and rest at Phu village. In the village explore the culture, tradition and religious practices of the local community like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. You will also witness the daily lives of the people living in the remote locations and hidden valleys. Also visit the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – listed out of 108 world’s great Buddhist monasteries. It is considered the last monastery built by Karmapa Rinpoche. The valley also offers good views of Himlung Himal and other snow-capped peaks. O/N at Lodge.

Today you will have to descend down passing many steams and suspension bridge until Mahendra Pul. Then the trail passes the high suspension bridge 80m over the gorge of Laphce River. Lunch will be at Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends crossing several Buddhist stupas until reaching Nar village. There are Buddhist monasteries in the village and good view of Pisang peak and other small mountains can be seen from here. O/N at Lodge.

It is the second day of acclimatizing. The day is spent with a day hike nearby and exploring around Nar village. Also witness the culture and tradition, and daily lives of the locals. O/N at Lodge.

This is day is bit adventurous with long day hikes. Start-off early in the morning and head towards Kangla pass (5322m). Spectacular view of Annapurna massif can be seen from the pass. After trekking down will reach Ngwal. O/N at Lodge.

The trail passes thru isolated village of Paugh from where great view of Annapurna range can be seen. Then you move gently uphill to Mungli and follow the main trail of Annapurna route to Mungli. Finally, you will reach Manang. O/N at Lodge.

After breakfast, you will follow a trail that crosses a stream then climbs to Tenki village above Manang. Then it continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley turning northwest up the Jarsang Khola valley. You will then follow this valley northward passing a few pastures, juniper trees then the path steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near Ghunsa, a small village with a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail passing thru meadows where horses and yaks graze. Then you will cross a small river on a wooden bridge and pass an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow to finally reach the small village of Yak Kharka. O/N at Lodge.

The trail goes towards the foot of the pass, Thorung Phedi. Thorung Phedi is a small busy settlement for the tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like to use this as the base camp. We stop at Thorung Phedi this day to get enough sleep in a lower altitude rather than sleeping in a higher altitude at high camp. O/N at Lodge.

Another highlight of this trek is crossing the grueling Thorung La pass located at an altitude of 5416 meters. An early start is important to cross the icy-altitude trail. But the strenuous walk thru the arduous trail is rewarded by the spectacular mountain panorama en-route. By sunset you will reach Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site both for Hindus and Buddhists. There’s a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a monastery nearby at Muktinath. O/N at Lodge.

The trail descends down the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge thru the barren land. You will cross Jharkot and Khingar villages which have typical Tibetan architecture. You will follow the valley floor most of the time sprawled along the banks of Kali Gandaki until reaching Jomsom. O/N at Lodge.

After breakfast, we will fly to Pokhara from Jomsom. It’s a scenic flight thru the gorge of two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the time is free to explore around the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara. O/N at Hotel.

After breakfast leave for Kathmandu. For the return trip, you will be offered a choice either to fly or to take road ways. Whatever means of transportation you chose you will be left with some time to go around the streets of the capital city for shopping. The day will give you the last chance to add up to your shopping list. O/N at Hotel.

As per your flight timings, you will be escorted by one of the representatives of Breakfree Adventures to the international terminal at the Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your flight schedule from your hotel in Kathmandu. A day to bid farewell to the glorious country situated in the South Asia. While waiting for your flight, you can make plans to venture other destinations of the majestic country in near future.
We hope you had a lovely time with us. Breakfree Adventures would be obliged to be your travel partner during your next adventure in Nepal. Have a safe flight back home!

Cost

What is Included

  • Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Guided Kathmandu city tours inclusive of private vehicle and guide.
  • Kathmandu - Besisahar by bus & Besisahar to Jagat by jeep.
  • Accommodation during the trek at guest houses/lodges.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Experienced English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) during the trek including their transportation, food, accommodation, salary, equipments and insurance.
  • Nar Phu Valley Special Permit.
  • Annapurna Conservation area entrance Permit and fees.
  • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
  • Jomsom – Pokhara flight fare with domestic airport tax.
  • Accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • First Aid medical kit.
  • Duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole.
  • Breakfree Adventures T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
  • Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant.
  • All government taxes, VAT and office service charge.

What is Not Included

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs for faster service)
  • International airfare and travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
  • Any kind of drinks (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottle water, cola, beer etc.)
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trip Information

We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.

When to go:
Spring (mid-February, March, April, May), Summer/monsoon (June, July), and Autumn (October, November) are the best seasons for the Nar Phu Valley Trekking.

Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.

Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During the Nar Phu Valley Trek, we provide the best available guest house which is called Tea house (lodge). Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). Some guesthouses are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Keep in mind that there are several places which do not allow single accommodations during peak season, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences if possible. In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route. Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.

We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses chosen from a menu. While Nar Phu Valley Trekking, your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 19 days Nar Phu Valley Trekking is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 4-5 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish the 19 days Nar Phu Valley Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.

The Trekking Group:
For the Nar Phu Valley Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick; the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Nar Phu Valley trek for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.

Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes your Nar Phu Valley Trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP(Kathmandu environment education project)
• Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
• Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.

Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel, that you should consider before booking. Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.

Responsible Travel
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.

Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.

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Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Trip Facts

  • Nepal
  • 18 Nights/19 Days
  • Feb – May and Oct - Dec
  • Minimum 2 People
  • Private vehicles, Tourist bus as per the Itinerary
  • Kang La Pass (5,322 meters)
  • Strenous
  • Jagat
  • Jomsom
  • Cultural Sightseeing & Trekking
  • 4 - 6 hours each day
  • Lodge to Lodge Trek
  • Mt. Annapurna range, Nar Phu Valley, Ancient Tibetan culture & traditions
  • Hotel in Kathmandu, lodge/teahouse during the trek

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