Nar Phu Valley Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1335m/4380ft) Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the HotelOur airport representative will greet and welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying Authentic Adventures signboard and Group Name-list outside the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle.

Day 02Kathmandu Excursion: UNESCO World Heritage SitesToday 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 Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath which is popularly known as 'Monkey Temple' among the tourists and Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath Stupa, which is also one of the largest stupas in the world.

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1300m/4265ft) 9-10 hours' driveAfter breakfast, we start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi River. On the way we admire terraced farms, mountain views and beautiful villages. After reaching a juncture Dumre, we leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar. About two and half hours' drive from Besisahar takes us to Jagat, the starting point of our trek. This drive gives us some insight of the local people, their lifestyle and culture.

Day 04Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m/6100ft) 5-6 hoursThe 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 steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.

Day 05Dharapani to Koto (2600m/8530ft) 5-6 hoursWe trek through a few forested ridges on our way to Koto. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Koto is a little market town along the Annapurna Circuit trail with police check-post, bunch of guesthouses, hotels and restaurants.

Day 06Koto to Meta (3560m/11680ft) 6-7 hoursIn the morning, we register our Nar Phu 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 bridges 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.

Day 07Meta to Phu Gaon (4080m/13386ft) 6-7 hoursWe start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 3 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.

Day 08Acclimatization Day in Phu GaonToday is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the lost Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. 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.

Day 09Phu Gaon to Nar (4110m/13484ft) 5-6 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.

Day 10Acclimatization Day in NarThis 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 over the Kang-la pass next day.

Day 11Nar to Ngawal (3660m/12010ft) over Kang-la Pass (5306m/17408ft) 8-9 hoursToday is adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kang-la pass. From pass we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngawal from there.

Day 12Ngwal to Manang (3540m/11611ft) 4-5 hoursThe trek from Ngawal to Manang guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang Peak. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. On the way, we pay a quick visit to the Braga monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang.

Day 13Manang to Yak Kharka (4020m/13186ft) 4-5 hoursThe trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and 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 and 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.

Day 14Yak Kharka to High Camp (4850m/15908ft) 4-5 hoursIt is an uphill walk to High Camp. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Chouri Ledar. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, then we trek steeply about an hour to the High Camp. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkang. The view from the view point little above the High Camp is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 15Highcamp to Muktinath (3800 m/12464 ft) via Thorong La (5416 m/17764 ft) 7-9 hoursCrossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around 4:00 AM in the morning and walk up the mountain after some quick breakfast. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Day 16Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m/8860ft) 6-7 hoursWe 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.

Day 17Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (885m/2903ft)After breakfast we fly to Pokhara. 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 Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside area.

Day 18Fly/ Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1335 m/4379ft) 25 minutes/ 6-7 hours' driveThe last day of our trip, we take on a scenic drive or flight back to Kathmandu after breakfast. We get back to Kathmandu in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. You get a free evening to relax on your own.

Day 19Farewell and Departure: Drive to the airport for onward travel journey or back homeThe trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your final departure from Nepal.

Photos of Nar Phu Valley Trek

Useful Info

Accommodations
You will be accommodated in a 3-4 star hotel in Kathmandu and mountain lodge/tea-houses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-sharing basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional US$ 175. Authentic Adventures will arrange rooms with attached washrooms when possible; however, mountail lodges/teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations during peak trekking season.

Meals
During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge/teahouse where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way around mid-day. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be provided in Kathmandu. However, there will be fabolous welcome and farewell dinners for the group before and after the trek.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate to strenous trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5 to 7 hours a day with a light rucksack. In some days we might even need to walk for 7 to 8 hours. Walking in higher altitude is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our 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 diseases should inform Authentic Adventures before booking the trek. We also recommend that you consult your doctor before the trip.

Best Months to Travel
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October and November) are the best months for this trip. Although this trip can be done throughout the year. However, during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone and during monsoon, the trails are a bit wet and the views are not always clear.

Safely Request
Your satisfaction and safety is of paramount concern while traveling with us. Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the original itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we are exposed to weather conditions, health condition of the crew, unexpected natural disasters etc. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Domestic Flights

The Jomsom-Pokhara and Pokhara - Kathmandu flights are very sensitive to the weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best trek seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Jomsom or Pokhara airports.

We can organize Helicopter shuttles or 4WD Jeep drive in such conditions with some extra charge, if it is available and the weather is okay for that.

Any Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by phone or email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: 00977 98511 11907 (WhatsApp, Viber) and/or 00977 98066 00888 or email us on [email protected]. You can also video chat with us on Skype. Our Skype id is bhuwan.stha