Naar Phu Trekking is one of the best trek of Annapurna region and for those who want to explore hidden valley and trek off-the beaten path, crossing over the challenging high pass Kangla 5306m from where a magnificent panorama view of Annapurna & Manaslu massif is quite rewarding. There are two principal villages Naar 4110m & Phu 4080m. the total inhabitants are about 300 persons who depend on farming & yak herding and follow Buddhism as a religion. It is the main gateway for climbing expeditions to Kanguru Himal, Him lung, Ratnachuli and other peaks.
Overview
Naar Phu Trekking leads to a hidden valley, where the people depend on livestock. Meaning of Nar-Phu is above the tree line, or the upper limits of cultivation, it is in the very north of Manang district. It takes five hours getting to the pass that links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Nyershang down valley.
Apart from the odd researcher and climbing expeditions permitted to climb Himlung, Ratnachuli and Gachikang, few foreigners have visited the area and tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent. Since Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) recently extended its network and has included Nar and Phu Valley, it is preparing a suitable tourism development plan at the request of the government for undiscovered valley.
Trip Highlights
- Cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
- Beautiful adventure trekking into the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Close up views of the mountain peaks.
- Traversing the beautiful cultural trail with majestic views
- Cultural glimpses of the local villages along the trail
Itinerary
Today is the day of your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. As soon as you come out of the Kathmandu airport, you will find our representative waiting for you in the waiting area right outside the arrival lounge. You will be warmly greeted and welcomed by the representative and led to the vehicle. Our vehicle will take you to the trip hotel, most of the time in Thamel, that is 20-30 minutes drive, depending upon traffic, from the airport.
After you check into the hotel, you can take relaxing time on your own as there are no activities scheduled for today, except our trip briefing meeting. We will let you know about the briefing timing upon your arrival.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. We come to take your for a wonderful cultural heritage tour of Kathmandu valley. As part of the tour, we are going to visit four of the UNESCO Heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley. The places we visit today are incredible mixture of culture, history, spirituality, art and stories. Overnight in Hote.
Swoyambhunath
Believed to have been created on its own, this Budhhist stupa is the oldest of all the monuments in Kathmandu valley. Standing atop a small hillock, Swoyambunath, known as monkey temple amongst tourists, provides a fascinating view of the valley, surrounding hills and snow-capped mountain at the distance on a clear day.
Patan Durbar Square
One of the three medieval palace squares, Patan Durbar Square holds its medieval art and architectural grandeur. Amazing skill of the artisans is evident in each and every building that stands in the square. The square comprises of medieval palace, temples and museum.
Pashupatinath
This site is the most sacred Hindu temple area in the country. But, as the temple is strictly a Hindu only area, non-Hindu tourists go there to watch the unique Hindu cremation rituals on the bank of River Bagmati. The death rites of Hindu family there are so engrossing and heart-touching which make you feel the moment. It’s not any kind of intrusion in being there and watching somebody being cremated in an open ground. It’s a great cultural experience.
Boudhanath
This giant Buddhist stupa is considered as the biggest one in the world. This small square with giant shrine has a powerful presence of the spiritual vibrations. It’s an important pilgrimage site for the people following Tibetan Buddhism.
It is a long day of drive to our trekking region. We drive to Besi Shahar, 173 km west of Kathmandu, by bus. We drive along the Prithvi Highway that passes through several beautiful towns with views of incredible rural life in Nepal. We can also enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains at distance. The highway, at most of its stretch, goes along side glacial rivers where we can see rafters enjoying the rapids of water. We reach Besi Shahar to change the bus to a local jeep to drive to Syange past Bahundanda on 30 kilometers of dirt road. After getting off the jeep, we prepare to trek to the next village called Jagat to stay overnight. We check into a lodge and spend time lazing around.
We start the trekking journey on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail today. We get ready for the walk after breakfast and set out for an exciting day of trekking on the mountain trail. Our walk goes higher along the Marshyngdi river valley towards Dharapani village. The trail brings views of awesome landscape. We walk past the beautiful villages of Chamje and reach Tal village on the bank of Marshyangdi River. After crossing Marshyangdi River over a suspension bridge near Tal village, we ascend to Dharapani to stay overnight.
Until Dharapani, we were on the Annapurna circuit trekking trail. But from today onwards we are going to take a different route towards Narphu Valley. We trek to Koto today. The trail goes through wooded section of conifers to Bagarchhap and makes deviation towards Danaque and Timang village. The steep uphill trail challenges us to Timang and then towards Latamarang. Although challenging in difficulty level, the walk takes us thorough such places that boast some incredible views of Manaslu, Peak 29 and Annapurna II before reaching Koto village, our destination for the day.
From today, we are going to enter the restricted area of Nar Phu valley. We check in to the area by registering ourselves on the check post here at Koto village and proceed ahead towards the destination for today. We are trekking to Metha village through the trail along Soti Khola. We pass through pine wooded area; cross several small streams and enjoy the view of the surrounding. We reach Dharamshala and continue walking towards Metha village through pine forest on steep uphill trail. When we reach Metha, we will be welcomed by the majestic view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
On this amazing remote area trekking region, we are walking to Phu Gaun today that takes us over 4,000 meters above sea level. The higher we go, the remoter we feel as we can experience the change in the landscape, vegetation and oxygen level in the air. As we trek towards Phu Gaun, we can feel the influence of Buddhism into the life style of people living there. Along the way, at Kyang, we can see the ruins of Khampa settlement. Khampas were Tibetan refugees who once lived there. After we cross Phu Khola, we go for the final ascent that goes steeply uphill to Phu Gaun.
On the trek today, we are going to a lower elevation to keep ourselves acquainted with the high altitude climate. Reaching higher and then going lower in elevation helps us in acclimatizing with the high altitude climate and to go even higher further. We trek all the way to Mahendrapul today to stay overnight.
We are going to trek to Naar village today. It’s a short day walk so we start the day slightly at ease. Once we reach Naar village, leaving us plenty of afternoon, we can go around exploring the cultural and natural wonders of the place. The Buddhist influence in the culture and life style of the place can be easily experienced. Coupled with the Buddhist cultural wonders is the charm of several mountain peaks that we can behold from here. We spend the whole day exploring and enjoying the majestic beauty of the place.
Another short day-walk to Kang La base camp today! Instead of spending the more than one night a particular place, we are walking slowly ahead towards the next destination. Doing so, we are getting accustomizetripomed with the changing climate and experiencing the joy of trekking as well. After a short trek, we reach Kang La base camp. We will have enough time in the afternoon to explore around the base camp and acclimatize to trek over Kang La pass tomorrow morning.
We get ready for an early morning adventure of trekking towards Kang La pass that stands at the elevation of 5,306 meters above sea level. Although the struggle of trekking uphill towards the pass is quite challenging, the view from the pass makes us forget all the efforts. A super exciting and breathtaking view of the Annapurna massif makes our trip. After enjoying the surreal beauty of the mountains from the pass, we start descending towards Ngawal village for overnight stay.
After a beautiful trekking experience in the restricted Nar Phu valley and crossing Kang La pass, we are going to trek to Pisang village in the Annapurna circuit route. Leaving the remoter region behind, we are meeting the area that will be more crowded than the area that we had been to for a couple of days. Once we reach Pisang village, we will have some time left to laze around.
We start the day after relishing our breakfast at the lodge. Our trek for the day today takes us to Timan village. Traversing the trail and dropping in the elevation, we trek towards the destination along the Marshyangdi valley. The view that surrounds us keeps accompanying us all the way throughout to the destination.
We are going to trek to Jagat and complete a loop on the Nar Phu valley trek. The adventure walking in the remote Nar Phu region and then on some part the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail gives us a beautiful experience of nature, culture and adventure. We have almost completed the trekking part of the journey, leaving just a small part for tomorrow.
We cover a short section of the trekking from Jagat to Syange before catching a vehicle to drive back to Kathmandu. Once we are in Kathmandu, we go to hotel and spend the whole day at leisure on our own. Finding relieving massage, good food, souvenir shopping, and wandering around can keep you busy for the day.
A farewell dinner is scheduled for this evening. We will let you know the departure time for dinner once we reach Kathmandu.
The final day of the trip, we drive you to airport for your scheduled flight homebound or other destination. We will pick you up 3 hours prior to your flight schedule.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Airport Pick and Drop for both International and Domestic flight by Private vehicle.
- Welcome, Farewell dinner with cultural program.
- 3 Nights Tourist Standard Hotel Accmmodiation in Kathmandu with B/B basis.
- Half Day Guided Cultural Tours in Kathmandu with all the Entrance fees.
- 2 Nights Tourist Standard Hotel Accmmodiation in Pokhara with B/B basis.
- Transportation from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Tourist Coach.
- Transportation from Pokhara-Nayapul-Pokhara by local jeep.
- Standard Lodge Accommodation (best available) with twin sharing basis during the trek.
- Full Board Meals (3 Meals a day) while on the trek.
- Trekking Permit (ACCAP) and Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees.
- Professional & highly expertise Government Licensed holder Trekking Guide.
- 2:1 Porters to carry luggages.
- All expenses of the staffs (Guides/Porters) that includes Food, Accommodation, Salary, Insurance, Equipment during your travel period.
- All the necessary trekking gear for porters like jacket /trousers, trekking shoes, gloves, shocks, sunglasses etc.
- Friends Adventure Team's Sleeping Bag, Walking Poles and Duffel Bag, to be return after trip completed.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit.
- Arrangement of all rescue and evacuation promptly, in Worst Condition
- Group Trekking Gears.
- Trekking Map, Friends Adventure Team's special Souvenir.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars.
- All desserts, sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses.
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears.
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Medical and Travel Insurance and Emergency rescue by any means of Transportation including Helicopter evacuation if required.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival).
- Gratuities to guide, porters and driver (Not mandatory but expected as customizetripomary thank you for the service).
- Any other item not included in "Cost Includes" Section.
Frequently asked Questions
Nar Phu Valley Trekking is a Hard trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 5,306m. This is the elevation of Kang La pass (5,306m). Kang La pass is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, Nar Phu Valley Trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Restricted Area Trek, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
