Nar Phu valley trekking is one of the best, Annapurna region trekking routes, that takes you through the amazing and beautiful Nar Phu valley with amazing mountain ranges in the back drop. Taking you through the ups and downs of the trail, leaving you with the best memories and an amazing experience in the end, this trek is sure to inspire you for a long time.
We will be starting from Kathmandu and travelling to Dharapani on the first and second day of the trek. Through Koto, Meta, we will reach Phu Gaon, where we will be spending 2 nights. From there, we will go to Nar village, spending 2 nights there as well. From there, the trail continues further to Kang La pass to Ngwal and to Manang. From Manang, we will trek to Yak Kharka and to Muktinath. Trekking to Jomsom and catching a flight to Pokhara, we will finally return back to Kathmandu.
The trek will take us through varied landscapes and a scenic natural beauty. We will have mountain ranges in the back drop, which will accompany us through out the trek. This trek also holds a religious value to both Hindu and Buddhists, as it takes you through various monasteries and also Muktinath temple. In the end, we will have some part of touched in 2 weeks of time, and also let us inspire us.
The best time to do this Annapurna region trekking, is the peak tourist seasons of March to May and September to November. Though the trek is possible in the Monsoon (June to August), it is not advised to do so.
Arriving at Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Chaymje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,200ft.)
Distance: 230 km / 143 miles
Time: 08-09 hrs.
Dharapani to Koto (2600m / 8531ft)
Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles
Time: 05-06 hrs
Koto to Meta (3560 m/ 11,680 feet)
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
Time: 07-08 hrs
Meta to Phu Gau (4250 m / 13,944 ft)
Trekking distance: 9.7 km/ 6 miles
Time: 07-08 hrs
Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Optional: Side trip to Himlung base camp
Phu Gau to Nar (4,110m /13,484 ft)
Trekking distance: (9 miles / 14.5 km)
Time: 07-08 hrs
Acclimatization at Nar
Nar to Ngawal Via Kang La Pass 5,240 m /17,192 ft.
Trekking distance: 16km /10 miles
Time: 08-09 hrs
Ngawal to Manang (3540 m / 11614 ft.)
Trekking distance: 10km / 6.22 miles
Time: 04-05 hrs
Manang to Yak Kharka (4110 m / 13485 ft.)
Distances. 10km / 6.22 miles
Time: 04-05 hrs
Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4450 m / 1460 ft.)
Distance: 7.3 km / 4.5 miles.
Time: 04:00 hrs
Thorang Phedi to Thorang La pass (5416 m /17770 ft ) to Muktinath (3710 m / 12172 ft.)
Distance: 15.6 km / 9.6 miles.
Time: 07-08 hrs
Muktinath to Jomsom (2715 m / 8907 ft)
Distance: (23km / 14 miles)
Time: 01 hour drive
Jomsom to Pokhara (827 m / 2713ft.)
Time: 30 min flight
Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400 m / 4544 ft)
Distance: 210 km / 130 miles
Time: 06-07 hrs drive
Depart Kathmandu
On the very first day of our trekking in Annapurna region Nepal, you will be arriving at the capital city of Nepal – Kathmandu. Our representatives from Mountain Routes, will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. They will also explain the trekking routes and schedules, and also anything else, you might want to know about the trekking route.
Today, is going to be a long drive, which will take us from Kathmandu to Dharapani. We will start the day by taking an early bus to reach Chamje. After a long 7-8 hours of drive, we will reach Besisahar, and then continue further to Chamje. From there, we will head towards Dharapani, where we will pass Ghermu and Chamje waterfalls, Marshyangdi river, along the way. We will finally reach Dharapani ater 9-10 hours of drive. Overnight at Dharapani.
We begin today morning, by an early breakfast and travelling towards Bargarchhap. We will traverse through pine and fir forests, monasteries and villages, along the way. We will continue trekking till Danaque, then to Timang. The trail is steeply ascending, so it is advised to trek at a slow pace.
Good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 can be enjoyed from Timang. The trail further continues through pine forests till Latamarang. We will have lunch here and then continue trekking, further through the pine forests until we reach Koto village. We will spend the night at here.
We require a permit to pass further ahead in the trek, which will be manages by our team at Mountain Routes. We will start trekking today, through the bank of river Soti Khola, again traversing through the beautiful pine forest. We will pas through streams and suspension bridges before reaching Dharmasala. We will enjoy the lunch, we packed before and after having it, we will continue trekking further until we reach Meta village. Overnight at Meta village.
On the 5th day of our Annapurna region trekking, we will be trekking from Meta to Phu gaon. This will take us about7-8 hours. We will cross many suspension bridges along the way. After trekking for almost 4 hours, we will reach Kyang. We can see the remnants of the Khampa settlement. From Kyang, excellent view of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II, can be enjoyed. Then we will pass through the Phu khola, walking further on the rocky trail, finally reaching Phu Gaon. We will stay the night at Phu Gaon.
Today, we will be resting and acclimatizing at Phu Gaon, to better adapt to the surrounding climatic conditions. As we are in the Lost valley, we will utilize this day to explore the place and know about its culture and traditions, natural beauty, and the ethnic groups residing there. The ethnic groups residing there consists of Lama, Gurung, and Ghale.
We get to know much about their lifestyle, by just spending and extra day at Phu Gaon. We will also be exploring the Tashi Lakhang monastery. This monastery holds a very high religious significance, as it is considered to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Phu valley also offers an astounding view of mount Himlung and other snow peaks. We will explore these things, then return to our lodges at night.
On day 7 of our Annapurna region trek, we will be trekking from Phu Gaon to Nar. This will take us about 6-7 hours and the trail passes through many streams and suspension bridges. We will then reach Mahendra Pul, which will take about 4 hours. Having lunch here, we will follow the trail, which steeply ascends, passing through many stupas until Nar village, taking about 2 hours to reach. Various Buddhist monasteries can be found here and amazing view of Pisang Peak and other peaks can be enjoyed. Overnight at Nar.
We will spend our 8th day of Annapurna region trekking, acclimatizing to the surrounding climatic conditions at Nar. This is done to better adjust as well as be prepared for the trek, further ahead. This day will be fully spent resting and exploring the Nar village, its people, their culture and traditions, as well as their lifestyle.
We will head out early today, due to the long walk ahead. It will take us about 2 hours to reach the Kang La phedi, from where the trail steeply ascends to Kang La pass. This will take us about 2 and a half hours to complete. We can enjoy the great view of Annapurna range and its snow-capped peaks. From Kang La pass, we will then continue along the trail until we reach Ngawal village, in about 3 hours of time. Overnight at Ngawal.
Today, we will be trekking from Ngawal to Manang. It will take us through the isolated village of Paugh. The Paugh village, will provide us with an amazing view of the Annapurna range and its snow-capped peaks. We will then follow the main trail of Annapurna trail at Mungli. Continuing further along the trail, we will reach Manang. There are many lodges in Manang, where we will be spending the night.
Day 11 of our Annapurna region trek is going to be a very short one, taking us from Manang to Yak Kharka. We will cross a stream and then climb up to a village called Tenki. From there, the trail continues to further, to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley to the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail then continues further, crossing a few pastures, scrub of juniper trees, and slowly gains elevation. It then passes through the meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river, we will come cross the Mani walls and finally reach Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Thorang phedi is a small busy settlement which acts as the stop of many tired trekkers and climbers. We will be trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi, today. It is advised to hike higher and sleep lower, to better adjust to the climate. So, we will not risk travelling to High camp today, but rather rest at Thorang Phedi. We will have a sound sleep and a good rest, being prepared for the tough day ahead, next day.
Today, is going to be a long and stretchy day, also the elevation gain is quite high. We will start early today in order to reach Muktinath on time. Though a bit hard, the stunning view of the mountain vistas will more than compensate today’s hard walk. We will reach Muktinath by sunset, which is a very religious place for both Hindus and Buddhists. We will explore the nearby places and then spend the night at Muktinath.
We will start descending from Muktinath along the gorge of Kali Gandaki river. It will take us about 5-6 hours to reach Jomsom. We will pass through Kagbeni, and upon walking further for 3 hours, we will finally reach Jomsom. We will stay the night at Jomsom.
On the 15th day of our Annapurna region trek, we will take a flight to Pokhara. It is a short flight and will only take us about 35 minutes of time. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will explore the beautiful city of lakes. There are many places to explore, but we only have a day’s time. So, we will properly utilize this by visiting the major point of attractions like Phewa Lake, shanti stupa, mountain museum, Davis falls, Mahendra cave, etc. We will also enjoy the beautiful Lakeside, during the night time.
Today, we will be travelling back to Kathmandu via roadways. It will take us about 6 hours so, we will head out early. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will explore some of the remining places of the valley and also do some shopping. At night, beautiful night life of Thamel can be enjoyed. A good night’s sleep is all that is left for the day.
Today, is the last day our trekking in Annapurna region Nepal, and also you last day in the country. Our representatives from Mountain Routes, will pick you up at the hotel and drop you at the airport. We will share goodbyes and bade each other farewell. You will be boarding the plane with nothing but beautiful memories and amazing experience that is sure to inspire you for a very long time.
Nar and Phu are the two villages which is located in Manga district in southern part of Annapurna region.
It takes about 10-12 days starting from Kathmandu to Kathmandu but it all depends upon your choice and interest to go forward with Annapurna Circuit or Manaslu trek. This trek can be fully customized.
Accommodation in the Nar Phu trek is Tea house which is quite basic but clean. Mostly you will be served with Dal Bhat ( Rice, Lentil, Curry) during your stay in Nar and Phu valley.
Trekkers are allowed to enter with a special permit which will cost 75 usd to 90 usd depending upon the tourist season. It is also a compulsion to have a licensed holder guide to do this trek and validity of that special permit is for seven days only.
This trek is also know as rural trekking and trekkers can experience their stay in ancient village and observe the Tibetian and Buddhism culture. The trekkers can also visit the ancient monastery which was built hundreds of years ago.
Smoking and chewing tobacco in Phu village is prohibited.