Nar Phu valley trek is a newly opened trekking destination (since 2003) located in the Annapurna region. Nar Phu Valley trek is perfect for travellers who want to discover the Annapurna circuit as well as explore Nar Phu valley that remains untouched by modernity. The inhabitants, who roughly comprises of Nepalese Tibetans, have retained their age old practices such as yak herding and farming. Nar Phu valley treks up to Nar and Phu, two twin villages and combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures. The Phu is the most beautiful medieval village where you can learn the real life styles of Bhote communities and enjoy rugged and remote landscape of high Himalayan valley. Nar Phu valley trekking trail is probably the best less touristic area among Annapurna trekking routes.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. Permit sort out day.
An early departure, we drive west out of the Kathmandu Valley and along the Trisuli Valley towards the stunning mountain views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges.
We drive further to Bhulbhule from Besisahar. We start walking through the picturesque paddy field till we get to Ngadi, a small settlement. View of Natti Chuli (7800m).
We start our trek by crossing the Ngadi river. After a long climb, we reach the village of Bahun Danda, a large Brahmin settlement. From here we climb down to Jagat, an old customs post on the Tibetan trade route. The village is still inhabited by Bhotiya traders. Views of Hymal Chuli and Buddha summits.
The trek progresses through the Marsyangdi valley. We pass through Kudi, an important trading centre for the region. A noticeable change to both landscapes and people, from becoming less tropical to more Tibetan.
Here the vegetation changes: large area of blue pines, hemlocks and birches gain ground on the subtropical forest. The Tibetan-style flat roofs indicate lower rainfall as we enter the rain shadow of the Annapurna range. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and other ethnic groups. Their lifestyle is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans. From here the view of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountains are just magnificent.
Today we enter the Nar Phu valley. The walk is totally different to what you have experienced in the last couple of days. There is no highly demanding steep uphill in today’s walk, just a gradual up along the gorge, till we get to our camp site in the vicinity of the small hut village of Dharamsala.
At first you will walk through ruins of Tibetan Khampa village. The landscape is combined with white rocks, low shrubs, juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafy bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate and white, sandy trails.
Continue on the rugged trails undulating along the river. You start to see some of the unique, colourful chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. We trek through scenic canyon lands and gorges, and the monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe.
Sightseeing in Phu, Tashi Lakang monastery/Kyauchyu and healing waterfall pastureland. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and go about their daily affair.
We retrace our way back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your steps back to Junam Kharka.
Our trail ascends gradually to Tibetan Plateau like landscape which provides an absolute vantage point of a valley towards Tibet. The village of Nar is the biggest village in the region where the main occupation of the people are trading and farming. Here people still follow one of the oldest forms of religion called Bon Po where the Buddhist priest will offer the dead bodies to the scavengers.
We trek toward north from our campsite enjoying the impressive Himalayan views. You may have an opportunity to witness a very rare blue sheep and who knows you may encounter the elusive snow leopard as well.
Today we have a long and hard day ahead of us; however it is very rewarding as we cross Khangla Bhanjyang Pass. It is a very steep ascent to the top of the pass where there is a chorten and some great views of the Annapurna massif.
We pass through pine forest, Braga village and farming terraces. Manang is a typically Tibetan village with numerous stupas, monasteries and oratories.
In preparation of crossing Thorung La pass, today we observe an acclimatization day, which allows us to adjust to the higher altitude. You are free to explore Manang’s dry and fascinating area.
To reach Yak Kharka, it is an easy walk along gentle undulating dry trails supporting thinly scattered juniper shrubs, while in striking contrast there are magnificent views of Annapurna III and Ganggapurna. Close up views of Tilicho peak (7,134m) and Ganggapurna can be found by climbing up the brown grassy hill from the village.
Shortly before Thorung Phedi, we traverse a scree slope making our way into the village, which is situated at the foot of Thorung La. In the afternoon, there is an optional hike to high camp where we will see a panoramic view of the surrounding Annapurna peaks including Chulu West (6,419m) and Yakwakang (6,482m).
Today is the highlight of the trek, the day we have been working towards. It is a long and challenging day but immensely rewarding. Climb up to the Thorong La with a stunning panorama over prestigious summits rising above 6000m. After soaking in the impressive scenery and mountains, we descend towards Muktinath. Muktinath is a very popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists dedicated to lord Shiva of Nepal. There is a natural eternal burning flame inside the temple. From Muktinath you can see the skyline to the west dominated by the Dhaulagiri range while to the north can be seen arid hills of Upper Mustang.
This is our last day of walking and the easiest by far. The route takes us through landscape of bare, eroded hills with snow capped mountains in the background. We follow the old trading route of Mustang and Tibet caravan that passes above Kagbeni, a medieval village that lies next to the massive Kali Gandaki Khola, as we continue to Jomsom.
Early morning take a flight to Pokhara. On arriving you are free to explore the town, take a boat out on to the lake, walk up to the peace pagoda, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere by the lake.
(Our Trip Ends here)
Stay further in Pokhara or Drive to Kathmandu on your own. 820m.
