Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the most exciting in Nepal, as it enters a land that was closed to visitors until 2003.
Trip Facts
The Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the most exciting in Nepal, as it enters a land that was closed to visitors until 2003. Truly an off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines high peaks and passes, remote villages, narrow canyons, amazing rock formations, and untouched Himalayan cultures. It’s a challenging but immensely rewarding route that’s ideal for experienced trekkers who want to avoid the busy trails elsewhere in the country and head into the real wilderness.
Highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Trek through an extremely remote area that was prohibited until 2003
- Visit Tilicho Lake (4919m), the highest lake of its size in the world
- Cross the challenging high passes of Khang La (5280m) and Mesokanto La (5089m)
- Fantastic views of the Annapurna massif, Lamjung (6983m) and Manaslu (8163m)
- Visit the lovely villages of Nar and Phu, with colorful Buddhist chortens
The Nar Phu Valley trek is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, meaning the landscape is much drier and more barren than at lower elevations to the south, and much more similar to Tibet. It is rarely visited, meaning the villages are simple and the landscape rugged. Traveling here is a perfect way to see how all Nepal once was, before the development of roads and modern conveniences.
The trails are rugged and at times are cut high into the sides of the cliff. There are also two very high passes to cross. The trek, in general, is quite challenging and best suited to experienced trekkers who are confident in the mountains.
The Route Followed
The journey starts in Besisahar, and drives the initial part of the old Annapurna Circuit route, as it was before the road was built. The trek itself begins inDharapani (1960m). Stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) will open up on the first day of trekking, as you steadily ascend.
The trekking trail leaves the secondary road as you head up the Nar Khola (river) Valley, which was previously off-limits to trekkers. This valley is sparsely populated, with the villages far less developed, and the valley gets narrower as you get deeper in.
The trail passes through pine forests and many beautiful waterfalls and towering rock faces as it continues to climb, all the way up to the village of Phu (4080m). Spend an acclimatization day here, where there are stunning views of the valley.
Continue on to Nar, the other main village in this area, which is a bit more lively than Phu. Push on to cross the Khang La (5280m). Crossing the pass will be a challenge at this altitude, and requires one of the longest walking days on the trek. After crossing the pass, descend down to Ngawal, significantly lower at 3670m.
Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit route at Manang, a heartland of Gurung culture, and then diverge again for the trip to Tilicho Lake. This has been called the most beautiful lake in Nepal, and it is one of the highest lakes in the world.
After Tilicho Lake, cross the Tilicho Pass and then descend steeply down to Yak Kharka (3510m) and Jomsom (2720m).
End the trek at Jomsom, from where you will fly to Pokhara.
Accommodation
While the accommodation options on the Annapurna Circuit section of this route are reasonably good, with basic but comfortable lodges, the Nar Phu Valley is much more remote and less developed. Lodges there are very basic, but there will even be a chance to stay in the monastery at Nar Phedi.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1365 meters).
Day 02: Sightseeing at Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Koto (2600 meters) via Besisahar and Dharapani.
Day 04: Trek to Dharmasala (3220 meters).
Day 05: Trek to Chaku (3772 meters).
Day 06: Trek to Phu (4050 meters).
Day 07: Side trip around Phu Valley or Himling Base Camp.
Day 08: Trek to Nar (4150 meters).
Day 09: Trek to Khang La Phedi (4530 meters).
Day 10: Cross Khang La (5320 meters) and trek to Ngawal (3670 meters).
Day 11: Trek to Chame 2670).
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 13: Departure.
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Detail Itinenary
Day 01
Arrive in Kathmandu. (1365 meters).
Day 02
Sightseeing at Kathmandu.
Day 03
Drive to Koto (2600 meters) via Besisahar and Dharapani.
Day 04
Trek to Dharmasala (3220 meters).
Day 05
Trek to Chaku (3772 meters).
Day 06
Trek to Phu (4050 meters).
Day 07
Side trip around Phu Valley or Himling Base Camp.
Day 08
Trek to Nar (4150 meters).
Day 09
Trek to Khang La Phedi (4530 meters).
Day 10
Cross Khang La (5320 meters) and trek to Ngawal (3670 meters).
Day 11
Trek to Chame 2670).
Day 12
Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 13
Departure.
Service Include on trip cost;
- Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu 2 in sharing basiswith breakfast. (3* stander hotel)
- Kathmandu Besisahar land transport by private Car, Jeep, Bus and Besisahar to Dharapani by public Local jeep and same way back.
- Accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on a trek in normal teahouses.
- Salary, insurance, food, accommodation for guides and porters.
- 2 in sharing porter (each client 10 to 12 KG baggage for Porter).
- Annapurna Conservation entry permits and TIMS.
- Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu flight ticket.
- All necessary land transport.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu with a historical tour guide including land transport.
- Government taxes and service charge.
Service excludes on trip cost;
- Nepal entry Visa Fee.
- Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Entry fee at the sightseeing sites.
- Personal expenses like beverages (mineral water, alcohol, soft drinks), telephone bills, laundry, bar bills, personal tips etc.
- All not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Gear List
| Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen about safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Notes: ALL ITINERARIES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED AT YOUR REQUESTS ACCORDING TO YOUR CONVENIENCE.
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