Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna circuit Trekking

A fantastic journey in a wild and unexplored area located north of Annapurna: the Nar Phu Valley inhabited. This trek is perfect for travelers who want to discover the Annapurna circuit as well as explore an untouched valley, off the beaten track in remote area. A rough and wild trek, this trek takes you to the exotic Nar Phu valley that lies in the remote corner of the Annapurna region. Opened to visitors only in the year 2003, the Nar Phu valley remains untouched by modernity. The inhabitants, who roughly comprises of about 350 Nepalese Tibetans, have retained their age old practices. Most of them are engaged in yak herding and farming. Visited by very few trekkers this exotic land offers medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, dramatic mountain views and great alpine scenery in a Tibet-like flavor.

This trek also offers fantastic views of the Annapurna massif, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dhawalagiri range and Tilicho peak. As the trekking route is frequented by few trekkers, you can look ahead for a 'just the mountains, nature & us' experience.

FACT OF THIS TREK

Trip Duration     

14 days trek 

Max. Altitude:

5410 m. /17853 ft.

Minimum Altitude:

760m. /2508ft.

Grade:

Moderate

Activities:

Trekking

Accommodation:

Lodge

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch , Dinner 

Transportation:

Plane/ Overland 

Trek Departure:

Every day throughout the week

Group Size:

1 person to 20  persons (maximum)

Best season:

September, October,November, March,April and May

Available Time:

All months except December and January

Per day hiking:

4 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu-Beshisahar - Bulbule ( 860m./2838ft.) 6 hours drive
You drive along the Kathmandu-pokhara highway to dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the marshyangdi river to besi sahar . You will pass some of the mountain peaks, beautiful water fall, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. Stay overnight at Bulbule. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Besisahar-Taal-Koto/Chame ( 2630m./8679ft.) 6 hours drive 
You drive a gradually ascending path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views you can enjoy are of Annapurna II and Manaslu range along with beautiful views of forests on the way which add another dimension to your trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and other ethnic groups. Their lifestyle is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans. Stay overnight at lodge in Koto .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Koto-Dharmasala- Meta ( 3550m./11715ft.) 6 hour walk
Trek from Koto to Dharmasala takes about six hours. This morning you head out early, as you have a long and somewhat difficult day before you. You cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valley and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola. The route takes you through some beautiful woods and past several small caves, and a pilgrims’ Dharmasala. After you emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the Dharmasala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. Stay overnight at lodge .
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Meta- Kyang- Phu village ( 4080m./13464ft.) 6 hour walk
Trek to Phu village. Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank and past the “submarine” rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon lands and gorges, and the monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe. This ancient gate provides you the first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old “dzong” and the remains of the two forts, which are all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu.

Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill. You will set up camp on the lower reaches of Phu, formerly called Gomdzong, and head up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa on a neighboring hillside to pay your respect to Lama Karma Sonam. Stay overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Excursion around Phu valley
You could have interaction with locals and explore up the wide valley systems above you. You might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hours walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat. Stay overnight at same camp in Phu Valley .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Phu village- Nar phedi- Nar village ( 4110m./13563ft.) 6 hour walk
Trek from Phu village to Nar village. You get back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your steps back to Junam Kharka which is a lovely spot for camping. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Nar village –Kang la pass- Ngawal ( 3660m./12078ft.) 8 hours walk
Trek to Ngawal via crossing Kang La pass. The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking its toll. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and then more gradual as you reach the end.
Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit (off the main Annapurna circuit), can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is very nice and easy with enchanting views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of chortens and prayer flags which marks a meditation cave far up in the hills. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times. Stay overnight at lodge in Ngawal.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ngawal- Braga- Manag ( 3540m./11682ft.) 5 hours walk
Trek from Ngwal to Manang takes about three hours. This day you walk through leveled path along the bank of the Marshyangdi river to reach Manang. On the way you pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. You can enjoy the views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes. Manang is a small town. Stay overnight at lodge in Manang.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Acclimatization
Rest day for acclimatization. Enjoy the fascinating village and immerse yourself in its wonderful culture. There are many opportunities for both easy and strenuous day. Explore with spectacular side trips to Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake and Glacier. Stay at same place overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Manang- Batase danda-Yak kharka ( 4110m./13563ft.) 4 hours walk
Today is a short walk up to Yak Kharka, a small settlement  . Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Yak Kharka-Lader-Throng Phedi ( 4600m./15180ft.) 4 hours walk
Make your way to the village of Throng Phedi. you will reach this small, busy settlement which caters to both trekkers and climbers. It is used as a base camp as well as the starting point for the climb up to the famous pass – Throng La. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Throng Phedi-Throng La Pass-Muktinath ( 3800m./12540ft.) 9 hours walk
An early start is important to begin a long day's trek over the pass. Crossing the famous Throng La pass {5,416m/17872 ft} will be an unforgettable experience. Breathtaking scenes of the high Himalayan peaks are presented from both the trail and the summit of the pass. Stay overnight at lodge. 
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will visit a Vishnu Temple, 108 holy taps, natural flame and Gompa.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Muktinath-Kagbeni -Jomsom (2670m./8811ft.) 5 hours walk
The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. After walking 5 hours, you reach Jomsom  and stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Jomom-Pokhara by flight
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes. You will have fantastic flight as “ Mountain flight” to Pokhara . You will see Nilgiri, Annaurna I, Annapurna south, Himchuli, Fish tail and other peaks on left hand side and Dhaulagiri, tilicho peak, manapathi mountains and other peaks can be seen at right hand side.
Meals included : Breakfast

Trek ends

Nar Phu Special Permit
Nar Phu valley special permit is necessary for this trek. The rate is fixed by Department of immigration of Nepal September to November $ 100 or equivalent  per person per week and December to August $ 75 or equivalent per person per week. It has to be obtained through government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks with certain formality and proceedure. It can be issued only from department of immigration of Nepal - Kathmandu . We have included in our package.  

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)

The provision of  ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Annapurna Circuit and ABCTrekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand  rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. It is included in our package. 

Trekking Clothing equipment 

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants 
-  T-shirts. 
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap 
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 
- Small daypack - 25 liters. 
- Wind proof jacket  and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 
- Small towels 
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 
- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Thorong la pass which is elevated at 5416 meter. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Nar Phu valley and Annapurna Circuit is moderate level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5410 meter, you are preferred an 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 Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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