Nar Phu Valley Trek Tour

Narphu Valley Trekking is considered one of the best treks in the Annapurna region, ideal for those who want to explore a hidden valley and trek off the beaten path while crossing challenging high passes such as Masokanto La (5099m), Kangla Pass (5200m), and Tilicho Pass (5230m) with the beautiful Tilicho Lake. Hidden by swirls of mountain mist, the magnificent panorama of the Annapurna Massif appears remote and forbidding from Kangla Pass at 5200m.

Our destination is the Nar-Phu Valley, located above the tree line on the upper limits of cultivation, in the northernmost part of the Manang district. It takes about five hours to reach the pass that links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Nyershang Valley.

Today, Nar Phu has around 300 inhabitants who depend on livestock. Unlike most Bhotia people whose trading patterns changed drastically after the Nepali Government closed the border with Tibet, the people of Nar and Phu Valley were least affected by this change.

The tortuous path leading from the valley into Tibet had never made them dependent on the salt trade, and until today, yak herding remains the basis of their livelihood. The Nepal Government’s recent decision to open Nar and Phu to tourists has created little enthusiasm among villagers whose pastoral lifestyle continues unchanged.

Apart from the occasional researcher and climbing expeditions permitted to climb Himlung, Ratna Chuli, and Gachikang, very few foreigners have visited the area, and tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent. Since the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has recently extended its network to include Nar and Phu Valley, it is now preparing a suitable tourism development plan at the government’s request for this undiscovered region.

TRIP FACTS:

Trekking Region: Annapurna Region
Trek Name: Nar Phu Valley Trekking
Best Season: September to December & March to May
Trek Type: Lodge Trek (Tea House)
Maximum Height: 5322m (Kangla Pass)
Transport: Flight / Bus

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transfer to the hotel. A welcome dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m)

Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. A normal drive takes about seven hours.

Day 03: Besisahar to Bahundanda (1310m)

After breakfast, start trekking to Bahundanda. Lunch will be served en route. The trail passes through a deep river gorge, rice fields, subtropical forest, and small hamlets, with majestic views of Himalchuli and Manaslu. Overnight in Bahundanda.

Day 04: Bahundanda to Chamje (1430m)

Trek to Chamje via a steep, slippery trail passing paddy fields and small Tibetan villages. The trail ascends through rhododendron forests before reaching Chamje.

Day 05: Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m)

The trail follows the river through bamboo groves. You will cross barley and potato fields near Dharapani. Visit the Tibetan Monastery at Bagarchhap and enjoy views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Day 06: Bagarchhap to Koto (2670m)

Trek along a mule track through dense forests of fir, pine, oak, and maple. This region is also rich in ancient culture.

Day 07: Koto to Chhacha (3200m)

After breakfast, begin trekking to Chhacha through alpine vegetation. Overnight in Chhacha.

Day 08: Chhacha to Meta (3700m)

Trek to Meta with lunch on the way. The trail passes through forests and small rivers. Overnight at Meta (camp).

Day 09: Meta to Junum (4000m)

Trek to Junum with lunch served en route. Overnight camping at Junum.

Day 10: Junum to Phu Valley (4200m)

Trek to Phu Valley. Lunch is served on the way. Overnight camping in Phu.

Day 11: Rest Day in Phu

Explore the valley, interact with locals, and learn about their unique lifestyle and culture.

Day 12: Phu to Yak Kharka

Trek to Yak Kharka after breakfast. Lunch on the way. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Day 13: Yak Kharka to Panggi Pass

Trek to Panggi Pass with lunch en route. Overnight in tents at Panggi Pass.

Day 14: Panggi Pass to Nar (4000m)

Trek to Nar while enjoying the sight of various mountain wildlife. Overnight in Nar.

Day 15: Nar to Youingar

Trek from Nar to Youingar. Lunch is served on the way. Overnight in Youingar.

Day 16: Youingar to Kangla Pass (5322m)

After an early breakfast, trek to Kangla Pass. Lunch on the way.

Day 17: Kangla Pass to Manang (3351m)

Trek to Manang through grazing lands, crop fields, and Tibetan settlements. Enjoy views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tarkekang. Visit monasteries and the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) office for altitude information.

Day 18: Manang to Khangsar Khola (3734m)

Trek to Khangsar Khola. The river cuts through a dramatic gorge with Tilicho Peak visible above. Khangsar is one of only two accommodation options between the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake.

Day 19: Khangsar Khola to Tilicho Lake (4920m)

Trek to Tilicho Lake Base Camp (4150m) and onward to Tilicho Lake (4920m), one of the highest lakes in the world. You may visit a monastery on the way.

Day 20: Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5099m)

Trek to Mesokanto Pass. Despite being a dry area, water is available at the camp. Overnight at Mesokanto Pass (5099m).

Day 21: Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2710m)

Trek to Jomsom, also known as Dzongsam. The view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri provides a stunning backdrop. Fossils from the Jurassic era can be found in this region.

Day 22: Jomsom to Pokhara

Early flight to Pokhara (25 minutes). Sightseeing around Pokhara and overnight at a hotel.

Day 23: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Fly or drive back to Kathmandu. Shopping in the afternoon. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 24: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.