Narphu Valley Trekking-25 Days

 

A fantastic journey to the wild and unexplored vicinity located north of Annapurna Nepal, this rugged and wild trek takes us to the exotic and enthralling valley of Nar Phu. Nar Phu Valley trek starts from a wonderful place Jagat following the popular trekking routes of Annapurna Circuit trail and then branch off from Koto to follow the off the beaten track to Nar Phu valley in the north of Manang and pass the Kang La pass with magnificent panorama of Annapurna massifs. The Kang La pass links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Neyshang valley. The valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. Trekking to this hidden mountain valley offers medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, dramatic mountains view and great alpine sceneries. We then head west over the Thorong La Pass and down through lower Mustang before heading on to Jomsom. We finally fly back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu next day.
 

Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1100m/3608ft): 8-9 hours
Day 04: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours
Day 05: Dharapani to Koto (2,610m/8,563ft): 5-6 hours
Day 06: Koto to Meta (3,560m/11,680ft): 7-8 hours
Day 07:Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m/13,944ft): 7-8 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Day 09: Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m/13,484ft): 6-7 hours
Day 10:Acclimatization and preparation at Nar
Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass (5,322m/17,460ft) to Ngwal (3,660m/12,008ft): 7-8 hours
Day 12: Ngwal to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft): 4-5 hours
Day 13:Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3-4 hours\
Day 14:Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3-4 hours
Day 15:Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5,416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft): 7-8 hours
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5-6 hours
Day 17:Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (827m/2,700ft): 30 min flight
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft): 5-6 hours drive
Day 19: Final departure from Nepal.
 

Accommodations
We will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and teahouses during the trek. We will stay at Nirvana Hotel in Kathmandu and Snow Hill Lodge in Pokhara. All accommodations are on double-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional. Himalayan Wild Treks will arrange rooms with attached bathrooms with 24 hours running cold and hot water however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
 

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
This trek being a moderate of sort requires a good health of a person with ability to walk on the trail for at least five to seven hours carrying a light backpack. Walking at higher elevations require more physical stamina than at lower elevations but since this is an average route anyone with good health, willingness to walk and passion for travel can enjoy it. For the warm up, physical orientation needed for this elevation can be gained through various exercises that can be done prior to the commencement of the journey. In addition to the sound condition of heart, lung and entire setting of a body, past hiking experiences will be a plus point. Besides, it is advisable that those with any past health problems have to make sure that are medically able to walk on the trail. It is also advised that you inform Himalayan Wild Treks of any conditions before booking the trek.
 

Meals in Trekking 
Typical Nepalese food is the specialty we will relish on our journey in addition to the international cuisine that is Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian and so on. Breakfast and dinner will be provided according to menu that is in the lodge or a guest house. As for the lunch, it will be provided on the way to the next destination. All mealsincluding breakfast, lunch and dinner, will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners.
 

Best Time to Travel
As for the propitious seasons to carry out the trekking in the Annapurna Region, the suggestable time would be September to November and March to May. During these times, the visit will be showered with the arcane beauty of the nature and the outstanding landscape views. To avoid the traffic, you can choose any of the times from December to February. It is also to be informed that during the winter the temperature here goes down low that poses challenges to the travelers. Except for botanists, the trekking in this region in monsoon or summer that is from June to August can be impacted by the rain. 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft)

Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Wild Treks who will take us to our hotel. After checking in, we may take a rest. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Himalayan Wild Treks’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1100m/3608ft): 8-9 hours

We begin our journey at early dawn as we have a long drive ahead of us. We head-start right after breakfast and leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. We see picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive we reach Jagat via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Overnight in Jagat.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours

Upon breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Dharapani to Koto (2,610m/8,563ft): 5-6 hours

We begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally we arrive in Koto village. Overnight in Koto.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Koto to Meta (3,560m/11,680ft): 7-8 hours

In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07: Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m/13,944ft): 7-8 hours

We start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 4 hours of trek we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived). We further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in Phu Gaon.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale in here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m/13,484ft): 6-7 hours

The trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Nar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Acclimatization and preparation at Nar

This is the second scheduled acclimatization/rest day for this trek. We spend the day taking a day hike nearby and explore Nar village and have a close look over the local culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the trek next day. Overnight in Nar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass (5,322m/17,460ft) to Ngwal (3,660m/12,008ft): 7-8 hours

Today is adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla pass. From pass we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Ngwal.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Ngwal to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft): 4-5 hours

From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of Annapurna range. We then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang, where we set up our camps for overnight stay. Overnight in Manang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3-4 hours

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3-4 hours

We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Himalayan Glacier's team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can have sound sleep in lower altitude rather than risking sleeping in a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5,416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft): 7-8 hours

Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Overnight at Muktinath.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5-6 hours

We begin descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge through the arid land. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which has typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (827m/2,700ft): 30 min flight

After breakfast we fly to Pokhara. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to lakeside hotel. We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while admiring the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat-ride in Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside area.Overnight in Pokhara.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft): 5-6 hours drive

Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Either way, we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 19: Final departure from Nepal

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Himalayan Wild representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals: Breakfast

 

What to Bring ?

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG.

• Waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
• Baselayer Hiking boots Socks
• Trekking trousers / pants
• shirts
• Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper/sweater
• Waterproof jacket
• Sunhat Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Thermal gloves
• Warm and waterproof over gloves or mittens
• Headtorch/Headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
• Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
• Water bottles 1 L. Antibacterial handwash
• Small towel Daypack,25/30Litres
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag 4 or 5 season * (rated down to – 20ºC)
• Warm jacket (down)*

 

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (Simple and light)

• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc.
• Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
•  Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies.

Note: Walking pole, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc available on hire in Kathmandu or request we will provide it. NOTES Trip cost will vary depending on numbers of travelers, duration/days of trek, standard of hotel in Kathmandu before & after the trip. Please contact us to GET a Custom Quote.