Nar Phu Valley Trek – 22 Days

Nar Phu Valley Trek is a newly opened trekking destination (since 2003) located in the Annapurna region. Inhabited by Tibetan Nepalese where the age-old practices of yak herding and farming are still retained. This region was first explored by Tilman in the 1950 s. After trekking for two days from the border of Tibet.

Nar Phu Valley Trek is perfect for travelers who want to discover the Annapurna circuit as well as explore untouched regions of the country. This trek combines traversing across high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, and lovely forests. Apart from nature witness the unique culture and traditions by visiting isolated communities and Gompas. Learning about the legends, myths, history, culture, and traditions of the indigenous people.  

Overview:

Nar Phu Valley Trek begins with long drive from the valley of Kathmandu toward the bustling settlement of Besi Sahar. Following the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Besi Sahar is the starting point of your trek. From here head towards Upper Ngadi, traversing across a narrow path around rice paddies and a few scattered houses. Along the trail witness grand views of the snowy peak following the rapids of Marsyangdi River. Next, following the river network through the valley. Traversing on near-vertical cliffs high above the river with steep stone paved stairs reach Jagat. Descending along a beautiful broad valley with the might Marsyangdi river winding lazily reach Dharapani. Dharapani is an ancient settlement along this route, which was used as a water stop for traders traveling ahead.

Move towards Nar-Phu Valley

From Dharapani, move towards Nar-Phu valley. Trekking across old-growth forests of pine, oak, and rhododendrons woodlands. Along this section witness grand views of Manaslu and Annapurna II. Then after ascending and descending along the hills covered with deep wilderness and miles of undergrowth, a rock-carved path covered with waterfalls reach Dharamshala. Next, crossing a series of abandoned villages reach the tiny hamlet of Upper Chaku. From Upper Chaku following the wide roads of Phu valley reach the isolated village of Phu. The following day head on an excursion to the settlement and learn about the legends, history, and traditions of people. Also, explore the Himlung base camp. Witnessing the grand views of mountains, glaciers, and untouched landscapes from the base camp.

Nar Village

Then move towards Nar Village, nestled on an alpine grassland with grand views of the region. After an excursion visiting the Gompas of the region and attending to monks practicing rituals and chanting prayers. Relax on the green meadows soaking in the energy of the area. The following day head towards the base of the high mountain pass of Kang La pass. The next day cross the pass and witness grand views of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Marsyangdi valley, Hunde Valley, and ancient networks of caves used for meditation. From the pass reach the tiny settlement of Munje.

Traversing along craggy mountains, dry arid land. Along the views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak reach the bustling settlement of Manang. Then trekking on high alpine grassland with patches of shrubs and dwarf junipers alluvial delta with yak pastures lands get to the isolated settlement of Letdar. Next, climbing a gradual ridge before descending to the rapids of the Marshyangdi and crossing wooden bridges, and trekking along mountain country to reach Thorung Phedi. The base of the high pass of Thorung La.

Thorung La pass

Then cross the Thorung La pass from the top to witness majestic views of Annapurna, Mukut, and Mustang ranges with the Kali Gandaki valley. From the pass reach the ancient settlement of Muktinath perched at the foothills on the other side. At Muktinath explore the region and visit the ancient Muktinath temple. Next head towards Jomsom, a village perched at the banks of the mighty Kali Gandaki. The following day catches a pictorious flight back to Pokhara and eventually back to Kathmandu.

Head with the Alpine Club of Himalaya on this exploration of the raw, wild and thrilling region of the country. Making memories and sharing stories with ones you care about.  

Entry and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Nar Phu Valley Trek:

• Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP): (Approx. US $30)Manaslu
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

1. i. September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
2. ii. December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $500 per person for the first 10 days and US $50 per person per day thereafter.
• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for Indian nationals: 2000 NPR

TIMS Permit:

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The region has several tea-house along the trail and is run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities to luxury ones, where you will have an opportunity to taste various cuisines which you will miss it most of the trekking trails of Nepal.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free WIFI, and many more.

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. A trustworthy insurance company can provide you with a comprehensive insurance plan that covers personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease. We strongly recommend acquiring such a plan.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have absolute authority to change the itinerary, when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.