19-day Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our ground staff. You will then board our vehicle and be escorted to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, we will have a briefing session with our trekking guide, who will accompany you on the trek.

Your second day begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. You will then board your vehicle, which will take you westbound from the Kathmandu border. Our road travel will follow the Trishuli River basin, taking the Prithvi Highway.
It is 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu, and we reach Mugling, a popular transit point in the confluence of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. From here on, we will cross the Trishuli River and head west for 28 kilometers to reach Dumre. The road diverges northbound from Dumre, and we reach Besisahar after 2 hours of driving along the Marsyangdi River. The roadway now turns to unpaved and uneven dirt with rocky sections. We travel along the dirt road for the next 65 kilometers to reach Chamje, our first stopover of the trek.
Chamje is a small village in the Manang district beside the raging river Marsyangdi. It is also a popular starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek.

The trekking journey commences from Chamje, marking the first day of your adventure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the teahouse, we embark on our trek. Within moments of setting foot on the trail, we traverse the Marsyangdi River via a suspension bridge, an experience that may be novel to many.
As you step onto the bridge, it quivers under your weight. Approximately one hour into our trek, we arrive at Tal village, nestled along the riverbank. Throughout this section of the trail, you will encounter captivating sights such as turquoise waters, mani walls adorned with sacred inscriptions and symbols, horses and mules passing by gracefully, small shortens (Buddhist shrines), and prayer wheels inviting peaceful contemplation.

The terrain in this area is relatively gentle, with only occasional gradual inclines. Most of our path follows alongside the flat plains of the Marsyangdi river basin while meandering through charming villages. By evening time, you will reach Dharapani, where we will spend tonight’s restful sleep. Dharapani is a significant junction for the renowned Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek routes.

Our trek on the fourth day commences with a delightful stroll along the riverside, passing through the charming village of Dharapani. After a brief hike, we reach a crossroad where the pathway veers north towards Himlung Himal Base Camp. Continuing our journey alongside the Marsyangdi River, today’s segment takes us to the village of Koto, located near the headquarters of the Manang district, Chame village.

The entire trek is estimated to take approximately 6-7 hours. Initially, we traverse an unpaved road with a smooth surface until reaching Bagarchhap. From there onwards, the trail ascends sharply amidst rocky hillsides and winds its way through narrow corridors carved out by the river’s flow. Along our path, we cross multiple suspension bridges and make several rest stops in picturesque villages such as Lata Marang and Danagyu before finally arriving in Koto.

Koto is located at the confluence of Marsyangdi River and Nar Khola, which originates from the high glacier near Nar village. We settle down at the teahouse in Koto for the night.

The trekking traverse today diverges from the raging Marsyangdi River and heads northbound through the basin of Nar River. We cross the suspension bridge hanging over the Marsyangdi River and follow the Nar and Phu village trekking trail.
After about an hour of trekking, we reach Nar Phu Khola campsite (2900), where we cross the wooden bridge connecting the two sides of the Nar River. Our trail then starts its ascent gradually through the river basin.
Our trail passes across this river multiple times during this traverse. Kangaru Himal(6981m) sits west of our trail, and numerous streams originate from its glacier. We will be amused by a colossal waterfall that marks the starting point of Singenge Dharmshala at 3230 meters.

This is the second last stopover before you reach Meta. From here, we take a steep ascent for over an hour. The trail inclines steeply for 300 meters before you reach Koto. You will feel the distinct ambiance of a Himalayan village after reaching Methang.
Methang is the divergent point for the trek toward Kangaru Himal Base camp. We stay in a teahouse at Methang for the night.

The easy route through the Himalayan River basin is from Methang to Kyang. After walking for one hour, we first reach Nar Phedi from Meta. This point is the confluence of Labse and Phu Khola.
We take the trail following the Phu River and ascend northbound. After a two-hour gradual climb, we reach Junam Goth. Here, you will find a river from the eastern massifs of Kangaru Himal.

As you ascend further via Lowe Chyako and Upper Chyako, the anticipation builds until you finally reach Kyang for your overnight stop. Kyang, sitting on flat farmland beside the river, offers a perfect vantage point. From here, you will be left in awe by the astounding views of the majestic Chulu Mountains: Chulu East (6429m), Chulu West (6418m), Chulu Central (6584m), and others.

Today, the trail is filled with small ascents that make gradual climbs following the Phu River. The area surrounding Phu village, including the Manang region, is included in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
During this trek stretch, various sightings of Blue Sheep were observed along the trail. Also, this stretch from Kyang to Phu involves dangerous rocky terrain. After you cross Kyang, there are several landslide areas. We reach Phu village after 5 hours of traverse and settle down for the night.

Phu Village is different from any village you see on your way. Sitting at the backdrop of Kangla Himal (5329m), this village provides an aura of a rural setting from years ago. The mud houses stacked on top of one another uniquely charm the place.

The surrounding Phu village is filled with pastureland and green grassland beside the Phu River. Phu Valley acts as the gateway for Himlung Base Camp. Located nearby is Kyauchyu Waterfall, a stunning waterfall with its water dancing and sparkling in the sunlight.

Phu Village is home to two significant Buddhist monasteries. Thashi Gompa, situated on the northern bank across the river, and Samdu Choling Monastery, located at the village’s western end, are both steeped in history. The area is adorned with ancient mud-built shortens and prayer flags, contributing to a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

You will then visit a typical managed house to see its settlement pattern. On your rest day at Phu Village, we can hike to a nearby hill station for a better view of the Annapurna massifs and Lamjung Himal.

From Phu village, the trail ascends through the small hamlets on the river’s other side. There are hospitals, call centers, post offices, and other modern facilities on this side.

We start our ascent from Phu village and head towards Phu Pass. It takes about 3 hours to reach Phu Pass, which is located at 5050 meters. Thereafter, we start our steep descent journey.

After descending from Phu Pass for 2 hours, we reach Check, located on the bank of the Loha River. We stay in a teahouse at Check for the night.

The Loha River is located between Nar Pass and Phu Pass. It acts like a centered gorge in between these two high passes. We start ascending towards Nar pass from Check and reach the top of the pass after 3 hours.
The view from Nar Pass is not just astounding; it’s awe-inspiring.

The shimmering Annapurna Mountains, visible on all sides, create a breathtaking panorama. Our descent from Nar Pass, through the snow dome and glacial moraines, is a journey of wonder and beauty.
As we reach the bottom of the pass, we meet another River, the Labse River. Two hours later, we get to the dense village of Na.

Today’s trail circles around the base of Kangla Himal. It travels along small streams originating from high glaciers on Kangla Peak. The trail is steeply inclined, with several switchback ascents.

We hike up more than 1000 meters to reach Kangla Pass, today’s trek’s highest point. Before the pass, we reach Kangla Phedi, where the traverse to the top of the pass begins.

It is a strenuous trek to the top of the pass. Kangla Phedi is famous for its occasional sighting of the rare snow leopard. We reach the pass, which bestows amazing views of Chulu, Annapurna, and other massifs.

A small teahouse is at the top of the pass, open from July until September only. We start our descent journey from the top of the pass. The trail from the pass takes a dry trail, which is grassy in some sections. This trail is Yak’s Row and its narrow pathway.

There are no teahouses in this stretch of the trek. We descend for another 3-4 hours to reach Manang village, where we will spend the night.

Note: We will carry a packed lunch for this stretch of the trek since there are no teahouses in between.

Manang village, a prominent settlement inhabited by the Managi people, offers a delightful fusion of traditional allure and modern conveniences. Nestled in a picturesque valley beneath the majestic Himalayas, this village is a sight to behold.
As an acclimatization day, there are numerous activities within Manang village. Just a short distance away lies Gangapurna Lake, adorned with pristine turquoise waters. Moreover, you can embark on an invigorating hike to visit the famous cave that houses 100 monks.

This visit guarantees you will receive blessings from these revered holy men for your successful journey thus far. Additionally, the nearby village of Brabal is home to several Buddhist monasteries, where you can immerse yourself in their prayer ceremonies and rituals. You will spend a night in Manang village.

We meet the raging Marsyangdi River at Manang village and follow its pathway uphill. Our trek takes us through the quaint village of Ghusang. You will witness the ancient monastery at Ghusang and start ascending further.

The trail reaches Ghyanchang Khola and crosses a suspension bridge. Our steep ascent begins after this bridge. The trail is dry and climbs up to Gunsang. We pass through a mani wall before reaching Yak Kharka for our night stop.

You will have two options: stay at Phedi or High Camp. We suggest staying at Phedi but try to acclimate to the High Camp without your bag and descend to the Phedi overnight.

We begin the trek early in the morning from Yak Kharka and begin our ascent. We follow along Kone Khola through various landslides situated in the area.

You will have to be careful while making this traverse. Usually, stones fall from above due to wild animals. However, the trail is serene, with amusing views of Annapurna massifs shimmering towards the south. We cross a suspension bridge over Kone Khola. The trail then ascends steeply northward to Throng Phedi.
Option 2
However, according to your fitness level, we will have a warm lunch at the Thorung Phedi and continue towards High Camp.
We gradually make our way to our night stop, High Camp. Here, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Thorung Peak, Tilicho Peak, Purukung Himal, and a host of other mountains.

Today, we will face the most challenging journey as we leave Yak Kharka. The beginning is slow due to the high altitude. After that, there is snow along the trail in winter. You are advised to follow instructions from your guide.
AMS is a potential risk in this area. It’s essential to maintain a steady pace and hydrate regularly. We’ll continue our switchback until we reach Thorung-La Pass, the highest pass in the world. The area is vibrant, with Buddhist Prayer flags adorning the surroundings.
From Thorung La Pass, we descend along a rocky trail that winds around the base of Throng La. After three hours of descent, we descend to tiny tea houses (Seasonable Open Lodge) an hour before Muktinath. Similarly, we’ll have lunch at the small lodge and continue to the wards at Muktinath for an overnight stay.

Muktinath is a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site known for its iconic landmarks and beliefs about the area. To the far north, you will see the towering Dhaulagiri (8163m), shimmering white. Our trail descends through the dry landscape of the Mustang region.

Our descent continues for three more hours through the semi-arid terrain, a unique landscape leading us to Ekle Bhatti, a charming spot on the bank of the Kaligandaki River. We then follow the graveled roadway, a 2-hour journey to Jomsom, the vibrant commercial hub of the Mustang district, where we settle in for the night.

Depart from Jomsom to Pokhara early in the morning. The flight takes 20 minutes to land at Pokhara airport. You will then board a vehicle and drive towards your hotel.

After checking in at the hotel, you have time to freshen yourself. We’ll leisurely explore the serene Phewa Lake by boat and enjoy some shopping by the lakeside.
You will be free for the Day. Overnight at the Hotel.

We provide luxury tourist buses from Pokhara to Kathmandu. It takes about 6/7 hours through Prithvi Highway. The road follows the Trishuli River basin and takes you through a scenic highway.

We traverse through the small, hilly terrain of Dhading and Chitwan districts to reach Kathmandu in the evening.

Alternatively, you can choose to fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The flight is about 20 minutes long. You will then drive to the Kathmandu Hotel by Car and overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Our representative will drop you off at the international airport based on your flight schedule after breakfast.
Wish you have a safe journey ahead.
Note: Usually, check-out time is 12:00 (Noon). If your check-out time is late evening or night, you need to talk with the Hotel about it.