Nar Phu Thorong La Trek

Explore the Hidden Valleyratingbased on 1 review
  • Duration19 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 5420 m.
  • Starts Kathmandu/ Pokhara
  • Ends Kathmandu/ Pokhara
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Best Season March to May and September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
2 paxUS$1145
3 - 6 paxUS$1090
7 - 10 paxUS$1045
11 - 15 paxUS$995
16 - 20 paxUS$945
Nar Phu Thorong La Trek Highlights
  • The medieval walled village of Phu
  • The Tibetan communities of Nar Phu Valley and their timeless culture and hospitality
  • Himlung Base Camp
  • The monasteries and Chortens of the valley
  • Picturesque Nar village
  • Kang La pass ( 5320 m)
  • Manang and its scenic outlook
  • Thorong La pass (5416 m)

On the one hand, there's the most popular trek in the Himalayas, the Annapurna Circuit, long considered the most scenically diverse and beautiful hike in all of Nepal. On the other hand, there's the trek to Nar Phu, a hidden valley hidden from public view for centuries and home to a rugged landscape and secluded culture that dates back to distant centuries in neighboring Tibet. Which should I choose? Well, now you don’t have to, because, with this latest offering from Nepal Trekking Experts, we combine the two areas into one glorious journey that stands as arguably the most rewarding trekking experience currently available.

Other than the initial leg, which shares the same beginnings as the Annapurna Circuit, the first half of the trek comprises a visit to Nar Phu, a mystical valley breaking through the mists of time like some latter-day Brigadoon ready to entrance modern visitors with its impressive mix of scenic splendor, cultural integrity, inspiring monasteries, and visually stunning medieval villages. Unlike many other regions of Nepal that have geared up economically to cater to the trekking industry, the people of Nar Phu steadfastly maintain a traditional Tibetan way of life that has stood them in good stead for centuries, from basic subsistence agriculture to the all-important herding of sheep and yak.

The second half of the trek picks up the Annapurna Circuit again where the Nar Phu leg merges with the trail at the village of Ngawal, leading northward past the classic vistas of the Annapurna range so beloved by countless visitors to the area through the years. At Khangsar, the opportunity exists to branch away for a few days to visit Tilicho Lake, the world’s highest body of water, before returning to the trail and pushing on for the final hike over Thorong La (5416 m) and the last stretch to Jomsom for the return drive to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

If you’re looking for an epic and rewarding adventure through the Himalayas that provides arguably the most diverse and intoxicating mixture of landscapes and culture—all wrapped up in a two-for-one package that represents enormous value—get in touch with us to discuss the wonderful possibilities of this trek. Now is the time to experience the distant past that Nar Phu represents because the modern world will eventually seep in and change the valley, much as we might wish to stay at its side. Although the Nar Phu Valley is renowned for being in a "rain shadow," you can trek there in the summer as well. We think you’ll find it as amazing a journey as we do.

Are you still unsatisfied with the Annapurna Circuit via Nar Phu Valley Trek? Don't worry! You may go through the most satisfactory and unique trekking routes such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and more.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, and then transfer to your hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Free day for preparation and sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • Max. Altitude:1300m/4265ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to a bus for the drive to Jagat, where we rest up for the night in preparation for the next day's trekking.

  • Max. Altitude:1960m/6430ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another reasonable day of hiking through another diverse landscape of farmland, river crossings, and numerous waterfalls. The pretty village of Tal (meaning lake) gives us time to pause before finishing up for the day at Dharapani, one of the region's key trekking hubs.

  • Max. Altitude:2600m/8530ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The morning sees the trail climbs steadily through forested slopes towards Timang, one of the trek's scenic outlooks with fine views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. The day finishes at Koto, the gateway to Nar Phu where we check in with our permits at the local field office.

  • Max. Altitude:3560m/11680ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The real adventure begins as the trek leads into the restricted and rarely visited the valley of Nar Phu, a semi-arid region very similar geographically to Manang yet one with its own highly unique and largely untouched culture.

  • Max. Altitude:4080m/13386ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The day's stunning landscapes and secluded nature of the trail are only superseded by the magic of coming upon the medieval walled village of Phu at day's end, a cubist painting come to life of block-like homes and structures ringed around the core hill.

  • Max. Altitude:4080m/13386ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A rest day at Phu gives us ample opportunity to explore the heights and spectacular views on offer of Himlung Base Camp, with plenty of time left over in the afternoon to relax and wander the myriad laneways of Phu and bask in the genuine warmth, hospitality, and traditional culture of the local people.

  • Max. Altitude:4110m/13484ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The long trek to Nar Phedi and Nar Village offers further opportunities to take in the unique landscape of the valley.

  • Max. Altitude:3660m/12008ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A day to savor, as well as a day to test one's resolve. The trail moves steadily away from Nar Village and climbs through the most remote area of the valley to Kang La and the streaming prayer flags that mark the apex of the trek. After pausing to celebrate the moment, take appropriate pictures, and admire the glorious views, we head over the pass to begin the steep descent to Ngawal, the village which marks our return to the standard route for the Annapurna Circuit.

  • Max. Altitude:3540m/11614ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trail leads on through the old village of Braga, which offers up a perfectly situated monastery to pause and reflect on. From there it's on to Manang.

  • Max. Altitude:3540m/11614ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A rest day, the main purpose of which is to allow the body to acclimate to the increase in altitude. Several possibilities are available for the day, including hiking in the nearby hills to help the acclimation process or simply just relaxing in the town and taking in the magnificent views.

  • Max. Altitude:4050m/13287ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Leaving behind the pine and fir forests from the lower slopes, the trail leads on through Old Manang into the pure alpine regions of the upper valley. The trek is a shorter one by necessity because of the altitude gain, and the day's hike comes to a conclusion after a pleasant 3-4 hour hike to Yak Kharka.

  • Max. Altitude:4450m/14600ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another short day of hiking through the mountain wilderness thanks to the need to acclimate to the higher altitudes. By midday, the trail leads into Thorong Phedi, the penultimate destination before reaching the trek's apex at Thorong La.

  • Max. Altitude:3762m/12343ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The grand finales of the steady climb through the valley, peaking at one of the Himalayas' highest passes, Thorong La, after a pre-dawn departure from Thorong Phedi. It's a day to celebrate a worthy achievement, not least the effort taken to make the last final push to the pass and its myriad prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. From there the trail descends steeply towards Muktinath and its glorious outlook towards Dhaulagiri. Muktinath is held to be sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, who view the town and its temple as a pilgrimage site to be visited at least once in their lives.

  • Max. Altitude:2743m/8999ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The final leg of the trek via Kagbeni offers fine Himalayan scenery and glimpses of the restricted and highly secluded region of Upper Mustang. Kagbeni itself, situated in peaceful surroundings by the Kali Gandaki River, is also sacred to Hindus. The trail leads on by the river all the way to Jomsom, a sizeable town that serves as the central administrative and transport hub for the region.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

The drive from Jomsom to Pokhara is a lengthy - if adventurous  - journey, while the much shorter option of a direct flight is also available. With enough time a side trip to nearby Tatopani and its natural hot springs is also available, and certainly worth considering for its recuperative effects on weary limbs.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

A long day's drive by bus that gives provides numerous scenic opportunities - and thrills - along the way.

    Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night stay in Kathmandu, including breakfast (twin share)
    • A night stay in Pokhara.
    • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Nar Phu special permit, the Annapurna conservation area permit, the TIMS card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • Three cups of tea or coffee during the trek
    • Fresh fruits will be provided if and when they are available.
    • Kathmandu to Jagat and Jomsom to Pokhara by bus
    • Complementary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and sleeping bag if needed.
    • Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid-trained local guide
    • First-aid kit
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT
    • Certificate of Achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips for staff
    Route MapDownload Map
    Nar Phu Thorong La Trek map
    Dates & Availability
    Start:SundayOct 01, 2023
    End:ThursdayOct 19, 2023
    PriceUS$1145
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:SundayOct 15, 2023
    End:ThursdayNov 02, 2023
    PriceUS$1145
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:WednesdayOct 25, 2023
    End:SundayNov 12, 2023
    PriceUS$1145
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

    Photos & Videos
    1Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Great Trekking Agency!

      We found the agency Nepal Trekking Experts because of its outstanding Google reviews. Raj and his team provided excellent advice on which treks can be particularly appealing during the late monsoon season. I find it very fair and open that he advised against the Manaslu Circuit, as strong rains and landslides can still occur there at the end of August/early September. Raj recommended a hike in the Nar Phu Valley, which is partially in the rain shadow, and also accommodated our request to continue a few stages on the Annapurna Circuit from there. Overall, I found the transparency excellent. He clearly explained what was possible and what was not, what he would recommend and what not, and that plans can always change due to weather or acclimatization. By the way, the Nar Phu Valley is a beautiful valley that can be seamlessly connected to the Annapurna Circuit, leading through Tibetan villages that are relatively remote. There are significantly fewer tourists there compared to the Circuit, and it is culturally very impressive. Our guide Thakur is a wonderful and caring leader who makes you feel in very good hands at all times. He is friendly and humorous, joyfully answers every question, and after so many years he's still enthusiastic when gazing at the mountains and landscapes. He takes excellent care of everything in the tea houses and accommodates any requests. Communication, organization, and service before and after the trek were also excellent. Baggage handling, pick-ups, transportation, flight bookings, ... Raj and his team took great care of everything! Thank you Raj and Thakur for the unforgettable experience!

      M
      Manuel BSep 14, 2023Germany
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