Nar Phu Thorong La Trek

Explore the Hidden Valleyratingbased on 3 reviews
  • 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.
    • 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
    • Complimentary 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:WednesdayMay 01, 2024
    End:SundayMay 19, 2024
    PriceUS$1145
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:WednesdayMay 15, 2024
    End:SundayJun 02, 2024
    PriceUS$1145
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:SaturdayMay 25, 2024
    End:WednesdayJun 12, 2024
    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
    3Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Nar-Phu Trek - Unforgettable!

      I got back to the UK 2 weeks ago from Nepal after an 18 day trek and a week in Pokhara afterwards. The trek was one of the best that I have been on so far (it was my 4th in Nepal and my second with Nepal Trekking Experts) with incredible and varied scenery, particularly in the restricted Nar Phu region. It was occasionally pretty hard going especially over the Kang La pass but definitely worth it for the experience and the fantastic views - you will not regret doing this trek. Highlights of the trip include the ancient villages of Nat and Phu, the 800 year old monastery at Braga near Manang, the side trips to the Ice Lake from Braga, to Himlung Base Camp and to Tilicho lake, Kagbeni and Marpha.
      I must also mention our excellent guide Resham Neupane who is knowledgeable, attentive and ensured that everything ran smoothly. Our magnificent porters, Dilli and Shiva were totally part of the team and it was quite hard to say our goodbyes at the end of the trip.
      So that's it really, I wholeheartedly recommend Nepal Trekking Experts and I hope to do Kanchenjunga with them in future.

      W
      William DDec 14, 2023United Kingdom
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      A journey to Phu and Naar, Himlung Base Camp, Kang La, Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake and Thorong La

      Two friends and myself recently completed a stunning, but hard, customised 18 days trek to Phu and Naar, Himlung Base Camp, Kang La, Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake and Thorong La. This was my third time using the services of Nepal Trekking Experts and Rajesh made all the arrangements with his usual supreme organisational skills and efficiency. Rajesh is a mine of information and as usual provided rapid responses to our questions before the trek. A special mention must go to our guide Resham and our 2 porters Shiva and Dili. Resham was friendly, diligent, patient and very capable and was always concerned with our welfare. After all, this was most definitely not an easy trek! He also provided excellent advice concerning the itinerary for the last few days which were not finalised before starting the trek. Shiva and Dili were delightful company and were an integral part of our team - the trek would not have been such a success without them. I continue to highly recommend Nepal Trekking Experts to anyone who is planning a trek in Nepal - you won’t regret your decision.

      T
      Tim FDec 08, 2023United Kingdom
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