Nar Phu Thorong La Trek

Explore the Hidden Valleyratingbased on 4 reviews
  • Duration19 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 5420 m.
  • Starts Jagat
  • Ends 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 Trek 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 similar packages such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and more.

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

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

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

Free day for preparation and sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • Max. Altitude:1300m/4265ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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: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/Pokhara
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs in the city (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:SundayDec 15, 2024
    End:ThursdayJan 02, 2025
    PriceUS$1145
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:WednesdayDec 25, 2024
    End:SundayJan 12, 2025
    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
    FAQs for Nar Phu Thorong La Trek
    • Nar Phu Thorong La Trek begins from Jagat.

    • Kang La Pass is 5320 meters/ 17454 feet.

    • Thorong La is 5416 meters/ 17769 feet.

    • Annapurna II is 7937 meters/ 26040 feet.

    • Due to the part of the restricted area of Nepal, trekking solo is prohibited in the Nar Phu Throng La Trek. However, you can also pay for a ghost trekker permit and trek on your own. Or we can get a sharing permit with a group and trek solo.

    • The Nar Phu Thorong La Trek takes 14 – 18 days, 160 Km/ 100 miles.

    • The Nar Phu Thorong La Trek costs 900 - 1200 USD per person. It depends on the number of days, group size, and the service you want to include in the package.

    • The Nar Phu Thorong La Trek is strenuous due to its high passes and elevation.

    • The temperature depends on the season. If you are doing in the main season, the temperature will vary from 20°c to -10°c.

    • The best time for the Trekking is September to November and March to May.

    4Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Nar Phu Kang La and Thorong La Trek - Nepal's Best Kept Secret!

      Our trek with Nepal Trekking Experts was the best experience, from our first contact with Rajesh to finalize our customized package, throughout our time trekking the remote landscape to learn about the culture and history, during a Safari to finish up our amazing time in Nepal, including right up to our departure. Great communication with Rajesh and Ganesh ensured every detail was covered.
      Our outstanding guide, Ganesh, was professional, knowledgeable, safe and well informed. His many years of experience guiding proved invaluable when we were faced with difficult decisions due to unexpected weather. Safety was always the priority. Our porter, Gakul, was an integral part of our team, so strong, fun and a pleasure to share time with.
      The teahouses and meals during the trek as well as the hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan were all of the highest quality. We simply could not have been taken care of any better.
      You will not regret trekking with Ganesh, as he is the BEST!!

      N
      Noel LOct 10, 2024Canada
    • 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
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