Nepal Travel Trek

Nar Phu Trek

The Annapurna region of Nepal, a couple of hundred kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, is renowned for its blend of undisturbed nature, spectacular mountain views, and embracing culture. The Annapurna Circuit is typically rated as one of the "top 20" trekking experiences worldwide...Now that is an understatement!

 

Make your lips round and blow the wind away, slowly. That’s the meaning of Phu in Nepali. But the blow of the wind in Phu is different than the definition. So how strong is the blow? Come here in Phu, at the altitude of 3900, surrounded by mountains like Himlung and others. “It’s totally understandable why the wind here makes people really mad,” says Wanda safe inside the tent. “Totally mad.” Oh… yea. It’s trying to blow away the dining tent set up within the camping area that was constructed two years ago on the back on Phu river.

A virgin tourism destination lies on the Annapurna circuit ridge in western Nepal. Newly opened area for the trekking. This area offers a unique culture which is not exposed yet to outer world. Not only rich of cultural heritage but this area has abundant wildlife like blue sheep, endangered snow leopard and the towered peaks. Village of Nar, Phu, monastery, Chhortens, Mani wall superb views of mountain massifs, beautiful pastureland is the key attractions of this route.

Best season to visit: In the spring (March to May) when the rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, are in bloom. Also in the fall (September to November) or post-monsoon when the weather is temperate and the skies are clear.

Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult. This is not a difficult trek although it has some steep climbs. No mountaineering skills required.

Maximum altitude: XXXm at XXX.

Length of trek: It is advisable to spend one week along this route to fully experience the full scenic and cultural splendor.

Accommodations: This is traditionally a teahouse trek with well-maintained facilities along the route. It can also be organized as a camping trek as the valley floor can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather. Camping trek rates and fees are considerably higher as more resources are required.
Additional Information: Trekkers must beware of rubbery while passing through the jungle of Ghorepani to Ghandruk. Our experienced porters/guides will help you to avoid potentially unsafe situations.

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01	Kathmandu to Besisahar: Drive
Day 02	Besisahar to Bahundanda: Trek
Day 03	Bahundanda to Chame: Trek
Day 04	Chame to Bagarchhap: Trek
Day 05	Bagarchhap to Koto: Trek
Day 06	Koto to Dharmasala: Trek
Day 07	Dharmasala to Kayang: Trek
Day 08	Kayang to Phu: Trek
Day 09	Rest at Phu: Acclimatization
Day 10	Phu to Junam: Trek
Day 11	Junam to Nar: Trek
Day 12	Rest at Nar: Acclimatization
Day 13	Nar to Ngawal: Trek
Day 14	Ngawal to Manang: Trek
Day 15	Manang to Yak Kharka: Trek
Day 16	Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi: Trek
Day 17	Thorung Phedi  to High Camp to Muktinath via Thorung La (5416m): Trek
Day 18	Rest at Muktinath: Acclimatization
Day 19	Muktinath to Kagbeni: Trek
Day 20	Kagbeni to Marpha: Trek
Day 21	Marpha to Kalopani: Trek
Day 22	Kalopani to Tatopani: Trek
Day 23	Tatopani to Ghorepani: Trek
Day 24	Ghorepani to Tadapani: Trek
Day 25	Tadapani to Ghandruk: Trek
Day 26	Ghandruk to Pokhara: Trek
Day 27	Pokhara to Kathmandu: Drive or fly

 

PRICE

Price includes:

• Arrival and departure by Car.  (Airport to City, City to Airport)
• Ground Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus and Pokhara to Nayapul to Pokhara by car or taxi.
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and Accommodation in Trek.
• Best quality Sleeping bags, dawn Jackets.
• First Aid Kit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (Nrs 2000 Per person)
• English speaking Experienced Guide (Licensed by Government) and Porters (1 porter for 2 client).
• All necessaries for Nepalese staff (all meals, accommodation in teahouses, equipments, insurance etc).
• Certificate of Trek completion from Himalayan Humanity Trekking.

Price Excludes:

• Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water and cold drinks),
• Client's personal insurance,
• Personal expenses,
• Meals and Accommodations in Highways, Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Rescue,
• Tips for staff (porter/Guide) etc

Note – Our Itinerary does not include your arrival and departure day to and from Kathmandu, and our fixed dates are the trekking starting date from Kathmandu.

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Besisahar by Bus – Overnight Hotel.
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by private bus/car. It is a scenic drive with several picturesque gorges and occasional glimpses of mountain peaks. We will stay Overnight in a lodge at  Besi Sahar.
Day 02:  Besisahar to Bahundanda - Accommodations (Tea House)             
From Besi Sahar the trail descends to the marshyangdi river then climbs steeply through the deep gorge. It moves up and down through fields, tropical forest and small hamlets to the Gurung village of Khudi at 825m. It is from this region that the British Army recruits many young men into the Gurkha regiment, and we occasionally meet soldiers who are home from Britain on vacation. From Khudi, The trial heads northwards up the Marsyangdi valley and get our first views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Peak 29 (7836m).  We cross the Marshyandi River on a wide suspension bridge, which brings us to the village Bhulebule. From Bhulbhule we trek up the east bank of the river to the lush green paddies fields around Ngati. We again cross the river on a high suspension bridge and make the final steep climb to the village of Bahundanda (1320m). Prayer flags and chortens can now be seen, indicating the Tibetan influences in the region.
Day 03:  Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m).
Today as we trek up the valley the sides will begin to narrow and increase in height. After walking through several villages the trail descends to the valley floor and crosses a steel suspension bridge across the Marshyangdi to the village of Syange. There is a steep climb from here to Chamje.

Day 04: Chamje to Bagarchhap (1430m): Trek
Getting right into the spirit of the trek this morning, we begin before the sun hits on a two hour hike - straight up. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a steep climb to some small teahouses at Sattale. After chai, we continue on an undulating path above the river, climb the switchback path to the top of the hill, and are treated to the sight of Tal below us on a wide plain by the river. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths on which we have just traveled. Beyond Tal and the checkpost, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas is actually hewn from the rock. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more exposed trail walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani and another checkpost. As we cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II (the 16th highest mountain on the planet) becomes visible ahead, we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Day 05: Bagarchhap to Koto (2600m –Entrance To Nar – Phu Area)
Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Danagyu before coming to a thundering waterfall, where we turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. After an hour of lovely, open forests, we reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where we will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. An hour away is the wonderful Gurung village of Timang, where the villagers might be harvesting their crops of buckwheat or stuffing local sausages.  Heading back down to the village of Koto Qupar, our base for the trek up to Nar Phu, we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a stunning sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan mountains!  Koto Qupar. The villagers are mostly from Nar and Phu and this is the gateway to their region. This is where the 'Remote Nar Phu' and the 'Lost Worlds of Manaslu & Nar Phu' treks meet.

Day 06: Koto  to Dharmasala (3230m)
This morning we head out early, as we have a long and somewhat difficult day before us. Just past the checkpost, we cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys, and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola (river). The route takes us through some beautiful woods and past several small shelters (caves) and a pilgrims' 'dharmasala'. As we emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the dharmasala, from which point the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. A stunning start for the Nar Phu trek! We camp at the dharamsala, a lovely campsite.

Day 07: Dharmasala – Kayang (3740m)
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings us finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. We pass by the scenic kharka of Meta, 3560m,  a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where we will probably share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The landscape is similar to the Sierra Nevada; white rocks, low shrub and juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafed bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate, white, sandy trails and knarled trees. The mountains around us are utterly spectacular, and the Phu Kosi shadows the trail far below. An hour past Meta, Junam is the second semi-permanent settlement, one where "khampas" from Tibet sometimes sheltered. Above the kharka to the right looms a massive glacier, which falls jaggedly down to the high pastures above us. It's all truly amazing scenery. Across the river, the cliffs contort in swirls and waves, similar to Ladakhi landscapes. The next semi-permanent settlement is Chako, formerly a Khampa settlement, where grass lies tied in bunches to dry on all the rooftops and prayer flags flutter in the breeze. Last year we saw a massive yak caravan from Phu pass by at Chako on their way down to Manang to re-supply. A scene from old Tibet! Many more ups and downs take us to tonight's campsite at Kyang, the extensive winter settlement of Phu, on a plateau high above the river.

Day 08: Kayang to Phu (4050m): Trek
Dropping steeply down to the river, we trek for a while along the river bank and past the "submarine" rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. Today, we really start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are justly famous. We have to rock-hop carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Some large steps do the trick! Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyonlands and gorges, and the "leaning tower of Pisa" monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe. This ancient gate provides us with our first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old "dzong" and the remains of two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu. Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill, amphitheater style. We will set up camp on the lower reaches of Phu, formerly called Gomdzong, and head up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa on a neighboring hillside to pay our respects to Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche, a "trulku" who came to Nepal with HH the Dalai Lama back in '59. He is also a renowned "amchi" or Tibetan doctor, as well as a thanka painter and father of several children (some "trukus" as well as certain lamas are permitted to marry). Later, we might head up to the village to hunt down some chang.

Day 09: Rest at Phu: Acclimatization
Having spent quite a few days getting to Phu, we will spend an extra day in the area to enjoy it, meet the local Phu residents and do some exploring up the wide valley systems above us. Tibet is two long days away, so a bit far for a visit, but we might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement, or "kharka" at Ngoru, a three hour's walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village, and a day is well spent sitting with the villagers as they spin their yak and sheep wool and chat, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or involve themselves in the countless activities that take up a day in Tibetan villages. For photographers, the light is spectacular, and the skies a deep blue, and we may even see some blue sheep on the surrounding hillsides.
An alternative daytrip for those with lots of energy: a hike towards the east through a glacial valley leads to Himlung Himal base camp, a 7125m peak recently opened for climbing. There are usually a few expeditions climbing this peak, as well as nearby Gyanji Kang. The mountain views are tremendous! For others, a walk west up past Phu towards the chortens on the hillside provides some incredible vistas and views down over Phu and the surrounding fields, forts, valleys and peaks. A wander through the village will probably involve an invitation into someone's home for some authentic Tibetan salt butter tea, or perhaps a small glass of local 'raksi'.

Day 10: Phu to Junam (3550m): Trek
Back through Phu gate, we descend to the river, and retrace our steps back to Junam karka, a lovely spot as any for our campsite for the evening. In 2003 we camped with some Phu residents (all but one women) on their way back up to Phu with huge loads of planks from the nearby forests, and the evening was filled with Tibetan, or Manangi songs, smoky shelters and that unique Tibetan laughter.

Day 11: Junam to Nar (4150m): Trek
Another classic Himalayan trekking day, as we trek down to the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge (cameras out for this crossing!), and then all the way back up again. It's a good thing the scenery is so stunning ... Below us sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte gompa, both empty. We finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old, colorful and traditional gompas and the snow-peaks looming overhead. We arrive early, so will have some lunch in the sun before doing some exploring. And what exploring there is to do...

Day 12: Rest at Nar: Acclimatization
Physically, Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, but it feels centuries away, is rarely visited by trekkers and is about as picturesque as they come. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu, and the village 'square' is full of chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets, pounding mustard seeds for oil, or spinning the ubiquitous wool while catching up on the news. The children in Nar seem to be always out in the streets, presumably preferring this life to the classroom! Each family in Nar seems to have at least one son or daughter in a gompa, and many live at home or visit frequently, so there is the resonating sound of cymbals, chanting and drums echoing throughout the village. Other Nar villagers may be printing prayer flags, doing some carpentry, collecting wood from the forest and carrying large loads with a head-strap back up to the house, harvesting the crops, tending the yaks, sheep and goats or spinning the prayer wheels in the center of town.
Alternatives for the day: visit some of the gompas, climb the prayer-flag festooned hill above Nar for wonderful views, or sit at our lovely guest house overlooking the whole scene in the sun, sheltered from the chilling and ever-present afternoon winds. It is a good day to try some local buckwheat pancakes or 'diro'. Depending on the condition of the group, we will either spend the night at Nar, or leave early afternoon for a two hour easy walk up the valley towards the pass, and camp just below the access trail to the pass by the river.
Day 13: Nar to Ngawal (3675m): Trek
The Kang La is not a difficult pass in GOOD conditions, but it can be a long and difficult day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking it's toll. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Thongde. The trail down initially is steep; scree jumping seems to be the easiest option for the descent. After resting sore knees and shaky legs, we lunch on a plateau overlooking the peaks, and then continue to contour to the left towards Ngawal.
Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit (off the main Annapurna circuit), can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is so nice that we will take it easy and enjoy the views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of chortens and prayer flags, and marks a meditation cave far up in the hills.
Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times. We're finished the camping section of the trek here, and head for a guest house for the night! Hydrate before grabbing a bottle of beer, please!

 

Day 14: Ngawal to Manang (3510m): Trek
We start the day with a two hour walk through open forest to Braga, an old Tibetan-style village of about 150 partially deserted houses. We have time to explore the old village of Braga, with its large, old gompa perched colorfully above the stacked houses. The gompa has an elaborate collection of thankas and statues, and it is worth finding the key-keeper to open the assembly hall and ‘lha khangs’ for us. Braga also has an impressive collection of traditional architectural details, so keep your eyes open for beautifully carved wooden windows and doors. The prayer wheels and chorten at the foot of Braga are particularly brightly painted.
After lunch at the New Yak Hotel (one of Kim’s favorite’s) it’s just a 20-minute walk past a series of unique and colorful chortens to Manang, at 3500m, a village of 500 or so flat-roofed houses, the headquarters for the region, and a very interesting village packed with trekkers, bakeries and lodges. Manang is dominated by high peaks - Annapurna III and Gangapurna tower over it, and a dramatic icefall sits just across the river. There is an old gompa on the edge of town, many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La. There is a 3 o'clock lecture on altitude by the Himalayan Rescue Association for anyone interested. We stay at Tashi's lodge for the evening, a sort of Manangi art gallery, which also houses many of his photos of the region.

Day 15: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,090m).
It is a shorter day today, about 3 to 4 hours, in order to help everyone acclimatize to the altitude. It is a good idea to go for an afternoon walk, which also helps with this process; you can either walk up the valley and back to the lodge or climb the ridge behind the village.

Day 16: Yakkhara to Throung Phedi or High Camp

It is another short day of about 3 to 4 hours walking again to help the acclimatisation process. Leaving Yak Kharka we pass through a few lodges at Letdar and after crossing the river there is a climb to Thorong Phedi. In the afternoon it is a good idea to go for a short walk.Or , you can climb up to High Camp for the better mopuntain view and to make shorter the next day as well.

Day 17: Cross the Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
We leave Thorong Phedi before first light and begin making our way up the frozen shattered scree path. Initially the path ascends quite steeply but as dawn breaks and the sun raises over the cobalt-blue horizon the angle eases and the trail becomes enjoyable. As we climb higher the views become more impressive and we can look back towards the Chulu peaks and across to Manaslu. The trail undulates over many false summits before finally reaching the colorful collection of prayer flags which adorn the top of the pass at 5416m. Here we are treated to a fantastic view down towards Muktinath in the Kali Gandaki valley – an arid and desolate Tibetan landscape. Above us rises the fluted peak of Thorong Phedi and beyond lies the entire Annapurna range. If the weather is good we can linger on the pass taking numerous photographs and greeting other trekkers making this arduous crossing. Eventually it’s time to leave and we descend steeply down a long series of switchbacks and scree. Ski poles will be found useful on this section to protect our knees from the pounding they’ll be getting as we drop 1600 meters to Muktinath. The village is situated in a pleasant grove of poplar trees and has a selection of comfortable lodges where beer and soft drinks are available. There is also a fascinating Gompa and Hindu temple where naturally occurring gas venting out of the ground burns as a small perpetual flame, making this a pilgrimage site of great importance.

Day 18: Rest Day – Muktinath

Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists at 3750 meters (12,300 feet) at the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy spot with mutual respect and support.
In Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa all the elements are represented, not only earth, air and holy water, but also fire. Beside trees are growing at an unusual altitude. For this and reasons unseen yogis from both religions do their meditation at Muktinath.  

Day 19: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,800m).
Today we have a short walk to Kagbeni; this will probably be welcome after the long day going over the pass yesterday. After breakfast it is well worth going to visit the temples above the village of Muktinath. The trail passes through a beautiful arid landscape in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, this is starkly different to green and lush terrain at the start of our trek a week ago!
We descend steeply to the green oasis of Kagbeni. It is a fascinating place to explore with narrows streets and old buildings. One needs a special permit to follow the path north of Kagbeni along the Thak Khola to Upper Mustang.

Day 20: Trek to Marpha (2,670m).
The trail follows the Kali Gandaki down to the town of Jomsom and then on to the pretty village of Marpha set amongst apple orchards.

Day 21: Trek to Kalopani (2,560m).
Today we pass the interesting village of Tukuche with its large, carved houses before continuing on down the Kali Gandaki to the villages of Karjung and Larjung. Kalopani is further located a little further down the valley.

Day 22: Trek to Tatopani (1,190m).
We now leave the Tibetan like landscape and start to see pine, cypress and junipers trees. The trail is sometimes on the valley floor and other times on a trail high above. Tatopani is village with natural hot springs and is it well worth having a soak in the afternoon.

Day 23: Tatopani to Ghorepani

About 10 minutes south of the Tatopani path crosses a bridge over the Kali Gandaki to its left bank and then crosses another bridge over its tributary the Ghar Khola. Just after this bridge turn steeply uphill just to the left of a building. It looks like a path into the owner's back garden.
Slog up the hill steeply for 300 meters until you reach the crest of the ridge. The view up the Ghar Khola valley towards Ghorepani is dramatically revealed here. Stop here at the teahouse for a rest and to admire the view (50 minutes). Climb less steeply for another 500 meters to Sikha (3 hours 30 minutes). The path is paved most of the way with what appears to be marble. Phalante (4 hours 20 minutes) is mentioned in the origin myth of the Thakali people. The four Thakali ancestors turned back here when they were unable to find their way to the Ghorepani They were probably discouraged by the never-ending ascent.
Chitre (4 hours 50 minutes) is a little further on. Here the path forks. Take the right hand uphill fork by a building. From here it is a 600-meter steady uphill ascent through the endless rhododendron forest past the electricity pylons to Ghorepani. Ghorepani village (6 hours) is in the col of the Ghorepani pass.

 

Day 24: Ghorepani to Tadapani

Early morning, hike two hours up to Poon hill from Ghorepani village, best spot to see the marvelous view of Manaslu in the east and Dhaulagiri to the west including unrivalled views of Machhapuchhare Annapurna, Hiunchuli and as well as Sunrise view. Then we lead our trek east from Ghorepani village along the ridge, which offers glorious views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From here, we lead down to Banthanti our lunch spot. Then the trail goes down to the Tadapani stream then leads up again through the thick forest to Tadapani village. Our six-hour trek duration finishes here for today. This day is up and down walking through the magnificent stand of giant rhododendrons....

Day 25: Tadapani to Ghandruk

The Ghandruk trail descends steeply through forests. There are two trails from here, both of which lead to Ghandruk. The paths descents on stone steps into the village. Ghandruk is famous village where Gurung people used to live.

Day 26: Ghandruk to Pokhara via Nayapul

The trail to Birethanti leads south from here. After walking few famous places along the trail, we will reach Birethanti. It's a 20-minute walk on the rough trail to Nayapul from Birethanti, then we have to climb steeply up the hill to the road. We found here some taxi, which leads us to Pokhara.

Day 27: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Drive by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu around 06-07 hours (depending upon road conditions). Another option is to drive by private car or take the 25-30 minutes flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

 

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