Nar Phu Valley Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Experience this Adventurous Classic Nepali Off the Beaten Trek to the Remote Himalayas

12 Days

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Overview
Itinerary
Trek Info
FAQs

You can see some great landscapes in this region.
You will be able to have an insight regarding the Tibetan lifestyle of the people over there.
You can see some amazing mountain peaks like Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri.
Here, you will also be able to see the chortens and prayer flags filled on the way whereas you will also be able to visit some Buddhist monasteries.
In this trek, you will further be crossing the Thorong La Pass.

Nar Phu Valley located at the northern side of the Annapurna region are the two rural villages with an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 ft.). These two valleys comprise of many high mountainous peaks and passes, glaciers, narrow and deep canyons, unique kind of rock formation. Besides that, there are different species of floras found in the forest of this region. While taking about the significant attraction of this place, yaks and gompas (Buddhist monasteries) have marked its emblem in the tourists till date. Besides this, the Tibetan chortens add a different kind of color to this place.

Opened in the year 2003 for the purpose of trekking, Nar Phu Valley trekking has been backpack considered as an ordinary carry your own backpack which means that you won’t possible need and get a porter while on this trek. Although, this does not stop you from hiring a trekking guide. Some other noticeable things about this trekking region is that the villages here are made up of stones where you can enjoy the Nepali dish Dal-Bhat (pulses and rice), you will be walking via the well-known trail as apple pie trail as you can get apple pies, pizzas, etc. in this trail. Talking about the geography of this region, the area is full of jagged cliffs, deep and crashing gorges, snow-capped mountain peaks.

Talking about Nar valley in particular, here, you can see the amazing views of the hills, prayer flags along the way and stone houses even though the path to the village is quite dirty and consists of a lot of winding ways. From Nar, you will be able to see the highest point of the trek- Kang La; which is situated at an elevation of 5,320 m (17,454 ft.). While talking about the geography of this region, you will be crossing through the misty. Knife-edging pass and rocky moraine. Skiing down the slopes is one of the fun filled activities that you can play. Then, as the trail here is considered to be apple-pie trail, you can enjoy with delicacies like apple-pie, banana pancakes and even have access to Wi-Fi.

Now, further talking about Phu in particular, it is located at an altitude of 4070 m (13,353 ft.). Here you can have buttered tea if you visit the Lhakhang Gompa. While if you look towards the northern side of Phu, you will be able to see the majestic peak of Kang Garu which resides at an elevation of 6,981 m (22,903 ft.). Besides that, talking about the geography here, you can see rough and dry land, eroded cliffs where juniper bushes add color to the environment. Besides this, you can also see faunas like the mountain goat and blue sheep in this region. While towards the entrance of this region, you will be amazed to see the panoramic views of the valleys and terraced fields.

So, talking about trekking in this region, until and unless you are fine and in good health and are eager to go for trekking, then we can say that you will definitely enjoy this trek as you can experience the ultimate wilderness of the Himalayas in this region. This is because Nar and PhuValleys lie in middle of Annapurna and Manaslu region where you can view the amazing views of the Himalayan ranges like Annapurna II, HimlungHimal, Gangapurna and Tilicho peak. Furthermore, from here you can even see the Tibetan plateau which extends till Nepal. Now, the valley being located in a rural area, you can get to know about the culture, traditions, customs, and their way of living to a broader aspect. Regarding to the cultural aspects, you will be able to experience a culture which is moreover either a mixture of Tibetan and Nepali culture or just Tibetan culture. You can find Tibetan cultural practices practicable here to a greater extent.

Trekking in this region however, starts from Besisahar all the way up to Nar Phu Valley. On this trek, you will be able to explore the Kang La Pass which is quite in a height, then to Ngawal while descending down. You will also be able to see the Nar Phedi monastery and will be able to spend a night here. While trekking in this region, you can further go to HimlungHimal Base Camp as hiking as it is quite near from here. Then, while coming back to Kathmandu you will be preceding your way from Besisahar.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Kathmandu

On the first day, you will be arriving to Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport from your respective country. Kathmandu is situated at an elevation of 1,400 m (4,593 ft.). Then, from there you will be escorted to your respective hotel by our staff member. Then, you can either stay and rest in the Hotel itself or roam about the nearby places in the area. For the first day, we recommend you to visit some of the places in Kathmandu valley if you have come early.

Some of the places that you can visit inside Kathmandu are Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayembhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, etc. There you can have lunch at nearby restaurant itself. Or, if not then you can simply go to Thamel and see the street over there and eat and shop as Thamel is considered as a touristy place of Kathmandu. Besides that, if time permits then you can also go to Ason; a city nearby Thamel where you can see the busy street and the bazar. You can take some good street photographs here if you are an enthusiast in photography.
Day 2

Explore Kathmandu Valley

As you might be quite tired and might even experience jet lag or you might land up in Nepal at late night or during evening time and may not be able to explore nicely right on the first day itself. So, for this region, we have made our itinerary in such a way that you can experience the local communities of Kathmandu valley nicely. So, we will go to Kathmandu Durbar Square early in the morning as the road won’t be too crowded in the morning. Then, there we will see the iconic architectural sights of the courtyards in the durbar square, have a cup of tea nearby and have breakfast somewhere along the way or by coming back to the hotel. Then, we will hire a private jeep and take a local guide who can speak proper English along with us and go explore the rest of the places in the valley. Preferably the sites which are enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Stupas, Temples along with some nearby the valley if possible and then return back.

Now, for dinner, you will be having it either at a restaurant where you can try Nepali dishes or at a multi-cuisine restaurant where you can enjoy your own country’s food and some snacks. But if you would like to explore the city in your own way, then you can simply hire a micro van/a hiace or a jeep and go to different historical and archeological sites like the three durbar squares- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur; then to some temples like Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, to some monasteries like Baudhanath Stupa, Swayembhunath Stupa, go for mountain flight especially to the Everest region. You can even go for short hiking around nearby places like Shivapuri National Park, Sundarijal, Chisapani .
Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Koto

Now, on the third day, you will go from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then from there you stop for lunch and then again head your way up to Koto. Though the road in this area especially after Besisahar up to Koto but we will try our best to provide you with best off road jeep as far as practicable. But even if we can’t manage with off-road vehicle we will manage with a jeep where you can enjoy your ride. Drive from Kathmandu to Koto via private vehicle will take you roughly around 8 to 9 hours while proceeding from a local bus it will take comparatively more time.The total driving distance that you will cover is 237 km (147 miles).

Either way, since the road is rugged, it might definitely be challenging but you will enjoy the great scenery that you will see along the way. While going to Koto, you will be going via the Annapurna Circuit trek route. Besides that, you will be able to see the amazing views of the waterfalls and gorges while passing by the way. You will then reach Koto at night or towards night time where you will be having your dinner and spend a night there itself. Now, reaching Koto you will have reached an elevation of 2,600 m (8,530 ft.).
Day 4

Trek from Koto to Meta

On this day, you will be trekking from Koto to Meta all the way the towns nearby the Annapurna Circuit area. You will be crossing from Nar and Phu valleys along with a series of suspension bridges while going to Meta. You will be getting up early in the morning and start trekking and reach Meta by the end of the day, on this day. Trekking from Koto to Meta will take you approximately around 7 to 8 hours which consists of 14.5- 20 km (9-12 miles) in total.

While on the way, you will be able to see some amazing views of the snowy mountain peaks, a narrow canyon, small cave shelters, pilgrims, forest, waterfall, vegetation such as oak, rhododendron, bamboo, etc. As you reach Meta you will be able to see a huge open plain. There you will be dining and staying for the night there itself at a teahouse. But as Meta has just a few lodges, it is necessary that we reach there on time. Reaching Meta, you will have reached an altitude of 3,560 m (11,680 ft.).
Day 5

Trek from Meta to Phu

Now, on this day, you will be trekking from Meta to Phuafter having your breakfast where you will be able see the valleys of Nar and Phu. Then, you will cross your way to Nar Phedi Monastery, glance over the amazing views of the gorges and canyons. On the way, you will see the whole village covered with Buddhist chortens, which in fact brightens up the environment and the whole landscape with its colors. It will take you roughly around 7 to 8 hours for trekking on this day. The distance that you will be covering in this trek is around 9.7 km (6 miles).

Reaching Phu, you will be able to see the old “dzong” which means the Tibetan style fortress. Though there are three of these forts, only one is in proper condition. However, after that you can go for a short walk up to the well-known monastery in the valley- TashiLhankhangGompa. It is said that this Gompa is built in respect of Lama Karma SonamRimpoche who had come to Nepal with the Dalai Lama back in 1959.Besides that, you will be able to see great views of the valley from here. Reaching Phu, you will be reaching an elevation of 4,080 m (13,386 ft.)
Day 6

Explore and acclimatization day at Phu- On this day

you will have a rest day as in form of acclimatization day so that you will be able to adjust to the higher altitude properly. So, taking advantage of this day, we will be exploring the valley of Phu. Beginning the day with a good breakfast, we will nicely enjoy the views. In Phu Valley, we can explore many things like the small alleys, yaks, sheep wool, mustard seeds being cultivated, etc. So, basically we will be exploring the village lifestyle and the nature over here.

If time permits, then we will also be going for a short hike to HimlungHimal Base Camp which is situated at a height of 7,125 m (23,375 ft.). From there, you can further see the amazing views of the very mountain peak along with the scenery. Besides that, while on the way to HimlungHimal Base Campyou can also see the amazing glacier valley. Furthermore, if you are interested in climbing and are quite skilled or even professional in any way, then it is a really good thing for you as you can climb as well. Through climbing and not trekking, it will take you roughly around 5 hours. You will however spend overnight at Phu itself which is located at a height of 4,080 m (13,386 ft.).
Day 7

Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi

Now, on the seventh day, you will head up your journey again from Phu to Nar Phediafter having your breakfast and head your way to Meta where you will reach to an elevation of 3,490 meters. The main highlight of this place is Nar Phedi Monastery. While you reach here it will be towards dusk or evening so you will simply be going to your rooms while the staffs will be preparing dinner for you at the kitchen.

Trekking in this area will take you around 4 to 5 hours where the total distance that you will cover on this day will be around 14.5 km (9 miles). Then, at 5 p.m. since the do Hindu prayer known as puja/arati, you can see that as well. After that, you will have your dinner. If you would like to donate some amount, then you can do that as well by putting money in a box in the monastery. The elevation that you will reach is 3,490 m (11,450 ft.) at Nar Phedi.
Day 8

Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village

Now, on the eighth day, you will trek up to Nar Village from Nar Phedi via a winding hill crossing a suspension bridge over the Labse River where you can see bamboo topped chortens along the way. You will be having your breakfast in Nar Phedi itself and then you will be at the town for Lunch. Then, you will be heading your way to Nar village where you will be staying at a teahouse or a lodge as per your choice and budget.

On this day, you will be trekking for around 3 to 4 hours where you will cover a total distance of 4 km (2.5 miles). While if you stay in a teahouse the facilities will be basic whereas if you stay in any comfortable lodge if you are willing to pay a little more amount. Here, you can find a typical village setting. Talking about the lifestyle of the people here, you can see women waving wools, fabric for rugs and blankets. Reaching Nar village, you will reach an elevation of 4,110 m (13,484 ft.).
Day 9

Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal via the Kang La Pass

Now, on this day, you will be waking up early in the morning, before sunrise and head your way up to Kang La Pass. As you walk pass by this pass, you can see mesmerizing views of some of the mountain peaks like the Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, etc. Now, coming to this route, you will be trekking for a total distance of 16 km (10 miles) which will take you roughly around 8 to 9 hours.

Though the trail down here is quite off steep, we cannot call this path a strenuous one. Then, we will stop for lunch and then again continue our journey further. Nagawal, however, is actually quite difficult than earlier days. Here, you can enjoy facilities of Wi-Fi and phone signals are also available. Reaching Ngawal, you will have reached an altitude of 5,240 m (17,192 ft.)
Day 10

Trek from Ngawal to Pisang and then drive to Besisahar

On the tenth day, we will further start our trekking journey, now descending back towards Pisang. Now, you will find the weather getting warmer as you will have descended more than 2000 meters from the pass. While on the way, you will be able to see some great views of the greenery, the passes and a lake in the outskirts of Pisang which looks even more amazing.

Then, as you arrive Pisang, you will look around at the village and have some snacks and then head your way back to Besisahar via a four-wheeler. Then, arriving at Besisahar, you will be staying at a hotel. Trekking in this region will take you around 6 hours’ time as it consists of a total distance of 9.2-10 km (5.7-6 miles). Whereas reaching here, you will have reached an elevation of 3,310 m (10,859 ft.).
Day 11

Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Now, on this day, you will be heading your way from Besisahar to Kathmandu via a four wheeler which will take roughly around 5 hours which has a total distance of 177.2 km (110 miles). Where you will be reaching an elevation of 1,400m (4,593 ft.).Then, arriving Kathmandu you can just rest for a while and go for shopping or get some souvenirs for some of your friends and family if you would like to in Thamel area as you can get nice options for gifts.

In case if you would not like to go for shopping and don’t think of buying any souvenirs then also you can just explore the city area especially around Thamel as it is one of the great place to hangout for tourists. If you would not like to do that and just rest and relax in the Hotel only then also you are very much welcome to do so.
Day 12

Leave Kathmandu

So, finally on the 12TH Day, you will be leaving Kathmandu and Nepal as a whole and will either go for your next destination if you are further travelling or go back to your home.

But before that, we will have a nice breakfast at a local café at Kathmandu, take a walk at the places nearby and you can buy some gifts or perhaps even some packaged eateries like chocolates, candies, etc. You will then be escorted from your respective hotel to the Airport by our staff member.

Trek Info

Here are some of the Trekking accessories that you require for the easy and convenient journey-

In general you will need four sleeping bags (we could provide you one for the trek), a duffel or a trekking bag of 70-80 liters (we can provide one), down jacket (this too we can provide one if needed for the trek) and a normal travel bag of 25-30 liters.

For clothing, you will require the following-

Upper body- For this-shirts, waterproof jacket, fleece jacket or pullover, water proof jacketare needed. Wind proof jacket are optional but preferred. For T-shirts, baggy cotton T-shirts are the best especially for warm days in lower altitudes. Moreover, we recommend synthetic T-shirts as they quickly absorb the moisture. Then, for the waterproof jacket, we recommend you to have nylon which is light.

Lower body- For this, you need hiking shorts, trekking pants, soft shell and hard shell pants, cotton pants or jeans. For hiking shorts, buy the fabric which dries quickly. For trekking pants, go for the ones which have zipper in the middle of the knees so that you can take off the bottom part when necessary. Forsoft shell pants, buy a synthetic fiber. Then, for hard shell, buy a waterproof one. Full zipper from top to bottom is preferred for both soft and hard shell pants. For extra wearable, have a pair of jeans or cotton pants.

Inner wears- Regarding inner wears, you need lightweight underwear which is preferably made up of synthetic. For women, own synthetic sports bras. You could also have swimsuit if you would like to.

Footwear- For this, you need a trekking boot, gaiters and sandals. For Trekking boots, get a hard sole lug-cleated boots for good performance for every kind of landscape. We then recommend you to have a pair as it helps keep your feet dry quickly and keeping dust, rocks and snow out of your shoes. We also suggest you to have a pair of sandals as it helps while you are in the lodge. Then, for socks, you require 4 pairs of synthetic and 3 pairs of woolen socks.

Hand wears- The hand essentials are gloves, mittens and hand warmers. For warm weather, buy synthetic or thin woolen gloves. For cold weather, buy a woolen or fleece gloves. While for mittens, Gore-Tex mittens are the best. Regarding hand warmers, it’s completely your choice whether you want to have or not.

Face protection- For protecting the face against the snowfalls, heavy wind, direct sun, etc. we recommend you to have a cap or a hat, a synthetic woolen hat, a lightweightedbalaclava, glacier glasses having 100% UV protected lens with side shields and hard-sided storage, headlamp, ear muffs, neck warmer, etc. Ear muffs and neck warmers are not necessary but are up to your choice.

First Aid Kit- Though the trekking guides will be carrying a first aid kit box, we suggest you to have one as well. So, for this, you will need to have basic emergency equipment. You can discuss with us regarding what all to take along with you.

Personal care- The personal care products that you will require while trekking are tooth brush, tooth paste (biodegradable is preferred), towel, soap, hand wash, sanitizers, wet wipes, deodorants, crèmes, etc. along with your other needs.

Miscellaneous but important- These include valid passport, passport size photos, airline ticket (and its copy), luggage locks, thick garbage bags, water bottle, small bag for travel documents, passport, wallet/purse, etc., pocket knife, sunscreen lotion (SPF 40 recommended) and lip balm of at least SPF 20.

Extras- The extras include trekking poles, snacks, books, games, chargers, binoculars, batteries, camera, guide book, extra glasses (if you wear), notebook/pen, sleeping bag liner, hydration bladder with drinking tube, pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women, thermos, etc.

Note- Tight fitting clothes especially made out of fabrics like lycra, especially to women can be offensive to the local villagers. So, make sure that you pack something to wear on top of them if you want to pack them.

FAQs

When is the ideal time to trek in Nepal an?

The ideal time to trek in Nepal whether it is either in Autumn- from September to November or in Spring- from March to May. These two seasons are considered to be the best time due to good weather and moderate temperate suitable for trekking.

Is it difficult to trek in Nepal?

In regard to the difficulty of trekking in Nepal, it depends upon the mountain range. Not all the trekking routes are that difficult to climb but there are places where you can find trekking most challenging as well.

How can I prepare myself to be fit for trekking?

In order to be fit for trekking, you need to start walking more and possibly go for hiking or even short distance trekking before you trek for long distance like this. You can go for hiking in your own place nearby before coming to Nepal as well.

What are the necessary documents that I need to bring along with me?

The documents that you will require for trekking in Nepal will be your passport which should be valid at least till next 6 months, a copy of your insurance, 2 or more passport sized photographs, flight tickets of course along with emergency contact number in case of any emergency.

Is travel insurance really necessary?

Yes, travel insurance is necessary and while getting the insurance, make sure that the company covers the altitude that you are trekking at. And the other thing, it is even better if you get the insurance from your own country.

What happens in case of any emergency or even altitude sickness?

For altitude sickness, as it is quite common problems in higher altitude, we provide you with some of the guideline regarding what you can do at your own level if it is not much. But if the sickness continues to get worse then you should immediately get down to lower region. In case of emergency, our guides will take care of it as they are well trained with using first aid and have basic knowledge of physical injuries or some other problems. But if the injury, altitude sickness or any other problem arises then the rescue team will be contacted. For this reason, you insurance helps a lot.

Should we really need to have a trekking guide?

Yes, you need to have a trekking guide if you are a new trekker as you may not know about so many things like mountaineering or altitude sickness or even about the topography, weather, etc. And most importantly you will be able to know about the place that you are travelling; the exact location and can also have a company. But if you have travelled and especially trekked a lot of places in Nepal trekked earlier as well for many times and think you don’t need a guide then you may proceed. But for this also, make sure that you have the permission from the local and government authorities as trekking guide is mostly compulsory in many parts of the Himalayan region.

And what about porters? Do I need them as well?

This however is not a compulsion in many of the trekking routes but it is better if you take a porter along with you as you can enjoy your travelling experience without having to carry a lot of loads- your backpack. And the other reason the local people will get a work to earn for their daily requirements and as the people in High Himalayas don’t have riches and live a simple normal life, it will perhaps be a great help.

What permits do I need for the trek?

The permits that you need for the trek will be done by our company and need not worry about it. But however, for your information, you will need to have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card- this is a basic permit for trekking in Nepal along with the necessary permits of where exactly you are trekking if needed. You can also have FIT (Free Individual Trekker) if you are a solo trekker. But this is not valid for the restricted areas where you cannot go forward for solo trekking. The other necessities will be Valid passport with at least six month remaining before it expire, a valid Nepal visa, e-copy of passport sized photo. The other necessities will be done by the company itself.

Can I solo trek/travel in Nepal?

Yes, you can solo trek or travel in Nepal. However, for trekking in higher altitudes where the regions are known as Restricted Areas, there you are not allowed to go alone as you will have to buy at least two permits. But the interesting thing is that in most of the areas you also need to carry a guide along with you. So, if you can manage to trek with your guide paying for his permit and being with him throughout the trek, then you possibly might be able to trek in that way. Otherwise, you can get along with someone who also wants to trek solo and go together instead.

How will the food and water be during the trek?

The foods are usually served in the teahouses which will be plain but good and hygienic as they cook the vegetables nicely. They even soak iodine in water before cooking the vegetables so that you can get good and healthy food. Whereas if you are camping then you can get local foods that you can cook it. Since in higher altitudes, you won’t find refrigerators and frequent power cut; you will have to be vegetarian during the trek even if you are not. Then, regarding water facilities, bottled water is available up to the most of the Base Camp itself which will cost around US$1-4. But however, you should not drink water from the tap or streams.

What all can I buy as souvenirs in Nepal and how much amount is good for extra expenses?

For souvenirs, you can get good hand knitted woolen goods, hats, cashmere shawls, pashminas, Buddhist memorabilia, carved masks, puppets, wood carvings, jewelry, etc. as these are the things which are frequently bought by the tourists. You can get the souvenirs mostly at Thamel area when you are in Kathmandu. So, for all of the extra expenses including souvenirs, food and drinks other than what the Hotel/ Teahouse provides you, or perhaps some clothing or equipment for yourself then we recommend you to have around US$200-350 along with you. Besides that, you can withdraw money from ATMs while in Kathmandu as well.

Can I buy the trekking equipment in Kathmandu or should I bring it along with myself?

Yes, you can buy trekking equipment in Kathmandu and it may even cost a little less amount but the quality of the product can’t be guaranteed. So, for this reason, we recommend you to bring the very necessary equipment like the trekking shoes along with you. But for other additional needs, you can buy it in Kathmandu itself.

What all do I need to carry to the trek?

You need to carry warm as well as cool clothing as there might be hotter in some of the places along the way or even in Kathmandu during summer season. Then, you have to have a sleeping bag as you might need it at times if the teahouses are unavailable or so in some places. The other things we recommend are small portion of snacks like chocolate bars, water proof wearable, cap, lotion, sunglasses, hand sanitizers, water bottle, first aid kit, etc. along with your daily necessities.

Are Ice axe and Crampons necessary while trekking in Nepal?

We don’t think you will need Ice axe or Crampons during trekking even in the Himalayas as the trails are marked nicely until and unless you go to trekking in the winter. Then, you will need them as there will be much more snowfall and will also be easy for you while trekking. In other season, instead of Crampons, we recommend you to have Micro spikes as they are not heavy and you can carry it easily. Plus, Micro spikes are comparatively less expensive as well. And regarding the Ice axe, we will provide you with one if it is really necessary though it’s not that necessary, as we will know more about the size and shape along with light weighted one.