The Hidden Valleys of Nar-Phu 26 days, 25 nights

Kathmandu - Besi Sahar - Nar - Phu - Thorung La - Pokhara - Kathmandu
The Nar-Phu region was closed to trekkers until late 2002.  As a result, very few foreigners had explored this region (excepting for researchers and climbers).  Today, travel to Nar-Phu is allowed but only with a special entry permit.

The trek begins at Besi-Sahar initially following the Annapurna circuit trail. At Koto, the trek diverts North towards the remote Nar and Phu villages. Here, it becomes evident that these timeless villages and high alpine valleys have only recently been exposed to the outside world. After crossing Kangla (17,100 ft.) the trail rejoins the Annapurna Circuit trail. Cross Thorung La (17,700 ft.) to Jomsom where the trek ends.

This is a camping trek . An experienced camping crew will support the trek. With 6 to 10 participants, we provide one head guide (sirdar), 1 head cook, 2-3 kitchen assistants, 1-3 trek assistant guides and several porters.

 We feel that small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size is 10 people .

Benefits of a Himalayan Rock.
This is a camping trek. All accommodations during the trek is in tents, except in Manang where we will put you up in lodges so you can enjoy a hot shower.

Our trips include privately guided tours in Kathmandu valley and complimentary foot massages at the end of your trek! Himalayan Rock Treks and Expedition, Thamel Kathmandu Nepal providers of the highest quality guides and support staff in Nepal , operate this tour!

Itinerary:

Day 01:  KATHMANDU (4,400 ft)
Arrive Kathmandu . Transfer to Hotel Shangrila. Rest of day free. Welcome dinner in Thamel. (D)

Day 02: KATHMANDU (4,400 ft)
Full-day sightseeing while we obtain your special permits.  Visit Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, overlooking Kathmandu city. Onwards to Kathmandu Durbar square with its maze of temples and palace complex. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar (palace) Square. Time-permitting, at the end of the day, visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre.

In the evening, final preparations for your trek. Please ensure your bag weighs 13kg or less; remember that one porter will be carrying two of these plus his own equipment. Any excess luggage you have can be stored at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 03: Bhulbhule (2,700 ft)
Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Shahar and trek to Bhulbhule. Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 04: NGADI (3,200 ft)
A comfortable day of hiking through small villages scattered among extensive rice terraces with continuing views of Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 05: JAGAT (4,400 ft)
Climb to the village of Bahundanda , an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge. Then continue on a series of descents and ascents.  As you near Jagat, there is a steep 700 ft. climb to a trail that has been blasted out of the rock-face.   There is a small hot spring 15 minutes below the village. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 06: DHARAPANI (6,400 ft)
Again another day of descending and climbing past Chamje, Tal, Khorte, and Karte to Dharapani.  The entrance to Dharapani is marked by a stone “kani” or entrance chorten.  All old villages from here onwards in Manang are marked by kanis, with the kanis getting more elaborate and picturesque as the Tibetan influence becomes stronger in each successive village. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 07: KOTHO (8,700 ft)
Past Dharapani, the trail is relatively level to Bagarcchap, a typical Tibetan village with closely-spaced stone houses of flat roofs piled high with firewood.  The trail then climbs through forests to Danaque, also called Syal Khola (or the River of Jackals ). Then it is a series of ups and downs over forested ridges and landslides to Kotho. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 08: META (10.700 ft)
This is a long and somewhat difficult day. Meta is a kharka, a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you will probably share the campsite with a few yaks! Camp (B,L,D).

Day 09: KYANG (12,500 ft)
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 gnarled trees. The mountains are spectacular, and the Phu river shadows the trail far below. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 10: PHU (13,500 ft)
Today, one starts to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are justly famous. An ancient gate provides the 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. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 11: PHU (13,500 ft)
Rest/Exploration day at Phu. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 12: CHEKO (11,900 ft)
Back through Phu gate, descend to the river, and retrace your steps back to Cheko for the day's camp. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 13: NAR (13,850 ft)
Another classic Himalayan trekking day. Physically, Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, but it feels centuries away, as it 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. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 14: Cross KANG LA (17, 100 ft)
The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass or if the altitude is taking its toll. The Kang La is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Thonge. The trail down initially is steep, and scree jumping seems to be the easiest option for the descent. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 15: Contingency day for crossing pass.
Camp (B,L,D).

Day 16: MANANG (11,600 ft)
A two hour walk through open forest to Brakha, an old Tibetan-style village of about 150 partially deserted houses. Manang is another half an hours walk from Brakha following a trail past many unique and colorful chortens. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 17: YAK KHARKA (13,500 ft)
Climb past Tengi and Gunsang to Yak Kharka (also known as Koche). Camp (B,L,D).

Day 18: THORUNG PHEDI (14,500 ft)
An easy three hour walk up to Thorung Phedi, and a free afternoon to either hike up to the lodge at High Camp for additional acclimatization, or an afternoon of relaxing. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 19: CROSS THORUNG LA (17,700 ft.)
Wake up early for the four hour walk to the top of Thorung La at 17, 700 ft. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent to the top of the pass. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 20: Contingency day for pass crossing.
Camp (B,L,D).

Day 21: KAGBENI (9,400 ft) VIA MUKTINATH (12,500 ft)
Head on to lower Mustang and the serene temple complex of Muktinath. Kagbeni looks like a town out of the medieval past, with closely packed mud houses, dark tunnels and alleys, imposing chhortens, and a large, ochre-coloured gomba perched above the town. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 22: JOMSOM (9,100 ft)
Proceed to Jomsom, the administrative headquarters of Mustang District.  The major inhabitants of Jomsom are government officials, army personnel, and merchants engaged in the distribution of goods brought in by cargo flights and pony caravans. Camp (B,L,D).

Day 23: POKHARA (2,900 ft)
In the morning, fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Transfer to your hotel in Pokhara. Rest of day free to rest or explore Pokhara. Hotel (B).

Day 24: KATHMANDU (4,400 ft)
Fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Transfer to hotel.  Rest of day free.

Day 25: KATHMANDU (4,400 ft)
Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu :  Drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees .  Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. Lunch in the durbar square complex and return to Kathmandu . Rest of day Free.

Evening with Himalayan Rock: Includes Night in “Down town Katmandu , Evening Typical Nepali Meal with traditional music and dancing….

Day 26:  Final Departure (B)
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.