Nar Phu Valley Trek combined Annapurna Circuit is one of the most adventurous treks in the remotest parts of the Himalayas which features beautiful panorama along with diverse culture. While Nar Phu Valley is one of the least visited trekking routes, Annapurna Circuit is one of the popular trekking trails in Nepal. So, Nar Phu Valley Trek combined Annapurna Circuit allows you to experience both the isolated and the crowded sides of the Nepal Himalayas. The Nar Phu Trek combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures. Trails are rugged and at times cut high into side of the cliff. Phu is a beautiful medieval village where you can witness the real lifestyles of the Bhote communities and enjoy the fabulous and typical landscape of the valley. This trekking trail is best for those who wish to trek in a less crowded part of the Annapurna region.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (760m.) by bus and it takes approximately seven hours.
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m). From here, you can see mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people.
Day 02: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1310m.) which takes about six hours.
The first part of the trail passes on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and local culture of the Gurung community. After lunch at Ngadi, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about two hours. At this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped mountains.
Day 03: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1430m.) it takes approximately six hours.
A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows a flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and downs to Chamje through the forests.
Day 04: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1860m.) and it takes about six hours.
The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before you. Tal is the border between Manang and Lamjung district. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank, which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone khani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and your camp for the night.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Koto which takes about five hours.
You trek a gradually ascending path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views you can enjoy are of Annapurna II and the Manaslu range. The beautiful views of forests on the way add another dimension to your trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and others. Their lifestyles are mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans.
Day 06: Trek from Koto to Dharmasala and it takes about six hours.
This morning you head out early, as you have a long and somewhat difficult day. You will pass the checkpost, cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valley and hike up through Phu Khola. The route takes you through some beautiful woods past several small caves, and a pilgrims’ Dharmasala. After you emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before Dharmasala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider.
Day 07: Trek from Dharmasala to Kayang which takes about six and half hours.
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings you finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. You pass by the scenic Kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you are likely to share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The landscape is combined with white rocks, low shrub and juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafed bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate and white and sandy trails. The mountains around you are clearly visible and the Phu Kosi shadows the trail far below. An hour past Meta, you encounter Junam which is the second semi-permanent settlement. Above Kharka to the right looms a massive glacier and this falls jaggedly down to the high pastures above you.
Day 08: Trek from Kayang to Phu village.
Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank and past the “submarine” rock, also passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon lands 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 you with you first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old “Dzong” and the remains of the two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flat lands before Phu. Just before the brige 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. You 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 your respect to Lama Karma Sonam.
Day 09: Excursion around Phu valley.
You can have interactions with locals and explore the wide valley systems above you. You 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 you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat.
Day 10:Trek from Phu valley to Junam.
You get back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your steps back to Junam Kharka which is a lovely spot for camping.
Day 11:Trek from Junam to Nar.
This day you trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below you sits Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa , both empty. You 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.
Day 12:Explore Nar village.
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. 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.
Day 13:Trek from Nar village to Ngwal after crossing Kang La pass.
The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long 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 Hongde. The trail down is steep and then gradually down towards the end. 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 you 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.
Day 14:Trek from Ngwal to Manang which takes about three hours.
This day you walk along the leveled path on the bank of the Marshyangdi river to reach Manang. On the way you pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. You can enjoy the views of Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes.
Day 15:Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) and it takes about three and half hours.
Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day.
Day 16:Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) which takes about 3 and half hours.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi.
Day 17:Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about seven hours.
You start early today for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before you. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Day 18:Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2895 m.) and it takes about three and half hours.
You now begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow a path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures. People living there follow the Tibetan lifestyle and culture. There is situated a monastery said to belong to the 15th Century. Kagbeni is the border for Upper Mustang
Day 19:Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2650m.) and it takes about five and half hours.
You now begin along a flat path along the bank of the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet up to Marpha. Marpha is a big village enriched with a Buddhist Monastery which has its own cultural importance. It is rich in cultivating apples. The apple brandy available there is famous among the local people and travelers.
Day 20:Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.) which takes about six hours.
Your trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail is stretched at almost a flat level to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches. The surrounding area of Ghasa is a famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic views of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).
Day 21:Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) which takes about five hours.
The trail descends steeply to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to see. Here is situated the deepest gorge of the world between the two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) which face each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking a bath in the hot spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Along with this, it gives you physical and mental refreshment as well.
Day 22:A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath.
After several days trekking,it is a great idea to take bath at hot spring and relax.
Day 23:Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for about seven hours.
Your trail passes along a flat level of the land for some distance before beginning to ascend steeply for at least one hour. Your path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different castes and agricultural land. The majority of the people here serve in the Gorkha and Indian Regiments. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki river with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are also delighted by more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a small pass and the village of Deurali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that you can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I,II,III,Iv, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgir ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you can see from here is probably the best view in the world.
Day 24:Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m.) which takes about five hours.
Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise views over the majestic Himalayan mountains. After breakfast, you again follow a gradually descending path through the forests of rhododendron and oak to Banthanti. It is a small village where you can pause for hot and cold drinks. Your trail then descends to Ulleri (1960m.), a big Gurung village from where you can enjoy views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. From here the trail to Tirkhedhunga is a steep descent passing terraces and some villages. After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tirkhedhunga, you reach Hille which is also a small Gurung village with surrounding green hills. Most of the inhabitants of this village are occupied in agriculture.
Day 25:Trek from Hille to Nayapul (1050m.) via Birethanti and it takes almost three hours and drive from Nayapul to Pokhara which takes about one and half hours.
This day’s trek gradually descends following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to Birethanti before you cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge. You are amazed to pass small villages, see the magnificent waterfalls and walk through the sparse forests.
Day 26:Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours.
While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple. En route, you can enjoy mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.
Note: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your preference. For more information please e-mail us at mountainsunvalley@gmail.com
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