Nar Phu Valley Trek - 16 Days

Early morning departure from Kathmandu on a long but scenic drive following the Prithvi Highway through terraced hillsides and alongside rivers. Pass through Dumre, Besisahar, and continue on rough mountain roads through Bahundanda, Jagat, and Chamje. The road follows the Marsyangdi River valley with views of Manaslu range. Drive becomes rougher but increasingly scenic. Arrive at Dharapani, a village on the Annapurna Circuit where you begin trekking tomorrow. Check permits at police checkpoint. Rest after long drive day.

Begin trekking on the Annapurna Circuit trail ascending through beautiful pine and oak forests. Pass through Bagarchhap, a traditional village marking entry into the Manang district. Continue through Danakyu and Timang villages with increasingly Tibetan cultural influences. Cross several suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. Arrive at Koto, the gateway to the restricted Nar Phu Valley. This is where you leave the main Annapurna Circuit and branch into the hidden valley. Permit verification at checkpoint - your restricted area permit is thoroughly checked. Prepare for entering one of Nepal's most remote regions tomorrow.

Enter the Nar Phu Valley! Cross the bridge over the Marsyangdi and begin the dramatic ascent into one of Nepal's most spectacular gorges. The trail enters a narrow canyon where sheer rock walls tower 2,000+ feet on both sides - absolutely jaw-dropping scenery. Walk on trails carved into cliff faces and cross wooden bridges over the roaring Phu Khola river far below. Several sections traverse narrow ledges with exposed drops (thrilling but safe with careful footing). This is one of Nepal's most dramatic trekking days! The landscape is raw and otherworldly. Reach Meta, a small settlement at the canyon's upper end. Very basic teahouse accommodation. The remoteness is palpable.

Continue ascending the valley through increasingly barren, windswept landscape reminiscent of Tibet. The vegetation disappears as you enter the high-altitude zone. Pass through Kyang with its ancient chortens and mani walls. The trail offers spectacular views of Himlung Himal and other peaks forming the Nepal-Tibet border. Reach Phu village (also called Phu Gaon), one of the most remote and extraordinary villages in Nepal. This medieval Tibetan settlement clings to the mountainside with 200+ stone houses stacked vertically like a fortress. Flat roofs, narrow alleyways, prayer flags everywhere, and dramatic cliff backdrop create an otherworldly scene. Time seems stopped here - this is how Himalayan villages looked 1,000 years ago. Explore the ancient monastery, interact with locals (who are genuinely fascinated by visitors), and absorb the profound isolation.

Full acclimatization and exploration day in Phu. Morning: Visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, an ancient gompa with rare Buddhist art, thangkas, and manuscripts. Monks welcome visitors and may share butter tea. Hike to nearby viewpoints for spectacular valley panoramas. Option: Day excursion toward Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,900m) for closer mountain views and better acclimatization - challenging 6-7 hour round trip. Afternoon: Explore Phu's narrow stone alleys, visit local homes (with permission), observe traditional life, watch women weaving and men working fields. Evening: Rest and prepare for tomorrow's trek to Nar. This acclimatization day is crucial for safely crossing Kang La Pass later. Absorb the medieval atmosphere - you're in one of Asia's most remote inhabited places.

Retrace steps down the valley from Phu through dramatic landscapes. The descent is easier and offers different perspectives of the spectacular gorge scenery. Pass through Meta and continue to the junction where the Nar valley branches off. Cross the bridge and begin ascending the Nar valley - equally dramatic but different character from Phu. Pass through narrow sections with cliff-carved trails. Reach Nar Phedi ("foot of Nar"), a small settlement used as base for visiting Nar village. Basic teahouse. Rest and prepare for tomorrow's exploration of Nar.

Short but steep ascent to Nar village, arguably even more spectacular than Phu! The trail climbs through rocky terrain with prayer flags marking the way. Nar appears suddenly - a stunning medieval village built on a dramatic hillside with enormous cliffs forming the backdrop. The village has about 200 stone houses with flat roofs, ancient monastery, chortens, and an almost surreal setting. It feels like a hidden kingdom. Visit Tashi Choling Monastery, an ancient gompa perched high above the village with incredible valley views and religious treasures. Explore the village's maze-like alleys, meet locals, and observe traditional life. Nar is more tourist-aware than Phu but equally authentic. Spectacular sunset views over the Annapurna range. Rest and prepare for the challenging Kang La Pass crossing tomorrow.

THE BIG DAY! Early start (4-5 AM) for the challenging Kang La Pass crossing - one of Nepal's most spectacular high passes. Steep climb from Nar gaining 1,200m elevation through rocky terrain and potential snow fields. The ascent is strenuous but achievable with proper acclimatization. Reach Kang La Pass (5,322m) marked with prayer flags and stupas - absolutely breathtaking 360-degree panorama! Views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu peaks, and countless others. This viewpoint rivals any in the Himalayas. After photos and celebration, begin long descent - initially steep and rocky, requiring careful footing. The trail eventually moderates through alpine meadows. Reach Ngawal, a beautiful traditional village on the main Annapurna Circuit. The contrast is striking - you've crossed from isolated Nar Phu back to "civilization." Celebrate your achievement!

Easier day after yesterday's challenge. Trek through the beautiful upper Manang valley with constant mountain views. Pass through Mungi and Braga villages with ancient monasteries. Braga monastery, built into the cliff face, is worth visiting. Continue to Manang, the largest town in the valley and a famous trekker hub. Manang has good facilities: bakeries, shops, pharmacies, WiFi, comfortable lodges. Rest, hot shower, and enjoy amenities after days in remote Nar Phu. Optional: Visit Gangapurna Lake, explore Manang monastery, or attend afternoon acclimatization talk at Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.

Important acclimatization day before Thorong La Pass. Several excellent day hike options: 1) Gangapurna Lake and Glacier viewpoint (3,900m) - 3-4 hours round trip, 2) Praken Gompa monastery above town (4,000m) - 4 hours round trip with spectacular valley views, 3) Manang to Khangsar village (3,745m) - 5-6 hours round trip through beautiful landscape. Your guide will recommend based on weather and group fitness. Afternoon free to explore Manang, visit the ancient monastery, shop for forgotten items, rest, or attend HRA altitude talk (highly recommended - practical advice on Thorong La). This rest day significantly improves Thorong La success rates.

Begin the approach to Thorong La Pass. Short trekking day allowing continued acclimatization. The trail gradually ascends through alpine landscape following the Jharsang Khola valley. Vegetation becomes sparse. Pass through Tenki village and continue to Yak Kharka ("yak pasture"), a collection of teahouses in high pasture. The landscape is barren but beautiful. Mountain views improve with elevation. Rest and hydration are crucial - Thorong La is approaching.

Another short acclimatization day ascending gradually to Thorong Phedi ("foot of Thorong Pass"). The trail passes through Ledar and continues ascending the increasingly barren valley. Reach Thorong Phedi, a small cluster of teahouses directly below the pass. Some groups continue 1-2 hours to High Camp (4,800m) for shorter summit day tomorrow - discuss options with guide based on weather and group condition. Rest, stay hydrated (3-4 liters!), eat well, and sleep early - tomorrow is Thorong La!

THORONG LA CROSSING! Wake 4-5 AM for early start (critical - afternoon winds dangerous). Steep climb gaining 900-1,000m through rocky switchbacks. The altitude makes this slow going - pace yourself. Sunrise illuminates surrounding peaks spectacularly. Reach Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit! Prayer flags, chorten, and incredible panoramic views. This is a significant achievement! After photos and celebration, begin long descent - initially steep and rocky, eventually moderating through the Kali Gandaki valley. Pass through Chabarbu and continue to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit Muktinath temple complex if energy permits. You've crossed from the Manang district to Mustang district.

Descend through the arid Mustang landscape - dramatically different from the lush eastern slopes. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki valley through desert-like terrain with strong afternoon winds. Pass through Kagbeni, a medieval fortress town marking the gateway to Upper Mustang (restricted area). Continue descending through Eklebhatti and Jarkot to Jomsom, a large town with airport and comfortable facilities. Hot shower, cold beer, and celebration dinner! Tomorrow either fly to Pokhara (weather permitting) or continue trekking down valley.

Option 1 (Most Common): Scenic 20-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Morning flights offer spectacular Himalayan views. Arrive Pokhara for lakeside relaxation and celebration. Option 2 (Trekkers): Continue trekking down the Kali Gandaki gorge (world's deepest gorge!) through Marpha, Tukuche, and Ghasa to Tatopani with natural hot springs. Option 3 (Extended): Trek to Poon Hill (add 2-3 days). Discuss preference with guide. Transfer to hotel.

After breakfast, return to Kathmandu via flight or tourist bus based on preference. Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Free afternoon for souvenir shopping in Thamel, massage, or rest. Optional farewell dinner sharing stories and photos from your epic Nar Phu adventure. Reflect on the extraordinary journey through one of Nepal's last hidden regions.