Nar Phu Valley Trek

17 Days

Arrival and Departure from Kathmandu.

Autumn / Spring

September – November / March – May

Moderate

For all people

The Nar-Phu valley is a precious gem of Nepal, located northeast part of Manang valley, surrounded by dozens of snow-capped mountains called Kangaroo, Nemjung, Himlung, Chhuri and Pisang peak.

Trek into the Nar-Phu valley commands to the trekkers to explore numerous ancient settlements; which are inhabitant by the Gurung, Tibetan and Bhotia peoples. All of the peoples are following Buddhism so during the trekking period trekkers may visit some of the old monasteries of the region called Tashi Gompa, Samdo Chhyoling monastery, Satya Gompa, Nar Gompa and other Buddhist monuments such as Stupa, Chortens, Prayer wheels, Mani walls and Kani gates which are well painted with golden colors and carved image of Buddhist deities and mantras on it.

Apart of religious sites; there are so many interesting things to see like ruin settlements of Khampas, unique rock formations, deep gorges, rugged rocky hills, canyons, wide meadows, enormous pastureland where can be seen thousands of grazing Yaks, Horses, sheep, mountain goats and a wonderful wooden bridge called Mahendra bridge; which is built over the deep gorge of Nar River.

Most of the peoples from Nar Phu valley are depend on agriculture, animal husbandry and trade of yarshagumba; which is a kind of caterpillar fungus and exporting to China to make energetic medicines. The local people grow potatoes, cabbage, garlic, wheat, buckwheat, maize, and barely but won’t be enough to survive for the whole year so some of the peoples come down to city area to get alternative jobs.

“The Chortens or Stupas”

– The sacred, symbolic building of Buddhism –

Wherever you trek in the Himalayan region of Nepal; you will often encounter a Buddhist icon called either Stupa or Chhortens; which are built alongside the trail but most of the peoples don’t know the meaning of chhortens and calcification of it. It is the oldest Buddhist monuments symbolized relics of Buddha and his birth, symbolization of love and four direction, a reminder of Buddha’s enlightenment, and referred of a major Buddhist event. There are eight different types of Chhortens called; The lotus blossom Chhortens, Chhortens of enlightenment, Chhortens of many doors, chhortens of decent from the god realm, Chhortens of great miracles, Chhortens of reconciliation, chhortens of complete Victory and Chhortens of Nirvana and each Chhortens has a different function to built.

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Tour Details

Day 01 – On your arrival date at Tribhuwan international airport; your guide will pick you up then escort to the hotel. Your hotel would be the center of the Thamel; which is one of the tourist hubs in Kathmandu.

Day 02 – Sightseeing to the historical and ancient places of Kathmandu city such as Pashupatinath Hindu temple, Baudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar square, Sawayambhunath Stupa which is also known as monkey temple due to moving hundreds of monkeys. After exploration of these places you will return back to hotel then your guide will brief about trekking trip, trekking itineraries and trekking gears.

Day 03 – Drive to Besishahar and trek to Ngadi village (870m.a.s.l) – 6 hours drive and 3 hours walk – you will drive approximately 6 hours to get Besishahar which is trekking start point for the Nar Phu valley and Annapurna circuit trek. During the driving period; you will have a beautiful view of the terraced field, River valleys, massif views of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu mountain ranges, and dozens of small towns; which are settled just beside the Trisuli River. You will have your lunch in Besishahar then head towards Ngadi village taking by alternative trail instead of motor road. The alternative trail commands you to see the verdant paddy field, green forest, rugged rocky hills, and as well as an awesome view of Marshyangdi River valley.

Day 04 – Trek to Ghermuphat village (1110m.a.s.l)- 6 hours walk – Begin of the morning the trail leads just bank of the Marshyangdi River for one and half hours to get upper Ngadi village then the trail ascends to the Bahundanda village. Normally; trekkers stop in Bahundanda for lunch. Bahundanda is located top of the hill and purpose to see awesome Marshyangdi River valley, Green forest, huge rugged rocky hills, and as well as numerous small villages; which are settled over the vertical land. Trek from Bahundanda to Ghermuphat takes about another two and a half hours and it would be a pleasant walk due to trek on a flat trail and nature views.

Day 05 – Trek to Tal village (1700m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – The trail gently descend from the yard of the guesthouse to get Shyange village; which may take about twenty minutes. Shyange village offers to see beautiful waterfalls; which is 109 meters high and falling from the top of the hill. From Shyange village; trekkers have to walk on the road to get Chyamche village. Most of the trekkers stop here for lunch and to see a huge waterfalls and wild honeycombs, hanging on a vertical cliff. After lunch in Chyamche the alternative trail leads towards Tall village pass by Sattale village with the view of rocky hills, waterfalls, and green forest. The trail from Chyamche to Tall is mostly a rocky and climbing up the trail, which may take about three hours to reach in Tal village.

Day 05 – Trek to Timang village (3400m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – we will walk just bank of the Marshyangdi River until Danaque village, so the trail is mostly an easy walk cause by flat and gradual climb up. We will pass Siran tall, Dharapani, and Bagarchaap villages with the view of huge green hills, waterfalls, and as well as stunning view of Manaslu. After Danaque village we have to climb up about one and a half hours to get Timang village. If the weather is clear, we can see a closer view of Mount Manaslu to the southwards and Namun peak to the northwards.

Day 06 – Trek to Koto village (2600m.a.s.l) – 3 hours walk – Today we will do just short trek because we can’t go further than Koto village. Trek from Timang to Koto village takes approximately three hours and offers to see a stunning view of Annapurna two and Lamjung Himal. We will have our lunch in Koto Village and in the afternoon we can explore the Chame village and a beautiful monastery and hang around in town.

Day 07 – Trek to Meta village 6 hours walk – The fun of Nar Phu valley trek start from here with full of excitements. The forested and flat trail leads us to Dharmashala with beautiful views of rocky hills, the valley and deep gorge of Nar River, historical cave, stunning view of Lamjung Himal, and huge waterfalls nearby the Dharmashala. Dharmashala is an old inn used by ancient traders of locals and Tibetan peoples. The trail gently ascends from the Dharmashala and an approximately two hours uphill trail brings us to Meta village where we will spend our joyful nights with great hospitality of Gurung people.

Day 08 – Trek to Phu village (4200m.a.s.l)- 6 hours walk – Begins of the morning; we will walk on the flat trail until trail junction to the Nar and Phu village then we will turn to the right-hand side to go Phu village. The gradual and short uphill trail leads us to Phu village pass by three ruin villages called Junam Goth, Chhekya, and Kyang which are ancient settlements of Tibetan refugees called Khampas. While climbing up to Phu village; we will have splendid views of Combi, kangaroo mountain, unique rock formation, enormous pastureland, fascinating landscapes, and as well as hundreds of prayer wheels, Chhortens and entrance gate of Phu village. There are half dozens of guesthouses in Phu village and provides comfortable bedrooms and delicious organic meals.

Day 09 – Exploration day around Phu village – Phu is an ancient Tibetan settlement; which offers so many interesting places and things to see such as monasteries, a handicraft center, stupa, Chhortens, primary school and ruin houses which are made of clay, stones, wooden logs and roofed by the stone slates and soil. Tashi Gompa is a major icon of the Phu village; which was built in the 17th century and well decorated with a colorful Buddhist prayer flag and Mantras. From the yard of Monastery, we will have a massif view of Himlung, Chhuri, Chombi, and Nemjung mountains and its awesome ranges and glaciers.

Day 10 – Trek to Nar Phedi (3490m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – There isn’t any alternative trail to get back from Phu village so we will trek down via the same trail until trail junction of to Meta and Nar village then we will turn to the right-hand side to get Nar Phedi. After 10 minutes walk from trail junction appear a wooden bridge call Mahendra Bridge; which is built with rocks and wood over the deep gorge of Nar River. Today, we will sleep in a monastery called Satya Gompa but still the monastery provides bedrooms and basic meals for trekkers and their trekking crews.

Day 11 – Trek to Nar village( 4110 m.a.s.l )- 4 hours walk – The trail gently ascends from the yard of the Monastery and leads us on a rocky steps hills. After two hours of climb up appear an old gate also know as the first Nar gate. During the climbing, we will have fascinating views of Kangaru, Himlung, flying Griffons, and awesome gorge of the Nar River. From the first Nar gate the trail ascends gradually on a ridge and passes by very old chhortens, Stupa, and mani walls. There are dozens of good guest houses in Nar village and offer to have delicious meals with warm hospitality and as well as comfortable bedrooms.

Day 12 – Trek over the Kang-La pass and walk down to Ngawal village (3610 m.a.s.l ) – 7 to 8 hours walk – Some trekkers sleep one overnight in Kang-la phedi which is closer of Kang-La pass so good idea would be to starts trek early in the morning and trek down directly to Ngawal village which may take approximately 7 to 8 hours depends on our walking speed and health condition. We have to climb gradually, 1200 meters to get Kang-La pass which may take 3 to 4 hours. The top of the Kang-La pass commands to see a panoramic view of Annapurna I, II, III, Iv, Gangapurna, Tarke Kang, Khangshar peak, Ticlicho peak, series of Chulu peak, Pisang peak, Kangaru peak, Himlung peak, Lamjung Himal and wonderful Manang valley and Marshyangdi River. From here, we will trek down to Ngawal village through a scree field, juniper bushes with the splendid view of the mountain chain and grazing Yaks and blu sheep. There are dozens of good guesthouses in Ngawal village and offer us to have a delicious meal and comfortable bedrooms.

Day 13 – Trek down to Dhukur Pokhari (3200 m.a.s.l) – 5 hours walk – The morning command us to see the dramatic view of the Annapurna ranges and it’s neighbor’s mountains and glacier. After breakfast, we will walk on the flat trail for one and a half hours to get Ghyaru village with similar mountain views, Pisang valley, and green landscapes. From Ghyaru; the trail gently descends for 45 minutes to get a suspension bridge then the rest of the trail to Dhukur Pokhari is mostly flat and gentle slope. We will stop in Upper Pisang village to have lunch and to explore a beautiful monastery, located top of the village. The yard of Monastery offers to see a grand view of Annapurna II, Pisang peak, Tilicho peak, and wonderful Pisang village valley.

Day 14 – Trek to Chame (2660 m.a.s.l) – 5 hours walk – Our journey starts with splendid views of Annapurna II and Swargadwari Himal(gateway to heaven). The trail to Chame is mostly flat and passes through pine forest although we can see vistas of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and sights of huge rocky hills which are stunning our both hand side. Chame is a small Tibetan village where we can see many interesting things like Stupa, Chortens, colorful mani walls, souvenir shops, and an old monastery. There are dozens of good guesthouses in Chame village which offers comfortable bedrooms.

Day 15 – Drive back to Kathmandu – Chame is connected with Motor road with Besishahar and Kathmandu so we will drive jeep to get Beshishar that may take about three hours. we will have our lunch in Beshishar and continue to drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 16 – Rest day in Kathmandu.

Day 17 – Fly back to Home.

 

 

Autumn season is considered as best season to do trekking trip in Nepal because the autumn season offers to see magnificent Himalayan views, clear sky without any clouds and Spring season is second best time to explore Nepal due to see clear mountain views and many kinds of blooms.  Autumn season (middle of September to End of November) spring season (Middle of the February to End of May).

October to November – In general the first two months of the dry season offer the best weather for trekking and the main trails are heaving with trekkers at this time, for good reason.the air is crystal clear, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm.

December to February – These months are also good time for trekking trip to higher region but the cold can be bitter and dangerous at high altitudes. Getting up to the higher region and high passes can be a real endurance test and high passes are often blocked by snow.

March to April – These months are dry weather and dusty; means poorer Himalayan views but the compensations are several; fewer crowds, warm weather and spectacular Rhododendrons, magnolias and Orchids blooms.

Required permits – The Nar Phu valley is one of the restricted zone of Nepal so for those trekkers who want to trek into this region then they have buy especial Trekking permit to allow to access into the Nar phu valley and not allowed for individual trekkers however; trekkers have to hire a guide who is registered as a trekking guide by Nepal government.

Food – All tea houses have similar menus which feature local traditional Nepali items such ass local hand made breads, potatoes and Dal Baht which rice served with lentil soup with vegetable curry and typical pickles and selected western dishes like pasta, macaroni, pizza, noodles and burgers. Keep in mind most dishes are vegetarian.

Water – water bottle is available in all tea houses however, be mindful of the environmental impact your purchase/plastic bottle will have.Untreated water is available in all teahouses free of charge. Carry your own water treatment system. Boiled water is available for additional charge.

Accommodation -You will be sleeping in private rooms in teahouses. They usually have two single beds with mattress and blankets are available by request. Bathrooms (squat style) are mostly shared; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. Toilet paper is available for purchase throughout the trek. Cold showers are always available. Hot showers or hot bucket are available in some teahouses for additional charge.

High altitude sickness and prevention of it – Altitude sickness, mildest from being acute mountain sickness is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) with associated shortness of breath or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with associated confusion. Chronic mountain sickness may occur after long-term exposure to high altitude.

Symptoms of high altitude sickness – Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue and loss of energy, Shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of appetite, skin discoloration (change into the blue, gray or pale), confusion, coughing, coughing of bloody mucus, chest tightness, decreased consciousness, difficult to walk in a straight line and shortness of breath even at rest.

How to skip high altitude sickness? – Ascend slowly, Get good rest, Drink plenty of water, eat appropriately, avoid the alcoholic beverage, do well acclimatization and take advise from your doctor before to get high elevation.

  • Sleeping bag (-15C rating)
  • Hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
  • Camp shoes
  • Down jacket (heavy)
  • Wind/waterproof shell
  • Waterproof pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wool thermals
  • Sun hat
  • Beanie
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and chapstic
  • Water treatment system
  • Medical kit
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal toiletries
  • (Optional) Crampons
  • (Optional) Gaiters

For a quote, please contact us at: gobinmuhong@hotmail.com

The quote includes:

  • Airport pick up and drop off.
  • One day sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • All required permits and TIMS cards.
  • Transportation to/from trek start and end points from Kathmandu/Pokhara.
  • Professional English speaking guide with a medical kit and porters (including their meals, drinks, accommodation and insurance).
  • Accommodation and meals.
  • 13% government tax and 10% service charge.

The quote does not include:

  • Client insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, extra beverages bill, battery charge, wifi charge, hot shower charge, mineral water, snacks)
  • Extra porter

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