Narphu Valley Trekking -Annapurna Circuit
Narphu Valley Trekking
This is one of trek in Annapurna region and those who wish for to explore hidden valley and trek off the beaten crossing through Challenging high passes like Masokanto La (5099m), Kangla pass (5200m) & Tilicho Pass (5230m) with beautiful Lake Tilicho.
Hidden by swirls of mountain mist ahead of us, from Kangla pass at 5200m the magnificent panorama view of Annapurna massif appears remote and forbidding. Our destination is the Nar-Phu valley, above the tree line on the upper limits of cultivation, in the very north of Manang district. It takes five hours reaching the pass that links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Nyershang down valley.
Nowadays, Nar Phu has about 300 inhabitants who depend on livestock, unlike most Bhotia people, whose trading patterns changed drastically after the Nepali Government closed borders with Tibet, the people of Nar and Phu valley were least affected by this change. The tortuous path leading from the valley into Tibet had never made them dependent on the salt trade, and till today yak herding is the basis of their livelihood.The Nepal government's recent decision to open up Nar and Phu to tourists has evoked little enthusiasm among the villagers, whose pastoral lifestyle continues. Apart from the odd researcher and climbing expeditions permitted to climb Him lung, Ratnachuli and Gachikang, few foreigners has visited the area and tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent. Since Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) recently extended its network to include Nar and Phu Valley, it is preparing a suitable tourism development plan at the request of the government for undiscovered valley.
We start this trek after driving almost whole day from Kathmandu to Besishar. From here we follow Pupular Annapurna Circuit route until Koto and then we take off the beatan route until we get Nar Phu. After visiting this area we trek back to manang, a beautiful village of Annapurna trail and continue trek to Tilicho route. After trekking about 4-5 days through Tilicho Lake and two beautiful but challenging pass of this region we end our trek at Jomsom where we catch our flight to Pokhara and later to KTM. Trekkers carry only day pack and walk at their own pace. Average hiking per day will be 6-7 hrs.
This is one of trek in Annapurna region and those who wish for to explore hidden valley and trek off the beaten crossing through Challenging high passes like Masokanto La (5099m), Kangla pass (5200m) & Tilicho Pass (5230m) with beautiful Lake Tilicho.
Hidden by swirls of mountain mist ahead of us, from Kangla pass at 5200m the magnificent panorama view of Annapurna massif appears remote and forbidding. Our destination is the Nar-Phu valley, above the tree line on the upper limits of cultivation, in the very north of Manang district. It takes five hours reaching the pass that links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Nyershang down valley.
Nowadays, Nar Phu has about 300 inhabitants who depend on livestock, unlike most Bhotia people, whose trading patterns changed drastically after the Nepali Government closed borders with Tibet, the people of Nar and Phu valley were least affected by this change. The tortuous path leading from the valley into Tibet had never made them dependent on the salt trade, and till today yak herding is the basis of their livelihood.The Nepal government's recent decision to open up Nar and Phu to tourists has evoked little enthusiasm among the villagers, whose pastoral lifestyle continues. Apart from the odd researcher and climbing expeditions permitted to climb Him lung, Ratnachuli and Gachikang, few foreigners has visited the area and tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent. Since Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) recently extended its network to include Nar and Phu Valley, it is preparing a suitable tourism development plan at the request of the government for undiscovered valley.
We start this trek after driving almost whole day from Kathmandu to Besishar. From here we follow Pupular Annapurna Circuit route until Koto and then we take off the beatan route until we get Nar Phu. After visiting this area we trek back to manang, a beautiful village of Annapurna trail and continue trek to Tilicho route. After trekking about 4-5 days through Tilicho Lake and two beautiful but challenging pass of this region we end our trek at Jomsom where we catch our flight to Pokhara and later to KTM. Trekkers carry only day pack and walk at their own pace. Average hiking per day will be 6-7 hrs.
Trip Itinerary
Hotels/Lodges14 Days Trek
Grade: Moderate Plus
Food: Included except main meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Accommodation: 4 Nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara and 13 Nights in lodge
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,350m.), meet our staff then transfers to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu free for official work and preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Besishahar (823m.) by Bus/Jeep and transfer to teahouse Lodge.
Day 04: Besishahar – Dharapani (1,943m.) by local Jeep/Bus.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani – Koto (2,713m.).
Day 06: Koto – Meta (3,560m.).
Day 07: Meta – Phu Gaon (4,030m.) via Kyang.
Day 08: Phu Gaun - Tashi Gompa and return to Phu Gaon.
Day 09: Phu Gaun - Nar Phu village (4,110m.).
Day 10: Acclimatization and exploration.
Day 11: Nar Phu Gaun – Kang La Pass (5,320m.) - Nagwal Village (3,802m.)
Day 12: Nagwal Village - Manang Village (3,351m.).
Day 13: Manang - Thorung Phedi (4,510m.) O/N at Teahuse Lodge
Day 14: Thorung Phedi - Thorung–La Pass (5,416m.) - Muktinath (3,748m.)
Day 15: Muktinath – Jomsom (2713m.) and transfer to Hotel/Lodge.
Day 16: Jomsom – Pokhara (915m.) by flight then transfer to Hotel.
Day 17: Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist Bus then transfer to Hotel.
Day 18: Kathmandu free.
Day 19: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.
Note: If above itinerary couldn't meet your needs, we can design a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs. It is also possible to combine with some other activities such as Tibet tours, Bhutan tours, and Jungle safari in Nepal.
Trip Date & Cost
TEA-HOUSE LODGE TREK COST INCLUDES:
TREK COST DOESN’T INCLUDE:
- All land transportation by Car, Van Hiace and tourist Bus (Airport/Hotel/Airport, trekking pick up and drop).
- 4 Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 1 night’s in Pokhara at Bed & Breakfast basis.
- All 3 major meals Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (provide continental food) and accommodation in best available teahouse lodge during the trek en-route.
- One professional English speaking trekking guide and necessary Porter. (1 Porter between two member)
- Life insurance for all support crews and their daily wages.
- Per member 10 Kg. luggage allow while in the trekking.
- Special Trekking Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fees.
- Air Ticket: Jomsom/Pokhara with domestic airport tax and cargo.
- Medical Kit Box for Nepali support crews.
- All official taxes and service charge.
TREK COST DOESN’T INCLUDE:
- Personal transportation except above programs.
- Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Air Ticket: Pokhara/Kathmandu with domestic airport tax and cargo.
- Personal trekking gears as well as sleeping bags.
- Personal Nature expenses.
- Emergency evacuation (If incase).
- Drinks except tea and coffee.
- Airfare: to & from your country.
- Nepal entry visa fees and airport departure taxes.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Tips for trekking crews
Equipment for this trip.
The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing needed for this trek.
This is a porter-supported trek. Two clients share one porter. We will supply you a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc.
The weight limit for the porter is 30 kg or 66 pounds. 15 kg or 33 pounds for each client. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the Kathmandu hotel.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek.)
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one but has to be returned after the trek.)
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important!
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of your flight.)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
