16 DAYS NAR PHU VALLEY TREK

After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu heading toward Besisahar through a lush green landscape and via numerous villages and farms. We first reach Besisahar Village and then continue until we reach Jagat where we stay the night.

Today our trek begins as we follow the descending trail from Jagat until we reach the river and then continue through farmland where locals grow corn, barley, rice, and potatoes. Along the trail, we pass through bamboo and rhododendron forests before having to ascend to a ridge where we have spectacular views down into the valley and of waterfalls cascading into the river, and views of the magnificent towering Annapurna Mountains. We follow a rock-strewn trail that requires some effort before descending to the river that leads to Tal Village and a little further on Dharapani where we stay the night.

This morning we start our trek to Bagarchhap, about 1.5 hours taking us through pine and fir forests until we reach the village where there is prominent monastery painted white. We follow the steep trail, with signs of landsides, for another hour before we reach Danaque. Looking skyward we are blessed with some amazing views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We continue for 1.5 hours until we reach Latamarang Village (2400m) where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue on and on occasion get a glimpse of the enormous Annapurna II peak (7937m). We eventually arrive at Koto Village where we will stay the night.

This morning we have to register for our restricted area permit and then continue along the trail along the riverbank until we reach of Soti Khola Village located on the banks of the river. The trail continues passing pine forests, rivers before crossing a suspension bridge before ascending to Meta Village situated on a vast open plain on the Tibetan Plateau from where you have fantastic views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Today the undulating trail takes us over several suspension bridges and after 4 hours we reach Kyang Village and its ancient ruins where ruined forts of the Tibetan Khampa people who once fought with Nepal and later settled. We pass Phu Khola until finally, after 3 to 4 hours reach the Phu village of Phu Gaon where we stay the night.

Today the trail descends passing many streams and crossing numerous suspension bridges until we reach Nar Village that has several Buddhist monasteries and some awesome views of Pisang Peak (6092m) and other snow-clad mountains. Tonight we stay at Nar with its many stupas (dome-shaped Buddhist shrines) and incredible stone buildings.

Today it is necessary to acclimatize and prepare for the higher elevation at Nar. Health specialists recommend staying active while acclimatizing, so today we will wander around the village and check out its unique Tibetan cultural icons and meet the very friendly local people with their warm smiling faces. We can also trek from Nar to Tashi Lhakhang (monastery) and head up to Himlung Base Camp (4842m) and only a 3 to 4 km trek. Tonight we stay at Nar. [An alternative to spending an extra day in Phu means you may have the option of climbing to Tilicho Lake from Manang, rather than head through Thorong La Pass and then on to Yak Kharka. This is something you can discuss with your guide.

An early start today begins with a long uphill trek to Kang La Pass through Jhombu Kharka Village (also referred to as Kang La Phedi) at the base of Kang La Pass. The view from here of the Annapurna Massif is breathtaking. Heading through the pass we continue on descending quite rapidly to Nawal Village where we stay the night.

Today we leave Nawal for Manang and on the trail pass through the mountainous village of Paugh perched on the side of a mountain with the usual stone buildings. The vast Annapurna Mountain views in the background of Paugh can be seen in the distance. At the small village of Mungi we connect with the main Annapurna trail and continue until we reach Manang where we will stay the night.

Today we head off on a 10.4 km uphill trek of around 3 to 4 hours and head to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests and will see yak grazing in the pastures. On the route we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. The vegetation at this elevation is mostly juniper trees. Depending on the conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Leader.

Climbing higher we gradually get used to the higher altitude. We follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola and along with the trail view steep bluffs before reaching Thorong Phedi (meaning foothills). If we are lucky we may see the famous blue sheep and even a snow leopard! This is also home to Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the mythical griffons are in this region!

Today is most likely the toughest day of the trek, hiking for around 7-8 hours. The higher altitude contributes to the degree of difficulty and sometimes strong winds in these upper regions. Along the trail we may pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting their goods. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and the eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend around 1600 metres and the brilliant Dhaulagiri (Dhaula Giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. The trail is more undulating and relatively easy before we reach Muktinath where we stay the night.

From Muktinath, we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams passing through Kagbeni before we reach Jomson in the Kali Gandaki valley. Kagbeni has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry. Tonight we stay at Jomsom.

Today we leave Jomsom by local transport to Tatopani taking us through the deepest gorge in the world – the Kali Gandaki Gorge with the Kali Gandaki River that separates the major peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m) on the west and Annapurna (8091m) on the east. As we head further down the gorge the vegetation changes from arid dry barren rock to more lush pastures and farmland. After arriving at Tatopani we can relax the tired muscles in the hot natural springs by the river.

This morning we drive to Pokhara. After arriving at Pokhara we will head to our Lakeside hotel and after check-in can explore Phewa Tal (lake) and admire Mt Machapuchare (Fish Tail) in the distance. Alternatively, we may wish to take a boat ride on Phew Tal – Nepal’s second-largest lake, or meander along Lakeside and do some shopping. Tonight we can visit some of the clubs and bars to celebrate our return to civilization.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!