Nar Phu Valley and Thorong la pass Trek - 18 days

Things to Know
  • Duration18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Technical Challenging
  • Altitude Thorang La Pass 5,416 m
  • Trip Type Trekking | Hiking
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Feb-May, Sep-Dec
What You’ll Do
  • Magical views of panoramic mountains such as Annapurna South, Mt. Annapurna, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, and many more.
  • Authentic Tibetan and Buddhist culture.
  • Challenging high passes above 5000 meters; Kang La Pass (5320m) and Thorang La Pass (5416m)
  • Discover the remote and tranquil villages of Nar and Phu.
  • Visit ancient monasteries and Muktinath Temple to learn about Hinduism and Buddhism.

Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic combination of two of the best treks in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. Having said that, Nar Phu Valley Trek is a less spoiled trekking route, and Annapurna Circuit Trek is popular among trekkers around the world. Therefore, it perfectly combines untouched and popular trekking in the Annapurna. The trek allows you to explore the most remote part of the Manang and the popular trekking trail of Nepal. This delightful journey provides outstanding landscapes, mountain vistas, isolated villages, high passes, glaciers, monasteries, flora, fauna, and Tibetan Culture. Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit starts with a long day drive to Jagat from Kathmandu. From Jagat until Koti we follow the trail of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and enter Nar Phu Trek. Trekking through different villages of Nar Phu Trail, you will cross Kang La Pass (5320m), and join Annapurna Circuit once again. Crossing the pass, the trail leads you to the beautiful Manang village, Yak Kharka, and lastly world’s highest pass – Thorang La Pass (5,416m). Descending from the pass, the trail heads to a famous Holy Place-Muktinath Temple.

Iconic Holiday Nepal brings this exciting and adventurous Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trek packages with customized itineraries. Our well-trained and qualified guiding staff provides you with top service that makes your trek a lifetime memory.

What to expect during the Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

  • The trek needs almost 3 weeks to complete with some long and difficult days along the trip.
  • Some part of the trail is rough and rugged terrain. So, you need to be physically and mentally able to trek through those kinds of trails.
  • You have to cross two massive passes; Kang La Pass and Thorang La Pass, which are physically demanding.
  • In some remote parts of Nar Phu Valley, it may be difficult to charge your camera or phone. So, better to carry a power bank with you.
  • Accommodations in most of the teahouses are simple with basic beds and shared bathrooms. The attached rooms are also available in some teahouses.
  • You can taste the experience of Tibetan Culture and their lifestyle.
  • Expect to discover deep gorges, canyons, caves, striking landscapes, passes, rocky terrain, and changing vegetation.
  • Charming remote villages, attractive monasteries, Chortens, and Temples.

How difficult is the Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

With no technical skill required, trek to Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderately difficult trek. Furthermore, most of the trail goes through the remote and isolated region. Moreover, even your trekking experience could be a factor of difficulty for this trek. Trekking in remote areas with the least experience is quite difficult. Moreover, crossing the passes over 5,000 meters is always the risk of high altitude sickness. Therefore, with proper acclimatization, planning, guidance, and determination, anyone can finish this trek.

Permit for Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek

As of April 1, 2023, a new regulation mandates that all foreign trekkers in Nepal must be accompanied by a guide during their trekking activities, except for trekkers in the Everest Region. Nar Phu Valley is a restricted region of Nepal, which requires special permission to enter. Moreover, it requires at least two trekkers and a guide to trek in this region. There are the permit cards that are needed to do the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit: It cost USD 26 equivalent to NRP 3000
  • Restricted Area Permit Card: September to November - $100 per person for the first seven days.
  • December to August $75 per person for the first seven days.
  • Iconic Holiday Nepal arranges these permit cards from your side.
  • For this trek, you will need two weeks of restricted area permit. 

Best Time for Nar Phu Valley Trek

March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) are the perfect time to enjoy this Nar Phu Valley Annapurna Circuit Trek. During these two seasons, the weather is perfect with clear views of the mountains. However, Nar Phu Valley trekking is possible even in monsoon season as it lies in the rain shadow region of Nepal.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1,400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1-2 hours

An assistant from Iconic Holiday Nepal will be at the airport to pick you up. He will greet you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle.

  • Altitude1,300 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time8-9 hours

The trip starts from Kathmandu with an early morning drive to Jagat. It is a long drive through uphills and down hills passing different villages, small towns, farmlands, etc. Overnight stay at Jagat.

  • Altitude1,995 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

Finally, the trekking day begins with a delicious breakfast in Jagat. Right from the start, the trek follows a rough trail of steps to climb. However, the views of natural scenery, waterfalls, and rivers make the day eventful. Overnight stay at Dharapani

  • Altitude2,600 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

We leave Dharapani to Koto crossing pine forests and enjoying the views of Annapurna II. Overnight stay at Koto.

  • Altitude3,560 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

The trail is entering the restricted area as we leave Koto. You will walk through the pine forests enjoying the views of Soti Khola. Likewise, you can witness the caves and canyons along the journey. Overnight stay at Meta.

  • Altitude4,080 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

The path ascends and descends frequently, and by crossing a suspension bridge, you will reach Chyaku. As you continue to climb, you will start to get glorious views of Annapurna before entering Kyang. Kyang provides spectacular views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. You will then pass the Phu Khola on a rocky trail leaving behind submarine rocks and perhaps a few campsites before reaching Phu gate - the entry point of Phu Village. Phu-Gaun is full of cultural wonders. You will see many beautiful Buddhist Choterns, with magnificent gorges, canyons, and forts.

  • Altitude4,080 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time2-3 hours

We stay one more day here at Phu Gaun before hiking high elevation. A very old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang monastery also listed among the 108 world’s greatest monasteries lies at a short distance in Phu Gaon. To keep your body active we will hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp or Glacier Valley. Likewise, even roaming around Phu Village has a lot to offer. Overnight stay at Phu.

  • Altitude4,110 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6-7 hours


Starting from Phu Gaon, our journey leads us to Nar village, taking us over two challenging high passes: Phu Pass at 5,050 meters and Nar Pass at 5,400 meters. Along the way, we'll traverse a series of suspension bridges, including the notable Mahendra Pul, offering glimpses of the breathtaking Pisang Peaks and other majestic summits.

  • Altitude4,110 m
  • AccommodationTea House

We will have an acclimatization day again before we cross the Kang La Pass the next day. You can just explore the Nar Village and engage with the local people. There are several small monasteries in the Village. Overnight stay at Nar village.

  • Altitude3,660 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

From Nar village, we climb to lateral moraine and pass through Yak meadows enjoying the views of Pisang Peak. Likewise, the trail takes you to the bottom of Kang La Pass. From here, you will ascend gradually to Kang La Pass through the steep path. The pass delivers splendid views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and other landscapes.

  • Altitude3,540 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hours

Leaving Ngawal, the trail goes through the bank of the Marshyangdi River. Likewise, we will trek through different villages like Braga and Paugh. The day gives us a good sight of Annapurna Ranges and Tilicho Peak. From Mungli, we join the Annapurna Circuit Trail and head to Manang for an overnight stay.

  • Altitude4,050 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3-4 hours

After having breakfast, we will leave Manang to reach Tenki Village. Heading the northwest to Jar Sang Valley, we will ascend gradually passing a few Juniper Forest. Similarly, you will be able to see the Yak and Horses grazing near the pastures. Trek continues until we reach Yak Kharka.

  • Altitude4,450 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3-4 hours

Today we will trek to the base of the Thorang La Pass(5,416m). Climbing up a ridge, we will cross the bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Next, we continue to walk through the narrow trail and descend to Thorang Phedi.

  • Altitude3,800 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

Today going to be a difficult day of this trek. We will trek for about 3-4 hours to reach the Top of Thorang La Pass at 5,416 meters. The trek rewards with the beautiful views of Mustang and Kali Gandaki Valley with surrounding peaks. Take your moment to take some photos at the pass. The descent is as difficult as the ascending. Descending from Thorang La Pass, we continue to the famous Temple Muktinath. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

  • Altitude2,720 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5-6 hours

Paying a quick visit to Muktinath Temple early in the morning, we head to Jomsom. The trail is easy with scintillating views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You can experience the rich Tibetan culture along the way. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

  • Altitude8,22 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

The journey from Jomsom to Pokhara can be quite an adventure, but it's a long drive. For a quicker option, you can take a direct flight to Pokhara. If you have some extra time, consider a side trip to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. It's worth it, especially if you're looking to relax and rejuvenate after a tiring journey

  • Altitude1,400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

The tourist bus to Kathmandu from Pokhara leaves around 7 a.m. Therefore, be ready with your backpack to catch the bus to Kathmandu. The Tourist Bus takes around 7-8 hours - (205 Km) to reach Kathmandu

    Our staff from Iconic Holiday Nepal will escort you to the airport in a private vehicle and bid farewell. We wish you the best of luck for your next trip or adventure.

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    Useful Info

    Meals and Accommodation

    Meals during the Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek have a quite wide range of options in hotels and teahouses. The local community is the owner of most hotels and teahouses. Here are the list of meals you can find during the trek:

    Breakfast Set: Tibetan Bread, Oatmeal, French toast, Corn Flakes, Hashed Brown, French fries, egg scramble, boiled eggs, pancakes, porridge with milk, muesli, vegetable items, and hot drinks including tea, coffee (except espresso and Americano).

    Lunch Set: Dal Bhat, Thukpa, Dumplings (Momos), Macaroni, Spaghetti, soups, potatoes, Sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, and other common Nepali meals.

    Dinner Set: Dinner options are almost similar to lunch options. You can find pizza, Momos, Burger, spring rolls, Daal Bhat, Steaks, hot drinks, cold drinks, noodles soup, and dessert items. The meals are hygienic and healthy with local materials used.

    Note: we recommend avoiding non-veg items as much as you can in the Himalayan region.

    Accommodation: You can find simple and basic teahouses during this trek. Most of the teahouse provides a basic bed with a blanket, pillow, and mattress.

    Electricity and Water

    During your stop at teahouses in the trek, you can use the electricity but have to pay for it. Either you charge your mobile or camera; they charge you a certain amount of money. We recommend not drinking the water directly from a tap or river during the trek. Mineral water is available in most of the teahouses. Otherwise, you can also use the boiled water in the teahouses or even buy them. If you have a water purification tablet, you can dissolve it in the bought water.

    Internet and Wifi

    During the Nar Phu Trek with Annapurna Circuit, you can have internet access in the teahouses where you stay. However, teahouses charge you the extra service charge after you use the Wi-Fi service. Even if you use the sim card for the internet, it depends on your network.

    Trip Extension Possibility

    There is always a possibility of a trip extension if you have enough time after completing the trek. You can have the option of doing the Kathmandu Valley tour or even the Chitwan Jungle Safari tour. We can help you arrange any kind of adventurous trip in Nepal.

    Gear list for Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek

    The following is the list of the gear you need for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can easily

    Upper Body:

    • Thermal tops.
    • Fleece and Down Jackets.
    • Windcheater and waterproof Jacket.
    • 3-4 T-shirts. (woollen and cotton)
    • Inner Thermal wear.
    • Warm Hats.
    • Warm gloves.

    Lower Body:

    • Two pairs of Thermal Pants.
    • Inner thermal trousers.
    • 4-5 underwear.
    • 3-4 pairs of Woolen socks
    • A pair of flip-flops.
    • Quality Trekking Boot

    Other Miscellaneous Gear

    • Sun Glasses
    • Trekking poles
    • Toiletries
    • Day backpack at least 40 L
    • Water purification Tablets.
    • Small lock for the daypack.
    • Personal first aid kit or medical kit.

    Conclusion

    Hence, the Nar Phu Valley Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a great option to discover the Annapurna Region. The trek is mixed with natural beauty, high-altitude passes, mountain peaks, and many other attractive features. Therefore, if you need more information about Nar Phu Valley Trek, contact us and plan your trip with us.

    Price fromUS$1100US$1350(per person)
    We Offer Group Discount Price
      
    1 - 4 paxUS$1200
    5 - 12 paxUS$1150
    13 - 20 paxUS$1100
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