‘Adventure to a hidden valley, a complete Shangri-La around remote Himalayas’
Overviews:
Nar Phu Valley Trekking leads to a hidden country, far beyond the massif Annapurna Himalayas, north of scenic Manang Valley. The upper Manang around Nar Phu was closed to outside visitors until it flung its door open from 2003 onwards.
Where all foreign visitors require a special permit to enter the remote high valley of Nar Phu from the village of Koto. Various ways to reach, the hidden villages of Nar and Phu, as well as itinerary days.
Nar Phu Valley, tucked around Nepal’s Far North Mid-West, above Manang Valley, and on route Upper Mustang via Teri-La. As well one can trek crossing the high Saribung-La pass close to Damodar Himal. Located North East of Mustang and North West from Nar Phu, but the normal and main route is from Manang.
Which is near Chame, the headquarters town of Manang district, and the straightforward route to enter Nar Phu valley.
Nar Phu Valley Trek leads to complete mountain wilderness to experience the spectacular dramatic and windswept landscapes. Enclosed within the towering peaks of Chulu, Pisang is in the southwest with Himlung Himal towards the east.
Includes the Annapurna Himalaya, and Lamjung Himal in the south direction, which is the main approach to Nar Phu valley.
THE MAIN ROUTE TO NAR PHU VALLEY:
At present, the network of motorable has reached to main Manang village, which is about a two-day trek to Koto from Dharapani village. Where route diverts from the main trail of the popular Annapurna Circuit trail, heading towards the north. The walk starts from Koto or further down Dharapani village, whatever the starting route is taken. Eventually, trekkers must reach Koto village at 2,600 m / 8,530 feet high, a small village close to Chame
Includes the Annapurna Himalaya, and Lamjung Himal in the south direction, which is the main approach to Nar Phu valley.
THE MAIN ROUTE TO NAR PHU VALLEY:
At present, the network of motorable has reached to main Manang village, which is about a two-day trek to Koto from Dharapani village. Where route diverts from the main trail of the popular Annapurna Circuit trail, heading towards the north. The walk starts from Koto or further down Dharapani village, whatever the starting route is taken.
Eventually, trekkers must reach Koto village at 2,600 m / 8,530 feet high, a small village close to Chame town. From Koto the trail diverts from the main route of Annapurna Circuit, following a river gorge heading north of Manang.
The walk leads on the bank of Suti Khola / stream crossing suspension bridge to Dharmasala, a small settlement. Situated amidst a nice forest surrounding, as walk leads further to Meta at 3,570 m / 11, 712 feet high. Most trekkers spend overnight halt in Meta or at Dharmasala, after a gradual climb from Koto onwards. From Meta leaving the narrow river gorge path enters a wide open and exposed valley similar to Tibetan windswept terrain.
From Meta the trail leads up and down and crosses a bridge, reaching into the heart of Nar Phu valley. Chances of spotting some wildlife like a herd of Blue Sheep, mountain goats, and if lucky a snow leopard.
Slowly the walk enters the amazing Hidden Valley and a Shangri-La reaching Phu village, the main highlight of the adventure. Phu village is perched on a ridge at
3, 840 m / 12, 598 feet high, and the houses are closely attached.
At Phu enjoy a free day to explore the village of impressive colorful cultures of Tibetan Buddhism heritage. Visit the oldest monastery the Tashi Lakhang Gompa, listed as one of the important monasteries.
From 108 great Buddhist Monasteries around the great Himalayan range of Tibet and Nepal. While at Phu village faces the towering peaks of Himlung Himal with an array of peaks within the windblown landscapes.
After a mind-blowing experience journey heads down towards the sister village of Nar, a long day hike of 6-7 hours. Trekkers can have the option either stay overnight in a simple guest house of the monastery at Nar Phedi. Managed by the Buddhist nuns or head a further few hours’ walks to Nar village for better overnight accommodation. The trail to Nar village leads to a steep climb encountering a series of Buddhist monuments known as Chaitiya or Stupas.
Nar village at 3, 500 m/ 11, 483 feet, almost the same types of houses but quite smaller than Phu. From Nar village, enjoy stunning views of Pisang Peak North Face, with Chulu peaks towards the south.
Nar also known as Chuprong, means where Blue Sheep dwells, an amazing country to experience once in a lifetime.
FROM NAR PHU RETURN JOURNEY VIA VARIOUS ROUTES TO CHOOSE FROM:
After an enjoyable and exciting adventure to Nar Phu, trekkers with great interest can extend the treks. Either heading towards high Kang-La pass 5,320 m / 17, 454 feet high. Taking more than 7-8 hours to reach the other side of Manang areas, with the first overnight at Ngawal. A small farm village at 3,660 m / 12,008 feet, having nice lodge accommodations and better foods than around Nar-Phu.
From Ngawal, head towards the main Manang village and the high Thorang-La pass 5,416 m, the highest point of the adventure. Where walk leads you to another scenic area in Mustang district and then to Jomsom, after the holy Muktinath temple area. From Jomsom, one can take a short flight or enjoy an exciting overland journey to the beautiful city of Pokhara. The other option is quite adventurous crossing the high Terila-La pass 5, 577 m / 18, 297 feet. After a traverse over Terila-La Pass reaching Upper Mustang in about 3-4 days, then visit Lo-Manthang and drive to Jomsom.
The other alternative is if time is a short walk down the same way to Koto. Joining back on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit, one can take a drive or walk further down. On
completing the walk tanking overland journey to Kathmandu or towards Pokhara.
THE BEST SEASONS FOR NAR PHU TREK:
For the Nar Phu trek, the best favorable time is late spring April, and May.
The next best season is autumn/fall from September to early November.
Spring time of April and May, most days are bright with enough sunny days where sunlight is much longer. Cold morning, late afternoon, and night time, as the temperature drops till the sun reaches the areas of overnight halt.
Autumn/fall is another best time for treks, most days are fine and clear for views and pleasant walks. But days are much shorter due to sunlight hours, morning and late afternoon till night time can be much cold.
Can enjoy the views of clear starry nights, around the high areas of Nar Phu. From November months most village lodges will be closed, as the locals will migrate to low warm areas. Escaping from the cold winter, start from mid-November to early spring of March. Even in the best seasons of the year can expect snowfall sometimes, especially above 3,000 m high.
FOOD, LODGE ACCOMMODATION AND ELECTRICITY, AND INTERNET FACILITIES: On the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit trail to Koto village, the lodge accommodation is nice and cozy. Has a comprehensive food menu from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese,
Tibetan, and Nepali famous Dhal Bhat with a choice of pickles and vegetables, and meats.
But from Koto onwards till Phu and Nar villages the lodge accommodations are simple and basic with common toilets and baths. After crossing Kang-La to Ngawal and Manang villages the lodge accommodation is of standard. At Yak-Kharka and High Camp of Thorang-La pass the lodge and accommodation are simple and basic. Muktinath and Jomsom the lodge are much better of a high standard with a great food menu, as well as fresh bakery products.
Electricity is available throughout the trek, in smaller villages like Meta, and Nar with hydro or solar power. As well as around Yak Kharka and Thorang High Camp.
The Internet and WI-FI services are available but quite disturbing from Meta to Ngawal, as well around Yak Kharka and High Camp. Rest of the places with good services as weather and open area wise.
NAR PHU HOURS OF WALKS FROM STARTING TO ENDING POINT: Normally starting the treks from Dharapani at 1,860 m and end at Jomsom town in Mustang district. From Kathmandu to Nar Phu, the distance is approx. 232 km / 144 miles. Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani is 234 km / 145 miles driving distance; through Besisar town around Lamjung district to reach Manang area at Dharapani. From Jomsom take
a swift flight to Pokhara of less than 25 minutes, then either 6 hour drive or take half hour flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara city.
The average walks of 4-5 hours, and the longest is 7-8 hours when crossing Kang-La and Thorang-La passes. The trek starts with moderate-grade walks and gets adventurous entering Nar-Phu and till Muktinath holy site.
The trek duration of 15 Nights & 16 Days with drives and short flights.
Start Point of the trek from Dharapani after a drive from Kathmandu.
Ending Point of the trek at Jomsom, Mustang district, and fly to Pokhara city Kaski district. Trekking Routes: Dharapani-Phu-Nar-Kang-La-Manang-Muktinath to Jomsom at Mustang district. Total Trip: 20 Nights & 21 Days from arrival to departure. The highest Points on top Thorang-La Pass 5,416 m and Kang-La at 5,320 m high.
Where one can shorten the trekking days depending on your limited holiday durations.
