Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley trek is a real Himalayan wilderness experience that is as unforgettable as it is spectacular. Tucked between the more visited Annapurna and Manaslu regions, Nar Phu is a true hidden gem that offers trekkers a rare opportunity to explore unspoiled valleys that feature a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.

Overview

Fast facts
Duration	9 days
Max. elevation	5,240 meters
Start/finish	Besisahar / Pisang
Difficulty	Challenging
Accommodation	Teahouse

The trek through the Nar & Phu valleys combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique ethnically Tibetan cultures. Closed to trekkers until late 2002, very few outsiders have explored these virtually untouched villages or climbed the many 7000 meter peaks surrounding them.

Starting at Besisahar — the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit — the trek quickly diverges from routes with more foot-traffic and into the remote Nar & Phu valleys. Passing colorful Tibetan chortens and prayer stones into deep canyons and gorges, you will get the chance to hang out with villagers in Phu while they go about their daily activities, as well as spend a night in the Nar Phedi monastery. These are ideal ways to learn about life deep in the mountains of Nepal. There is also the option to hike up to Himlung Himal Base Camp if you’re feeling up to it.

The last couple of days of the trek take you over the high Kang La Pass, and then down again to Ngawal, a popular stop on the main Annapurna Circuit route, thus giving you a chance to enjoy some ‘home comforts’ again. The surroundings become greener and more fertile on the last stretch, before returning by vehicle to Besisahar.

Itinerary:-

Day 1	Drive from Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar	2,600m	8 hours
Day 2	Trek from Koto to Meta	3,560m	7 hours
Day 3	Trek from Meta to Phu	4,080m	7 hours
Day 4	Acclimatisation day in Phu, Hike to Himlung Base Camp (4,800m)	4,080m
Day 5	Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi, Overnight in monastery	3,490m	6 hours
Day 6	Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village	4,110m	3 hours
Day 7	Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal via Kang La Pass (5,240m)	3,650m	8 hours
Day 8	Trek from Ngawal to Pisang, Drive to Besisahar		4 hours
Day 9	Return to Kathmandu Highlights -Venture into a remote part of Nepal that few travelers get to see. -Stay in ancient villages that have seen little change over the centuries. -Enjoy great views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. -Experience a part of the Tibetan plateau that extends down into Nepal. -Have the chance to glimpse the ever-elusive Snow Leopard. -Witness a Tibetan-derived culture, with unique and colorful prayer stones and monasteries. Best season This trek is possible in the monsoon (June-August) as well as the two peak tourist seasons (March-May and September-November). The trek is still enjoyable in the monsoon, although the road access in the mountains to and from Besisahar could be disrupted by mud and landslides. In the winter (December-February) the high pass could be impassable with snow. Accommodation & meals A real mix of accommodation is available on this trek. In Besisahar there is the chance to stay in simple but comfortable hotels. On the trek, lodge accommodation is generally basic, as this is not a well-developed trekking route. In Nar Phedi, accommodation is in the local monastery. Food varies from simple but adequate meals in the smaller villages to staple trekker fare in the larger places, including luxuries like apple pie!		5 hours