Trip Highlight:
“Fantastic journey into hidden Himalayan Shangri-la at Nar and Phu villages Facing delightful scenery of rolling green hills with ever-present views of mountains Exciting journey from low warm areas to cool alpine woodland and into arctic zone On least visited region of high Manang valley into remote and isolated wild country exciting adventure crossing high Kang-la and Thorang-la pass within Annapurna Himalaya Explore Manang, Thakali impressive villages of great interesting culture and traditions Into lovely alpine green woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pine trees Completing marvelous treks at picturesque Pokhara city by its serene Phewa Lake.”
Brief Trip Profile:
Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge on walks.
Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest Altitude : Over Kang-La pass at 5,322 m with Thorang-la Pass 5,416 m high.
Activities : Sightseeing tour, exciting drive and scenic trekking.
People and Culture : Higher up dominated by Manang Gurung and Magar hill tribe of Buddhism religion, lower area mixed tribes Gurung-Magar- Thakali, Hindu Brahmins and Chettries with varied culture and custom of Buddhist and Hindu traditional life.
Area of Trekking : Nepal North West around North and South of Annapurna Himalaya range ending at Lower Mustang.
Trekking duration : 16 Nights and 17 Days (with drives and flight to end at Pokhara).
Total Trip : 21 Nights and 22 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Season : March to May and September to November months March to May wild-flowers rhododendron and magnolia in full bloom.
Introduction:
Mountain Challenger Treks & Expeditions presents an exciting adventure on the least explored areas of high Manang valley ‘Nar Phu Annapurna Trekking’, fantastic walks into hidden pockets of North Annapurna Himalaya and close to Damodar Himal and Chulus peaks. Travelers in search of complete wilderness to be away from the main flow of trekkers for sometimes, this will be the perfect choice where walk leads you into wild-west of Nepal Himalaya, just north from scenic and beautiful Manang valley. Nar-Phu and Annapurna Trekking will be a right choice where you will be in perfect tranquil surrounding into mountainous areas, where rare and elusive Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep and other wild animals dwell in this peaceful environment of high mountains and rocky cliff. This marvelous journey fascinates you with the colorful culture of Nar and Phu villages of immense interest, which you will witness its ancient Tibetan custom and heritage as it was past hundred of centuries that still exists in this hidden land at Nar-Phu a pristine country, untouched by modernization. Nar-Phu Annapurna Trekking starts with an exciting drive on Nepal’s main highway to reach around Mid-West Himalaya within warm-low agricultural areas, where few days of walk leads on the same route of famous and popular scenic Annapurna circuit trail till Koto village. The walk leads higher up into cooler alpine zone through nice villages of Jagat and Dharapani and then leaving the main trail for complete wilderness into the hidden country away from the flow of trekkers. After walking into a gorge then entering into a wide exposed beautiful valley of Nar and Phu with ample to explore its old villages and monasteries then heading higher to cross over scenic Kang-la Pass above 5,322 m high, facing incredible scenery of Annapurna and Damodar Himal range. Then walk leads towards main Manang village to join with mainstream trekking trails of Annapurna Circuit route to reach over highest pass of the adventure on top Thorang-la pass above 5,416 rewards you with spectacular views of peaks with Dhaulagiri and Mustang Himal. Enjoyable treks lead downhill to holy Muktinath premises of lower Mustang area, with wonderful views then ending our fantastic walks at Jomsom for last overnight, a large town and headquarter of Mustang district. Early morning a short scenic flight takes you in between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range to reach the picturesque and renowned touristic spot in Pokhara, a beautiful city to complete our most wonderful and mesmerizing adventure Nar-Phu Annapurna Trekking.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
Day 03: Drive to Jagat 1,290 m via Besar 800 m - 08 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani 1,920 m - 05 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Koto 2,580 m near Chame 2,670 m - 05 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Dharmashala 3,230 m - 05 hours.
Day 07: Trek to Kyang 3,020 m - 05 hours.
Day 08: Trek to Phu village 4,080 m - 06hours.
Day 09: Rest day at Phu village and explore Phu Valley.
Day 10: Trek to Nar Phedi 3, 545 m - 06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Nar Gaon 4,206 m - 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Kang La Base Camp 4,530 m - 05 hrs.
Day 13: Cross Kangla Pass 5, 322 m trek to Ngawal 3,650 m - 07 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m - 05 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m - 04 hours.
Day 16: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m - 04 hrs.
Day 17: Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m - 07 hrs.
Day 18: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 m - 02 hrs.
Day 19: Fly to Pokhara 860 m - 22 mins and transfer to hotel.
Day 20: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Day 21: Free Day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
Day 22: International departure for homeward bound.
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at the briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief you regarding Nar-Phu Annapurna trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
The morning after breakfast our city guide will take you for an interesting sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu city, where Kathmandu valley steeped with ancient historical, religious monuments which are listed on world heritage sites. Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old Malla and Shah Royal courtyard) with resident of a virgin ‘Goddess Kumari’ and other places of great interest, from here heading to oldest landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be more than 2,600 years old a Buddhist dome-shaped with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. From here head back to Hotel with free afternoon preparation for Nar-Phu Annapurna treks.
Day 03: Drive to Jagat 1,290 m via Besar 800 m - 08 hrs.
Morning taking a tourist coach or smaller vehicle as per group size for an overland drive that leads you away and beyond Kathmandu valley heading low warmer areas with views of snowcapped ountains. As drive continues on busy main highway past farm villages and town then heading Nepal Mid-West to reach at Lamjung area in Besisar town. From here drive continues on rough jeep road heading higher up past farm villages and well Crops terraced as our drive ends at Jagat village for an overnight stop, in this nice village.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani 1,920 m - 05 hours.
From Jagat, our first day walk begins, starting on winding path to Chamje, and to raging Marsyangdi River, and into forested area with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu range, walk continues reaching at Tal village located on a nice valley, after Tal another 2 hours walk to Dharapani village for an overnight stop. Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
Day 05: Trek to Koto 2,580 m near Chame 2,670 m - 05 hours.
Morning walk begins entering into cool rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagarchap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist area, with super view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from this village few hours trek leads at Koto a farm village for an overnight stop. Koto located near Chame which is a headquarter town of Manang district where our trail separates from here at Koto towards Nar and Phu area.
Day 06: Trek to Dharmashala 3,230m - 05 hours.
After Koto our route leads north on leaving Annapurna circuit trail for some days towards Nar & Phu villages, into hidden areas of Upper Manang valley near South West Tibet border in the country of blue sheep’s and snow leopards. Trek leads into a narrow valley with a forest of pines and rhododendron trees, then reaching nice pasture fields with huts and sheds of Yak herders and in the gorge formed by Pisang Peak and Kang-guru Himal lower basin, the walk continues following Nar-Phu River upstream to reach at Dharmashala for an overnight stop.
Day 07: Trek to Kyang 4,100 m - 6 hrs.
Morning walk leads far north towards Phu village isolated area of dry, arid landscapes, on the lookout for some wildlife’s Blue Sheep’s, Snow Leopard, Musk deer’s and mountain goats. Walk continues to Kyang for an overnight stop after an interesting day, Kyang with dozen houses of Tibetan culture.
Day 08: Trek to Phu village 4,080 m - 06 hours.
Today our next destination to Phu village morning walk towards Phu River following upstream for some time and then descending back to river again, then climb to reach a gorge valley, walking around gorge for some time and up into a wide glacial valley with pasture lands ending at Phu village of strong Tibetan influence culture, traditions and religion.
Day 09: Rest Day at Phu village visit around Phu village and the valley.
A necessary rest day at Phu for acclimatization, explore this impressive village visit Tashilkhang and Samdu Choling Monastery and Kyauchyu waterfalls, Phu Village with about 30 houses for 100 to 150 inhabitants.
Day 10: Trek to Nar Phedi 3,545 m - 06 hrs.
From Phu village walk leads back on the same trail for few hours descending to a narrow gorge at Phu khola, from here a slow climb to reach at Yughat small village with mani, chortens and Buddhist shrines, then finally reaching on a flat field at Nar Phedi for an overnight stop.
Day 11: Trek to Nar-Gaon 4,206 m - 06 hrs.
Morning walk leads back to Phu Khola for few hours to reach a suspension bridge over Phu Khola, crossing the bridge with a steep climb for few hours reaching a flat area then walk to Nar village for overnight. Nargaon in comparison with Phu looks similar but smaller due to its remoteness with high altitude and dry land.
Day 12: Trek to Kang-La Base Camp 4,530 m - 05 hrs.
After Nar-Gaon walk heads to remote wilderness, away from human settlement for few days, an interesting walk for few hours then with short ups and downs in some rocky and arid path, passing cattle herders shelters and grazing field heading further west following Temdenzon khola (stream) around this wild areas with views of peaks and finally reaching at Kang la pass Phedi or a base for overnight stop with camping at 4,530 meters altitude.
Day 13: Cross Kangla Pass 5,322m and trek to Ngawal 3,650 m - 07 hrs.
Starting early morning to cross Kang-la at an altitude of 5,322 meters, walk climbs higher on a steep slope for few hours with stunning views of Pisang Peak with Chulu Far East Peak, and then reaching the top of the pass with wonderful views of Annapurna massif mountain range, Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal and adjoining peaks of Annapurna range, and then walk downhill to Ngawal via Julu village close to Manang village to reach at main route on Annapurna circuit trail.
Day 14: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m - 05 hrs.
After Ngawal village located above Manang valley with stunning mountains views where walks leads on the pleasant trail back at the main route of Annapurna circuit to reach at main Manang village. Walk on the short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu and Pisang peak, then reaching Hongde village with a small air strip, from here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes. On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and a super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village. The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.
Day 15: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m - 04 hours.
After a good times in Manang, walk towards Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach at Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Day 16: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m - 04 hrs.
Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorung Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.
Day 17: Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m - 07 hrs.
Start the early morning walk on this Big Day! A thrill and highlight of this great adventure, after breakfast a long climb up to Thorang-la with the steep haul to reach at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft on top of Thorang-la festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. Highest point of the adventure certainly requires high spirit and a strong mind to reach this high point. The top offers superb vista landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m. Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
Day 18: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 m - 02 hrs.
After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with an exciting scenic drive on the downhill with a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki river valley, as ride leads at Kaligandaki river valley, from here heading past Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang area with small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. At Jomsom free afternoon at leisure to explore its interesting town and shops where you can observe impressive culture and custom of Thakali people the tribe of Kali-Gandaki River valley interwoven with Buddhism religion, a major town on the road to Upper Mustang and beyond to Tibet border.
Day 19: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 860 m - 20 mins flight.
Early breakfast and transfer to Jomsom airport for a sweeping short flight of 25 minutes to Pokhara, during airborne spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s and Annapurna range of mountains with rolling hills dotted with farm villages. On reaching Pokhara airport transfer to respective hotels by the serene lake Phewa, afternoon free for individual activities or just relax and enjoy the views of the Annapurna Himalaya.
Day 20: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
After pleasant and interesting time on high hills and valley of Annapurna with last overnight at Pokhara, morning taking a drive back to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway where the interesting journey ends on reaching hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara airport).
Day 21: Free Day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
In Kathmandu free day for you to enjoy individual activities shopping or just relax, where one can join in our interesting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley exciting places.
Day 22: International departure for home ward bound.
Last day in Nepal country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfer you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Nar and Phu Annapurna Trekking.
