Nar Phu Valley Trek is located in the extremely isolated area of the Manang District, and entry is only permitted with the acquisition of a special permit. This region includes two primary villages – Nar, which has 300 permanent inhabitants known as Nar-ten, and Phu, with 200 permanent inhabitants referred to as Phu-ten. These isolated villages are located above the tree line and entirely isolated throughout the snowy winter season. Inhabitants of these valleys primarily earn their living by herding yaks and exchanging meat, wool, and hides with communities situated in the lower areas of Manang. Nar and Phu Valley Trek, established in the 10th Century by Tibetan herders and traders moving south from Tibet, the residents of Phu (also referred to as Phoo on maps) formerly esteemed their secluded and advantageous position highly. Lofty stone observation towers, now in decay, were once utilized to detect potential invaders from all sides, and sturdy wooden doors were fastened tightly at night, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants within.
We can spend the whole day discovering this intriguing region. We have the wonderful opportunity to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, which overlooks the village from its elevated position. Tashi Lakhang – ‘the holy residence of deities’ is among the oldest monasteries (or Gompas) in Manang. The Gompa is one of 108 built by Lama Urgen Lhundup Gyatso and, together with the monastery in Braga, constitutes the essence of spiritual life in the Manang District. The journey from Phu Village, the main and apparently more affluent village in these isolated valleys, to Nar takes two days. Nar, located at 13,730 feet, is referred to as Chuprong, which translates to ‘the place of Blue Sheep’. The original residents of this valley are thought to have come from Tibet’s ancient Shang Sung Kingdom, arriving around the 8th Century and transitioning from Bon to Buddhism after Buddha’s birth in Lumbini. Nar Village is located on a high flat plain that comprises the expansive agricultural fields cultivated by groups of people and their yak. It appeared that the whole village was in the fields, tilling the land and sowing seeds in hopes of the upcoming summer rains. Like in Phu, strolling through the village and watching the local life untouched by external influences is captivating.
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Swiss Family Treks sign outside the terminal and transfer to Hotel by private car. Welcome drink and after you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Overnight at 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa, located very near the center of Kathmandu. It requires a few minutes to arrive. This Temple, often referred to as Monkey Temple, is regarded as a self-constructed Stupa. Next, proceed to Boudhanath Stupa: the largest stupa in Nepal and among the largest stupas globally. In the Boudhanath Area, you can truly immerse yourself in the culture, way of life, and Tibetan Buddhism. The Boudhanath neighborhood is the genuine location to purchase Tibetan items. You will once more visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is among the holiest temples in the whole Hindu universe. It is a holy site where Hindus arrive to pass away and undergo cremation. The Pashupatinath temple features a sizable double-roofed pagoda, adorned with brass, and the entrance is covered in silver. The complex contains images of Shiva alongside various statues, shrines, and temples devoted to other deities. A tour of the Pashupati region leads guests by a sixth-century Buddha statue, an eighth-century Brahma statue, and various additional temples. Rows of Shiva temples are filled with Hindu devotees from across South Asia performing rituals in honor of Shiva, the God of Destruction. Stay overnight at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu.
In the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar by private 4W vehicle passing the Trisuli and Marsyangdi River and it takes around 8-9 hours. You can see three snow peaks, Lamjung Himal, Peak 29 and Manaslu during the driving. Overnight at a lodge in Dharapani.
You begin your trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about 1 hour passing through pine and fir forests. You can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then you continue your trek till Danaque it takes about 1 hour. The trail is ascending steeply until Timang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. Now your trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch, you walk again through forests and you have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally you arrive in Koto village after 1 and half hours walk. Overnight at a lodge in Koto.
In the morning, you register your restricted area permit at the Police check post. Then you start your trek through the River bank of Suti Khola again through wonderful pine forests passing many streams and suspension bridges until reaching Dharmasala which takes about 5 hours. You can see a picturesque Waterfall near the Dharmasala. You have your packed lunch on the way. Then you continue your trek again through forests and ascend steeply till Meta Village, which takes about 1 and half hour. Now you have arrived on the Tibetan Plateau. You have very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight at a lodge in Meta.
Today, you start with up and down as well as on traversing suspension bridges over diffrent streams. It is short trek to Kyang which takes about 4 hours. Actually you do not find any houses and lodges in this area but now there is newly built lodge in Kyang. You just see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally) at places like Jhunam, Chyakhu and Kyang. Overnight at a lodge in Kyang.
Morning after breakfast, then you keep walking passing the Phu Khola on a rocky trail until Phu village which takes about 3 hours. You can see Blue Sheep during the trail. Now you are in one of the unique Lost/ Hidden Valleys. You can see their cultures, natural diversity, and religion of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. The people are depending on subsistence agricultures, animal breeding and seasonal migrations. The very old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. You have a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks. Overnight at a lodge in Phu.
Today, the trail descends, passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. You pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. You have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Naar Village which takes about 2 hours. You find here many Buddhist Monasteries to visit as well as a very good view of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight at a lodge in Nar.
Today morning you will start your trek early in the morning and until to Jhombu Kharka also known as Kang-La Phedi. It takes 3 hours. You can see Yak herder’s camp with many Yaks. The trail steeply ascends passing different landslide areas to Kang-La Pass which takes about 2 and half hour. Now you have a superb view of the Annapurna Range and other peaks. Then you descend steeply till Ngawal village which takes about 3 hours. Overnight at a lodge in Ngawal.
Today your trail is slightly descending until reaching Braga village. Visit the monastery. It takes 2 and half hour. Then 30 minutes walk from Braga to Manang. This is the right option for a great view of the Annapurna Range. Afternoon, hike to Chunker view point - Gangapurna Lake & Cave Gompa. You can hike to Chhunker view point which takes about 1 and half hour. You can see the Gangapurna Lake as well, as the Annapurna range like Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Tilicho peak, Pisang peak, Chulo peak, Thorong peak and so on. Then you return back to your lodge and have lunch there. After lunch you hike with your guide to the Cave Gompa which is situated at the elevation of about 4500m. It takes 2 hours to reach there. This is also a very good place to have magnificent view of Annapurna Range. Then you return back to your lodge. Overnight at a lodge in Manang.
After breakfast in the morning with the views of spectacular mountains around Manang area, we will head to Braga which 15 minutes and continue to Humde village along the Marsyangdi River. It takes about 3 hours and where we will have our lunch. There is also small airstrip. Then after lunch, we will keep smoothly walking until reaching Pisang village which takes 2 hours. We will go evening to upper Pisang to visit ancient Buddhist monastery and from where the views of Annapurna II, IV and Pisang peak are often awesome. Overnight at a lodge in Pisang.
Today morning, the trail is going easily since you need to walk sometime in road until Dikur Pokhari through the pine and rhododendron forests which takes about 1 and half hour. You need to walk down hill through the pine forest until Bratang which takes about 1 and half hour. Then you will stop for lunch and after lunch you walk on level trail through the pine forest until reaching Chame village which takes about 2 hours, finally you need to cross above suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. This village is head quarter of Manang district and all administrative places. Overnight at a lodge in Chame.
Morning after breakfast, you walk to Koto which you passed before entering Nar-Phu Valley, then keep continue to the forest along the high up Marshyangdi River until Thanchok and walk down hill to Danakyu which takes 3 hours. Then we will make lunch break and then walk again on level trail to reach Bagarchhap which takes an hour and where you can visit white washed Buddhist monastery. Then keep walking along the River until reaching Dharapani and you need to show your trekking permits in ACAP center. Overnight at a lodge in Dharapani.
Early morning our private 4W vehicle will pick you up from Dharapani and drive to Besisahar on bumpy dusty road for 4 hours and another 5 hours smooth drive to Kathmandu along the Marsyangdi River and Trisuli River and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination.
Discover the soul of Nepal with Him-Trail, where each journey brings you closer to the country’s vibrant traditions and breathtaking views.