Nar-Phu Valley With Thorang-La Pass Trek

On first arrival at Kathmandu-Nepal international airport, our staff and guide will receive with traditional welcome. A short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city, on checking into your nice rooms. After getting refreshed from the jet-lag, join at the hotel lobby and at meeting room for trek briefing provided by our guide or leader. Information about the hotel, lodge on treks with full details of trekking trails, food and accommodation on treks. As well with do’s and don’ts with welcome group dinner in an authentic Nepali restaurants with local cultural program along with Nepali meals.

Morning after breakfast, the city / cultural guide will meet you at the hotel for tour around Kathmandu World Heritage Sites. As well visiting interesting places of steeped with history and culture. After the tour back at the hotel, preparation for Nar Phu with Thorang-La Trek. 

A long and exciting drive to the starting point of trek to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, start the day. As early as possible for an interesting long overland journey heading Mid-West from Kathmandu. The road follows on main busy highway to Bhesisar the headquarter town of Lamjung district. From here the drive leads along the Marsyangdi River to Syange village, then climbs on winding rough hilly tracks.

Reaching Jagat a nice mountain village, where air gets much cooler as the dirt tracks follows through Chamje. Then entering district of Manang from Tal Besi towards Dharapani for overnight halt, in the comfort of a nice lodge.

Dharapani located on a river gorge, which is also the route of Manaslu Circuit, a pleasant and lovely village. 

Enjoy the walk today, after a long hour drive of previous day feeling fresh, start the first day walk. A pleasant with gradual up on winding trail through lovely cool forest of pines and rhododendron. Walk through Bagarchap and Danaque villages,

from here onwards within strong Buddhist religion and cultures. As you come across Buddhist monuments of Stupa and Mani Walls. The trail leads to a steep climb reaching Timang a large village of mixed tribes of hill people Gurung, Magar and Manange. A possible lunch stop facing grand views of Lamjung peaks in the south with Manaslu Himal towards North East. From here a slow and easy walk to Kodo village, where route to Nar-Phu and main Manang village branch-off.

Overnight stop in a nice lodge at Kodo village, from here our route diverts from the main Annapurna Circuit trail for a week. At Kodo with time for short walk up to Chame explore the town. Which is the headquarters of Manang district. 

An early start to cover a long distance towards overnight stop in Meta, a small nice settlement. Walk leads to cross over a Phu River heading through lovely woods of pines and rhododendron trees. As trail follows past small overhanging cave, a natural shelter for travelers in early days. The walk leads a small settlement of Dharmasala to enter a narrow canyon of rocky cliffs and water falls. Slowly the tree lines drops, as the views opens up as walk leads to the last stretch onto Meta. Then climb to a steep hill, facing grand views of the giant snowy peaks that pop up above the rocky ridge line. Finally end the day walk on reaching Meta for overnight on entering the Nar Phu Valley. A wide stretch windswept terrain, having few nice simple lodges for overnight stop. 

From Meta onwards within a dry country of Nar Phu valley, today a short morning trek to a small settlement. Reaching Junam, as walk continues towards the next semi-permanent settlement of Chako. Where in early days of 1960’s Tibetan refugees from the Khampas province of Tibet migrated to Nepal. 

Settled at Chako making a temporary camp, from here few hours climb with downhill to Kyang for lunch and overnight. The area around Kyang an extensive winter settlement of Phu, situated on a high plateau above the winding Phu River.

Today walk leads to our first main highlight of the adventure to Phu village, morning walk starts heading higher areas. The trail leads to a unique and colorful Tibetan Buddhist monuments of Chorten that Nar and Phu are famous for.

As the trail meanders along a ridge, facing great views of a monastery, situated at Nar Phedi. Which is on the route after visiting Phu village, an hour walk leads through canyons and gorges. Then reaching a huge monolith that stands on the steep up to Phu; catching views of the three main villages of the region.  

Grand looks of the old “Dzong” (Tibetan-style fortress) and the remains of two windblown and eroded forts. Which stands majestically above the valley before reaching Phu village, and just before crossing over a bridge to Phu. Coming across a series of Buddhist prayer Mani walls and Chorten that dots the beautiful country of Nar Phu. The morning walk finally completes on reaching the mystical, amazing Phu village for two overnight stops.

Enjoy the free and leisure day in Phu, amidst glorious scenery of high snow peaks and beautiful landscapes surrounding. An enjoyable place for short hike and tour uphill to the famous Tashi Lakhang Gompa, as a great noble respects; for Lama Karma Sonam Rinpoche. Migrated to Nepal along with His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama in the year 1959. Phu village is a perfect spot with right altitude for acclimatization before crossing the high Kang-La pass.

Have a pleasant day exploring the narrow alleyways of the closely knitted village. For energetic people can take a long hike to Himlung Himal base camp of more than 6 hours both ways. Rest of the day observe the local activities of the villagers as they spin their yak and sheep wool. Pounding mustard seeds with an old methods, making a paste for oil, and watch the daily chores of farm life.

After a pleasant extra day in Phu village, morning a short walk of few hours towards Nar the adjacent village. Walk lead back to the historical and traditional entrance and exit gate of Phu. The trail follows down to a river, and walk to Junam Kharka or Nar Phedi for overnight halt. A lovely spot with few simple huts serving as tea-house and lodges. Actually, the monastery is all that Nar Phedi has to offer for outside guest. But the rooms are neat and clean and the nuns are polite and welcomes with traditional greetings. An interesting place, where one can enjoy visiting the kitchen, observe lunch and dinner being prepared on a modest fireplace. Every evening by 5 pm the monastery a worship and prayer takes place. Guests are welcome to witness, it would be great support to contribute a donation in the box. For the monastery and nuns welfare, as well retaining this beautiful and friendly place.

Another short day walk, we have maintained the itinerary so that all can enjoy the picturesque Nar Phu at ease. Morning from Nar Phedi bidding farewell to happy, cheerful nuns, on the trail to an old bridge. Placed from the deep and narrow gorge, as climb continues facing views of old Gyalbu and Satte Gompa. 

Located on the far side of a valley, the monasteries with 17th Century old history. At present it is deserted and in desolate condition, as climb advances reaching the entrance traditional gates of Nar village. The welcome gate a delightful painted, bamboo-topped Chorten, from here the morning walk completes transfer into a nice simple lodge. Nar a lovely place with well-tended barley and mustard fields, after lunch enjoy tour of four ancient colorful Gompa. A scenic hike facing snow peaks that towers above the monastery at Nar.

Rest of the day marvel the surrounding beautiful landscape scenery and observe the local daily farm life and village activities.

Leaving Nar for sheer wilderness, walk leads at the end of Nar-Phu to enter a complete windswept valley. The walk leads towards the remote corners at the western end of Nar-Phu valley. Slowly the trail winds up to cross icy streams, then reaching a wide area, which is a pasture field for yaks. A small temporary settlement of cattle and yak herders with small stone huts, provides as simple Tea-House. After lunch enjoy the afternoon relaxing and marveling the surrounding views of Chulu’s and Damodar Himal with Himlung Himal.

The first high pass to cross of the adventure over Kang-La ridge, morning after an earl breakfast, carrying packed lunch. Then head for the steep haul on slope sided hill, as climb continues to reach on top of Kang-La Pass. Located at 5,306 m high, forms the boundary of main Manang and Nar-Phu valleys. However the pass is not so difficult, but a long stretch with steep ups. In snow condition might be quite challenging and take much longer. On reaching the top, enjoy the fantastic panoramic scenery towards Annapurna-II, Gangapurna Himal and Tilicho Peak in the south. Includes views of Chulus and Damodar Himal range as far as Himlung Himal towards Far East. 

From the top of Kang-La a slow and easy descent leads to upper side of Manang valley in Ngawal. A scenic and isolated nice village on route to Chulu East and Nar-Phu areas. The walk leads to a Buddhist monument a large Chorten decorated with prayer flags and religious spinning wheels. As you enter Ngawal village and its stone paved path, and transfer in the comfort of a nice lovely lodge.

Enjoying a pleasant overnight in the comfort of nice lodge at Ngawal village, today’s walks is quite short. Leaving the remote village of Upper Manang valley, walk leads on winding downhill trail, overlooking range of snow-clad peaks of Annapurna’s, and Chulus with staggering Pisang peak. 

After few hours of good scenic walks, then enter within main trail at Manang Valley, the route head downhill. Reaching Braga village with an oldest monastery of Manang. Having time for short visit of the monastery stand above the Braga village on a sandy hillock. A short climb to enter the monastery interior enriched with ancient idols of Lord Buddha and famous saints and gurus. From the monastery stunning panorama of snow-mountain range of Annapurna’s and Chulu’s with towering Pisang peaks. From Braga a short walk with few minutes climb to Manang village, enclosed by staggering mountain range. Located on a plateau above Marsyangdi River valley, an exciting place to enjoy additional day in Manang.  

Enjoy good breakfast along with grand vista of surrounding scenery, then moving further with gradual up. The walk leads past smaller settlements. 

Heading due west facing close views of gigantic Chulu West peak with Gangapurna Himal that towers above. The walk finally ends on crossing a small stream, then reaching Yak Kharka for lunch and overnight. 

Enjoy the leisure afternoon overlooking views of snow peaks, and walk around with chances of spotting some wildlife. Like herd of Goral (mountain antelopes) Himalayan Thar, if lucky the elusive Snow Leopard with some pheasant like snow-cock / hens. 

Start the morning on a gentle wide trail to Ledar, a small place with few lodge. 

Located on route to Chulu West base camp, walk on winding ups and down to cross a stream. A steep climb and then on nice easy path to Phedi, the bottom of Thorang-La Pass, a settlement with number of lodges. Phedi located at the end of Manang valley. After a refreshing short break, a steep haul up to High Camp for lunch and last overnight around Manang areas. Transfer into a nice simple lodge and enjoy lunch, having time for short walk as exercise for long walk next day.

The toughest day walks of the adventure after Tilicho Lake Base Camp trek, an  early morning start. Walk leads on nice narrow path for short while, and then climb begins on winding and undulating ups. Reaching a flat spot with a small hut near a glacial ponds, continue walk up to the top of Thorang-La. After a strenuous climb rewarded with glorious jaw-dropping views of Mid-Western Himalayan peaks, as far towards Mt. Dhaulagiri range. Includes views of Mustang Himal towards west with Damodar Himal, Chulu’s and Annapurna with Manaslu in the far eastern horizon. The pass is marked with a sign board with thousands of prayer flags, after an overwhelming moment. A long descent reaches to another Phedi with few small Tea-Shops, after a pleasant rest. Journey continue for another last hour on easy flat trail to Muktinath holy site and its nice village for overnight.

Muktinath regarded as holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites around the Himalayan range, the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At Muktinath enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, provides wide-range of food menu, along with views of Dhaulagiri Himal.

The motorable road has reached as far as neat to the Muktinath Temple and the Village. As today will be the last day of trekking, enjoy the walk downhill through exciting village of Jharkot. The village with an old ruined fort or Dzong, walk heads further down to reach Kaligandaki River valley. A pleasant nice and gradual walks all the way to Jomsom, a big town and headquarters of Mustang district. 

Enjoy the lovely comforts in a good lodge accommodations, having lunch with time to browse around the streets of Jomsom. The home of Thakali the main tribes of Lower Mustang and Kaligandaki Valley, a prosperous people.

The Thakali have been on trade with Tibet across the border, as well famous in running and managing hotels and restaurants.    

Morning as time for short flight to Pokhara, transfer to Jomsom airport, as plane arrives. Then, get on board in a small aircraft for sweeping panoramic flight of less than half hour. During airborne enjoy views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas above rolling green hills of Ghorepani and Poon hill. As the plane lands at Pokhara airport, transfer to a nice hotels close to beautiful Phewa Lakeside. 

Pokhara one of the most charming city around the whole Himalayas, located on the laps of massif Annapurna Himalayas. Where majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail dominates the Pokhara valley.

Morning leaving the hotel in Pokhara, drive in a private vehicle or on regular Tourist Bus, as per size of a group. The scenic and interesting overland journey to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway. After hours of driving reaching back to your hotel in Kathmandu, rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy an extra day in Kathmandu with individual activities or get into shopping spree. Interested people can join for another interesting tour of other cities of Kathmandu valley. Sightseeing around Patan / Lalitpur or the famous Bhaktapur city Durbar Square, worth a visit.

After an enjoyable and most mesmerizing time in Nepal, around the Annapurna Himalayas on Nar Phu with Thorang La Pass Trek. As time for departure, our staff transfer you to international airport for flight homeward bound or to next port of call.