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Annapurna Circuit Trekking is usually popular as the most classic trek which will let you experience the unique and well preserved trails and see the biodiversity of Nepal. Annapurna circuit trek offers an astonishing panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machapuchare, Lumjung, Tukuche and more peaks. This trek mostly follows the very old paths which were used as business route between Nepal and Tibet. Apart from the awesome landscapes of northern and southern Himalaya, you will also see thick fir and rhododendron woods to the kind atmosphere of the Tibetan upland.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a real treat for those travelers who wish to experience the genuine Himalayan wilderness journey. Nar Phu valley is a wonderful valley hidden between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions which is equally breathtaking as are other popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The best part of this journey is that one can see the completely different world, unspoiled and pristine nature.
The mystical land where the rare Himalayan snow leopard and Blue Sheep dwell and can be seen if one gets lucky, Nar Phu valley is a newly yet the popularly rising Himalayan destination. Nar Phu trekking can be as short as a week to weeks long. The best thing about this journey is it can also be combined with the most popular Annapurna circuit trekking and continue further if one has more time. The most difficult part of this journey is Kang La pass 5,322 m, just slightly lower than Thorang La pass 5,416 m which is going to give you an unforgettable memory for life.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has successfully combined these two most trending and popular packages to form into one Nar Phu Thorong La trekking, and to give trekkers extra-terrestrial adventure in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal. Be a part of this unparalleled adventure, test your own physical perseverance and stand at the top of the highest passes with pride and glory.
Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu 1,400 m, Hotel
Day 2: Final trekking preparation with optional sightseeing, B, Hotel
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar 2,600 m 8 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 4: Trek from Koto to Meta 3,560 m 7 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 5: Trek from Meta to Phu 4,080 m 7 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 6: Rest and exploration day in Phu, BLD, Teahouse
Day 7: Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi 3,490 m 6 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 8: Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village 4,110 m 3 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 9: Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal 3,650 m via Kang La Pass (5,322m) 8 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 10: Trek from Ngawal to Manang 3,519 m 6 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Day 11: Rest day at Manang for local hike, BLD, Teahouse
Day 12: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka 4,110 m, BLD, Teahouse
Day 13: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 4,540 m or Thorong High Camp 4,600 m, BLD, Teahouse
Day 14: Trek from Thorong Camp to Muktinath 3,800 m via Thorong La Pass 5,416 m, BLD, Teahouse
Day 15: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom 2,715 m via Kagbeni, BLD, Teahouse
Day 16: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, B, Hotel
Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, BD, Hotel
Day 18: International departure to your sweet home, B, Flight.
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu 1,400 m, Hotel
‘Namaste! Welcome to Nepal, the land of natural and cultural beauty’. This is how you will be greeted by our staffs as soon as you come out of the airport gate in Kathmandu. Hotel transfer will be followed.
Day 2: Final trekking preparation with optional sightseeing, B, Hotel
Our guide will meet you to brief regarding the whole journey. Documentation and all other things are also sorted out today. You can opt to go explore the historical and cultural Kathmandu valley today.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar 2,600 m 8 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Scenic drive early morning to Besisahar and continue further until you arrive in Koto. The trail goes along the classic Annapurna circuit trekking route after Besisahar so you will enjoy the ride forgetting the bumpy and challenging drive.
Day 4: Trek from Koto to Meta 3,560 m 7 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
The long day trekking today leads us through the scattered villages, pine forests, suspension bridges and the streams. As we cross the river, Nar Phu valley starts and for the last part, climb steep uphill to get to the beautiful village, Meta which offers us the breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
Day 5: Trek from Meta to Phu 4,080 m 7 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
The trail in this amazing day lead us through the ridge proving the good view of the Nar Phedi monastery. Along the way, you will see the remnants of two ruined forts of the Khampa settlement. We further walk past the Phu river and continue until arriving at Phu village.
Day 6: Rest and exploration day in Phu, BLD, Teahouse
Enjoy the resting day in Phu village by exploring around. Either stay behind to learn about the rich local culture or hike to Himlung Himal (7,125 m) base camp for an extra challenge. Please know that journey to Himlung base camp takes a long day walk.
Day 7: Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi 3,490 m 6 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Retrace the original route back down to Meta and continue to Nar Phedi for the overnight stay. Do the worshipping and get the blessing from the Lama in Nar Phedi monastery.
Day 8: Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village 4,110 m 3 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
On this gentle waking day, walk for few hours to get to the Nar village. One can get the mind blowing view of Pisang peak from the village. Explore around the village and get closer to the local cultures and lifestyles.
Day 9: Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal 3,650 m via Kang La Pass (5,322m) 8 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
After getting good rest in Nar village, this day is going to be challenging as we cross the high altitude pass Kang La pass to get to Ngawal where we spend the night. Though not easy but once getting to the top, the panoramic view of the Annapurna massifs you will get will make you forget all those hardship. Ngawal lies in the Upper Pisang and is a part of the most popular Annapurna circuit route.
Day 10: Trek from Ngawal to Manang 3,519 m 6 hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Bravo! You've done it well so some surprising views for you in this amazing day. Enjoy the early morning sunrise view and descend down to the flatland and continue via old-Tibetan village Braga to get to the scenic Manang village, the last well-developed town in the district.
Day 11: Rest day at Manang for local hike, BLD, Teahouse
Very necessary acclimatizing day is here. You have many choices which you can do today. Visit to Gangapurna glacier and the lake, Ice Lake, Milarepa Cave and more. Later in the night, go to see the movies about mountaineering or learning about the AMS.
Day 12: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka 4,110 m, BLD, Teahouse
Our journey towards the upper belt of Manang region begins with the normal hiking after having the relaxing, proper breakfast in the lodge. The trail is quite different than the earlier ones. After you cross the first stream, you will ascend to the Tenki village which lies just above Manang and is inhabited by the ethnic Limbu community. Climb further to the Marshyangdi valley followed by the valley of Jarsang Khola. You shall then follow the valley northwards again and continue towards the village of Ghunsa. Eventually, we will arrive in Yak Kharka after crossing a wooden bridge, where we shall spend the relaxing and warm overnight.
Day 13: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 4,540 m or Thorong High Camp 4,600 m, BLD, Teahouse
Nearly approaching the day when we are crossing the highest pass in the world. Just another push before we get to the top. It's mostly uphill but slightly except the part when we arrive at the bottom of Thorang High Camp. If all is well, we will climb the steep ascent part of our journey which will last only an hour. Thorang Phedi and also the High Camp is the bustling settlement that caters to all sorts of trekkers. For those who are unable to climb to the High Camp, base camp is also another option. Whichever suits you, we will go with it and we prepare ourself for the next day which is obviously the highlight of our entire adventure, Thorang La Pass.
Day 14: Trek from Thorong Camp to Muktinath 3,800 m via Thorong La Pass 5,416 m, BLD, Teahouse
Today, we will walk towards one of the most famous holy pilgrimage sites of Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhists. We will cross the popular Thorong La pass and descend towards Muktinath. Enjoying our walk slowly and gently, we will conquer the pass. Eye-catching views of the southern Annapurna ranges and Mukti Himal to the west of Dolpo can be seen en route.
Day 15: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom 2,715 m via Kagbeni, BLD, Teahouse
It will take us around 5/6 hours of easy walk to reach Jomsom. First we will descend down to Kagbeni via small villages on the way on the bank of Kali Gandaki River valley where you can look for the holy Shaligrams. The trail is mostly flat and along the riverbed till the end of the trail after Kagbeni. Pass the settlement of Eklebhatti before arriving finally at Jomsom.
Day 16: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, B, Hotel
Storing all of those beautiful memories inside our brain of our remarkable journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal, we will take the first flight to Pokhara. Very popular city in whole Nepal, Pokhara awaits you to share the love and beauty. Enjoy the city in this relaxing day.
Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, BD, Hotel
After spending wonderful moments in the lake city Pokhara, it’s time for us to drive back to Kathmandu, the capital city. Rest and relax more while you arrive in Kathmandu. You can also opt to fly to Kathmandu if you wish to explore more of historical, cultural and religious sites of the Kathmandu valley. Farwell dinner is served by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
Day 18: International departure to your sweet home, B, Flight.
It’s remarkably unbelievable how the time has flown by. We wouldn’t be able to forget such a journey in the decades to come, would you? Our farewell is given to you right when you are about to enter the airport gate to catch your flight back home.
Kathmandu airport pick up and drop services
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours’ staffs will pick you up from the airport as per your flight arrival time and similarly drop you off in the airport for international departure according to your flight schedule. During arrival, please don’t forget to look for your name placard hold by the team, outside the airport arrival gate. Our staff will be impatiently waiting for your arrival to greet you and warmly welcome you in Nepal. ‘NAMASTE’ is the foremost and the most commonly used greeting word in Nepal which you will hear from our staff at the very first moment you meet him.
Customized Trips and Trip departure
Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group travelers if you wish to, when the trips cannot be customized.
But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable for you and so you need to choose your own dates and packages, when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your own friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
Accommodations in Kathmandu, Pokhara and during trek
You will be staying in the 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara while in the teahouse lodges or guesthouses during the trek.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best accommodation arrangement for you from the beginning to the end. We believe after the tough walking day, everyone deserves the proper rest and the right ambience to relax and chill. Therefore, our choice of accommodation is the best when it comes to the trekking days. The rooms will be clean and comfy. Our entire accommodations will be on twin-sharing basis as you can see, so you have to let us know if others; let’s say if you want triple or quadruple sharing or if you want a double bed, etc. There will be extra charge for the single supplement.
If you wish to change the accommodation category to a better ones in Kathmandu and Pokhara, please let us know and we can change it for you on added cost.
Route Map and Company T-shirt
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers you a complimentary trekking map and the company t-shirts.
Safe Drinking Water during Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek
Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid the altitude sickness and to avoid other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides you water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water on extra cost.
Your trekking guides and porters
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the whole tourism industry. We can guarantee you on that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staffs of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.
Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have a significant knowledge in the climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone through a whole lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and to make your journey a smooth and pleasant one.
Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone do. Some of the things he tells you, might even be hard to find in the travel guide books. Depending upon the situations and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly which when happens, he will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexibly ready to accommodate to your guides’ instructions. Let him know if you have any health problems as well since he will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will also provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.
Our porters are always fully equipped with the gears they need and as per the company policy, they are always insured and completely looked after. They are our backbone. We allow maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group with less communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.
Your safety
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you our own comprehensive first aid medical kit bag along with the professional team of guides and porters. We are always in communication with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. Your entire journey will be monitored by us and we make sure you enjoy your journey in full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek.
How much does the Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek cost?
The cost of the Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek varies from $1600-$2600 depending upon the number of days you choose to trek. The longer the trek, more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the accommodation choices also. Normally, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package which is inclusive of all the cost and expenses for the entire journey from the moment you land in Nepal till the moment you fly back home. However, you could also choose to buy only service-based package from us when we will be providing you only the supporting field staffs plus trekking permits and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.
How is the Accommodation during the Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
In Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek, we will provide you the teahouse accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge which is a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Many teahouses even have some attached bathrooms and the central heating furnace. Most of the teahouses provide the European toilets these days while Asian style of toilets are available in every teahouses. Hot showers are available but on extra cost. The same goes with the hot drinking water since they use the gas or solar to boil the water. Sleeping blankets are usually provided but we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries including the towels.
What are the permits that I need for Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
For Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek, you will need to make three permits: Nar Phu Valley Restricted permit, ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
How does this tipping system in Nepal works and do I have to tip?
Tipping is not compulsory for Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek however tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staffs in the fields so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and also your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected and we’ve made it mandatory too. The amount of gratuities can be determined by yourselves. Normally, a guide expects around $5 or more per day per person while a porter expects $4 or more per day per person.
Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
You can easily charge your electronic devices during Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek {with few days exception} but by paying small amount or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adapter or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu.
Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek route has good mobile network coverage these days {with few exception days}, thanks to the Nepalese telecommunication companies called Ncell and NTC. You can buy one of these Sim cards from any local phone shops in Kathmandu. It is wiser to buy a sim card with around 4 GB data in Kathmandu and use the mobile data in the trek to avoid paying extra by buying WiFi on the trek.
WiFi is available on most of the teahouses in Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek route and cost some charges. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive the fast data coverage in the trek.
When is the best time to trek to Nar Phu and Thorong La?
Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek in Nar Phu and Thorong La. Spring and Autumn are known as the Peak season or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} season, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, less busy season can also be the right time to do Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek. Some of the villages in Nar Phu and Thorong La though is not affected by rain.
Do I have to worry about the altitude sickness in Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
The itinerary of our Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours and has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact can affect anyone regardless of the age or the fitness level, so it is very important to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more in details about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek.
Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
When it comes to trekking in the mountains, health and fitness of a person plays a vital role. If you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek is for you but if you have any sorts of medical issues, please consult to your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining the high altitude of 5416 m above the sea level which is not a joke. People normally start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Now when it comes to the fitness level required, Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek demands high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents including crossing of the highest pass in the world which means you need lots of practices before you start the trekking journey. You will be traversing through the forests, high passes and high hills. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously if you have previous experiences, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least two months prior to your trekking departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for trekking to Nar Phu and Thorong La.
What kind of food items or meals can I eat on Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
Only breakfast is included in Kathmandu and Pokhara while full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spend the night while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. There are a varieties of choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc.
The most common and the highly recommended food during the Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek is typical Nepali Dal Bhat {rice and lentil}; even better without meat, means Nepali Vegetarian Dal Bhat. You can also eat other food items such as seasonal vegetables, noodles and spaghetti, pastas, pizzas and French fries, soups, etc. depending upon the availability. For the beverage, you can either choose warm, hot or cold beverages; soft drinks, beer and hard drinks. For the breakfast, you can order cereals, breads, noodle soups, egg dishes, etc.
Do I need a travel insurance for Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Nar Phu and Thorong La. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 5500 meter as well as the medical evacuation from the mountains.
What gears and equipment do I need to pack for Nar Phu and Thorong La Trek?
Choosing the right gear and equipment is important as well for the successful trek to Nar Phu and Thorong La. Pack the right gears and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Nar Phu and Thorong La. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry.
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