Nar Phu Valley Trek -12 Days

You will see the Himalaya as well as the terraced fields and hillsides below as you take off for Kathmandu. When you’ve finished with customs, a representative will be there to welcome you and take you to your hotel.

You’ll have time to tour the city once you’ve settled in. On your first day, it is advised that you visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and its winding lanes filled with quaint stores, historic temples, and neighborhood eateries. You should also visit Swayambhunath Temple, where you can watch the sun set over the valley and the Himalayas to the north.

You should eat your first meal in Thamel, a popular tourist destination, where you may choose from a range of eateries serving both Western and native Nepali cuisine.

When the city is gently waking up in the morning hours and isn’t yet too chaotic, Kathmandu offers a unique aura. It’s a perfect time to stroll and explore the neighborhood, or to enjoy a chai while gazing out over one of the durbar squares or neighborhood courtyards.

Given the several well-known landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley, there are numerous things you might do after breakfast. You have the option of using this day at leisure or having a local English-speaking guide who is familiar with the area explain the significance of the landmarks and their history (along with a private jeep to transport you around).

Drive to Besisahar first after departing from Kathmandu. Change to a four-wheel drive vehicle for the challenging trip to Koto after lunch. The route is immensely gorgeous, but it can be nearly as difficult for travelers as it is for vehicles. It follows the path of the previous Annapurna Circuit trek, passing magnificent gorges and breathtaking waterfalls. Get to Koto in time for supper.

There is a lot of miles to go, so get a head start on the day. Enter the Nar and Phu valleys by crossing the river. In contrast to the towns on the adjacent Annapurna Circuit, these valleys lack development.

The trip path today travels through lovely forests, little cave sanctuaries, and resting sites for pilgrims. The trail goes beneath a large waterfall as it emerges from a narrow canyon; after this point, the trees are thinner and the views get wider. As you approach Meta’s last stretch, you must ascend a steep hill, from where you can see some of the area’s enormous snow-capped peaks in breathtaking detail.

A few lodges that are basic but clean and serve wholesome food make up Meta, which is located on a large open plain.

As we make our way out of Meta, we start to see some of the distinctive, vibrant Tibetan Buddhist chortens for which Nar and Phu are renowned. With a good perspective of the majestic Nar Phedi Monastery, where you will stay in a few days, the trail meanders along the ridge. You’ll reach a rock that defends the arduous trail up to Phu after another 90 minutes of climbing through lovely valleys and gorges.

The old “dzong” (Tibetan-style stronghold) and the remnants of two ruined forts, which are impressively positioned atop the flatlands before the town, may be seen from here, as well as your first glimpse of the three settlements in the vicinity. Just before coming over the bridge into Phu, the area is dotted with beautiful chortens.

Take a short stroll up to the well-known TashiLhakhangGompa after relaxing and refueling to pay your respects to Lama Karma SonamRimpoche, who travelled to Nepal in 1959 alongside Dalai Lama.

It is advisable to spend an acclimatization day in Phu because of the high altitude. Explore the town’s narrow lanes or ascend by foot to the base camp of HimlungHimal. The town of Phu itself is fascinating, and spending the day there observing the locals as they spin their yak and sheep wool, grind mustard seeds into an oil-making paste, or do other daily tasks is a worthwhile experience.

The ascent to the base camp of HimlungHimal includes a challenging glacier valley walk. The 7,125-meter summit was just made climbable. You will observe flocks of blue sheep expertly scrambling over the sheer rocks as you ascend the trail. It takes roughly four to five hours to travel back.

The Nar Phedi monastery will serve as your lodging for the night, so retrace your steps back along the path toward Meta but turn off here instead. Nar Phedi is actually made up entirely of the monastery!

The nuns are quite friendly, and the accommodations are tidy and clean. You may watch them make dinner on a small fireplace in the kitchen if you join them. You are welcome to observe their puja (blessing), which often takes place around 5 pm. If you would want to contribute to the upkeep of this lovely and welcoming site, there is a tiny donation box in the monastery.

It’s a calm day today. Leave Nar Phedi and ascend a hill in the direction of Nar by taking a zigzag trail. On the walk to the historic village, pass a row of beautifully painted chortens with bamboo roofs. After lunch, enter the town. Despite being close to the major Annapurna circuit, Nar receives very little foot traffic and is one of the most scenic places on earth.

In Nar, which is a little friendlier and livelier than Phu, you might find the town square bustling with chattering women using back-strap looms to weave wool fabric for rugs and blankets during the day. On the outskirts of Nar, a few brand-new teahouses offer a pleasant lodging with a sizable menu.

Wake up early and travel to the Kang La Pass, which connects to the well-known Annapurna Circuit, as today is going to be a hard day. Though it is not a challenging pass, the impact of the altitude will likely make the day exhausting. Awe-inspiring views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak are available as you reach the pass’ summit. If you enjoy scree running, you can have some fun on the steeply descending trail. Before continuing to Ngawal, pause for lunch on a plateau with a view of the summit.

The historic villages you just visited are surely extremely different from Ngawal, which is located on the upper Pisang path of the Annapurna Circuit. There will be phone and wifi signals in the majority of the lodges, and the menus will be much more extensive.

As you descend more than 2000m from the pass, the climate becomes significantly hotter and the landscape becomes greener. Set out early to do the final couple hours of hiking to Pisang. Just outside Pisang, the trail crosses a lovely lake and is wide and comfortable. Take a little break for a snack in the village before returning to Besisahar in a four-wheel drive. There, book a room at a cozy hotel.

The drive back to Kathmandu takes around five hours. Enjoy a hot shower and the luxuries of the city once again! Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs in Thamel, or just relaxing.

It’s time to bid Nepal adieu. Enjoy one more breakfast in a café, a stroll through the city, and/or some souvenir shopping to cap off your time in Kathmandu. When you arrive at your hotel, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport in time for your flight home. It’s a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before takeoff.