The Nar and Phu valleys are newly opened spectacular regions of ethnically-Tibetan inhabitants. This trek is ideal for those of you that think you have 'trekked it all'. This is a trek that combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures.

Trekking the standard Annapurna Circuit, the bridge leading over the Marsyangdi River to the steep portals of the Nar Phu valley system is easily missed. While the entrance is narrow and forested, the valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. Two long days of walking from the border of Tibet, this region was first explored by Tillman in the 1950s. Closed to trekkers until late 2002, very few westerners have explored these virtually untouched villages or climbed the many 7000m peaks surrounding it. We will venture into this remote region of Upper Manang, camping along the way at the winter settlement of Nar and Phu. We will visit some of the most interesting villages in the Tibetan Buddhist world that are rarely visited by tourists. Buddhist pilgrims from around Nepal might accompany us up to Phu to visit the renowned Tashi Lhakhang Gompa and receive a blessing from Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche. Along with spending plenty of time at these colorful and timeless villages, we will explore the high alpine valleys above Phu.

You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.

Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.

Day 02 : Kathmandu: In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living Goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) by tourist coach bus: Our adventure begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar.

Overnight: Camping
Driving Time: 6 hours (200Km)
Difference in Elevation: -574m

Day 04 : Trek Besisahar to Ngadi (920m): The first day of the trek will commence from Besisahar where we will follow the Marsyangdi Valley, inhabited by Gurung people. After crossing suspension bridges and some narrow tracks we will reach Ngadi.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +160m

Day 05 : Trek Ngadi to Jagat (1290m): Today's trek will take us through villages with richly cultivated fields, rice terraces and a deep gorge with cascading waterfalls.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +370m

Day 06 : Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1860m): Today the trail continues turning to the north west as it follows the Marsyangdi Valley until we enter Manang District from Taal (1675m). Before reaching Dharapani we will cross a large suspension bridge.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +570m

Day 07 : Trek Dharapani to Koto (2600m): Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Danagyu before coming to a thundering waterfall, where we turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. After an hour of lovely, open forests, we reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where we will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. An hour away is the wonderful Gurung village of Timang, where the villagers might be harvesting their crops of buckwheat or stuffing local sausages. Heading back down to the village of Koto, our base for the trek up to Nar Phu, we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a stunning sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan Mountains.

Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +740m

Day 08 : Trek Koto to Dharmasala (3230m): On this day in the NarPhu valley we walk on small jungle paths, which is quite a change from the bigger trails around Annapurna. The first part is up and down and then we have a short steep ascent to Choto (2840m). We then have lots of steep ups and downs and the path is quite exposed above the Nar Phu Khola. We cross a suspension bridge (3090m) where the valley is very narrow and just before the bridge there are some hot-springs. The rock carved path now becomes very exciting, because we have to watch our step very carefully and because there are some big waterfalls. We climb to a two storied hut at Dharmasala, where we spend a night.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +630m

Day 09 : Trek Dharmasala to Kayang (3740m): Today, the beginning of our trek takes a steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river which finally brings us to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. We pass by the scenic kharka of Meta (3560m), a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where we will probably share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The mountains around us are utterly spectacular, and the Phu Kosi shadows the trail far below. An hour past Meta, Junam is the second semi-permanent settlement, one where "khampas" from Tibet sometimes sheltered. Above the kharka to the right looms a massive glacier, which falls jaggedly down to the high pastures above us. It's all truly amazing scenery. Across the river, the cliffs contort in swirls and waves, similar to Ladakhi landscapes. The next semi-permanent settlement is Chako, formerly a Khampa settlement, where grass lies tied in bunches to dry on all the rooftops and prayer flags flutter in the breeze A scene from old Tibet! Many more ups and downs take us to tonight's campsite at Kyang, the extensive winter settlement of Phu, on a plateau high above the river.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +510m

Day 10 : Trek Kayang to Phu (4050m): We continue on an amazing tunnel carved rocky path 70 meters above the river and then descend to the riverbed. We follow the riverbed and pass some Mani Chortens. We then climb up from the riverbed to the Phu valley entrance door (Phuohi Yalgoe). About an hour from the valley entrance we cross the Phu Khola and begin climbing up to the village. Phu village consists of about 30 houses, which are home to more than 100 to 150 people.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +310m

Day 11 : Rest Day in Phu (4050m): On this day, we spend our time to explore around the village. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village, and a day is well spent sitting with the villagers. We can observe as they spin their yak and sheep wool and chat, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or involve themselves in the countless activities that take up a day in Tibetan villages.

Overnight: Camping

Day 12 : Trek Phu to Junam (3550m): We commence our trek descending to the river, and retrace our steps back to Junam karka.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -500m

Day 13 : Trek Junam to Nar (4150m): To get to Naar we have to go back down the valley, pass Chaku and walk on for a couple of hours. Then we cross the Phu Khola at Naar Phedi (two bridges to Naar). From here we climb up to a very nice grassy campsite.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +600m

Day 14 : Rest Day at Nar (4150m): We spend our time exploring around Nar.

Overnight: Camping

Day 15 : Trek Nar to Ngawal (3650m): Today we have a long and hard day ahead of us, however it is very rewarding. We have to cross the high Kang La pass (5280m). It is a very steep ascent to the top of the pass where there is a chorten and some great views of the Annapurna massif. Just before reaching the pass, there is a small lake where we take a rest before making the last effort to reach the top. From the top of the pass it is a very steep decent, but after an hour we take a grassy path that leads to Ngawal. There are restaurants and lodges in Ngawal.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -500m

Day 16 : Trek Ngawal to Manang (3440m): We continue all the way to Munje. On the way we pass beautiful forests and again continue towards Manang. Manang is very large (around 5500 people) and important village with numerous lodges and shops, which are surprisingly well stocked.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -500m

Day 17 : Acclimatization day at Manang (3440m): Today will be your acclimatization day, which will allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure, as we continue upwards towards Thorong-La. It is essential to spend the time to acclimatize in this area. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic (run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Centre) to get more information about high altitude trekking. They will give a daily briefing about mountain sickness. It is also worth visiting Manang Gompa (Monastery) if it is open.

Overnight: Lodge

Day 18 : Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m): This day the trek will begin slowly up to Tengi (3620m) and continues upwards to Gunsang (3930m) and continues to Yak Kharka with a level grade. It is also possible to reach Phedi in one day from Manang; however it is essential for acclimatization to stop at Yak Kharka (4018m) for further acclimatization.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +578m

Day 19 : Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m): Today is also another short day for the trek, where we will walk about 3 to 4 hours to provide more time for gradual acclimatization. Thorong Phedi (4450m) is our last stop before crossing Thorong-La (Pass). The lodges here are usually very crowded, but there is an air of excitement as trekkers congregate when they arrive at lunch time.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +432

Day 20 : Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m): Today is the most difficult day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we will set off about 4 to 5 AM and commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m). You need to have plenty of water and a warm down jacket with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong- La takes about 3-5 hours, depending upon fitness and acclimatization. Upon reaching Thorong-La we will see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We will take a break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic views from Thorong-La are superb and this may be the highest elevation you'll attain during your traveling life- you will feel on top of the world! When you descend to the Muktinath area you will obtain great views of Dhaulagiri to the south-west and Tukuche (6920m). The descent is long and tiring (about 3 hours) but it is not very difficult. We can easily reach today's destination of Muktinath enjoying great views along the way. Muktinath is a fascinating village and a famous place for Hindu and Buddhist religions. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 690m

Day 21 : Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Kagbeni: Before reaching Kagbeni from Muktinath, the trail descends gradually towards to Jharkot, which is very nice village with interesting houses and lot of green fields. The trail continues descending to Kagbeni for about two and half hours. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very interesting and medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. Kagbeni is not very far from legendary areas of Mustang and Lo Monthang.

NOTE: Mustang is a controlled trekking region so a separate permit is required to travel in Mustang. Therefore we recommended that you not to walk north of this village because this is border of the Mustang. From here we follow the river down to Ekle Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy walk to Jomsom, the administrative headquarters of the region, at 2750m. This is our trekking ending point and we celebrate our last day with singing and dancing.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m

Day 22 : Flight Jomsom –Pokhara (820m): With our trek successfully completed, today our flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokahara (20 minutes).

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 minutes
Difference in Elevation: -1930

Day 23 : Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): We will have a scenic flight in the morning for about 30 minutes and during the flight we will enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas again and be able to take some spectacular pictures which will be unforgettable. You will have free time in Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Difference in Elevation: + 514m

Day 24 : Kathmandu (1334m): Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 25 : Transfer to the airport and departure.

The tour price includes:

1. Transfers airport/hotel/airport
2. Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing BB basis
3. Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
4. Bus ticket Kathmandu/Besisahar
5. Domestic flight ticket Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu as per itinerary
6. Domestic airport taxes
7. Special trekking permit/TIMS and conservation entry fee
8. A professional tour/trekking guide, cook, porter, assistant guide
9. Meals full board during the trek
10. Accommodation in Lodge/Camping during the trek
11. Your international flight re-confirmation
12. All necessary documents and government tax
13. Insurance for all staff (including guide, cook, porters, assistant guide)

The tour price does not include:

1. International flight
2. International airport taxes in Kathmandu approximately USD 20
3. Nepal entry visa fee USD 40 - (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
4. NOTE: You need 2 passport size photographs for the visa
5. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
6. Travel Insurance ((compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
7. Personnel trekking equipment
8. Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower etc
9. Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
10. Personal medical supplies
11. Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
12. Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

Special Note:

This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget. For the Pokahara-Kathmandu segment, we can depart by flight or by bus/van.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.