Nar Phu Trek

Per person price (2012/13)

AUS$ quote
2 persons: AUS$ 3,795
3 persons: AUS$ 3,550

4 or more: AUS$ 3,095

Single Supplement: AUS$ 250

GBP quote
2 persons: GBP 2,295
3 persons: GBP 2,145

4 or more: GBP 1,865

Single Supplement: GBP 200

Dates (2012)

13 Oct - 5 Nov

Private trips for minimum of 2 people can be arranged anytime in April, May, June, October and November. Book early if you wish to do this trek in April or October.

Trek Rating

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Challenging

(description at the bottom of this page)

Format

19 days Camping trekking

Accommodations

19 nights in tents and 4 nights at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu

Capacity

10

Previous trip jounal

Read Nar Phu Journal

Previous trip photo

Nar Phu Photos

What clients say:

Il nostro lungo viaggio intorno al Manaslu e fino alle valli di Phu e di Nar è stato veramente bello e ha avuto pieno successo. In alcune parti non è stato facile, per la forte pioggia nella prima settimana, ma il gruppo di guida, cuoco e portatori ha lavorato in modo eccellente,
aiutandoci a godere sia la camminata, sia le soste nei campi. Tutti sono stati particolarmente simpatici, e collaborativi, molto attenti ai
dettagli e al cibo ( il cuoco ha addirittura imparato a fare la pasta all'italiana, con ottimi risultati) e a tutte le necessità.
I punti "culminanti" del viaggio sono stati i villaggi subito sotto al Manaslu, la vista dei ghiacciai dal sentiero del campo base del
Manaslu, il passaggio del Larkya Pass, i bellissimi paesaggi visti
dalle foreste sotto Bintang e, in particolare, i villaggi straordinari di Phu e Nar, con la loro architettura ben conservata (che abbiamo visto dopo una nevicata, con splendido tempo), ed infine il passaggio del
passo per congiungerci al sentiero dell'Annapurna.

Sergio Ottolenghi & Silvia Nicolis
Milano, Italy
Nar Phu and Manaslu Trek - 2012

____________________

I am an admitted Himalayan addict, having been on eight treks to Nepal. The Nar Phu valley was definitely one of my favorites.  This “off-the-beaten path” adventure had it all:  dramatic mountain views, narrow canyons, glaciers, remote/untouched  villages, and high peaks and passes. The valley is one of the most interesting regions in the Tibetan Buddhist world.   The walk above Meta kharka  is one of the most beautiful  in the Himalaya.  The trek was definitely a great alternative to the congested Annapurna Circuit.
 
I have come back to Crystal Mountain trek after trek.   They are a well established, reliable, organized,  family-owned  company that offers great value for one’s money. The staff is always professional, while maintaining a very personalized service.  I would definitely recommend Crystal Mountain to anyone planning a visit to the Himalaya.
 
J.L. Belanger
Chicago, Il
Nar Phu Trek - 2004

Nar Phu Trek

Nar Phu Trek (25 days, 24 nights)

Hidden in the high Himalayas of the Annapurna region are the valleys of Nar and Phu. The difficult path leading from upper Manang into Tibet had never made the people of Nar and Phu dependent on the salt trade, thereby isolating them from all political events surrounding them. The Nar and Phu valleys receive only a trickle of the trekkers that journey the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. The Nepal government's restriction on tourism in Nar-Phu was partially lifted only in 2002 offering visitors a new destination in the Annapurna region.

The trek traverses through narrow gorges to medieval villages where you will meet inhabitants of the area who till only recently solely relied on herding and agriculture; tourism seems to be picking up and hopefully it will supplement the local economy. Nar - Phu is a Beyul - sacred hidden land - and is indeed a magical region.

Trip cost includes the restricted area permit required for traveling to Nar-Phu.

 

Itinerary

Day 01 - Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel Tibet. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. (Dinner)

Day 02 - Kathmandu

Pashupati temple (Photo: Jenny Gurung)

Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by our in-house city guide. In the morning, visit Bodhanath, the Stupa of a million dew drops, to watch monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world. Then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Drive to Patan for lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar (palace) Square.

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Lunch)

 

Day 03 - Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (840m/2,750ft)

A private vehicle takes you to Besi-Sahar. Trek couple hours to BhulBhule perched by the Marshyangdi river. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 04 - Bhulbhule to Jagat (1,330m/4,350ft)

Tropical lowland where the trek begins (Photo: Peter Sidell)

Today is mostly hiking up steep trails: first to Bahundanda and then to Jagat. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 05 - Dharapani (1,960m/6,500ft)

Trek past several waterfalls to Chamje and then to Tal Besi. From here, it is a grueling climb on swich backs to Tal where the valley opens into a large plateau. After lunch at Tal, continue to Dharapani. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 06 - Koto (2,640m/8,700ft)

Trek past the first Tibetan village of Bagarchap and the forests of Danaque toKoto. Most of the day there are views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Overnight Tents. (All  meals)

Day 07 - Dharamsala (3,220m/10,600 ft.)

Waterfall enroute to Dharamsala (Photo: Mike Binyon)
Past Koto, the Nar Phu trail heads north branching off the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. Trek through a section chiselled out of the cliff and cliff steeply through a forest. Trek past a waterfall to the camp site at Dharamsala. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 08 - Meta (3,610m/11,900 ft.)

Climb steeply for two hours past abandoned barley fields to the winter settlement of Meta. Today is a short day but it is important to not trek further for acclimatization. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 09 - Kyang (3,840m/12,600 ft.)

The trail to Kyang is over a roller-coaster maze of glacial moraines, ascending and descending to cross streams. You will soon reach a chorten with a trail junction - the left trail leads to Nar - but continue North to Junam a settlement abandoned by Khampa rebels. Descend to the river and a short climb of the glacial moraine to a small pass to Meta. Meta is a winter settlement used by the villagers from Phu. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 10 - Phu (4,070m/13,400 ft.)

The landscape becomes dry, desert-like gorge and the trail is carved out of the cliff. Look out for blue sheep grazing on the barren hill sides. Cross a precarious bridge to pass through the Phupi Gyalgo gate and enter the Phu region. The trail to camp is along the eroded hillside, past a runied dzong and several chortens. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 11 - Explore Phu (4,070m/13,400 ft.)

Explore Phu village. Options include visiting the Tashi Lakhang Gompa or the Himlung Base Camp. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 12 - Checko (3,550m/11,600 ft.)

Retrace the trail to the junction below Phu and follow the trail towards Nar. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 13 - Nar (3,220m/10,600 ft.)

Today's climb of 700m starts immediately past camp. About after an hour of hiking, the incline becomes more gradual. The views of Pisang Peak walking throught the Nar gates are absolutely fantastic. Nar is larger than Phu village and has around 65 houses. Overnight Tent. (All meals)

Day 14 - Cross Kang La (3,220m/10,600 ft.)

Approaching Kangla pass(Photo: Mike Binyon) Trek for about an hour to Kangla phedi. Climb gradually to Kang La pass (5,320m/17,600 ft.). On the trail down from the pass are wonderful views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak. Camp either in the pastures or trek down to Ngawal. Overnight Tent. (All meals)

Day 15 - Contingency day

Contingency day for possible weather or health issues. Overnight Tent. (All meals)

Day 16 - Manang (3,540m/11,600ft)

Short trek to Manang joining the Annapurna Circuit trail at Hongde. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 17 - Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,500ft)

A short day of 3 to 4 hours hiking to Yak Kharka. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 18 - Thorung Phedi (4,420m/14,200ft)

Another short trek day of 3 hours to the base of the Thorung la pass. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 19 - Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m)

The day begins early with wake up call usually around 3:00 am. The steep ascent to the pass can take up to 5 or 6 hours. Then it is a long arduous descent to Muktinath. As you walk towards Muktinath, views of the Dhaulagiri massif dominate the horizon. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 20 - Contingency day

On Thorung Pass with Chulu West in the back (Photo: Jwalant Gurung)Contingency day for health or weather delays. If this day is not required, you can make a side trip to Kagbeni - the gateway to Lo in Mustang. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 21 - Muktinath to Jomsom

Descend to Jomsom. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 22 - Jomsom to Pokhara

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Day free in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 23 - Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast)

Day 24 - Kathmandu sightseeing

Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 25 - Kathmandu to home

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)

Read Journal from a previous trip >>

View Photos from a previous Crystal Mountain trek to Nar Phu >>

Price includes:

• Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Motivated staff; adequate equipment for staff and staff insurance (Read about our “Redifining staff care” initiative)
• All airport transfers; two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
• 4 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet in Kathmandu.
• Airfare: Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu
• Restricted Area fee
• Annapurna Conservation area fee
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Tent accommodations on the trek; Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• Nepal Visa
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Tips and Gratuities
• Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
• Your travel insurance (Required)
• And other expenses of a personal nature

TO BOOK THIS TRIP:

To book the trip, please download and complete the reservation form and send it to us either as an email attachment or by fax.

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com

Fax: + 977 1 4412647

A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking this trip. Deposit must be paid by wire transfer. Details will be provided. We will reimburse up to $30 to cover for your wire expenses.  Balance payment is required after arrival in Kathmandu.

Download reservation form here »

Altitude sickness

This trek does involve sleeping and hiking at high altitude. We will, as we do for all high-altitude treks, provide a GAMOW bag for this trip.  A GAMOW bag is a portable hyperbaric chamber that looks like an inflatable extra-large sleeping bag. The effective altitude inside the inflated GAMOW bag is about 5000 feet lower than the altitude you are at; it has been very effective in the past in relieving headaches and other symptoms of altitude sickness.

REFERENCES:

Crystal Mountain Treks organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tiber for hundreds of satisfied travelers every year. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us. Why trek with CMT?

TREK RATING:

This trek is rated challenging and involves trekking at high altitude and some long days. The entire trip involves a lot of up and down with elevation change of more than 3,500 ft. A Gamow Bag will be provided on this trip.

No technical climbing experience is required nor do you have to be a very experienced hiker to participate on this trek. There will be snow on the pass and the descent can be icy.

QUESTIONS:

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com

Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813

Mobile phone: + 977 98410-00724