True spirit of adventure since 1990
Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Nar Phu Valley Thorang La Pass Trek

Duration
23 days
Max. Elevation
5416m
Group size
MIn 2+
Level
DIFFICULT
Transportation
Public Bus, Tourist Bus & Flight
Best Season
Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu. Lodge/Camping Accomodation during Trek.
Meals
3 Meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route
{ Kathmandu - Besisahar - Bhulbhule - Chamje - Dharapani - Koto - Dharmashala - Kayang - Phu Village - Junam - Nar Village - Ngwal - Manang - Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi - Muktinath - Thorong La Pass - Muktinath - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu }

Highlights

Overview

Nar Phu Valley is one of the newly opened trekking region. The trek to the Nar and Phu valley takes you to a remote but alluring region of Nepal. Since this is a restricted area, you will require a special permit and only group, with at least two people, are allowed to trek in this region. 
 
In Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will enjoy the delightful sights of quaint Tibetan villages, astounding rock formations, high altitude grazing settlements, narrow canyons, deep forests and majestic snow clad peaks. The main valley has rugged and barren landscape much like Tibet. The valley is home to Gurung ethnic people who follow Buddhist culture and customs. Buddhist monasteries and chortens make one of the striking features of the landscape. 
 
The trail follows a rugged path as you explore the quaint Tibetan-like villages of Nar and Phu, cross the Kongka La Pass (5171m). The trip will offer you fantastic mountain views of Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, Tilicho etc. During this trek you should be acclimatized very well especially when crossing Kongka La pass. The area has limited accommodation facility so camping will be required at different places.
 
There are three different alternative trekking routes in Nar Phu Valley trek. One of the common route is Nar Phu Valley Circuit which begins at Bulbule and ends in Bulbule. This is of shorter duration and avoids traversing nearby Annapurna Region.
 
The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass is another option. This route will start from Bulbule and crosses the Thorong La pass ( 5416m) in the Annapurna Circuit.  This traversing of the pass provides you a more challenging and interesting alternative to the regular route.
 
The third and most adventurous route is  Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake Trek which takes you to one of the highest lakes, Tilicho Lake (4949m) in the Himalayan region. We will follow the less traveled route to Tilicho Lake crossing over the Meso Kanta Pass (5089m) which links the Manang and Kali Gandaki valley.
 
Nar Phu Valley Trek is best during Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) seasons. This trek can be done over different durations depending on your interests, timeframe and budget.  

Important Note

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in.

Trip Itinerary

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing.  By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast
After early morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about eight hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. From Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved road and from there to Bhulbule is graveled.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

840m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours. Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. Follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m) and then climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. From here it is a few ups and downs before you reach Chamje.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

1410m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1960m) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi river at which point cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m) where you will find hotels and tea houses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path follows winding cliffs. You will pass through the small village of Karte (1900m.) and cross a suspension bridge as you approach the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.).

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

1960m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Dharapani to Koto (2610m.) takes about five hours. You trek gradual ascent path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views you can enjoy are of Annapurna II, Manaslu range and beautiful views of forests on the way add another dimension to your trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and others. Their life style is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

2610m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Koto to Dharmashala (3300m.) takes about six hours. You cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola. The route takes you through some beautiful woods and past several small caves, and a pilgrims’ Dharmashala. After you emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the Dharmashala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3300m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Dharmashala to Kayang takes about six and half hours. A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings you finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. You pass by scenic Kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you are likely to share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3560m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Kayang to Phu village. Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank and past the “submarine” rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful Chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon and gorges, you reach the Phu gate. This ancient gate provides you with you first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old “dzong” and the remains of the two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

4200m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Excursion around Phu valley. You can have interaction with locals and explore up the wide valley systems above you. You might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hour’s walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat.

Stay overnight in camp.

Max. altitude

4200m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Trek from Phu valley to Junam (3550m.). You get back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your step back to Junam Kharka which is a lovely spot for camping.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3550m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Junam to Nar (4150m.). This day you trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below you sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. You finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo topped Chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old colorful and traditional Gompas and the snow peaks looming overhead.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

4150m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Explore Nar village. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

4150m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Nar village to Ngwal after crossing Kang La pass. The Kang La is not a diffucult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and gradual down towards the end.

Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit (off the main Annapurna circuit), can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is so nice that you will take it easy and enjoy the views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of Chortens and prayer flags, and marks a meditation cave far up in the hills. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3575m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Ngwal to Manang (3519m.) takes about three hours. This day you walk through the leveled path along the bank of Marshyangdi River to reach Manang. On the way you pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. You can enjoy the views of Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes. Manang is a small town.

Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

3519m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Rest day at Manang. Today is an important rest day for acclimatization before crossing the Thorong La Pass. There are optional walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

3519m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m) takes about three and half hours. This morning the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang village (3960m). En route, you can see panoramic mountain views all day long.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

4350m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of Marshyangdi. After a short ascend along the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

4420m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass takes about seven hours. Today will be a long day of walking so you will leave early morning. The trail becomes steep immediately and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you see chorten and prayer flags fluttering from the Thorong La pass. Thorong La pass is one of the highest passes in the Annapurna region. Once you are at the pass, you will start your descent along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath as the moraines eventually give way to grassy slopes. Muktinath is one of the most sacred places in the Himalaya for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

5416m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743m.) takes about 4 hours. Today you continue down for an early two hours and then walk along a flat path until you reach Jomsom.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

2743m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 25 minutes. The flight is a scenic one with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. and Kaligandaki River. The flight to/from Jomsom happens only in the morning because of high wind in afternoon time.

Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara

Max. altitude

914m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

Max. altitude

1400m

Meals

Breakfast
Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan My Trip
Elevation Chart

Includes

    Kathmandu

    • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
    • 3 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 3 star standards hotel
    • One day city sightseeing with an English speaking tour guide and private vehicle
    • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenirs


    b) Trekking

    • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 3 star standards hotel in Pokhara
    • One trekking guide (if there are 10 or more participants, we will provide 2 trekking guides)
    • One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
    • Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
    • Trekking equipment: Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags and trekking poles
    • Special trekking permit for Nar and Phu
    • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area (ACAP)
    • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
    • All land transportation: Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by regular public bus and  Pokhara to Kathmandu by A/C tourist deluxe bus
    • Flight ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara
    • Insurance and equipment for all guides and porters
    • First aid kit
    • Tax, VAT and our service charge
    • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips for involved staffs
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • Entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu
    • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Equipment List

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff  

Sun-worn Items

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries), 

Liquid/Snacks

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials

First Aid Kit

Optional

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.

Share this tour

Similar Tours

Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Region
Best Selling
Trekking in Nepal

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Duration
17 days
Grading
DIFFICULT
(0 reviews)
Nar Phu Valley Tilicho Lake Trek
Nar Phu Region
Best Selling
Trekking in Nepal

Nar Phu Valley Tilicho Lake Trek

Duration
23 days
Grading
DIFFICULT
US$ 1,650 .00
Explore
(0 reviews)
Book Now

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up to stay updated with latest offers, recent events and more news.
Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal