Nar, Phu and the Kang La
The hidden villages of Nar and Phu are reached by trekking through a narrow river gorge that feeds into the larger Marshyangdi River. The trek follows the classic Annapurna trail. From the villages and the rice fields along the Marshyangdi River, we walk upstream to Koto. We then head north thru the gorge to the remote Nar & Phu valleys. Phu is reached first. Near the border with Tibet, its location is stunning. Nar is next; both villages exude the authentic culture of Tibet Buddhism. Meals and lodgings are in guest lodges. From Nar, we cross the 5,306 meter high Kang La Pass with its full view of the northern back side of the Annapurna massif.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)9 am to 4 pm
Day 03: Kathmandu – Jagat (1,300m) 8-10 hours
Day 04: Jagat – Karte (1,127m) 7-8 hours
Day 05: Karte – Koto (2,600m) 7-8 hours
Day 6: Koto – Narphu Khola (???)
Day 07: Narphu Khola – Meta (3,560m) 6-7 hours
Day 08: Meta – Kyang (2,465m) 7-8 hours
Day 09: Kyang – Phu gaon (4,080m) 3-4 hours
Day 10: Stay Phu gaon (4,080m)
Day 11: Phu goan – Kyang (2,465m) 3-4 hours
Day 12: Kyang – Narphedi (4,200m) 5-6 hours
Day 13: Nar – Kang La phedi
Day 14: Kang La – Ngawal (3,650m) Day 15: Ngawal – Bhrathang (2,850m)
Day 16: Bhratang – Jagat (1,300m)
Day 17: Jagat -Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 18: Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern while traveling with Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. The trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is necessary due to unfavorable circumstances. Unfavorable weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, or an unexpected natural disaster can force changes to the itinerary. However, every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. The lead guide will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A staff member will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)9 am to 4 pm
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Jagat (1,300m) 8-10 hours
Today, we begin our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu for about 6-7 hours (190 Km) to Besisahar. Our vehicle follows the picturesque Trishuli River. As the drive progresses, you can witness beautiful scenery – terraced fields, traditional villages, and views of mountains, including Ganesh and Manaslu peaks.
Eventually, we leave the main highway that heads to Pokhara and drive north to Besisahar. After Besisahar, we continue our drive through paddy fields and reach Jagat – a Tibetan-style village.
Day 04: Jagat – Karte (1,127m) 7-8 hours
Today We pass two villages; Chamce where we cross the river in an impressive place, thunderous roar of the raging waterfalls of the Marsyandi. Then it is another climb of about two hours before we suddenly arrive in a very flat part of the valley. The village of Tal has a kind of wildest atmosphere: wooden houses with verandas and waterfalls on all sides of the valley. This is where the Manang district begins and from now on all villages are Buddhist. The path continues slowly up to Karte.
Day 05: Karte – Koto (2,600m) 7-8 hours
Today we pass thru the incredibly beautiful landscape. Steep rock walls, waterfalls, immense green forests and spectacular suspension bridges give the prestige to this day. In Bagarchap there is a monastery that we can visit. We must be lucky because the monks are often gone. Working in the fields or studying in the city. After Bagarchap it is a 1.5 to 2 hour walk to Timang. About 45 minutes before Timang it goes up steeply through a forest. From Timang we have a beautiful view of the Manaslu massif. We continue to the village of Koto.
Day 6: Koto – Narphu Khola (???)
Today after passing the check post, we leave the main trail of the Annapurna. We walk through an uninhabited narrow canyon along the roaring river. The forests are beautiful with huge forest giants but also thick bamboo everywhere.
Day 07: Narphu Khola – Meta (3,560m) 6-7 hours
Today we rise considerably and we regularly cross the river over suspension bridges. We walk on a path, like in a movie, behind a waterfall! After Dharmasala it is about 1 hour and 15 minutes’ walk to Meta, just past Dharmasala there is a steep climb.
Day 08: Meta – Kyang (2,465m) 7-8 hours
Today before lunch we ascend again so much that we reach above the tree line. The valley opens up and it becomes clear that you are at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau. To the north the valley is a kind of bizarre mountain desert with pinnacles and gullies. At the bottom left in the depths we see a bridge over a gorge that must be about 200 meters deep. This is the route we will take in a few days to the village of Nar. Northwards the valley widens and we pass several almost abandoned settlements. In the summer months, it seems that many yaks, sheep and goats are kept. Just before the valley narrows into a gorge are the 30 houses that form the village of Kyang. The stones of the mani wall at the entrance of the village are painted Smurf blue, which we also see later at the monastery of Phu.
Day 09: Kyang – Phu gaon (4,080m) 3-4 hours
Today immediately after Khyang we descend into a narrow gorge that reminds experienced Nepal travelers of the Tarap valley in Dolpo. The path runs close to the water and then climbs up again. After 2 ½ hours of walking the valley seems to come to a dead end, the river flows through a very narrow gorge. After climbing up, we enter the valley through the village gate of Phu. A beautiful row of chortens and mani walls underline the religious ideas of the peasant population. The village itself is located on top of a rock in order to keep as much agricultural land available as possible. From the top of the hill on which the monastery stands, Tibet feels very close. According to the residents, it is still a 1½ day walk to the border. By lunchtime we are at Phu.
Day 10: Stay Phu gaon (4,080m)
Today one of the cultural highlights of this trip: a visit to the extremely remote and very authentic mountain village of Phu. We have time to see this medieval village and meet the locals.
Day 11: Phu goan – Kyang (2,465m) 3-4 hours
Today we walk back to Kyang in about a two and a half hour. A great opportunity to visit the village again in the morning. Who knows, we can visit a family at home. A visit to the higher situated gompa with the many stupas is also worth a small climb. There are always either monks or nuns here.
Day 12: Kyang – Narphedi (4,200m) 5-6 hours
Today we walk through the juniper forests we descend to the exit towards Nar. Just across the bridge we have lunch and, in the afternoon, we climb steeply again over the bare slopes until we reach the first fences of the village. When we get to the huge stupa with a whole row of smaller ones and a long mani wall, you know the village can’t be far anymore. Nar is a compact village in the sheltered area of the mountain. In the background the brown slopes of the Tibetan plateau, crowned with white unnamed peaks. Again, it seems as if we have arrived in the Middle Ages. The people are very nice but don’t really like to be photographed. So be very reserved with that and ask first if it is allowed. The houses are built into each other in block form so that everyone is optimally protected against the harsh climate that prevails here in summer and winter.
Day 13: Nar – Kang La phedi
Today we walk on a clear path to Kang La BC, (5200m) the locals maintain regular contact with relatives in Ngawal, the first village across the pass. The first 3 hours we walk gradually up through the wide valley. Left and right are bare rock walls where we might see blue sheep.
Day 14: Kang La – Ngawal (3,650m)
Today we climb steep slope to the pass at 5322 meters. The top is decorated with a whole collection of prayer flags. From the top we can see the entire Annapurna range and a little lower also a large part of the route to Lake Tilicho on the other side of the valley. Deep below lies the authentic village of Ngawal. The descent is straight forward and 1800 meters lower we really have nodding knees. It is useful if we can use pole sticks here to relieve our joints. Our camp is on a meadow near the village.
Day 15: Ngawal – Bhrathang (2,850m)
Today after breakfast we head towards Bhratang via Ghyaru, an authentic mountain village and Pisang, from here we descend to Bhratang. We have a good view of the Annapurna massif. At Pisang we rejoin the Annapurna Trail and reach to Bhratang.
Day 16: Bhratang – Jagat (1,300m)
Today we will walk back to Jagat gathering unique experience about the life style, culture and livelihood of the people of Himalayan Mountain region. We experience warm weather as we descend to lower altitude.
Day 17: Jagat -Kathmandu (1337m)
Today we drive back to Kathmandu by jeep or local bus that gives us local experience of Nepalese life style during journey
Day 18: Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu (1337m)
Today is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours, and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Number of participants
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 14
Max Altitude: 5,160 meters
Best Season: Oct – Nov and March-May
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So, trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So, a tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programs during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
