Nar Phu Valley Thorung Pass Trek

Starting Trip Price
$1700USD
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Trip Facts

  • Destinations: Nepal
  • Total Duration: 22 Days
  • Trekking Duration: 16 Days
  • Trip Grade: Medium Hard
  • Max Elevation: 5416m
  • Best Season: October to December, March to May
  • Walking Hours: 5-6hrs
  • Styles: Tea House
  • Starting point of trek: Bhulbhule
  • Finishing point of trek: Jomsom
  • Meals and Drinks: Guest houses managed by local people
  • Group Size: 2 to 16

Trip Map

  • Destination:Nepal

Nar Phu Valley trek is located North West of Nepal between d two popular trekking routes Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The Nar Phu Valley trek is under control of the restricted zone by the government of Nepal. In 1960 Tibetan rebels formed armed Khampas settled here to revive Tibet from China. Remote and isolated Nar Phu rewards with narrow gorges, towering cliffs, medieval villages, studded chorten, and eroded plateau. Besides these spectacular mountain views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna ii, iv, Gangapuruna, Tilicho Himlung Himal (7140m) Kang Guru, and Karte Chuli charm the trek. Two passes Kang La (5320m) and Throng La 5416m) are amazing viewpoints includes in the trek. From Besi Shar, the tail to Nar Phu combines Annapurna Circuit up to Koto together. The left side

route to Annapurna Manang and right side route to Nar Phu. The trails are easy till Koto but beyond is some places have heat-beating inches makes scary. After Koto, we cross the bridge leading over the Marshyangdi River to the steep the Nar Phu valley entrance is narrow and forested, the valley above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages, and high altitude grazing villages. We will venture into this remote region of the Nar Phu valley, we explore the high alpine valleys above Phu.

In this region, people are similar to the Tibetan tribe to follow the Buddhist religion in culture. Phu gaon the last settlement at the first stage and (4080m) Nar 4110m) village before passing the Kang La. Every village has Kani mani walls and chortens some pilgrimage monasteries. Daily trek available Lodges provide basic and simple room and food. All food items are brought from Koto carried by mules and horses. To maintain daily life the local people raise yaks, cows, goats, sheep and farming, mainly wheat, barley, buckwheat, and potato. Agriculture, farming is once in a year, but tourism factor is short seasonal economic support for a few families.

As the Nar Phu valley stays back from passing Kang La the trail enters to Annapurna circuit at Nawal village. The one part circuit trek is the busiest and popular trekking area in Nepal. Mountain valley villages Nawal, Braga, and the biggest village Manag are covered by this route. Most of the people of this village income source are tourism. Manang is the biggest village in Manag District. Popular trekking route and Menu system service contain continental available and private tidy rooms are available up to Yak Kharka, Throng Phedi overnight is sleepless due to high elevation. Mountain views, lakes, villages high mountain pine and meadows are an attraction of the trek. Throng La a popular pass almost equal to a mountain.

After Throng La enters the Mustang area. Muktinath town is popular with Hindu Temple which has 108 water taps to clean away sins. Natural flaming on gas burning inside a monastery. The horizon view land and surrounding lands are barren with brown color. The trail past Kali Gandaki River has the deepest gorge in the world. Between Muktinath, to Jomsom, a strong wind blows in the afternoon. The trek ends in Jomsom is a district headquarter of Mustang. The bus runs to Pokhara. Fly to Pokhara stay 2 nights and drive to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 02 Sightseeing Swayambhu, Boudha and Durbarsquare
  • Day 03 Drive to Besi Shar (760m) by car or van (5hrs)
  • Day 04 Bhulbhule to Jagat (6-7hrs) (1360m)
  • Day 05 Jagat to Dharapani (6-7hrs) (1900m)
  • Day 06 Dharapani to Koto (5-6hrs) (2600m)
  • Day 07 Koto to Meta (3560m)( 7-8 hrs)
  • Day 08 Meta to Phu Gaon (4250m)(7-8hrs)
  • Day 09 Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
  • Day 10 Phu Gaon to Nar (4110m)(6-7hrs)
  • Day 11 Acclimatization day in Nar
  • Day 12 Nar to Kang La Pass (5322m) to Ngawal (3660m)(7-8 hrs)
  • Day 13 Ngawal to Manang (3540m)( 4-5 hrs)
  • Day 14 Explore day in Manang
  • Day 15 Manang to Ledar (4200m) (4-5hrs)
  • Day 16 Ledar to Thorung Phedi (4550m) (3hrs)
  • Day 17 Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3800m)(7-8hrs)
  • Day 18 Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m)(4-5hrs)
  • Day 19 Fly to Pokhara in the morning
  • Day 20 Rest day or Sightseeing in Pokhara
  • Day 21 Fly to Kathmandu
  • Day 22 Departure from Kathmandu

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu

When you arrive at Katmandu International Airport then transfer to your hotel. A short briefing is given concerning trekking itinerary.

Day 02 Sightseeing Swayambhu, Boudha and Durbarsquare

Day 03 Drive to Besi Shar (760m) by car or van (5hrs)

Besi Shar to Bhulbhule (3hrs) (840m) from upper at the end of Besi Shar, the route to Bhulbhule descends and follows along the road to Bhulbhule. Two hours walk to Khudi village has 2 simple lodges. From Khudi cross a side-stream and continues to Bhulbhule at the bank of the river. There are some common lodges available.

Day 04 Bhulbhule to Jagat (6-7hrs) (1360m)

The trail to Jagat diverts to the right east bank of the river. The route wanders through an impressive waterfall and rice fields. 90 minutes distance Nagdi village where there are few numbers of lodges. The flat road to Lampata then a few minutes ahead the route climbs up to Bahundanda (1270m) (hill of Brahmin) on the right side of the river. The police check post asks you to register. Descending to the rice fields and then walking flat to just before Lili Bhir. The trail with railing through rocky area leads to the village of Khani gaon. From here 20 minutes distance to Ghermu village which offers views of the long waterfall on the other side. From Ghermu the trail to Marsyangdi on a long suspension bridge at Syange. The riverside trail along the roadside climbs to the steep uphill a short trail climbing and then down to Jagat (1330m). Jagat has many more lodges with a nice dining room. People are mixed Gurung and Tibetan.

Day 05 Jagat to Dharapani (6-7hrs) (1900m)

From Jagat, the trail leads to Ghatte Kholla then a stiff climb right side an amazing waterfall. Ten minutes away is Chamje has half dozen lodges along the road. From the main road, the trail sets to the bank of the river then climb a rocky path that leads through fields and bamboo. A short descent then climbs steeply about 30 minutes to entering the gate of Tal (1700m) means ‘lake’. Tal is a beautiful town has 25 lodges well managed them. Shops and teahouses are along the path. The flat trail continues to a suspension bridge across the Marsyangdi then gently climb up past Karte. Across a bridge then on the left side enters to the bamboo bush along the river. Just before reaching down Dharapani again cross a bridge. Dharapani has a police check post, ACAP permit, and several lodges. Manaslu Larke Pass route joins in Dharapani.

Day 06 Dharapani to Koto (5-6hrs) (2600m)

Beyond Dharapani the trail gradually climbs over in partly forests. One hour away is Bagarchap has 4 lodges. If the weather is clear views of Lamjung Himal (6986m) Annapurna ii (7935m) and Manaslu Himal are seen. The trail continues to Danaque has a dozen lodges. From Danaque the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and maple forests to stream hydropower and then climb up to big settlement Timang village (2630m). It is excellent views of Manaslu. The route leads north side to Thanchowk is a most traditional village with typical Tibetan architecture. The flat trail past through pine forests to Koto where there is a police check post to register permit. The main Manang tail set off to west bank of the river and Nar Phu Valley trail crosses on a suspension bridge over the bridge.

Day 07 Koto to Meta (3560m)( 7-8 hrs)

From Koto drops steeply down to suspension bridge over Marshyangdi River then trek through the Riverbank of Soti Khola past wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala (3220m) from here in 2 hours up and down path arrives at white chorten then a slightly walking up through barley fields finally reaches at Meta village of Tibetan Plateau which offers a grand view of Annapurna II (7937m) and Lamjung Himal.(6983m) to the east direction.

Day 08 Meta to Phu Gaon (4250m)(7-8hrs)

Day 8 trek starts the winding trail past two brail branches off to Nar but we follow left side up to Jhuman in 1960 Tibetan Khampas settled to fight against China. Above Jhuman the trail climbs through glacier moraine. Today’s trek offers views of Annapurna Himalayas and encounters chortens along the path. After Jhuman another rest point Khyang(3840m) beyond it walking on a tenuous trail on rocky side further few distance cross on a scary bridge to continue walk passing many chortens to eventually Phu Gaon.

Day 09 Acclimatization at Phu Gaon

Today is the first day scheduled acclimatization the second is in Nar and third is in Mang. Acclimatization is better to avoid from high altitude problem. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung, and Ghale in here. We get to know how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such a remote location or in the hidden valley. Tashi Lakhang Monastery is popular an old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries. Local people use to tell about monastery it is the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and valley view and landscape.

Day 10 Phu Gaon to Nar (4110m)(6-7hrs)

We follow down the trail to Nar passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge over the Gorge of Lapche River. From Mahendra Pul the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours where there are 4 lodges. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled
This is the last village we stay in Nar Phu area a religious village.

Day 11 Acclimatization day in Nar

The next day is Kang La pass day so our body needs to altitude level adoption. On this day we hike a certain level of elevation and we explore surrounding the village to observe their day to day life with culture and religion because Nar is a big village at high exposed with mani walls, chortens and gompas. There are about more than 6 dozen houses. Surrounding of the village where are found blue Sheep and yaks are grazing in meadows.

Day 12 Nar to Kang La Pass (5322m) to Ngawal (3660m)(7-8 hrs)

Day 12 is an interesting, excited and adventurous to climb Kang La the first highest altitude and a long day walk. Walking starts early in the morning to avoid strong wind, melted snow. From Nar, the trail to Nar Phedi gradually up but above from here climbs steeply crossing a stream with a bridge and passing chortens and cairns winding path at top of Kang La which offers an incredible view of surrounding mountains Chulu, Annapurna massif, and others. From the Pass to Ngawal trail switchbacks down about 3 hours to Ngawal village where Annapurna circuit trail meets. A curved village is excellent to stay a night. The village has traditional roofless stoned houses on which flatter prayer flags. Nice guest houses scattered along the trail. Just opposite side Annapurna range wall lined up with snowcapped from east to west.

Day 13 Ngawal to Manang (3540m)( 4-5 hrs)

From Ngwal the trail hill down through groves of pine to Lulu. On the right side, up eroded cliffs look amazing. The flat trail leads to Mugje (3500m) then 30 minutes away is Bragha (3470m) one of the most picturesque villages with Bragha monastery 500 years old. The flat path leads to Manang where WEL-COME TO Manang written on a big gate.

Day 14 Explore day in Manang

Including today it is three-day acclimatization. Manang is a big village has several lodges and guesthouses are throughout the village. There are 500 to 600 flat-roofed traditional houses separated by narrow alleys. People of the village are Manangi similar to Tibetan. Chongar View Point, Praken Gompa, Manang Museum, Himalaya Rescue Association, and Gangapurna Glacier make you busy. For hiking to Chongar View Point, one of the easier trips is to descend to the bridge from Manang and climb the spine of glacial moraine to the Chongar View Point top a hill festooned with prayer flags. There are nice views of the Gangapurna icefall, Manang village, and valley. Praken Gompa meditation retreat on the hillside above Manang. An old Lama lives in the Gompa who bless your success Throng La Pass.

Day 15 Manang to Ledar (4200m) (4-5hrs)

The route to Ledar enters alleyways to the Kani (gate) then ascends to the Ledar path. The trail climbs to a chorten then continues to Tengi is a last permanent inhabited village. Again continues climbing the trail to the north side, Manang valley is left behind. View of Annapurna iii (7555m), Gangapurna (7434m), and Tilicho peak (7134m) are superb. On the floor vegetations are juniper and alpine bush, passing these a small village of Ghusang (3950m) comes. From Ghusang beyond is Yak Kharka 2 hours away through yak pasture, scrub juniper and to see yaks grazing on the hillside. There are 6 lodges in lower and upper Yak Kharka. Further climbing up about 40-minute walk to Ledar (4200m). Just before Ledar across a suspension bridge. There are 4 lodges along the trail.

Day 16 Ledar to Thorung Phedi (4550m) (3hrs)

Throng Phedi trail continues to climb along the right side of Kane Khola. Blue sheep in the group appear on the hill side and yaks are grazing on the grassy land. Then the route descends to the Khola. Two trails separate left side down is suspension bridge and the other one right side one wooden bridge. From the bridges climb up to a teashop and then flat route through landslide stone falling zone to Throng Phedi means (foot of the hill). There are 2 lodges named Throng Base Camp and Hotel New Phedi. The lodges have enough rooms. There is another lodge Throng High Camp (4835m) an hour steep up. This evening most of the trekkers go to bed early for the next day Throng La Pass (5416m). Horse riding hire over Thorunng La Pass available at Throng Phedi.

Day 17 Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3800m)(7-8hrs)

On this day, most of the trekkers start to walk early morning at 4 to 5 to avoid strong wind and bad weather to reach on top of the pas on expected time. From Thorung Phedi the trail is steep to the High Camp then up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the pass. The route is usually snow-covered in the main winter. From High Camp, the trail climbs through in and out of canyons formed by moraines. Poles mark the trail. About an hour above the High Camp there is a small teahouse at 5030m. Abut twenty minutes before the teashop there is a bridge to cross. From the teahouse, it takes 2 hours to Thorung La Pass (5416m) with traditional chorten, prayer flags, and stone cairn. The pas separates Manang and Mustang. The views from the pass are excellent in every direction. On the right side Yakawang (6482m) and on the left side Thorung Peak (6201m). From the pass, the descent 1216m to Chabaru (4200m). It takes 3 hours to descend to Chabaru where there are 4 lodges mainly for lunch place. From Chabaru the route through meadows to Muktinath. Muktinath is now a day ruined by modern houses. Muktinath is a temple religious shrine for both Hindu and Buddhist. Because of this temple whole village named Muktinath means (salvation). The temple has 108 brass waterspouts. A short walk down left side there is Dhola Mebar Gompa or Goddess of fire Temple where natural flame burns. Banking service and transportations like a motorbike, jeep, bus and pony services are available.

Day 18 Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m)(4-5hrs)

Today’s descending 1100m through Jharkot, Khingar and Ekle Bhanti villages. Excellent view of North Nilgiri (7061m) and barren brown desert hills and meadows make you happy. After midday, a strong wind blows between Eklle Bhanti and Jomsom. Jomsom is district headquarter of Mustang. People of Jomsom are Thakali who are Buddhist and their income source is business and tourism. These ethnics are believed Mongolian race. There is an airport which is one of the busiest in the hilly region flights from Pokhara to Jomsom. In Jomsom, every day after twelve o’clock a strong wind blows due to it no flight after it. Jomsom equipped well with moderated it has banks, ATM Machines standard tidy hotels, and restaurants. Everyday bus services to Pokhara.

Day 19 Fly to Pokhara in the morning

Day 20 Rest day or Sightseeing in Pokhara

Day 21 Fly to Kathmandu

Day 22 Departure from Kathmandu

You are assisted to reach at the airport by our staff. You have to reach at the airport 3 hours before your plane leave.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop off.
  • Three-night hotel accommodation and breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • Licensed trained trekking guide.
  • Porters to carry goods.
  • Accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner) included coffee & tea.
  • Transportation by land and air. All necessary documents permit for trekking. National park/ conservation area entry permit.
  • Tour guide for Kathmandu (Durbar square, Swayambhu, Boudha stupa.)

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Travel trekking insurance
  • Major meals, lunch, dinner during stay in Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charge more than airlines allowed both domestic and international
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, drinks, phone & laundry
  • Visa fee (easily get on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
  • Tips for trekking field staffs
  • Rescue travel insurance,
  • Trips cancellation costs
  • Electric device charges
  • Accident or health emergency
  • Lost theft and damage to baggage

Equipments & Gears

Trekking shoes-  1pair

light shoes-  1pair

slipper-  1pair

down jacket - 1

trekking pant -  2pair

tights-  2pair

t-shirt-  4

gloves

hat

woolen cap

sunglasses

raincoat

headlamp

walking stick

water bottle

sleeping bag

trekking bag waterproof

changing clothes

sun cream

reading books 

indoor games

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Sam Rock,
United Kingdom
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