Nar Phu Valley Trek

Day details

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition; therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to a 3* standard hotel. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office for the briefing regarding the trek followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can also enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and the dinner can be scheduled for the following day. Meals included: Dinner                                                        (Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music and Ethnic dance.)

Day details

The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hour tours to the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gears (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia. Optional site:Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)

Day details

Besisahar is the destination set for the day. Early in the morning, our guides will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to the bus station to catch a bus to Besisahar. The bus heads west, leaving the Kathmandu Valley and the journey continues on a winding Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli River till Dumre. From Dumre, the bus heads north towards Besisahar, following the Marsyangdi River. After about 7 hours ride we reach the destination, Besisahar. The bus will stop twice, once for breakfast and then for lunch, before reaching Besisahar. The night will be spent at a lodge in Besisahar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Winding highway along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi River, incredible view of waterfalls, rivers, jungles, hamlets higher up on the hills, terraced fields flaunting seasonal crops, different vegetations,  and the curious faces of people running motels, restaurants and lodges along the highway.)

Day details

Bahundanda is the destination set for the day. Following the dusty road from Besisahar, the journey continues north towards Bhulbhule. The trail passes through rice terraces and the sub-tropical forest. Khudi and Bhulbhule greet us with the first view of Manaslu, Himchuli and Nagdi Chuli. Enjoying the view of the mountains and the waterfall, we then soar up to the Nadi Bazaar on the trail along the Marsyangdi River. Leaving Nadi Bazaar, we cross the bridge across the Nadi River and a steep hike past the Landslide area and Lampata will finally take us to Bahundanda. The evening can be spent exploring the settlement of Bahundanda. The night will be spent at a lodge in Bahundanda. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: First view of Manaslu, Himchuli and Nagdi Chuli, beautiful view of the waterfall, and the trail accompanied by sub-tropical forest, rice terraces, roaring Marsyangdi River and the little settlements of Gurung and Tamang people; their temple, monasteries and Mane.)

Day details

Chamje is the destination of the day. From Bahundanda, we hike down to Syange through the rice terraces, following the east bank of the Marsyangdi River. Syange greets us with a view of 111m long waterfall. Enjoying the view of the waterfall, we now cross the bridge across the Marsyangdi River and continue on a tough trail along the west bank of the river up till Jagat, which greet us with another beautiful view of the waterfall. From Jagat, a steep climb on a trail along the river will finally take us to Chamje, which again greets us with a beautiful view of 202m long waterfall. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chamje. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful view of more than 100m long waterfalls, culturally captivating communities, rice terraces, green woodland, unbelievable landscape, and the humming Marsyangdi River.)

Day details

Bagarchhap is the destination of the day. Crossing the bridge across the Marsyangdi River, we first hike up to Sattale. Enjoying the fields of Marijuana, we now ascend on the steep stone trail towards the Manang district, leaving the Lamjung district behind. The trail still along the Marsyangdi River takes us to the first village of the Manang district, Tal, which greets us with a typical entrance gate influenced by the Tibetan culture. Leaving the village of Tal, we hike up to Kyodo, crossing the landslide area, where we cross a bridge across the Marsyangdi River and continue up till Dharapani. From Dharapani, enjoying the forest of Pine and Fir, we walk up to Bagarchhap. The evening can be spent exploring the village of Bagarchhap. The night will be spent at a lodge in Bagarchhap. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Cultivated fields of corn, barley, maize, potato as well as marijuana, Apple orchards, forest of Pine, Rhododendron, Bamboo and Fir, Manang district and Tibetan villages with archetypal flat roofed stone houses and decorated with prayer flags and the glimpses of the lifestyle and culture of the Tibetan people.)

Day details

Koto is the destination of the day. Taking the higher route, we first hike up to Danakyu that offers dramatic views of the mountains. A steep hike from Danakyu will take us to the village of Timang. Passing through the forest of Pine, we descend to the settlement of Latamro. We cross the bridge to the village of Thanckok. A gentle ascent, from the village will finally take us to the settlement of Koto. Chame, the district headquarter of the Manang district is very near to this village. The night will be spent at a lodge in Koto. Meals included: Brekfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                                                                                               (Highlights of the day: Splendid views of Manaslu and Annapurna II, waterfalls, the forest of Pine, Oak as well as Rhododendron, Marsyangdi River and the Bhotia villages decorated with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and depicting the culture and lifestyle the Manangis.)

Day details

After breakfast at the lodge, we first register our area permit at the police checkpoint in Koto and without any delay we proceed towards the Naar Phu Khola gorge. Staying on the right side of the river we walk for about 2 hours. The trail then passes through beautiful pine forest, many small stream and suspension bridges, before Dharmasala. In fact, a very beautiful waterfall greets our arrival, before reaching Dharmashala. Soon after Dharmashala, the climb towards Meta begins. The route, now climbing away from the river, passes through the forest, ascending steeply up till the Meta Village, situated on a Tibetan Plateau. Meta is the first of a few ex-Khampa settlements on this route. This steep climbing leaves us tired at the end of the day. Therefore, the night will be spent here in Meta in a teahouse that provides both dinner and accommodation.    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Thrilling Nar Phu Khola gorge, the beautiful forest of pine, a number of murmuring streams, waterfall and the beautiful view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.)

Day details

Phu Gaon is the destination of the day. After breakfast, the journey continues on an up and down hill trail and on various suspension bridges over different streams. Staying on the true left bank high above the Dho Khola, we will soon reach Junam Goth- the next  ex-Khampa settlement. The trail then descends steeply to the side valley with two parallel streams. Crossing the stream we continue on a trail ascending to Lower and Upper Chyako – another Khampa settlement. Beginning with a small ridge above Chyako, the trail passes through a steep slope and after a few up and down hill climb the trail descends to Kyang –another Khampa settlement. The trail from Kyang is rocky and dangerous; however, we continue on the same trail for about 3-4 hours, before reaching a huge wall, a steep climb from which takes us to the entrance gate of one of the hidden valleys- the Phu Valley. Soon after the valley widens and we cross the bridge, walk past some old chortens and mani walls, before reaching a beautiful village perched on the hill at the confluence of Phu River. The houses of this village are very well maintained, therefore, despite the availability of camping site by the river we spend the night in the teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful view of the Pisang Peak and narrow, deep canyon; ex-Khampa settlements like Junam, upper and Lower Chyako and Kyang; experience of rocky and dangerous trail, river chortens and monasteries and the most amazing landscape of the Phu valley.)

Day details

A day will be spent in Phu, both for the purpose of acclimatization and exploration. Therefore, after breakfast, we visit Thashi Lakhang Monastery –believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. We also visit Yak pasture below the glacier. We then explore the landscape and also the settlement of the Phu valley, in order to understand the lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the ethnic groups living in the village. After, exploration of the village, we get back to the tea house for overnight stay.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Ancient Buddhist Monastery-Tashi Lakhang Monastery, one of the world’s 108 great Buddhist monasteries; amazing view of Himlung Himal; natural diversity; culture, religion, tradition and lifestyle of ethnic groups like Gurung, Ghale and Lama, insight on subsistence agriculture and animal breeding, yak pasture below the glacier.)

Day details

After breakfast at Phu, we walk all the way down to the Naar Phedi to cross the suspension bridge over the Gorge of Lapche River. We cross a number of small streams and suspension bridges, before reaching this bridge. Once we cross the bridge, we will have to continue upwards on a winding, steep trail, up till the scenic terraces. We further climb ahead on the level path above the terraced field to get to the Nar Village- a very beautiful settlement with neat houses. Various Buddhist stupas greet us on the way to the village of Nar.  The night will be spent in a teahouse.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: A good view of the Pisang Peak and other small peaks; small streams and suspension bridges, scenic terraces, Buddhist stupas and monasteries and a very neat and clean settlement of Nar village.)

Day details

Tomorrow we will be climbing the Kang La Pass (5,322m). It’s very important to adapt to the thinning air, before climbing the pass. Therefore, instead of hiking further, the day will be spent doing side trips and other activities that help in the process of acclimatization. We explore the settlement and the lifestyle of people in the village. The night will be spent in a teahouse in Nar Gaon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: The landscape around the Naar village, terrace farms, and the settlement, lifestyle, culture, tradition of the people in the Naar village and  monasteries, chortens and mani walls.)

Day details

Today, we start our day earlier than other usual days. First, we proceed towards the Kang La Phedi or the base of the Kang La Pass, which takes about 2.5 hours from the Naar village, following the wide level valley and yak pasture. You can enjoy the sight of many grazing yaks, while heading towards the Kang La Phedi.  From the Phedi the trail steeply ascends, passing a number of landslide areas to the Kang La Pass, which takes about 3 hours. The top greets us with a mesmerizing view of the Annapurna Range and other small peaks. After spending some time enjoying the view, we descend crossing the steep moraine towards the grassy  path, which is quite steep and usually dangerous in hard snow. The beginning of the grassy path presents us the view of Chulus waterfall. Then a steep descent through the grassy path for about 3 hours will finally bring us to the destination, Ngawal. The night will be spent in a lodge.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Yak herders camp and yak pastures, alluring view of the Annapurna range and other small peaks from the Kang La Pass, Kang la – the highest point of the entire trek, magnificent views of Chulus (west, central, east and far east), and Chulus waterfall, steep moraine and grassy trail and the lifestyle, culture and tradition of people in Ngawal with the experience of temple, mane, Chorten and monastery and a walk through the dangerous, but rewarding  and thrilling landslide areas.)

Day details

Chame is the destination of the day. A steep descent from Ngawal will bring us to the settlement of Humde. From Humde, we ascend through the forest, past Mani wall to get to Ghyaru that greets us with a pleasant view of Annapurna II and IV. The trail steeply descends towards the Marsyangdi River, which then following the river, heads towards the beautiful settlement of Pisang. Enjoying the view of peaceful forest on the other bank of the river, the trail now crosses the bridge across the Marsyangdi River to get to the south bank of the river. The walk continues through the forest on the south bank till the bridge named Swargadwari, past Dhikur Pokhari. The trail now follows the north bank of the river through the pine forest and we now head towards Thaleku after passing the beautiful Apple Orchards. From Thaleku, we further walk until we reach Chame, the district headquarter of Manang. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chame. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Splendid views of Annapurna II and IV, serene forest of pine and apple orchards, classic settlement of people in the villages like Humde, Ghyaru, Pisang, Chame and an insight on their lifestyle, culture and religion through the glimpses of their settlement, temples, monasteries, and Manes.)

Day details

Tal is the destination set for the day. From Chame, we retrace the path used earlier to climb up till Chame. The trail, following the south bank of the river initially descends to Latamro past Koto, which then slightly ascends to Timang. From Timang, a steep descent through the forest of Pine and Fir will take us to Dharapani, crossing Bagarchhap. Leaving the stone gateway at Dharapani the trail finally descends to the village of Tal. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tal.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful view of Mt. Manaslu, walk through the forest of pine and fir, beautiful settlements of people in the villages of Thanchok, Bagrachhap, Dharapani, Karte and Tal, a number of splendid waterfalls, thatch houses, and cultural attractions like monasteries decorated with prayer flags, temples, Chortens and Mane.)

Day details

Today is the last day of the trek and our destination is Besisahar. Right from the altitude of 1700m at Tal, we hike down to the altitude of 760m at Besisahar. Following the trail along the Marsyangdi River, sometimes on the east bank and the other times on the west bank of the river, we walk down all the way Besisahar through  the forest of pine and fir, cultivated terraces, of rice, marijuana, and other seasonal crops and the beautiful settlement of people flaunting their lifestyle, hospitality and culture. The night will be spent at a lodge in Besisahar.   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful settlement of Tal, Jagat, Chamje, Jagat, Syange, Bahundanda, Nadi Bazaar, Bhulbhule and Besisahar exhibiting the lifestyle of Tamang and Gurung people, the trail accompanied by the view of Manaslu, Himchuli and Nagdihchuli, sub-tropical forest of pine and fur, cultivated terrace fields, a number of waterfalls, Mani walls, Chortens and Temples.)

Day details

After successfully completing the trek, we now come back to Kathmandu.  Early in the morning, we catch a bus to Kathmandu. The bus heads south till Dumre, which then follows the Prithvi Highway until it reaches Kathmandu. We stop twice, once for breakfast and once for lunch. After about 7-8 hour ride, you will reach Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel, where you can freshen up and rest for some time. Around evening, the company representatives conduct a short meeting to discuss the trip, your experience and feedback, followed by a farewell dinner. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.  Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Comfortable bus, windy highway along the Trisuli River, breathtaking view of a waterfall, river, jungle, hamlets higher up on the hills, terraced fields with seasonal crops, different vegetations and the curious faces of people running motels, restaurants and lodges.)

Day details

This day is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Amigo Treks and Expedition. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to spend some extra days in Nepal, Amigo Treks and Expedition can also make the arrangements for some other top adventurous activities that you can attend while you are in Nepal. Meals included: Breakfast (The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu (mostly typical Nepali) at about 12-1pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge or the houses of the host family where the lodges are unavailable, for overnight stay. While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)