Nar Phu Trek Wellness Adventure

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. There, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the rest of the group during the trek briefing session.

Your day begins with a half-day guided sightseeing tour, including visits to the Ason spice market, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the revered Swayambhunath Stupa.

Amidst these cultural explorations, your trek leader will provide a detailed briefing on the upcoming trek during a delightful lunch. This is the opportune moment to ensure that all your special permits are prepared and ready for the adventure ahead.

After this enriching experience, you’ll spend the night in Kathmandu, preparing for the thrilling journey that awaits.

We depart from Kathmandu in the early hours, making our way to Besisahar as the first leg of the journey. After a satisfying lunch break, we transition to a rugged four-wheel-drive vehicle, essential for navigating the challenging mountainous terrain leading to Koto. While demanding for drivers and passengers, the route offers breathtaking vistas along the way. Traversing the old Annapurna Circuit trek path, we’ll witness impressive gorges and awe-inspiring waterfalls en route. Finally, after a demanding drive, we reach Koto, arriving just in time for a well-deserved dinner.

We opt for a shorter journey, setting camp at Dharamshala instead of extending the trek to Meta. Our trail crosses the Marshyangdi River, leading us into the Nar & Phu valleys while tracing the course of the Nar River. Unlike the more developed villages/towns along the Annapurna Circuit, the settlements in these valleys are less advanced. However, the rising influx of trekkers suggests potential lodge constructions in the future.

Our path winds through enchanting forests featuring small cave shelters and resting spots historically used by pilgrims and travellers. As we emerge from a narrow canyon, a majestic waterfall cascades along our route, unveiling a more expansive vista beyond. Dharamshala, our stop, is a modest site marked by a concrete shelter utilized by our cooking team as the kitchen and the adjoining space for dining.

We set out post-breakfast, commencing with a gentle ascent for about 45 minutes. Our path soon transitions into a steep uphill climb, a two-hour trek leading us to Meta. Here, the breathtaking vistas of Mount Pisang and Kangguru peaks greet us.

Continuing our journey, we trace the hill’s contour for approximately 20 minutes before veering towards the Phu River valley. Along the way, we pass by Junam Goth, a cluster of shepherd huts utilised as a winter settlement by the Nar community, offering respite from the harsh winter in their village. The trail reveals the majestic Nar Phedi Monastery, marking the base before the trail winds toward the town of Nar. Our route combines gentle climbs, interspersed with occasional steep sections and brief descents and ascents, leading us through a series of mounts before descending toward the Upper Chyaku village.

We’re in for a rewarding day of trekking, ascending from 3,750 meters in altitude to Phu at 4,150 meters. Our journey kicks off with an uphill climb, followed by a brief descent and a short ascent before arriving at the settlement of Kyang, inhabited by Tibetan refugees. As we traverse the barren terrain, a shelter awaits us where our skilled chef and assistants are ready to serve a piping hot lunch.

Trekking along the Phu River involves navigating landslide areas and exposed rocky hills. Maintaining a brisk pace in these regions is advisable, as strong winds and wildlife, such as the Blue Sheep, may cause rocks and stones to tumble down the slopes. Our path culminates in a brief but steep 20-minute ascent to the “Kani,” the entrance gate to Phu village, offering breathtaking vistas. From this point, you’ll see abandoned villages and the remnants of a fort. However, reaching the village is still 20-30 minutes away. The path is rocky, occasionally visited by blue sheep during late afternoons as they descend to the river for a drink.

We dedicate a day to acclimatise to the altitude in Phu. It’s a charming village with winding alleyways to explore or options to hike up to the base camp of Himlung Himal. Phu offers a variety of activities like visiting the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery or observing villagers engaged in their daily tasks, such as spinning sheep or yak wool, doing laundry, or processing seeds for oil.

For the more adventurous and energetic, there’s an opportunity to hike up to the base camp of Himlung Himal, standing at 7,125 meters. This trail winds through a glacial valley, a recent addition for mountaineering enthusiasts. Watch for herds of blue sheep gracefully navigating the cliffs along the way. The round trip typically takes four to five hours, offering an enriching and stimulating experience.

We retrace our steps toward Meta village but veer off near the Nar Phedi monastery, where we’ll spend the night. This serene monastery offers a guest house with well-maintained rooms tended by welcoming nuns. Visitors may have the opportunity, in a non-intrusive manner, to observe the nuns preparing dinner on a simple fireplace within the monastery’s kitchen.

There’s an invitation to witness their puja (prayer) ceremony, typically held around 5 pm, a beautiful and respectful experience. It’s customary and appreciated to contribute to the monastery’s donation box to support the maintenance of this hospitable and intricately adorned institution.

We ascend from Nar Phedi on switchbacks that lead to Nar Village, passing a series of beautifully painted chortens topped with bamboo along the way. Arriving in Nar around midday, we pause for lunch. Despite its proximity to the bustling Annapurna trail, Nar remains a rarely visited village.

Compared to Phu, Nar’s inhabitants are more social and vibrant. In the village centre, you’ll witness women weaving fabric for blankets and rugs, a common sight. Moreover, on the village outskirts, several newly constructed lodges offer comfortable accommodations for travellers.

In the morning, we’ll take a leisurely approach, enjoying breakfast and exploring the village. The hike to the base of Kang La Pass is only three hours today, allowing us to split the long trek into two manageable sections. This evening, meals will be provided in your tent due to the smoky environment at the teahouse, presenting a brief inconvenience for this particular night.

On this challenging day, we commence early after breakfast, equipped with packed lunches for the journey due to the absence of water sources or shelter en route for our chef and team to prepare meals.

Though not overly difficult, the Kang La pass demands a steady pace due to altitude, making it a long day. Upon reaching the pass’s summit, breathtaking vistas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks unfold before us. A steep scree descent follows, where mastering the sliding technique can make the descent enjoyable and less taxing on the knees. We pause for lunch upon reaching a plateau, continuing our descent to Ngawal.

Ngawal presents a noticeable contrast to the villages of Nar Phu valleys, boasting larger lodges, cell phone networks, and even WIFI! For the night, we settle into one of these lodges, reacquainting ourselves with the comforts of “civilization.

After breakfast, we load our camping and personal gear onto our jeeps for the day’s journey. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride along the rugged track leading to Besishar. We’ll pause at scenic spots for photos, leg-stretching breaks, and lunch along the way. Ultimately, we’ll settle into one of the more comfortable lodges in Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung.

Descending over 2000 meters from the pass, the weather gets warmer, and the scenery turns lush and vibrant as we approach Pisang. To make the most of the remaining trekking hours, set out early and follow a comprehensive, comfortable trail that leads past a beautiful lake just outside Pisang. Enjoy a quick snack in the village before returning to Besisahar in a four-wheel drive. Rest comfortably in a hotel there for the night.

The return journey to Kathmandu spans approximately five hours, navigating a well-paved road. Upon arrival, revel in the city’s amenities once more as you settle into your boutique hotel in Kathmandu! With the afternoon at your disposal, consider visiting local shops for souvenirs or simply indulging in well-deserved relaxation.

Our representative will bring you to the airport 3 hours before your flight time.

A Responsible promise

Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.

To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.

Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee

For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2021, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Total flexibility on your booking

Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Am I too young or old?

Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.

Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?

We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.

Do I need a Visa?

A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

For more information, visit the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

What should I bring on a Trek?

Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.

Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travellers?
You are safe if you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently(this won’t pose too much of a problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).

Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What are the differences between camping and lodge trekking?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a walk?
What is a typical day on a tour like?
What is the food like on the tour?
The Benefits of Using Trekking Poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.