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Annapurna Circuit & Nar-Phu Valley Trek-18 Days

Annapurna Region

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Tour Code:

ACNPC-18 Days

Duration

17 Nights/18 Days

Country

Nepal

Activity Type

Trekking/Sightseeing

Max. Altitude

5416 M

Best Season

Mar-May/ Sep-Nov

Group Size

Min 2-16 Pax

Accommodation

Hotel/Tea House

Challenging Difficulty

Difficulty

Challenging

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Transportation

Private Vehicles

Start / End Point

Kathmandu

The extraordinary Nar-Phu Valley trek is a journey through the hidden valleys of Nepal’s Annapurna region — a program that’s a perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery. The 18-day journey crafted by Trek Me Nepal takes you to off-the-beaten paths, and lets you explore remote villages that seem to have frozen in time. Here, you will explore the Nar and Phu Valleys known for their unspoiled landscapes and isolated cultural heritage.

The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, along the frequented route of the popular Annapurna Circuit. From Dharapani, you will leave the Circuit trail, but travel northwest parallel to the Circuit trail — and arrive at Koto. A world untouched by modernity, Koto is where you will make a complete divergence from the main Circuit trail. Your path actually heads north for a rugged experience along narrow forested canyons and dramatic rock formations — giving way to wider valleys, beautiful forests, and captivating views of the snow-capped peaks.

Lush green meadows and dense pine forests provide a glimpse of the stark, high-altitude landscapes that’ll come ahead in the trail. Although the initial days are a steady ascent, they will test your endurance through rocky terrain and precarious suspension bridges — reminding you instantly that Nepal is not for the faint of heart. On the outside, the charming villages of Nar and Phu seem a matter of isolated beauty unchanged for centuries; however, you will not fail to see that the locals have limited arable land to live by and that they have developed their own way of farming. Passing on further, you will hear the occasional tinkling of yak bells and a constant sound of river gushing deep below.

In the valley of Phu, you will notice the environment shifting from rich meadows to more rugged and desolate landscapes. The vistas from the valley will seem hypnotically beautiful, as you will recognize Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and the looming Tilicho Peak in the west. A panoramic view that is both exhilarating and humbling, you will be transported back in time at the sight of the mediaeval villages lying on lower grounds. Fluttering prayer flags will seem to deny the passage of time and the warm smiles of the locals will make you think about human solidarity — even at the most unassuming of places in the whole wide world. 

Ahead, the journey to the valley of Nar has its own challenges lined with steep ascents. High-altitude terrain will test your resolve, but the rewarding views are indescribable. You will experience changing landscapes – from green forests to arid high-altitude deserts. If you happen to be here in spring, the valley will be blooming with rhododendrons, creating a colourful contrast against the white snowy peaks. And in autumn, clear skies and magnificent mountain views will make your trek even more enjoyable.

You will rejoin the Annapurna Circuit later where you’ll ascend the infamous Thorung-La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of this trek at 5,416 metres. In this difficult climb, each step is a battle against fatigue and thinning air; but once you are at the top, prayer flags will whip in the wind and the Annapurna massif sprawling before you, you will gain an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and joy. As you descend to Muktinath on the other side and arrive at Jomsom, you’ll be overjoyed — even by the little comforts of civilization.

Trek Me Nepal invites you to this wonderful trek in a soul-stirring adventure that connects raw nature with your will power. You should take this trip for a genuine chance of a rare personal accomplishment, and for creating lingering memories of those remote, timeless valleys in the heart of Nepal’s Annapurna Region.

  •   Visit Annapurna’s isolated, less-travelled regions, including the hidden valleys of Nar, Phu, and Ngawal.
  •   Reach the high Thorung-La Pass, and witness stunning peaks such as Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Himlung.
  •   Feel of the distinctive culture resembling Tibet, inside Nepal, and see the quaint lifestyle of the Nar-Phu Valleys.
  •   Visit culturally significant sites such as the Muktinath Temple and lesser-known ancient monasteries along the way.
  •   Wonder at the sight of Kali-Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
  •   Have a chance at your encounter with endangered animals such as the snow leopard and blue sheep.
  •   Have a breathtaking drive through Bensisahar and Chame, and trek along unique remote trails with panoramic mountain views — found nowhere else on the planet.
  •   Explore a blend of Buddhist, Nepali, and Tibetan cultures with the unique traditional lifestyles of the people.

Max. Altitude

1350 M

Accommodation

3 Star Hotel

Meals

Not Included

Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, you’ll be received by our staff and transported to your hotel. After some rest and refreshments, we’ll provide you a brief about your upcoming trek to Annapurna Region. You will be shown the trekking permits and essential gear if any, and at night you will have a welcome dinner of Nepali cuisine, before heading on your epic mountain adventure.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

A day sightseeing tour is a good thing to have, before beginning an exciting journey in the mountainous terrain. There are plenty of places to go in this capital city full of heritage. Although it does not seem like it at first, mainly due to the chaotic traffic and the hullabaloo, there are gems of places hidden inside the valley. Take a vehicle of your choice and stay in the comfort of air-conditioning while you visit places of luxury and pampering. You can go to a premium spa to prepare the muscles and relax, have a sumptuous lunch at a five-star hotel, or simply indulge in shopping. You can customise a day-trip with us as you see fit. Kathmandu Valley has the biggest concentration of World Heritage Sites, and it’s only fitting not to miss them while you’re staying in the valley itself.

Max. Altitude

1,860 M

Hike Duration

7-8 hrs

Accommodation

Tea house

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, begin a winding drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit. For about eight hours you will see views of the Nepalese hilly terrain, including terraced paddies and countless valleys. Except where the highway is under construction, the ride is comfortable. After a brief refreshment at Besishahar, you will take a shared jeep to Dharapani. Along the long winding way, you will enjoy the beauty of rivers, waterfalls, and villages. Spend the night at a teahouse in Dharapani.

Max. Altitude

2,600 M

Hike Duration

5-6 hrs

Hike Distance

24.5km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The 6-hour trek from Dharapani to Koto is demanding, yet rewarding. Starting after breakfast, travel through hilly terrain, navigate some ups and downs and cross apple orchards along quaint villages. You will pass several Tibetan and Gurung settlements, reach Bagarchhap, and climb up to Timang. En route, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Himalchuli, Lamjung, and Manaslu. Continuing through pine forests and passing the hamlets of Danakyu and Thanchok, you will arrive in the Gurung village of Koto, with stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and serene landscapes. Here you’ll rest in a local lodge.

Max. Altitude

3,550 M

Hike Duration

6-7 hrs

Hike Distance

14.5km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start early from Koto and embark on a demanding trail through rhododendron and pine thickets along the Nar Khola. The path will lead you to suspension bridges and through small villages with no lodges in sight. In fact you will likely not encounter any lodge or settlement until you reach Meta. Along the way you will cross a narrow but scenic canyon, and pass under a waterfall. After a brief rest here and a quick refreshment, you will head towards Meta for the night’s rest. Meta is a serene village with breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung peaks. You will spend the evening and night in a comfortable teahouse, mentally preparing for the next leg of our journey.

Max. Altitude

4,080 M

Hike Duration

7 hrs

Hike Distance

15.6km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you will trek along rocky trails, past chortens and monasteries, headed towards the village of Phu. Taking in the stunning views of ancient dzongs and ruins, you will follow along through the trail that can get demanding at times. The route has remnants of Khampa forts. Descending and gradually ascending through a nearly desert-like gorge along the Phu Khola, you will have a peek at the breathtaking vistas of Amotsang Himal and Kangaroo (Kang Garu) Mountain. Later in the day, you will arrive in a village (which visitors might easily mistake for Tibet) surrounded by Buddhist shrines adorned with prayer flags. This is the village of Phu. Here you will check in a teahouse and prepare for a comfortable overnight stay.

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Staying overnight this close to mountains has its own benefits — like having a breakfast in the shadows of the giant peaks. As your excitement builds up for the day, you will realise that it’s no more walk today. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the day in this mountainside village with very short hikes for some acclimatisation. Today is also your chance to catch some breath and let your body adjust to the thinner air at this altitude. During the day you can hike up to an ancient monastery built by the first Tibetan settlers. For jaw-dropping glimpses of Mt. Himlung, you should take a short hike to the desolate southern hills. And if time provides you can wander around the village, as you realise that you are in the vicinity of the Annapurna mountain range.

Max. Altitude

3,520 M

Hike Duration

6-7 hrs

Hike Distance

8km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will leave Phu and head back through the unmissable gate at the entrance of the village. From there you will descend to the river, and retrace your steps back to Junam Karka. Junam Kharka used to be a popular campsite in the olden days, however, barely any people choose to make a camp here in the middle of nowhere anymore. Further en route, you might encounter some wishful campers and residents on their way back to Phu with loads of supplies. As evening creeps in, the air will be filled with songs in local dialects — making the desolation of the place a little bearable. Check in a lodge once you arrive at Nar Phedi. If you feel like it, you can even head to meet the Lama in the ancient Nar Phedi Monastery for a blessing.

Max. Altitude

4,100 M

Hike Duration

3 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Starting early from Nar Phedi, you begin a scenic trek over a rugged path and cross a historic bridge spanning a deep gorge. Further ahead, the trail begins a gradual ascent past an old, now-empty Gyalbu Kumbu and Satte Gompa, built in the 17th century A.D. Take a brief rest here and continue for another three hours of challenging hike. Stopping and walking at equal paces, you will eventually reach the prominent gate at the top of a hill. This is the entrance to the village of Nar where you’ll stay for the night. Intricately painted bamboo-roofed chortens adorned with prayer flags is an unmistakable sign that you have arrived at civilization. Colourful Mani walls along rugged trails of the day will quickly be forgotten at the first glimpse of the majestic Kang Garu and Pisang Peaks.

Max. Altitude

3,650 M

Hike Duration

7-8 hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You will wake up well before dawn and begin the trek from Nar to Ngawal. Today you will be crossing the pass of Kang-La, a long and slow walk at an altitude of 5,306 metres. Out of Nar, the trail at first is a gentle ascent, but quickly it turns steep and rugged. The climb is challenging and painfully slow, but once you reach the topmost point of the pass, you will see an unobstructed breathtaking panoramic view of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peaks. Take a breather here; before making the steep descent dotted with colourful chortens and prayer flags. As you arrive in the ancient village of Ngawal, you will be elated at the sight of movement in the village. Here, you will settle into a cosy teahouse for the night.

 

Max. Altitude

3,540 M

Hike Duration

3-4 hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is your last day of trek in the Nar-Phu region. In the evening today you will be joining the busy route of Annapurna Circuit at Manang. After breakfast in Ngawal, you will begin by descending through the quaint Gurung villages of Paugba and Braga. The trail passes through pine forests, with views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peaks. Braga, with its traditional Tibetan architecture and impressive monastery, is a village that you will note during a brief stopover. The arid landscapes and rocky formations that you will encounter later on, is a sign that you are finally arriving into Manang — which means comfort, hot food, and proper bed you’ve seen in days. The shops and markets sell a range of things. After dinner, end the day in one of the cosy lodges around.

Max. Altitude

4,020 M

Hike Duration

4 hrs

Hike Distance

10.4km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trek today begins with a descent through picturesque landscapes and ancient monasteries. First you will cross a river via an ancient-looking bridge and then ascend to a plateau-like landscape. As you journey on, you will cross the tranquil village of Khangsar and the historic Tare Gumba, a monastery with historical significance. After a brief rest here you will continue on the trail across a stream and a Mani wall, with captivating views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges. Reaching Yak Kharka, at 4,120 metres, you are greeted by expansive pastures dotted with grazing yaks — with majestic peaks of the Annapurna Range. The route to Yak Kharka is challenging but once you reach here, you will spend the night in a lodge with warm food and comfortable bed.

Max. Altitude

4,450 M

Hike Duration

4 hrs

Hike Distance

7.3km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your trek from Yak Kharka early in the morning, headed towards Thorung Phedi. You will cross a historic Mani wall and pass through the village of Ledar. From there, the trail ascends steadily through a rocky and arid landscape. As we climb you might encounter challenging weather and face increasing altitude, which will make the trek feel more strenuous and tiring. After three hours, you can opt to stop at Thorung Phedi or continue for an additional hour to reach Thorung High Camp. Wherever you stay, you will have stunning views of Chulu West, Mt. Gangapurna, and Thorung Peak. The terrain becomes harsher and less populated, so maintaining a steady pace and staying hydrated is crucial. Today you will rest well to prepare for crossing the Thorung-La pass tomorrow..

Max. Altitude

3,800 M

Hike Duration

7-8 hrs

Hike Distance

16.4km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s challenging trek is a remarkable journey from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath. You will start by climbing steeply to Thorung-La Pass, at 5,416 metres. The path is challenging, with strong winds and thin air testing your endurance, but the spectacular views make it worthwhile. From the pass, you’ll see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with the Nilgiri and other majestic peaks. Spend some time at this pass and capture images and videos. The descent is long but an easy one. Now that the hardest part of the trek is over, you will be heading through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, to arrive at the sacred site of Muktinath Temple.

 

Muktinath is a revered destination for Hindus and Buddhists. It has a temple with 108 holy water sprouts, and a sacred continual flame at the Jwalamai temple. This remote and tranquil site is believed to cleanse one of their past sins. After the trek, you will hop in a lodge in Muktinath and celebrate the day’s achievements.

Max. Altitude

2,700 M

Hike Duration

6 hrs

Hike Distance

23.1km

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will begin your descent to Jomsom, which takes about two hours. The trail leads you through dry, barren landscapes, charming villages, and the expansive Kali Gandaki River Valley. En route, you will pass through Kagbeni and encounter ancient stone cairns — reminding you of the region’s rich religious heritage. The path is mostly downhill and unpaved. It can get rough, particularly as you approach Jomsom, the windiest place in Nepal. Here, you will have stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. The strong winds here can make the trek challenging, affecting your balance and pace. Upon arrival in Jomsom, you can explore local markets, visit monasteries, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this remote valley before hopping for dinner and sleepover.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Flight Duration

20 Min

Early in the morning, you’ll catch a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Jomsom, nestled along the Kali Gandaki River, serves as a key transit point and boasts an airport that handles flights despite its notorious wind. The thrilling take-off from Jomsom Airport is an adrenaline-pumping experience due to the area’s strong gusts, making the flight both exhilarating and challenging. As you ascend, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Look carefully, and down below you will spot trekking routes leading to Tatopani and Ghorepani. The 20 to 25-minute flight will bring you to Pokhara, where you can unwind for the rest of the day.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Drive Duration

6-8 hrs

After breakfast, we will begin the scenic eight-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Right after embarking you will have final glimpses of the majestic Annapurna mountain range coming out of Pokhara. The route is scenic, with mesmerising views of the changing landscapes, but the ongoing construction and expansion in the highway means the trip will be a slow one. Leaving behind the serene beauty of Pokhara, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the remarkable adventure you had in the past weeks. Later, upon arriving in Kathmandu you will immediately notice the vibrant energy of the city — a stark contrast to the peaceful trails you just travelled. In the evening, you can explore around, visit shops for souvenirs, or simply relax in a session of massage. Later, as we gather for the dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip in the Annapurna Region.

Meals

Breakfast

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.

Whats Included:

  •   We provide airport transfers using private tourist vehicles for both domestic and international flights.
  •   Accommodation for three nights in Kathmandu and one night in Pokhara is included in a 3-star hotel with twin-sharing/double rooms and breakfast provided. (private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  •   One expert tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing inclusive entrance fees
  •   TMN’s Experienced trekking guide who is first-aid trained and government licensed.
  •   Standard meals at the teahouse accommodation during the trek consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a cup of hot beverage in the morning and fresh seasonal fruits.
  •   Porters are available for carrying luggage, with one porter for every two clients.
  •   All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications are included.
  •   We provide a TMN t-shirt, duffel bag, down Jacket, Sleeping Bag is Provided to use during the trek.(If required)
  •   An assistant guide is provided for groups of 6 or more.
  •   A farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant is included.
  •   Emergency rescue operation assistance is available (covered by your travel insurance).
  •   First aid medical kit, Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
  •   Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  •   Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card
  •   Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  •   Transportation from Kathmandu-Besi Sahar on local bus and jeep to Dharapani
  •   Transportation from Pokhara-Kathmandu on tourist deluxe bus
  •   Flight fare from Jomsom-pokhara-including airport taxes

Whats Excluded:

  •   Extra night accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek
  •   Travel Insurance.
  •   International flight tickets to and from Nepal.
  •   Personal clothing and gear.
  •   Personal expenses and medical kits.
  •   Hot shower, battery charging, internet, and phone call unless it is free.
  •   Alcoholic Beverage, cold drinks, and hot drinks during the trek.
  •   Nepal Entry Visa Fees and Expenses.
  •   Tipping for field staff.
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