Trip Highlighted
‘Adventure around remote and high Manang valley within isolated villages of Nar & Phu’
Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking, one of the least explored areas by trekkers and adventurer, is a hidden Shangri-La located away from main trekking trails of popular Annapurna Circuit route.
On this scenic adventure, you will witness amazing country that you have never dreamed of, where old traditional life enriched with colorful culture has existed and remained untouched for centuries.
The Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking areas were once a forbidden land, restricted areas that got opened to outside travelers only in the last few decades. Few trekking companies seldom venture into this remote and isolated region well hidden from Manang valley and in close proximity of the Damodar Himal towards extreme North of Annapurna Himalaya.
It is truly a fascinating country where traditional life of the locals are similar to ancient Tibetan Bon and Buddhist religions which you can observe in our Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking with exciting and thrilling moments on daily walks.
To start the Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking, we will take an overland drive towards Mid-West Nepal. The trek begins from the low warmer region of Lamjung district at Besisar town, and then walks follows raging Marshyangdi River upstream to reach high hills filled with peaceful farm villages.
After walking around Jagat-Tal and Dharapani on the same trail as the Annapurna Circuit Trail, and our route diverts towards complete wilderness. Now, we will head far North to the Nar & Phu villages, which lies in the country of Blue Sheep and rare Snow Leopard often seen on treks.
Enjoy some exciting and interesting moments at Phu and Nar, exploring the cultural villages and old monasteries before heading towards main Annapurna Circuit trail once again. On our way, we will cross the high and scenic Kang-La pass above 5,322 m high and enjoy awesome views of Annapurna-Chulu’s-Pisang peaks with Damodar Himal.
Upon reaching Manang village, our journey continues to cross the highest pass of the adventure over Thorang-La above 5,416 m. From there, descend towards Mustang areas and pass by the holy Muktinath Temple areas to reach our end of the walk in Jomsom, a large town and headquarter of Mustang district.
From Jomsom our adventurous and mesmerizing Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking completes as we take a short and scenic flight to famous and popular touristic city in Pokhara blessed with mountain views and lakes.
Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking is a strenuous grade trek suitable for experienced trekkers looking to enjoy the thrill and adventure of remote trekking in Nepal. With most of the trail lying above 3000 meters and two high passes over 5000 meters to cross, this can be classified as a fairly high altitude trek. As such, remember to stay adequately hydrated and make proper acclimatization a top priority.
You will have to trek over steep hills and semi rocky terrain for an average of 5-6 hours a day. Considering all these factors, this trek is best suited for physically fit and healthy trekkers with some prior experience.
Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking takes you through lush hills and forests and scenic trails surrounded by glistening mountains. To get the best experience out of this trek, we recommend visiting during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The hills are colorful and overflowing with greenery during spring whereas autumn is known to have very pleasant weather and clear views.
If the low temperatures are not an issue, winter trekking is the popular choice for those who want to enjoy the extra snow. However, the high passes can sometimes get blocked off due to excessive snowfall. Monsoon, however, is generally not a good time as the weather becomes quite unpredictable and the occasional downpour can compromise both the safety and enjoyability of your journey.
Starting wonderful Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking adventure with an interesting overland drive towards Nepal mid west, leading to Besisar town (headquarter of Lamjung district). From here transfer to another vehicle and continue drive on dirt road passing villages of Khudi, Bulbule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream.
Drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange a small village for overnight stop in the comfort of nice lodge.
From Syange our first day trek begins, starting on winding path to Jagat and Chamje village following Marsyangdi River and within forested area with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu range.
Walk continues reaching at Tal village located on a nice valley, after Tal few hours walk to Dharapani village for overnight stop.
Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
Starting morning walk into cool rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagarchap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist area, with super view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from this village few hours trek leads to end of today's walks at Koto village.
Koto a moderate size village near a Chame, a major town and headquarter of Manang district, where our route splits from main Annapurna Circuit to Nar & Phu areas.
From Koto our route leads northward away from Annapurna circuit trail for a week heading towards Nar & Phu villages, into hidden areas of Upper Manang valley near to South West Tibet border within the country of blue sheep’s and snow leopards.
Walk continues into narrow valley within forest of pines and rhododendron trees, reaching a nice pasture fields and temporary huts with sheds of Yak herders.
This unique gorge formed from the rocky cliffs of Pisang Peak and Kang-guru Himal lower basin, walk continues following Nar-Phu River upstream to reach at Dharmashala for overnight stop.
Morning walk leads towards far north at Phu village around isolated dry, arid landscapes, here chances of spotting some rare wildlife Blue Sheep’s, Snow Leopard, Musk deer’s and mountain goats.
Walk continues to Kyang for overnight stop after an interesting day, Kyang with dozen houses similar to Tibetan culture and custom.
Today our walk leads to our main destination at Phu village, as morning walk leads to follow Phu River upstream for some time, and then climb to reach a gorge valley, walking into a gorge for some time and up into a wide glacial valley with pasture lands ending at Phu village of strong Tibetan influence culture, traditions and religion.
A necessary rest day at Phu for acclimatization, explore this impressive village visit Tashilkhang and Samdu Choling Monastery and Kyauchyu waterfalls, Phu Village with about 30 houses for 100 to 150 inhabitants.
From Phu village walk leads back on the same trail for few hours descending to a narrow gorge at Phu khola, from here a slow climb to reach at Yughat small village encountering prayer and Buddhist monuments Mani, Chhorten and Buddhist shrines, and then finally reaching on a flat field at Nar Phedi for overnight stop.
Morning walk leads back to Phu Khola for few hours to reach a suspension bridge over Phu Khola, crossing the bridge with steep climb for few hours reaching a flat area then walk to Nar village for overnight.
Nar-Gaon in comparison with Phu looks similar but smaller due to its remoteness with high altitude and dry land.
After Nar-Gaon walk heads to remote wilderness, away from human settlement for few days, an interesting walk for few hours then with short ups and downs in some rocky and arid path, passing cattle herders shelters and grazing field heading further west following Temdenzon khola in this wild surrounding with views of snow peaks and finally reaching at Kang la pass base for overnight camp at 4,530 meters altitude.
Starting early morning to cross Kang-la at an altitude of 5,322 meters, walk climbs higher on a steep slope for few hours with stunning views of Pisang Peak with Chulu Far East Peak, and then reaching the top of the pass with wonderful views of Annapurna massif mountain range, Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal and adjoining peaks of Annapurna range, and then walk downhill to Ngawal via Julu village close to Manang village to reach at main route on Annapurna circuit trail.
On completing our main highlight of the journey, where next adventure leads to Manang valley with stunning mountains views.
Walking into patch of small forested areas with short uphill facing views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Chulu and Pisang peak, then reaching at Hongde village with a small air strip, from here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes.
On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village.
The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.
After a wonderful time around Nar-Phu areas within its tranquil wilderness, morning walk to Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach at Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorang Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.
Start the early morning walk on this Big Day! A thrill and highlight of this great adventure, after breakfast a long climb up to Thorang-la with steep haul to reach at 5,416 m / 17, 872 ft top of Thorang-la decorated with Buddhist colorful prayer flags.
Highest point of the adventure offers superb vista of beautiful landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m high.
Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, this pleasant walk leads to Kaligandaki river valley, from here walk to Jomsom for last overnight stop of this marvelous adventure.
Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang area with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River and main place of local Thakali tribes the native of Kaligandaki areas interwoven with Buddhism religion.
Early morning transfer to Jomsom airport where the flight times are before 10 a.m. (due to heavy winds that exists on afternoon).
Boarding into a small aircraft either Twin Otter or Dornier then taking off for Pokhara with sweeping panorama of Dhaulagiri-Nilgiris and Annapurna range of mountains.
On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels for overnight stop by the Lake Phewa.
Pokhara, a popular touristic city, where the peaks of Annapurna Mountain range reflects on its beautiful serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas.
Morning a drive to Kathmandu after a wonderful experience on Nar & Phu with Kang-La pass trekking, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping.
(Flying options 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
- Accommodation in Pokhara (before and after trek)
- All necessary trekking permits and entry fees
- Accommodation during the trek (tea houses or camping, as per itinerary)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced and licensed trekking guide(s)
- Porter(s) to carry the luggage (maximum 15kg per person)
- First aid kit
- Insurance for trekking staff
- Government taxes
The trek is considered to be a strenuous trek, suitable for experienced trekkers with a high level of fitness. The trail involves steep uphill and downhill sections, as well as crossing a high pass
The best time to do the trek is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is generally dry and clear, with good visibility of the mountains.
The highest point of the trek is at Kang-La Pass (5,322m), which offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and other mountain ranges.
Accommodation on the trek is in tea houses, which are basic lodges that offer basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and meals. Some tea houses may also offer hot showers and Wi-Fi, but these services are not always reliable.
Trekkers need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Nar Phu Special Permit to do the trek.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common health issue that can affect trekkers who ascend too quickly to high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. To avoid AMS, it is recommended to acclimatize gradually by spending a few extra days at higher altitudes, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Tea houses along the trek offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisine. Popular dishes include dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), noodles, and fried rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
It is recommended to drink boiled or treated water on the trek to avoid water-borne illnesses. Boiled water, bottled water, and water purification tablets are available at the tea houses along the trek. It is also recommended to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
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