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Buddhist stupa in Chame village, Annapurna circuit, Nepal

Naar Phu Valley Trek

Offered by Live Breathe Hike

Trip Details

Location	Lower Mustang, Nepal
Length	17 days
Grades	Strenuous, Strenuous Plus
Accommodations	Hotel, Tent, Tea House
Group size	6 - 12
Dates	We will be scheduling dates for this trip soon. Please check back.
Land Cost	$5,495.00
Single Supp Cost	$500.00

Hiking Trip Summary

Hiking the Naar Phu Valley offers a classic Himalayan trekking experience that reveals both the Nepal of the present and the Nepal of the past. From the bustling, exotic capital of Katmandu to the magnificent slopes of the Annapurna massif, you'll trace the footsteps of the many trekkers who have been drawn to these mountains for decades.

Initially following the traditional Annapurna Circuit, the route to the Naar Phu valley diverges north, entering a region that was closed to tourism until 2002. Approaching the border of Tibet, this is a world of raw, unspoiled Himalayan landscapes and ancient ways of life. This is a route of imposing peaks, high passes, tremendous glaciers, narrow canyons, and beautiful forests.

Life for Nepali Tibetans inhabiting these valleys (currently numbering roughly 300) has changed little in the last few centuries. Trekking through colorful, remote villages and visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries provides a window to a timeless way of life and enduring culture.

Itinerary

Show itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu, group transfer to hotel. We'll take time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square. With its beautiful Newari also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring the bustling area of Thamel, we'll return to our hotel for our welcome dinner.

Lodging: Hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu - Jagat. Departing in the early morning, we’ll transfer by bus heading west towards Pokhara and then Besisahar, ending in the village of Jagat (1,300m/4,265'), at the eastern end of the Annapurna Range.

Lodging: Tea House

Day 3: Jagat - Dharapani Initially following the traditional Annapurna Circuit, our first day trekking will see us hike past the spectacular waterfalls on the Marsyangdi Nadi river to reach the fairly sizable settlement of Dharapani (1,860m/6,192'). Elevation gain: 1,927'
Lodging: Tea House

Day 4: Dharapani - Koto
Passing through the settlements of Danakyu, Timang, and Thanchowk, we’ll reach the settlement of Koto (2,600m/8,530') at the gateway to the Naar Phu Valley. From here we'll change direction and instead of continuing along the traditional Annapurna Circuit, we’ll head due north, up into this hidden valley. We pass through a number of permit checkpoints today before entering this restricted area. Elevation gain: 2,338'

Lodging: Tea House

Day 5: Koto - Meta
Departing Koto through forestland, we’ll continue toward the river, following a path for most of the day that switches from one side to another, gradually climbing up through a steep gorge. After a final steep ascent, we'll emerge into the small village of Meta at 3,560m/11,679'. Elevation gain: 3,149'

Lodging: Camping

Day 6: Meta - Kyang
Leaving Meta, we’ll start to see the landscape change from forest cover to dry, arid mountains. We'll have the opportunity to do a short side trip today, crossing over the Naar Phedi river on a suspension bridge to visit the remote, although newly restored, monastery of Yunkar Gompa. There may be an opportunity to chat with the resident monks and gain a greater insight into their way of life. From here we’ll cross back over the river and gradually climb along wonderful trails to reach the small village of Kyang (3,820m/12,532'), often used as winter grazing sheep pasture for communities living higher up. Elevation gain: 853'

Lodging: Camping

Day 7: Kyang - Phu
Hiking out of Kyang today, we’ll follow a trail climbing alongside a magnificent gorge, precariously carved out of rock high up above the Phu Khola river. We’ll follow this river until we reach the entrance to the Phu Valley. After several kilometers, views of the unique village of Phu (4,080m/13,385'), clinging to the mountainside, will emerge. Elevation gain: 853'

Lodging: Camping

Day 8: Phu - Himlung Base Camp - Phu
Phu, which is inhabited during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn, is a fascinating village, and quite close to the Tibetan border. People here live a way of life that has changed little in the past 300 years. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, an amazing monastery located on the North East side of the village. Many mani (prayer) stones and prayer flags fill the grounds, and with far reaching views across the Phu and beyond, this makes for an almost spiritual experience. For those that want to venture a little further, we have the option of trekking to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m/16,076'), with sections following alongside the Pangri Glacier. Elevation gain: 2,691'

Lodging: Camping

Day 9: Phu - Loang
Ascending out of Phu, we’ll climb steep terrain to cross over the Phu Pass at 5,050m/16,568', before descending to the remote camping location of Loang (4,680m/15,354'). Elevation gain: 3,183'; Elevation loss: 1,214'

Lodging: Camping

Day 10: Loang - Naar
A long day is planned, in which we’ll trek from Loang and cross over Naar, our 2nd high pass of the trip, at 5,400m/17,716', before a considerable descent to reach the Labse Khola river. Our day ends with a final climb up to the large settlement of Naar (4,110m/ 13,48'). Elevation gain: 3,674'; Elevation loss: 4,593'

Lodging: Camping

Day 11: Naar - Kangla Phedi
Today we’ll traverse primarily around the mountain on an undulating trail. Leaving through one of the entrance gates, we’ll start to get closer to the Kangla Himal range. We'll camp at Kangla Phedi (4,530m/14,862') tonight, which puts us in a good position for crossing our last pass on Day 12. Elevation gain: 1,378'

Lodging: Camping

Day 12: Kangla Phedi - Humde
Trekking over our third and final pass, we cross over the Kang la (5,306m/17,408'), with spectacular views of the Chulu’s on our right and the peaks of Annapurna II, III & IV straight ahead. A long, steep descent brings us to the settlement of Humde (3,280m/10,761'), where we join the Annapurna Circuit. Elevation gain: 2,546'; Elevation loss 6,647'

Lodging: Camping

Day 13: Humde - Chame
Descending on the traditional Annapurna circuit trail, we’ll drop through a number of villages, including Lower and Upper Pisang, Dhikur Pokhari, and Bharatang, finally arriving in the village of Chame (2,670m/8.759') and our accommodations for the night. Elevation loss: 2,002'

Lodging: Tea House

Day 14: Chame - Tal
Our final day on the trail, and most likely a social one at that, will see us passing through more small villages, finishing in the village of Tal (1,700m/5,577'). Elevation loss: 3,183'

Lodging: Tea House

Day 15: Tal – Besisahar - Kathmandu
Today we'll descend down the valley via Jeep, retracing our original steps, before boarding a bus and transferring back to our comfortable hotel in Kathmandu for some well-earned R&R.

Lodging: Hotel

Day 16: Kathmandu
We'll spend the morning exploring Kopan Buddhist monastery overlooking the city of Kathmandu, a tranquil and beautiful location. Farewell dinner.

Lodging: Hotel

Day 17: Depart
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for international departures.

Additional Information

SOLO TRAVELERS

If you wish to have your own room in the hotels and your own tent while camping, there is a single supplement charge. If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we will match you with a roommate. If a roommate is not available, we will not charge extra for this “forced single.”

INCLUDED

All accommodations as noted: first-class hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse and camping accommodations during the trek
All meals except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Private cooking staff on trek
All group camping and cooking equipment including dining, sleeping, and toilet tents, sleeping bags and pads
Land transportation, airport transfers as noted
Entrance fees and permits as described in the itinerary
Guides: International Mountain Leader and local Nepalese trekking team
Amazing hiking!

NOT INCLUDED

International airfare, airport departure taxes, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, alcoholic beverages, expenses of a personal nature, optional tipping or gratuities to guides or staff.

LUGGAGE

Once on the trek, your baggage will be transported by mules. Please ensure you have only one main piece of baggage weighing a maximum of 12kg/25lbs, in addition to a daypack. Additional luggage can be stored in your hotel in Kathmandu and will available on your return from the trek. See our sample packing list.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FACILITIES

During the trip, you will be staying at hotels, teahouses, and camps.

Hotels: 3 nights will be spent in Katmandu. The accommodations in Katmandu will be a 4-star hotel with have private baths.

Tea Houses: 5 nights will be spent in teahouses. These offer simple accommodation on a basic level. Rooms are shared, some with ensuite facilities, some with shared bathrooms. Each bed has a blanket, a bottom sheet and a pillow, though it’s recommended you carry a personal sleeping bag. As we get to more remote locations, the facilities simplify. There will be a common dining room that serves as a place to relax after hiking and an outdoor sitting area where you can admire the view. Some dining rooms are heated, others not. You can purchase snacks and beverages at the teahouses. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also served.

Camps: 8 nights will be spent camping. Campsites will consist of personal sleeping tents, a dining tent, cook tent, and shower and toilet tents. Each sleeping tent accommodates 2 persons. The dining tent has a dining table and chairs. Warm water is provided every morning and evening for washing. Toilet tents come equipped with toilet seats.

Meals: Breakfasts may include oatmeal, muesli, cornflakes, toast, pancakes, and eggs. Lunches and dinners may include Nepali style food such as soup, rice, dal, chapatis, chicken, curries, and vegetables, as well as more Western foods such as pasta, meat, and potatoes. Snacks and desserts might include fruit, cakes, and cookies. Water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are served with meals. Beer and wine are available at the hotel and some teahouses.

TRAVEL

The only international airport in Nepal is Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, which is located about 3 miles from Katmandu center. Given the long travel time in getting to Katmandu, it's recommended that you arrive a day to two ahead of the trip start.

MEETING POINT

Participants will meet on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport for individual transfers to our hotel in Kathmandu. The meeting point for the group will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

ENDING POINT

The trip will end after breakfast on the last day, with private transfers back to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport as needed.

WHO WOULD LIKE THIS TRIP?

This trip provides an exceptional opportunity for anyone who has dreamed of traveling to Nepal and hiking in the Himalayas. It has all the ingredients of a classic trek, from time spent in Kathmandu to staying in teahouses along the legendary Annapurna Circuit, to camping under a star-cluttered Himalayan night sky. The most extraordinary aspect of this trip is sure to be time spent in Naar Phu Valley, a place little intruded-upon by our tech-driven world.

This trip is rated Strenuous/Strenuous plus. While daily elevation gain and losses may seem moderate, much of the trip takes place over 10,000', with the highest elevation being 17,716'. Needless to say, this is a remote and challenging trip with many rewards. It is essential that participants are in excellent health and physical condition. While every active travel trip has inherent risk, when traveling to remote wilderness locations and at high altitudes, participants should understand that in the event of illness or accident they will not be within ready access to medical attention and facilities (and the level of care, once accessed, may not be to Western standards).

MORE INFORMATION

For more information and supporting details about this amazing trek, to arrange to speak with Tanya Perret and/or to reserve your spot, we invite you contact Live Breathe Hike.

Reserving This Trip

All Nepal trips are offered by Live Breathe Hike, an active travel company based in France and owned and operate by Tanya Perret. Tanya has extensive experience leading groups in European Alps, as well as the Himalayas of Nepal. To insure for the best experience possible, Tanya endeavors to speak with all prospect participants.

All registrations, deposits and payments will be handled solely by Live Breathe Hike, and their Terms and Conditions will apply.

For more information and supporting details about these amazing trips, to arrange to speak with Tanya and/or to reserve your spot, we invite you contact Live Breathe Hike.

More information

Reserve your spot

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Naar Phu Valley Trek

Trip Details

Hiking Trip Summary

Itinerary

Additional Information

SOLO TRAVELERS

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

LUGGAGE

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FACILITIES

TRAVEL

MEETING POINT

ENDING POINT

WHO WOULD LIKE THIS TRIP?

MORE INFORMATION

Reserving This Trip

Notice

Related Trips