Secret Himalayas - Nar Phu

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu

Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

Please note that A special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.

Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: None

DAY 2

Drive to Dharapani

A private vehicle will take you overland to the village of Dharapani (1860m) with a stop for lunch along the way, as well as changing to a locally chartered 4WD vehicle. The long and rough journey takes the best part of the whole day.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Find out more about Trekking Lodges and Full Support Camping

DAY 3

Walk to Koto

Special Note: Things in this area are changing as trekkers now discover this relatively new trekking area. A few trekking lodges are springing up, so camping may not be necessary (it will help bring costs down too). As this is a "fluid" situation in a remote part of Nepal, please contact us for the latest information. This example itinerary indicates camping for illustrative purposes only.

The walking today is partly on the 'road' and partly on the various village trails as you head up the main valley and to Koto. To all intents and purposes, this is part of the Annapurna Circuit route. Walking time is around 5 hours to Koto (2600m).

Accommodation: Camping, Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Up the Nar Phu Khola Valley

The Nar Phu Khola Valley is a narrow, steep-sided gorge-like valley, and leaving the Annapurna Circuit behind, a narrow trail climbs steeply up through woodland above the Nar Phu stream. At around 2985 m, there is a suitable camping spot by the river. Walking time is approx. 6 hours, virtually all ascent.

Accommodation: Camping, Nar Phu Khola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Onwards to Metha

The deeper you go into this restricted area, the less likely it is that you'll encounter many other trekkers. At times, the trail is gouged out of the cliffside and is quite narrow and exposed in places, with the river far below. There's both ascent and descent during today's walk, but more in the way of uphill, and it's a tough slog to camp at Metha (3560 m), taking around 6-7 hours of walking.

Accommodation: Camping, Metha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

A shorter walk to Kyang

Thankfully, today is a much shorter walk and more gradual as you continue your ascent following the Phu Khola. The approach to Upper Chako sees the incline increase, and it remains a steeper climb to reach the plateau where the winter settlement of Kyang is located. If you needed any reminder that this is now the land of Tibetan Buddhism, your arrival at Kyang (3800m) is heralded by the presence of the mani wall at the edge of the village. Walking time is around 4 hours.

Accommodation: Camping, Kyang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

To Phu

Since leaving Koto, most settlements you've been passing through are temporary ones used by families from Phu during the winter months. They migrate to these places to graze their yaks and other livestock, and many still follow this time-honoured practise reminiscent of a bygone Tibet. Today you begin by dropping back down to the river and then up to Phu. You'll know you're close when you reach an old stone gateway, and beyond that, you'll be able to see Phu, which is more of a collection of three smaller villages than one large one. An hour's walk from the gateway, and you should be at Phu (4200m). Today takes around 4-5 hours of walking in total.

Accommodation: Camping, Phu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Acclimatisation Day/Phu Exploration

The locals are of course used to this altitude, and thankfully, Phu is such a fascinating place to explore that it makes for an excellent day of acclimatising. The villagers of Phu still trade across the border with Tibet. This remote and isolated community is by default one that remains unspoilt and about as authentic as you can get in the Nepal Himalaya. The Tibetan influence is evident in the style of houses and the fascinating ruins of the forts here. Today is a unique opportunity to observe a traditional way of life, and as you may be the only foreigners here at this moment, don't be surprised if the locals take some friendly interest in you too. There are around 145+/- people who call Phu home, so you may meet a fair few of them.

Accommodation: Camping, Phu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

Down to Juman Goth

Back to the stone gateway, retracing your route into Phu and passing Kyang once more, you drop further down to Junam Goth (3725m), another temporary settlement. A shorter walking day, mostly downhill, of around 4 hours.

Accommodation: Camping, Junam Goth
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

Up to Nar

This is a lovely day. One that goes down and then up. Down to cross the river at Nar Phedi (about 300 m of descent), over the river by way of a small bridge, and then a lengthy ascent up to Naar (4110m). Nar may well be the romantic idyll of a remote Himalayan mountain village. Some might say it's got a touch of Shangri-La' about it. Whatever, it is quite the setting. A backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan mountains, colourful fields of carefully tended crops, Tibetan gompas, and the locals going about their spinning and weaving, for which they are renowned. It has of course taken some effort to reach this idyll, but for those in search of 'off the beaten track' Himalayan life, here it is. Today's walk takes around 5 hours.

Accommodation: Camping, Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11

To the foot of the Kang La

The locals can most likely do the next two days walking in just one longer day. Respect to them, as it would be a very, very tough day. Today you'll walk for just 3 hours, heading gradully up to the foot of the Kang La and a nice meadow camp site at Kang La Phedi (4530m).

Accommodation: Camping, Kang La Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

Across the Kang La

The Thorung La of this trek, the crux of the trek, is probably the hardest day, certainly the highest. But unlike the crossing of the Thorung La, there won't be hundreds of other trekkers all vying for space on the narrow trail to the Kang La (5320m). There's a stiff 700m or so of uphill slog to reach the pass. But after around 4 hours of huffing and puffing, you're greeted with stupendous panoramic views of the Tilicho Peaks, Annapurna 2, and Gangapurna. The descent requires your full attention and concentration. It's very steep at first, with loose scree underfoot. Snow is also a distinct possibility. It does ease off, and after a welcome break at a small, high plateau, the trail then skirts the mountain side as it gradually takes you down to Ngawal (3670m). The Tibetan influence remains with you. Walking time is tough at 7-8 hours.

Accommodation: Camping, Ngawal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13

Return to Koto

With accompanying views of the Annapurna range after skirting the hillside, the trail now descends sharply to Pisang. You're back on the Annapurna Circuit. Should you wish to impress those following that particular trek with your exploits into a land not many have ever heard of, feel free. Oh, that 1500-metre rock wall that rises abruptly and almost vertically is Paungda Danda. It won't escape your notice. Down through woodland and beyond Chame, it's not too far to Koto (2600m). Total walking time is a good 7 hours.

Accommodation: Camping, Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14

Down to Tal

It is possibly the least interesting walking day, and as you pass where the Naar Phu Khola joins the Marsyangdi, you may choose to use this as a good time to reflect back on your adventure that began here and to occupy your thoughts as you walk past Dharapani and onto Tal. Walking time is around 6 hours.

Accommodation: Camping, Tal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15

Overland to Kathmandu

Probably a locally chartered jeep will take you down the bumpy, dusty dirt road to Besishar. Then it's onto the main highway and all the way back to Kathmandu. The journey is an unavoidable 10 hours, with a lunch stop along the way. However, you should be back in Kathmandu by evening time, and after checking into your hotel, you can have a 'night on the town', or a very big sleep!

Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16

Depart Nepal

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.