The Eastern Annapurna - Hidden Valley of Naar Phu

Introduction

The Eastern Annapurna - Hidden Valley of Naar Phu

Journey Overview

Located between the autonomous region of Tibet and India, Nepal is home to some of the worlds largest mountains, including Mount Everest. With the Nepalese government opening many new trekking routes, it is now possible for Western visitors to explore these once forbidden regions. Multiple ethnic groups call Nepal their home, with over 100 different languages spoken in a land where cultural diversity is everywhere and proves of the many highlights when visiting this enchanting country. The hidden valley of Naar Phu is located to the east of the Annapurna Range. Breaking off from the traditional Annapurna Circuit at Koto, you head into a region traditionally settled by Tibetan salt traders hundreds of years ago. With high mountain passes, spectacular rock formations, snowy mountain peaks and ancient monasteries, trekking the Naar Phu Valley makes for a wonderfully diverse trip over 16 days of adventure.

Journey Through Naar Phu

At a glance

Journey Overview

Map

Faq

Day 1 - Kathmandu Arrival and City Exploration

Arrive in Kathmandu and Explore the City

Private transfer from the airport

Private transfer from the airport, a chance to explore the city and relax in the comfortable surroundings.

4* Hotel

Accommodation: 4* Hotel.

Day 2 - Kathmandu

Explore Durbar Square and Thamel in Kathmandu

Visit Durbar Square and Thamel

Visit Durbar Square with its beautiful Newari architecture, considered the heart of Kathmandu and is also a UNESCO World heritage sight, taking time to explore the vibrant neighbouring area of Thamel as you acclimatise for your trek.

4* Hotel

Accommodation: 4* Hotel.

Day 3 - Kathmandu to Jagat Transfer and Arrival

Transfer from Kathmandu to Jagat by Bus and Jeep

Kathmandu to Jagat Transfer

DepartureKathmandu

DestinationJagat

Departing early in the morning you transfer by bus and jeep, heading west towards Pokhara and then Besisahar ending in Jagat (1300m) on the eastern end of the Annapurna Range.

Teahouse

Accommodation: Teahouse.

Day 4 - Jagat to Dharapani Trek

Trek Past Waterfalls to Dharapani Settlement

Trek from Jagat to Dharapani

Your first day trekking sees you hike past the spectacular waterfalls on the Marsyangdi Nadi river to reach the settlement of Dharapani (1860m). Elevation gain 1927ft.

Teahouse

Accommodation: Teahouse.

Day 5 - Dharapani to Koto Trek

Trek Through Danakyu, Timang, Thanchowk to Koto

Trek from Dharapani to Koto

Passing through the settlements of Danakyu, Timang and Thanchowk you reach Koto (2600m) at the base of the Naar Phu valley. This is the gateway where you change direction and head due North, up into the hidden valley and passing through a number of permit checkpoints before entering this restricted area. Elevation Gain 2338ft.

Teahouse

Accommodation: Teahouse.

Day 6 - Koto to Meta Trek

Forest Trek and Steep Ascent to Meta Village

Trek from Koto to Meta

Departing Koto through forest land, you continue towards the river and follow a path, as it switches from one side to another, gradually climbing up through the steep gorge. A step ascent at the end sees you emerge into the small village of Meta (3560m). Elevation Gain: 3149ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 7 - Meta to Kyang Trek and Yunkar Gompa

Trek to Kyang and Visit Yunkar Gompa

Trek from Meta to Kyang and Visit Yunkar Gompa

Leaving Meta, you start to see the landscape change from forest cover to dry arid mountains, an impressive sight. You have the opportunity of doing a short side trip today, crossing over the Naar Phedi river on a suspension bridge, to visit the remote Yunkar Gompa where you can meet the the resident monks and gain a greater insight into their way of life. From here you cross back over the river and gradually climb along wonderful trails to reach the small village of Kyang (3820m), often used as winter grazing pasture for communities living higher up. Elevation Gain: 853ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 8 - Kyang to Phu Trek

Trek Along Gorge to Phu Village

Trek from Kyang to Phu

Hiking out of Kyang, the trail climbs alongside the most magnificent gorge, precariously carved out of rock high up above the Phu Khola river. You follow this river all the way until reaching the entrance gates to the Phu Valley. After several kilometres the unique village of Phu (4080m) emerges, clinging to the mountainside. Elevation Gain 853ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 9 - Phu to Himlung Base Camp

Trek to Himlung Base Camp and Explore Phu

Trek from Phu to Himlung Base Camp

Phu, which is inhabited during the Spring, Summer and Autumn is a fascinating village close to the Tibetan border, where inhabitants live a way of life that has changed little in 300 years. You can visit the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, an amazing monastery located a short walk on the North East side of the village, where many mani (prayer) stones and flags fill the grounds. With far reaching views across of Phu and beyond, this makes for a wonderful spiritual experience. For those that want to venture a little further you have the opportunity of trekking to Himlung Base Camp (4900m) with the latter section being alongside the Pangri Glacier. Elevation Gain 2691ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 10 - Phu to Loang

Cross Phu Pass and Descend to Loang

Trek from Phu to Loang via Phu Pass

Ascending out of Phu you climb steeply to cross over the Phu Pass (5050m), before descending to the remote camping location of Loang (4680m). Elevation Gain 3183ft, Elevation Loss 1214ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 11 - Loang to Naar

Cross Naar Pass and Descend to Naar Village

Trek from Loang to Naar via Naar Pass

A long day, from Loang you cross over our 2nd high pass of the trip, the Naar Pass (5400m) before a considerable descent to reach the Labse Khola river ending in a final climb up to the large settlement of Naar (4110m). Elevation Gain 3674ft / Elevation Loss 4593ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 12 - Naar to Kangla Phedi

Traverse Mountain Trails to Kangla Phedi Camp

Trek from Naar to Kangla Phedi

Today you predominantly traverse around the mountain on an undulating trail. Leaving through one of the entrance gates, you start to get closer to the Kangla Himal range. Your camp at Kangla Phedi (4530m) is a good position to cross the final pass tomorrow. Elevation Gain 1378ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 13 - Kangla Phedi to Humde

Cross Kang La Pass and Descend to Humde

Trek from Kangla Phedi to Humde via Kang La Pass

Your third and final pass, you cross over the Kang la (5306m), with spectacular views of the Chulu’s, Annapurna II, III & IV. You take a long, steep descent to Humde (3280m) and re-join the main Annapurna Circuit trail. Elevation Gain 2546ft, Elevation Loss 6647ft.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.

Day 14 - Humde to Chame

Descend Annapurna Circuit Trail to Chame

Trek from Humde to Chame

Descending on the traditional Annapurna circuit trail you drop through a number of villages including Lower and Upper Pisang, Dhikur Pokhari, Bharatang arriving in Chame (2670m). Elevation Loss 2002ft.

Teahouse

Accommodation: Teahouse.

Day 15 - Chame to Tal

Final Trekking Day Through Villages to Tal

Trek from Chame to Tal

Your final day on the trail and most likely a social one as we pass through more small villages finishing in Tal (1700m). Elevation Loss: 3183ft.

Teahouse

Accommodation: Teahouse.

Day 16 - Tal to Dhulikhel Transfer and Relaxation

Transfer from Tal to Dhulikhel for Rest and Relaxation

Transfer from Tal to Dhulikhel

DepartureTal

DestinationDhulikhel

Descending down the valley via Jeep you retrace your original steps, before changing onto a bus and transferring for some well earned R&R.

5* Hotel

Accommodation: 5* Hotel https://dwarikas-dhulikhel.com/index.php

Dwarika's Dhulikhel Resort

Day 17 - Dulikhel - R&R

Relax and Unwind at Dulikhel Resort

5* Hotel

Accommodation: 5* Hotel https://dwarikas-dhulikhel.com/index.php

Dwarika's Dhulikhel Resort

Day 18 - Dulikhel Relaxation and Resort Stay

Unwind and Enjoy Dulikhel Resort Comfort

5* Hotel

Accommodation: 5* Hotel https://dwarikas-dhulikhel.com/index.php

Dwarika's Dhulikhel Resort

Day 19 - Dulikhel to Kathmandu Airport Transfer

Transfer from Dulikhel to Kathmandu Airport

Transfer to airport

DepartureDulikhel

DestinationKathmandu Airport

Transfer to airport.

Loading Map…

Map

1. Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

2. Jagat

Jagat, Lamjung, Nepal

3. Dharapani

Dharapani, Manang, Nepal

4. Koto

Koto, Manang, Nepal

5. Meta

Meta, Manang, Nepal

6. Kyang

Kyang, Manang, Nepal

7. Phu

Phu, Manang, Nepal

8. Himlung Base Camp

Himlung Base Camp, Manang, Nepal

9. Loang

Loang, Manang, Nepal

10. Naar

Naar, Manang, Nepal

11. Kangla Phedi

Kangla Phedi, Manang, Nepal

12. Humde

Humde, Manang, Nepal

13. Chame

Chame, Manang, Nepal

14. Tal

Tal, Manang, Nepal

15. Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal

16. Kathmandu Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?

A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.

When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.

Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.

Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?

A. We have graded this trip as a Level 5.

(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website).

This trip is considered suitable for individuals with very high fitness and many years of trail trekking experience. With key points including:

The terrain involves steep trails, uneven paths, and very sustained walking
Duration of Trek: 7-10 hours of walking per day on multi days treks of at least + 1 week
Physical Requirements: Very high fitness; ability to walk continuously for extended periods
You / your party members should be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for the day in a rucksack, which might include items such as:
A water bottle 2L
Camera / phone / electronics
Warm top / sun hat / sun cream
Any other items you would want to access while out for the day.

If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.

Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?

A. Not necessarily. Clients can request a 'rest day' or perhaps the opportunity to break from the scheduled itinerary, although when that day can land will entirely depend on the itinerary and other considerations from the trip leaders.

In all cases we will work with guests to best accommodate their request.