Nar Phu Trek with Thorong La Pass

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our friendly representatives will be there to greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we may explore a few of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath Stupa.

In the evening, we’ll gather at the hotel for a comprehensive trip briefing, where you'll meet your trekking guide and receive an overview of the upcoming Nar Phu Valley and Thorong La Pass Trek. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, review gear, and finalize preparations.

Today, we begin our adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Koto, covering approximately 268 kilometers in about 9 to 10 hours. The journey offers stunning views of river valleys, terraced fields, and traditional villages as we head northwest into the heart of the Annapurna region.

As we ascend gradually, you'll notice a shift in the landscape — from lush greenery to more alpine terrain. Koto, a small village near Chame, serves as the official entry point into the Nar Phu restricted area. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to a local teahouse and rest up for the trek ahead.

Our trek to the lost villages of Nar and Phu truly begins today, as we follow a breathtaking trail along the deep gorge of the Nar Khola River. This part of the journey is a visual and sensory delight, with the trail winding through pristine coniferous forests, vibrant oak woodlands, and—during spring—blossoming rhododendron trees that turn the landscape into a burst of color.

We cross multiple suspension bridges, streams, and cascading waterfalls, each adding to the raw beauty of this remote and untouched region of the Himalayas.

Keep your eyes open — this forested area is rich in Himalayan wildlife. If you're lucky, you may spot rare species such as the musk deer, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, Himalayan serow, or even the elusive leopard silently navigating the high ridges.

This is a day that immerses you fully in the wild heart of the Nar Phu Valley Trek — where nature, solitude, and adventure come together.

From Meta onwards, the Nar Phu Valley dramatically opens up, enchanting trekkers with panoramic views of some of the most towering Himalayan peaks. The trail meanders through serene pasturelands, scattered small villages, and the haunting ruins of abandoned Khampa settlements, reflecting the region’s rich history and changing lifestyles.

Our destination today is Kyang, a quaint village nestled in a secluded valley. With only a handful of households, Kyang serves as the winter pastureland for the cattle herded by villagers from Phu. This peaceful settlement offers a glimpse into traditional transhumance practices and the enduring connection between the people and the land in this high-altitude region.

The trail winds through the deep Nar Khola gorge, where narrow, human-carved paths cling to steep cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and majestic mountain peaks. This rugged landscape reflects centuries of human resilience and adaptation to the harsh Himalayan environment.

Perched on a hillside beside the river, Phu Village is a remarkable fortified settlement with a dramatic history. When Tibetan refugees, known as Khampa, fled to Nepal following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, tensions arose in this remote region. Seeking food and shelter, some groups resorted to raids on local communities, including Phu. Despite these challenges, the village remains a living testament to the area's turbulent past and enduring cultural heritage.

During the trek, you’ll have the exciting option to explore Himlung Base Camp — a spectacular site surrounded by towering peaks and pristine alpine landscapes. Alternatively, for those seeking panoramic vistas, a hike to a nearby scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Gyachung Kang, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna.

Both options provide unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers and photographers alike, adding extra depth to your Nar Phu Valley trekking adventure.

Today, we trek to Nar Phedi, a peaceful settlement near the village of Nar. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stay overnight in a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery, offering an immersive cultural experience unlike any other.

Living alongside the monks, you’ll gain an intimate glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist rituals, monastic life, and spiritual practices that have shaped the Nar Phu Valley for centuries. This rare overnight monastery stay is a highlight for travelers seeking authentic connection and deeper understanding of Himalayan culture.

Today, we ascend uphill towards Nar Village, where the valley dramatically opens up, revealing stunning mountain vistas. Nar is one of the larger and more vibrant villages in the Nar Phu region.

The local community here primarily depends on subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry, continuing centuries-old traditions that sustain their Himalayan way of life. Visiting Nar offers a fascinating glimpse into rural mountain living, with opportunities to interact with warm and welcoming villagers.

We start our hike early today to tackle one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the trek — crossing Kang La Pass at 5,306 meters. This steep ascent typically takes around 5 to 6 hours and demands good acclimatization and stamina.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna massif, including peaks like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The stunning vistas make every step worthwhile.

After soaking in the scenery, we descend for approximately 4 hours through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, entering the fertile Manang Valley and arriving at the charming village of Nagwal, where we’ll rest and recover.

Manang is one of the largest and most significant villages in the Annapurna region, home to around 500 households. Serving as the final major settlement before the challenging Thorong La Pass, Manang is a crucial rest stop for trekkers preparing for the high-altitude crossing ahead.

Since today's trek is relatively short, we’ll take the opportunity to visit the serene Gangapurna Lake in the afternoon. Nestled beneath the towering peaks, this pristine alpine lake offers a peaceful setting and spectacular views — a perfect way to relax and acclimatize.

Today, we leave behind the villages and dense forests as the trail ascends into the alpine terrain of the Annapurna region. This high-altitude environment is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, including elusive species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, blue sheep (bharal), and pika.

Trekking through this pristine landscape offers not only a thrilling chance to spot rare Himalayan animals but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range — a visual feast for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Today’s trek from Letdar to Thorong High Camp is relatively short in distance, but at high altitude, so it’s important to pace yourself slowly and stay well-hydrated. Taking your time will help with acclimatization and prepare you for the challenging ascent ahead.

As we climb higher, the panoramic views of the Annapurna massif become increasingly spectacular. At Thorong High Camp, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas that set the stage for your final push to the famous Thorong La Pass.

There will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatize before tomorrow’s big day.

We begin our trek early in the morning to cross the challenging Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the entire Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 meters. Due to the high altitude, the ascent can be difficult, so we’ll proceed slowly and steadily to help with acclimatization.

Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever witness, accompanied by panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks that will make all the effort worthwhile.

🏞️ Descend into Mustang – Unique Landscapes and Rich Culture

After crossing Thorong La, we begin our descent into the mystical Mustang region, famous for its distinctive arid landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and rich traditions that set it apart from other parts of Nepal.

🕉️ Trek Conclusion at Muktinath – A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Our trek ends in the town of Muktinath, a revered holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus. Here, pilgrims come to worship at the temple complex, offering a meaningful conclusion to your incredible journey through the Himalayas.

After completing the trek, we’ll embark on a scenic drive from Muktinath to Pokhara, covering approximately 8 to 9 hours. This journey takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and picturesque valleys, offering a relaxing way to unwind and reflect on your Himalayan adventure.

Pokhara, known as the gateway to the Annapurna region, is a vibrant city with lakeside charm, perfect for rest and exploration after your trek.

Today, we will drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, covering a distance of approximately 200 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, winding through beautiful mountain landscapes, terraced fields, and traditional Nepalese villages.

This scenic route offers a last chance to soak in the natural beauty and rural life of Nepal before arriving back in the bustling capital city, Kathmandu.

On your final day, you will be comfortably transferred from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private car or jeep, ensuring a timely arrival before your flight departure.

We wish you a safe journey home and hope your experience exploring the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna region leaves lasting memories.