Nar Phu Trek - 17 Days

Today, you will embark on a walking tour of the the Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO heritage site.

The Swayambhunath Stupa which lies atop a hill north-west of Thamel is the oldest religious site in Nepal and an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The main temple complex overlooks the Kathmandu valley and in the olden days offered clear views of the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the old city of Kathmandu.

After the morning excursion, you will regroup at your hotel and meet with your guide who'll brief you on the Nar-Phu and Kang La pass trek. A thorough equipment check, followed by a comprehensive briefing covering the plan and a detailed review of the trail will help you prepare for the trek.

The evening is at your leisure. You can shop in Thamel for any last-minute gear or supplies.

Your Himal Himal Expedition begins with an late morning scenic drive to Besisahar, taking approximately 6-7 hours in a private vehicle. The initial leg winds along the well-paved Prithvi Highway, offering picturesque views of lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and charming rural villages. You'll often follow the Trishuli River, enjoying glimpses of Nepali life, cascading waterfalls, and on clear days, the distant Himalayan peaks of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre, providing your first taste of the majestic scenery to come.

At Besishar, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast in Besisahar, you will continue towards the Manang Valley.

The paved roads give way to a dirt track, and you'll switch to a rugged 4x4 vehicle. This 6-hour scenic drive follows the Marsyangdi River, taking you deeper into the mountains. While the drive is likely to be an uncomfortable, bumpy experience due to the road conditions (this jeep track now overlaps with what was once the old Annapurna Circuit trekking route), it promises continuous dramatic views of mountains, the river, deep gorges, and more waterfalls.

You will arrive in Koto (also known as Qupar) by early evening. This pretty little village sits on the valley floor alongside the Marsyangdi River and will be your overnight destination. Koto is particularly significant as it marks the entrance to the remote Phu Valley to the north, which you will explore tomorrow. For most trekkers, Koto is the last bustling settlement you'll encounter for a while, serving as the true gateway to the increasingly remote and wild landscapes ahead.

Leaving Koto behind, you step into the less-traveled Nar Phu Valley. After your restricted-area permit is checked at the police post, you'll cross a suspension bridge spanning the Marsyangdi River, marking your entry into this secluded region.

The path for much of today's hike runs alongside the Nar Khola (River), winding through a deep, shaded gorge. This Nar–Phu region is a revered 'baeyul' – the hidden land, often overlooked by Annapurna Circuit trekkers who miss the turn to this treasure-filled valley.

You'll gain nearly 2 kilometers in elevation today. The trail, though demanding, is incredibly rewarding, with landscapes transforming from dense coniferous forests to stunning alpine vistas. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the Lamjung Himal to the south.

The path steepens sharply for the final hour, leading you to Meta. This village serves as a winter settlement for residents of Nar village and a base camp for climbers heading to Kang Guru (6,981 m), a mountain known for its sharp, steep ridges. Meta also holds historical intrigue, with ruins of an old fort above the village, remnants of Khampa warriors who settled here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. This altitude marks your true entry into high-altitude trekking, making mindful pacing and hydration crucial.

You'll have the full at leisure to explore the village.

You'll begin your trek early in the morning from Meta, immediately greeted by a breathtaking view of Pisang Peak (6,091 m). Your path will lead you towards Kyang village, a journey marked by a mix of ascents, descents, and traverses across suspension bridges over various streams.

You will pass through Jhunum and the small hamlet of Chyakhu, crossing two rivers, including the Murju Khola. The trail continues through expansive fields and past numerous chortens, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the high valley.

This is a relatively short trek, taking approximately 4 hours to reach Kyang. While the area once had no permanent houses or lodges, a newly built lodge now offers accommodation in Kyang. As you traverse this historical landscape, you'll witness fascinating remnants of the Khampa settlement, particularly the ruined forts at places like Jhunum, Chyakhu, and Kyang – poignant reminders of the Tibetan refugees who once inhabited these remote lands. Your overnight stay will be at a lodge in Kyang, offering a glimpse into the region's enduring past.

The trail continues through expansive fields and past numerous chortens, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the high valley.

This is a relatively short trek, taking approximately 4 hours to reach Kyang. While the area once had no permanent houses or lodges, a newly built lodge now offers accommodation in Kyang. As you traverse this historical landscape, you'll witness fascinating remnants of the Khampa settlement, particularly the ruined forts at places like Jhunum, Chyakhu, and Kyang – poignant reminders of the Tibetan refugees who once inhabited these remote lands. Your overnight stay will be at a lodge in Kyang, offering a glimpse into the region's enduring past.