Annapurna Circuit & Nar Phu Valley Trek
Annapurna Circuit & Nar Phu Valley Trek
21 Days Starting and ending in 27.708317,85.320582
Visiting: Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
137
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-75
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Considered by many as one of the world’s classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit is a long trek of incredible diversity, panoramic views and soaring peaks. The route takes you from sub-tropical zones right up to the very edge of the arid Tibetan plateau.
Over recent years roads have been extended up both sides of the circuit through the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki Valleys. Our new trekking route takes advantage these roads to allow time for a remote trek through the Tibetan influenced Nar and Phu Valleys, while still including the highlight of the original route across the high Thorung La Pass to Muktinath and avoiding walking on the roads themselves. This is a hugely rewarding trek that encircles the entire Annapurna Himal mountain range.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free day to explore the sights and sounds of the capital at your leisure. On this day we'll take your passport to obtain your permits to enter the Nar and Phu Valleys.
From Kathmandu you travel by road to Besi Sahar, and then on up to Kotor where your trek begins, leaving the road and the busy main Annapurna Circuit route behind. Your route through the beautiful Nar and Phu Valleys is challenging at times, especially while crossing the 5100m Kang La Pass. You spend the nights staying in trekking lodges and a monastery at Nar Phedi, where you will meet other trekkers and guides, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere after the exertions of the day's walking.
After returning to the main Annapurna Circuit trail the next challenge is the 5416m Thorung La pass which sits at the very edge of the Tibetan plateaux and affords fantastic panoramic views. Once across the pass, you visit the pilgrimage temple at Muktinath, before descending to the Upper Mustang village of Kagbeni. We leave the main route again here for a couple of days hiking via Dhagarjung village to Jomsom or Marpha from where we take a shared jeep down through the Kali Gandaki valley, between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, to Tatopani. A night's break here allows a chance to relax in the hot springs before you drive back to Pokhara.
The tour ends with a drive back to Kathmandu where your adventure will come to an end. Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Arrive In Kathmandu: Transfer To Hotel
Accommodation Name: After being welcomed at the airport and being transported to your hotel, our Encounters Travel rep will help settle you in and explain the agenda of your tour. <STRONG> OVERNIGHT: </STRONG> Kathmandu hotel
Day 2 : Day 2: Free Day In Kathmandu. Optional City Tour Is Available
You'll have a free day in Kathmandu today to explore at leisure or join our optional city tour. Whilst you explore the city, our local team will take your passports to obtain the permits required to enter the restricted Nar and Phu Valleys.
Day 3 : Day 3: Kathmandu To Besi Sahar
Accommodation Name: We start the day bright and early as we leave Kathmandu and head West along the main road towards Pokhara - here you'll travel in a private car/minibus and, once clear of the city’s surrounding hills, you may be rewarded with a wonderful panorama of snow-
Day 4 : Day 4: Jeep From Besi Sahar To Koto (2600M)
Accommodation Name: Today we'll travel along the newly constructed road and start heading up through the Marsyangdi valley to Koto. The classic full Annapurna Circuit trekking route starts from Besi Sahar itself, but since the road has been built we find it a better experien
Day 5 : Day 5: Trek From Koto To Meta (3560M)
Accommodation Name: We’ll be making an early start today as we journey from Koto to Meta. Our day begins with a hike along the banks of the Soti Khola, passing through pine and rhododendron Forests and crossing suspension bridges before we make our way to Dharmasala, our mid
Day 6 : Day 6: Trek From Meta To Phu (4080M)
Accommodation Name: This morning, we make our way out of Meta and pass by colourful Tibetan Chortens and through interesting villages. We'll also get good views along the way of the Nar Phedi Monastery which we'll visit - and stay at - on day eight. As we get closer to Phu,
Day 7 : Day 7: Day To Acclimatise In Phu: Optional Hike To Himlung Himal Base Camp
Accommodation Name: The risk of experiencing altitude sickness increases as we increase our altitude even more - we have therefore built in an acclimatisation day today in Phu which can be used for an additional hike to Himlung Himal base camp or exploring the local village.
Day 8 : Day 8: Trek From Phu To Nar Phedi (3490M)
Accommodation Name: Today we'll begin retracing our route back towards Meta, however, we'll divert off route to Nar Phedi Monastery where you'll be spending the night. The rooms at the monastery are modest but clean and comfortable. In the evening you'll be able to join the
Day 9 : Day 9: Trek From Nar Phedi To Nar (4110M)
Accommodation Name: Today will be much easier despite gaining altitude again. Expect to arrive at Nar village at around lunchtime. As we say goodbye to Nar Phedi we'll begin our ascent towards Nar following a winding path, which, if the weather is clear, rewards you with vie
Day 10 : Day 10: Trek To Ngawal (3660M) Via The Kang La Pass (5320M)
Accommodation Name: Today will be one of the longest and hardest days on this trek, so expect an early start. As we leave Nar Village, we'll head towards the Kang La Pass on a pleasant path which takes us through farms and yak grazing lands, and once on top of the Pass, you'
Day 11 : Day 11: Trek To Manang (3500M)
Accommodation Name: We have a relatively easy day today - trekking along the Marsyangdi River for about an hour before entering Braka Village to explore the monasteries. After time in Braka, we’ll push on and trek the remainder of the distance to Manang - Manang is by no mea
Day 12 : Day 12: Trek To Yak Kharka (4050M) Or Churi Leather (4200M)
Accommodation Name: On leaving Manang, the trail follows the Jargeng Khola, a tributary of the bigger Marsyangdi Khola. Here, we'll continue to gain altitude as we travel through small villages eventually arriving at Yak Kharka (3,950m). Excellent views abound, especially of
Day 13 : Day 13: Trek To Thorong Phedi (4525M)
Accommodation Name: Pressing on from Yak Kharka, anticipate a trek through the tiny cluster of buildings at Churi Leather where you'll cross the Jargeng Khola - just a bit further to Thorung Phedi. This is second short day's walking, but you are gaining altitude still and ta
Day 14 : Day 14: Cross The Thorung La Pass (5416M) To Muktinath (3802M)
Accommodation Name: The day kicks off early with a long, slow, and steep ascent ahead and you need to lose considerable altitude again after crossing the high pass before you can rest for the night. Leaving early helps to ensure better weather as the views are spectacular. Y
Day 15 : Day 15: Trek To Kagbeni (2850M) Or Ekle Bhatti (2740M)
Accommodation Name: After yesterday's long hard day crossing the Thorung La, you have the choice of either taking the quicker and easier route downhill from Muktinath, following the road along several sections of the route to Kagbeni or a longer more scenic trek avoiding the
Day 16 : Day 16: Trek To Dhagarjung Village (3200M)
Accommodation Name: You could finish the trek today and take a jeep back down towards Pokhara. However, we like to add another couple of days here to make the most of your time high in the mountains. This itinerary's route, therefore, leaves the main Annapurna Circuit path a
Day 17 : Day 17: Trek To Marpha (2670M) Via The Windy Pass (3472M)
Accommodation Name: Your final day's trekking today takes you over one last pass, the 'Windy Pass' of Bhatase Bhanjyang at 3472m before you descend back into the valley floor at Jomsom. There is an airport in Jomsom with an option to fly to Pokhara if you'd like to shorten t
Day 18 : Day 18: Jeep To Tatopani (1190M): Afternoon In The Hot Springs
Accommodation Name: Expect an early morning as we'll be driving the rest of the journey - we'll take a bus or shared jeep further down the Kali Gandaki valley through Kalopani and Ghasa and on down to Tatopani. This drive should take around 3 1/2 hours. In the afternoon, the
Day 19 : Day 19: Drive From Tatopani To Pokhara. Free Afternoon
Accommodation Name: Your final drive out of the mountains leg takes you the remainder of the way from Tatopani by shared jeep or bus to the lakeside town of Pokhara. The city is enchanting and dominated by views of the Annapurnas and of Machhapuchhare. The Lakeside area is r
Day 20 : Day 20: Leave Pokhara And Drive To Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: We leave the Annapurna region behind this morning and take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu (approx. 7-8 hours). An upgrade to a domestic flight is available on request. The remainder of the day and evening is free to settle back into busy city life again!
Day 21 : Day 21: Free Time In Kathmandu. Departure Airport Transfer
Accommodation Name: You'll have some free time in Kathmandu until being transferred to the airport for departure. Extensions are available if you'd like to do some other trekking, try some white-water rafting, or add a visit to one of Nepal's national parks.<STRONG> OVERNIG
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
The Annapurna Circuit is a long trek - known for its diversity, panoramic views and soaring peaks - its route takes you from sub-tropical zones right up to the very edge of the arid Tibetan plateau. Expect to travel on an exciting new trekking route that takes advantage of trekking through the Tibetan influenced Nar and Phu Valleys, while still including the highlight of the original route across the high Thorung La Pass to Muktinath and avoiding walking on the roads themselves - a rewarding trek that encircles the entire Annapurna Himal mountain range. Your tour begins in Kathmandu with an informal walk through the bustling cities narrow streets - walking past markets, temples, stupas, and palaces of Durbar Square. From Kathmandu you travel by road to Besi Sahar, and then on up to Kotor where your trek begins, leaving the road and the busy main Annapurna Circuit route behind. You'll find that the route through the Nar and Phu Valleys is rather challenging but rewardingly beautiful, especially while crossing the 5100m Kang La Pass. After returning to the main Annapurna Circuit trail the next challenge is the 5416m Thorung La pass which sits at the very edge of the Tibetan plateaux and affords fantastic panoramic views. Once across the pass, you'll visit the pilgrimage temple at Muktinath before descending to the Upper Mustang village of Kagbeni - here we'll leave the main route a few of days hiking via Dhagarjung village to Jomsom or Marpha from where we take a shared jeep down through the Kali Gandaki valley, between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, to Tatopani. The tour ends with a drive back to Kathmandu - where you'll spend a night at the Newari hilltop village of Bandipur which is well worth a visit, and has several good half-day hikes around it if you'd like to stretch your legs again.
Check out our Q&As
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What should I know before I travel?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Nepal: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Bhutan: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Tibet: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the lowland regions Bhutan are considered malarial zones, while higher altitudes including central Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang are not. Nepal is considered mainly low risk with prophylactics not normally required.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary. Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
This tour include a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service at Kathmandu airport and all other transfers. There will be a collection of people waiting on the far side of an airport service road immediately in front of you as you exit Kathmandu airport. Please look out for an Encounters Travel signboard to find our representative. You may well be pestered for tips by porters who try to carry your luggage. We suggest you either be firm and insist on carrying your own luggage, or if you want assistance, wait until you have met our representative and then let him arrange the porter for you. You will need to have some money ready for a small tip (eg. up to NRs 50 or a single US Dollar bill).
Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the time you have booked with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All your entry fees and permits are included in the price of the tour to cover entry into the trekking conservation areas, and sites on any optional day tours added to the tour.
This trek passes through a restricted trekking area (Nar & Phu Valleys) for which advance permits are required. We will need to receive a scanned copy of your passport at least 2 weeks prior to arrival in order to ensure that permits are ready for you to start the trek. -
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Many nationals can obtain their Nepalese visa in Kathmandu airport upon arrival (including UK, EU, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA citizens). The costs for a single entry visa are currently:
- up to 15 days - US$ 25
- 16 to 30 days - US$ 40
- 31 to 90 days - US$ 100
An additional $20 fee is charged to convert these into a multiple entry visa which will be needed for any tours returning to Nepal after visiting Bhutan or Tibet.
The visa is obtained in the immigration area at the point where your passport is stamped. Forms to fill in are available in this immigration hall and may also be given out on your flight (if so, do fill them in before you land as it will reduce your queuing time). You will also need to fill in an arrivals card. Once your paperwork is completed, head to the immigration desk and hand over your forms, 2 passport photos, your visa fee and passport. The visa fees are set in US Dollars, but you can also pay in other currencies, but don't rely on getting given change.
Passport Photos: You will need two passport photos for your Nepal visa if you are obtaining it on arrival. If you are doing any trekking, rafting or visiting a National Park (i.e. on many of of our tours), you should bring extras, as some of the permits we may need to get require these. Please bring at least 4 passport photos with you - they will always come in useful later if you don't need them all.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Guides
Fully trained English-speaking Nepalese trekking guides are provided on this tour and many of our travellers consider them a highlight of their tour. For parties of 1-6 travellers we provide one trekking guide plus porters, and for groups of 7 to 12, two guides are provided plus porters. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.