Nar Phu valley Culinary Trekking Adventure
Nar Phu valley Culinary Trekking Adventure
Nar Phu valley Culinary Trekking Adventure
14 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu International Airport
Visiting: Kathmandu, Nepal, International Arrival Terminal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
134399
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
6-75
Special diets catered:
Jain, Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians, Halal, Gluten intolerant
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Nar Phu Valley Trek is inarguably one of the better off-the-beaten-track trails and the least visited regions in West Nepal. Since it was opened in 2003, very few visitors have been in the wild, exotic, and sparsely populated valleys of Nar and Phu, offering intriguing mediaeval Tibetan culture and customs that remain untouched and along with breathtaking mountain views. Nar Phu Valley’s restricted area can only be accessed with a special permit issued to an authorised trekking agency, providing the trekking tour’s essential logistics. The Nar Phu Valley trek has to be completed in seven days because that is the period the permit is issued for. Our journey starts with a drive to Koto, a little village on the crossroads of the main Annapurna circuit trail and the gateway into the Nar Phu valleys. We go off the beaten track via a deep narrow river valley north of the Annapurna range. We have a few days of acclimatizing and exploring the subalpine forests, mysterious valleys, and narrow river valleys with the presence of a robust Tibetan Buddhist culture along with ever-increasing wildlife – we might even spot the elusive snow leopard on the hike to the village of Nar.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner, Welome
Arrive in Kathmandu to be received by your trek leader and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 : Half Day Sight Seeing In The Morning. Afternoon Briefing For The Trek.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Half-day guided sightseeing tour/ lunch/ trek briefing—overnight Kathmandu. You will go for a walking tour of Ason spice market, Kathmandu Durbar square, and Swayambhunath Stupa.
You will be briefed for the trek during lunch and your special permits should be ready during this time.
Day 3 : Drive To Koto. 2600 Meters. 10 Hours Plus Driving.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Kathmandu early and drive to Besisahar first. We stop for lunch and change to a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the challenging mountainous journey to Koto. The road is almost as challenging for the passengers as it is for drivers, but it is stunning! We travel on the old Annapurna Circuit trek route, through impressive gorges and past spectacular waterfalls. We arrive in Koto in time for dinner after a gruelling drive.
Day 4 : Trek To Dharmashala. 3550 Meters. 6-7 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We shortened the day by camping at Dharamshala instead of toiling all the way to Meta. We cross the Marshyangdi river and enter the Nar & Phu valleys as we follow the Nar River. The villages/towns on the nearby Annapurna Circuit are relatively well-developed compared to the villages in these valleys. However, it is only a matter of time before they are constructed more lodges to cater to the increasing trekkers.
We pass through some lovely forests, small cave shelters, and resting places for pilgrims/travellers. The trail passes under a wide waterfall as we emerge from a narrow canyon. The forest becomes sparse from this point, and the vista widens. Dharamshala is a relatively small place with a concrete shelter, which our cooking team will use as the kitchen and the other end of the building as a dining room.
Day 5 : Trek To Chyaku Or Kyang Village. 3750 Meter. 5.5-7 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our trek after breakfast. We will have a gentle ascend for about 45 minutes, and the trail gets a steep uphill climb for two hours to Meta. We can enjoy the views of Mount Pisang and Kangguru peaks.
We continue on the trek, contouring the hill for about 20 minutes before turning on to the Phu River valley. We hike past some shepherd huts at Junam Goth, a winter settlement the people of Nar uses to avoid the colder winter at their village. We will see the magnificent Monastery at Nar Phedi(base) and the trail that leads to the village of Nar. The path is a mixture of gentle climbs with some steep sections and some short drops and ascends. We continue on a series of mounts and descends to Upper Chyaku village.
Day 6 : Trek To Phu Village.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a good day of hiking this day, going from 3750 meters in altitude to Phu, at 4150 meters. The hike starts with an uphill climb with a small descends and a short climb before dropping to the settlement of Kyang. Kyang is home to Tibetan refugees. We continue on the barren terrain until we reach a shelter where our chef and his assistants will be preparing a hot lunch.
We have to trek along the Phu River through some landslide areas. Some of the hills are exposed and rocky. You are advised to walk briskly along the landslip area as sometimes-strong winds and wildlife such as the Blue Sheep can send stones and rocks tumbling down the slopes. We now have a short 20 minutes of a steep climb to the “Kani” — entrance gate to Phu village. The views are stunning once we get there. You will see the abandoned villages and the ruins of a fort. The gate is deceptive as the village is still good 20-30 minutes to reach from there. The village’s path is rocky, and sometimes the blue sheep hang around here during the late afternoon after coming down to the river for a drink.
Day 7 : Exploration And Acclimatisation Day Ay Phu.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We spend a day to acclimatize to the altitude in Phu. There are small alleyways to explore in the village or hike up to the base camp of Himlung Himal. Phu is an interesting village. There is quite a lot to do, such as visiting the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, watching the villagers busy with their everyday chores such as spinning sheep or yak wool, doing laundry or pounding seeds for oil, etcetera.
If you feel energetic, you can take the hike up to Himlung Himal 7125 meter base camp. The walk takes you through a glacial valley. This peak was opened recently for mountaineering. You might see herds of blue sheep skilfully scrambling up the cliffs. The return journey takes between four and five hours.
Day 8 : Trek To Nar Phedi. 3500 Meters. 7-8 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We retrace our steps back down towards Meta village but turn off near the Nar Phedi monastery, which will be our stop for the night. The monastery has a guest house. The rooms are kept neat and clean by the very welcoming nuns. One can join them (as long as it doesn’t get too crowded) in the kitchen to watch them make dinner on a simple fireplace.
You are welcome to watch their puja (prayer) ceremony, usually around 5 pm. It is courteous to leave a small contribution to the monastery donation box for this friendly and ornate institution’s upkeep.
Day 9 : Trek To Nar Village. 4100 Meters. 3-4 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We climb out of Nar Phedi on switchbacks towards Nar Village. We pass a row of beautifully painted Chortens with bamboo-top on the way to this ancient village. We arrive in the village around midday for lunch. Nar is a rarely visited village despite not being too far away from the busy Annapurna trail.
The villagers of Nar a livelier and more social than the Phu dwellers. The women can be seen in the village centre weaving fabric for blankets and rugs. There have been several comfortable new lodges built on the outskirts of the village.
Day 10 : Trek To Kangla Phedi. 4500 Meters. 3 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will take it easy in the morning, have breakfast, spend time in the village as it is only a 3-hour hike to the base of Kang La pass. We have once again broken the very long walk into two less strenuous days. This will be the evening when your meals will be provided in your tent as the teahouse here is smoky. It will be one evening of inconvenience.
Day 11 : Trek To Ngawal 3660 Meters Via Kang La Pass
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the most challenging day of the trek. We start early after breakfast. We will be provided with pack lunches as there is no water source or shelter from the wind for our chef and his team to make lunch on the way.
The Kang La pass is not that difficult, but the altitude makes it a long day as we will be taking it slow and steady. Fantastic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak greet us when we reach the pass’s top. We have a steep descent on scree. When you get the technic right on sliding on scree, it can be quite fun and less strenuous on your knees. We stop for lunch when we reach a plateau and continue our downhill streak to Ngawal.
You will notice the difference between the villages of Nar Phu valleys and Ngawal, with bigger lodges, cell phone networks, and even WI-FI! We spend the night in one of the lodges as getting reintroduced into “civilization.”
Day 12 : Drive To Besisahar. 9-10 Hours On Fair Weather Road.
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will have breakfast while our staff loads up our jeeps with our camping and personal gears. We have a day of bouncy drive on the rugged track to Besishar. We will have a couple of stops for photos, stretching our legs, and lunch. We will stay in one of the more comfortable lodges at Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung.
Upper Pisang
The weather gets much hotter and the scenery greener as you descend more than 2000m from the pass. Set off early for the last few hours of trekking to reach Pisang. The trail is wide and comfortable and passes a beautiful lake just outside Pisang. Stop for a quick snack in the village, then take a four-wheel drive back to Besisahar. There, stay in a comfortable hotel.
Day 13 : Drive Back To Kathmandu. 5 Hours.
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The drive back to Kathmandu takes around five hours on a black topped road. You can enjoy the luxuries of the city once again at your boutique hotel in Kathmandu! You can spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs, or just relaxing.
Day 14 : International Departure
Location: International Arrival Terminal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our representative will bring to the airport 3 hours before your flight time.
What's Included
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Local Taxes
All taxes are included.
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on the trek.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Free wi-fi at the Hotel in Kathmandu
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees and permits are included.
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Drinks with Meals
Hot drinks with every meal. Filtered and alkalized drinking water.
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Fully Guided
Expert Trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast only while in Kathmandu.
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Accommodation
Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
You will be met and picked up from Kathmandu domestic airport
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
Nepal tourist visa fee is not included.
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International Travel
International airfare is not included.
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Drinks with Meals
Bottled and alcoholic drinks.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Suggested tipping and gratuities 10% of the tour cost.
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Meals – Half Board
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, all entrance fees and applicable permits are included in the price.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, it is an international departure.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes there is wi-fi at the hotel in Kathmandu.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will happily assist with pre and post-tour accommodation.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Our tour guiges or trek leaders are above average English speakers. Some of you might have some difficulty understanding their accent but feel free to ask them to repeat what you don't understand.
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What is the tipping policy?
10% of the tour price.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
As of October 2020, a PCR test of less than 72 hours with negative results prior to your departure is a must.
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What sort of facilities/services can we expect on a boutique camping trek?
The trekking team does the rest: setting and breaking camp, preparing meals, and purchasing fresh food along the trail. We will provide 4 inches (10.16 cm) thick foam mattresses, a 3-person tent to be shared between 2 trekkers, shower tents, toilet tents with biodegradable toilet bags, and even heaters for the dining tents.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Children who are used to hiking can take part in this tour. If the children are too young or not used to hiking, you can book an extra porter to carry the child as long as the kid is not more than 40kg in weight.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
You have the option of paying a surcharge of 25% for the tour to take place if there is a minimum of 2 travelers.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
There will be time to explore at the end of the day once you have reached your destination. Please request for either your trek leader or someone to accompany you.
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Who will prepare the meals and what sort of food can we expect on this trek?
We are the first and only company to have trained 'trekking chefs'. Our trekking chef will prepare the healthiest and most varied meals in all the Himalayas. You will even be served dishes with superfood used for better nourishment and a better immune system — all part of our wellness factor.
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Will we stay in fixed tents?
You will be accompanied by our porters carry the trekking gear, hauling up food, fuel, utensils, and food. To be frank, camping in the Himalayas is luxurious compared to what many Westerners might be used to. All trekkers need to carry, is their day pack.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Nepal Visa is not included in the price.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You will know the name of the boutique hotel in Kathmandu before you depart. The rest of the tour is camping.
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Company Instant Book
Yes.
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What is a boutique camping trek?
A boutique camping trek is the original and classic style of trekking. Before Nepal’s tourism industry, entrepreneurs began opening their teahouses, tents, porters, cooks, animals, and guides ran the country’s expeditions.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No international flight is included. Domestic flights are included if it is mentioned on the program.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
An expert trek leader will be with you throughout the tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No supplement for solo travellers unless they request speciafically for single occupation. Travellers will be partnered with another traveller of the same gender.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
You need to inform us of your flight details. Your trek leader (guide) will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderately active and fit persons can do this trek.
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What sort of facilities can we expect on a boutique camping trek?
The trekking team does the rest: setting and breaking camp, preparing meals, and purchasing fresh food along the trail. We provide makeshift, shower tents, toilet tent, and even heaters for the dining tents. We are the only trekking company in the Himalayas to provide biodegrade toilet bags.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
A tourist visa is required for this holiday. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online
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Why are there no names mentioned of the places where we will be camping while on the trek?
We haven’t given the names of the places we will be camping at to keep the places pristine It is to prevent over-tourism ruining it. This trek brings you to locations where only a handful of tourists has visited.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
The luggage limit on all domestic flights is a total of 15 kg for checked-in bag and hand luggage.
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What is the maximum group size?
16 persons unless it is a private group consisting of more group members.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We provide a 3 star + boutique hotel in Kathmandu.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Nepalese rupees. You can either withdraw from the numerous ATMs in Kathmandu or exchange your currency at a money changer in the capital.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
No.
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Low Deposit
Responsible Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 500 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 7 days before departure.