Nar Phu Valley & Annapurna Circuit Trek- 18 Days

Upon arrival, a representative from Ama Adventure will meet you at the airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will head towards Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this ancient stupa is one of the most iconic landmarks of Nepal. Believed to have been self-created, it holds deep spiritual significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, surrounded by prayer flags, shrines, and playful monkeys that give the site its nickname.

Today, we go one a drive to Dharapani along winding roads following the Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. The drive can be bumpy and dusty, but the scenic views make it worthwhile. From Dumre, turn north, passing Khunde, Syange, and Jagat before reaching Dharapani where we stay overnight.

Register your restricted area permit at the Koto checkpoint. Trek along the Soti Khola River, passing pine and fir forests, streams, and suspension bridges to Dharmasala. After lunch, continue through dense forest to Meta village. Enjoy views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Since it’s a long day, we begin the trek early. Today’s Nar Phu trekking route takes us deep into the restricted Nar Phu Valley, passing through thick pine forests, ancient cave shelters, pilgrims’ rest stops, scattered waterfalls, and several steep, rugged climbs.

From Meta, descend across a suspension bridge across the seasonal stream, and continue to Kyang, where you can explore the old Khampa settlement. It is the camp of Khampa refugees. Cross the Phu Khola and follow the rugged trail to reach Phu Gaon.

Today is an optional day for  you to acclimatize. You can take an short hike to attempt more altitudes. This place is known as the “Lost Hidden Valley” that is rich in ancient Ghale and Gurung culture. During village tour you can experience transhumant agriculture, and seasonal migrations. Visit the 18th-century Tashi Lakhang Monastery, built by Karma Rinpoche. Enjoy mountain views of Himlung and Annapurna.

Overnight at Phu Gaon.

Descend via suspension bridges to Mahendra Pul with a stunning Himalayan backdrop. Cross Lapche River Gorge, stop for lunch, and continue climbing towards Nar Phedi Monastery. Pass ancient stupas with views of Pisang Peak and other snowy summits where you stay overnight.

After breakfast, descend to Mahendra Pul and climb to Nar Village, passing ancient Buddhist stupas and enjoying views of Pisang Peak and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Overnight at Nar Gaon.

We start early for our morning trek towards Kang La pass. It will be a long and hard day. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Annapurna Himalayan Range that makes the whole day worthwhile. We continue descending to Ngwal where you stay overnight.

Trek to Manang through isolated mountain villages, admiring glacier streams and vintage of Annapurna Range. Our trail gradually ascends to Mungli that joins the major Annapurna Circuit trail. We continue our trek to Manang where we stay overnight.

Trek to Yak Kharka, climbing through glacial streams, isolated villages, and river valleys. After Tenki village, the trail turns to the Jarsang Khola valley in the northwest. The trail passes Gunsa village, a cluster of flat mud roofs. We continue trekking through meadows where you can witness grazing horses and yaks. Along the way, you will cross a wooden bridge and ancient mani walls. After a pleasant day, reach Yak Kharka. Overnight.oofs. We continue the trek on the meadows where can witness the grazing horse and Yaks. Along the way, you will cross the wooden bridge and ancient mani wall. After a pleasant day reaches Yak Kharka where you stay overnight.

Trek across a suspension bridge, passing Ledar village, the last permanent settlement before reaching Thorong Phedi. We cross river valleys and towering cliffs, enjoying spectacular views along the way. We continue to climb through cliffs and cross another wooden bridge before reaching Thorong Phedi. The word “Phedi” refers to the foot of the mountain.

Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

Today is the major day to cross Thorong La Pass, the highlight of this trip. We wake up early to avoid heavy winds at the top. We trek east to west, which is the safest and most popular direction. We ascend straight towards the summit in thinner air; though challenging, reaching the top is worth every step. After enjoying the views, we descend steeply to Muktinath where you stay overnight.

Before breakfast, visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Then descend through Ranipauwa and Jharkot, above Kagbeni village. The trail continues steeply down a barren hillside to the Kaligandaki River. You will walk all the way to Jomsom, the capital of Mustang, where you can enjoy local apple products. The apple brandy produced in Marpha is famous both in Nepal and internationally.

Overnight at Jomsom.

Today we take a 15-minute scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Spend the afternoon exploring Lakeside. Alternatively, you can drive to Pokhara via Tatopani and Beni, which takes 8-9 hours. Do some final shopping and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we travel to Kathmandu. You can enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping and exploring the neighborhood. In the evening, Ama Adventure organizes a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of the trip.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you can do some final souvenir shopping and explore the neighborhood.

Then, transfer to the airport for your departure.