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16-day Nar–Phu trek

16
days
For this route, near the start of the classic trek you duck north into the far less visited Nar and Phu Valleys. We love this extension as it ups the challenge while still including pretty much everything that makes the Annapurna Circuit so special and beloved. Further, it introduces you to some very old and impossibly picturesque villages.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Your guide fetches you from the airport and drives you to the hotel in Thamel. We have dinner together and discuss the adventure ahead.

Kathmandu large stupa prayer flags Nepal
Monkey on stupa in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara then drive to Besisahar (3-4 hr)

We take a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then drive east to Besisahar (820 m), the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The drive passes terraced hills and traditional villages.

Day 3: Drive to Meta then Koto then hike to Meta (4-5 hr)

We drive north along the Marshyangdi Valley into Nar Phu territory, passing through the checkpoint at Koto where permits are checked. We then begin trekking to the remote village of Meta (3,560 m), entering a dramatic gorge with high cliffs on either side.

High mountain valley, Nepal
Mountain village Nepal

Day 4: Trek to Phu Village (6-7 hr)

We trek further north into the restricted Nar Phu Valley, arriving at Phu Village (4,050 m). This ancient Tibetan settlement is one of the most remote villages in Nepal, with a monastery dating back over 800 years. Few trekkers make it this far.

Day 5: Explore Phu and rest day

Today is an acclimatisation day in Phu. We explore the ancient village and its monastery, hike to nearby viewpoints, and enjoy the serene alpine environment. The views of Himlung Himal and other peaks are extraordinary.

Remote Himalayan village Nepal
Himalayan mountain view Nepal

Day 6: Trek to Nar Village (5-6 hr)

We backtrack a little before heading to the equally ancient village of Nar (4,110 m). Like Phu, Nar retains its Tibetan Buddhist heritage with beautiful gompas and traditional stone houses. The landscape is stark but stunning.

Day 7: Cross Kang La Pass and trek to Ngawal (7-8 hr)

A big day as we cross the Kang La pass (5,320 m), one of the highest passes on the entire circuit. The views from the top are phenomenal — Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and Pisang Peak all come into view. We descend to Ngawal (3,660 m) for the night.

Trekkers on Himalayan pass Nepal
Mountain village Annapurna Circuit Nepal

Day 8: Trek to Manang (4-5 hr)

We follow the main Annapurna Circuit route down to the large and lively village of Manang (3,500 m). Manang is the last major stop before Thorung La Pass and has excellent facilities including teahouses, restaurants and a high-altitude medical centre.

Day 9: Acclimatisation day in Manang

An essential rest day to acclimatise before heading to higher elevations. Take a day hike to Gangapurna Lake or up to a local viewpoint to help your body adjust, then return to sleep low in Manang.

Trekkers Annapurna Circuit Nepal
High altitude trek Nepal

Day 10: Trek to Thorung Phedi High Camp (3-4 hr)

A shorter day to let us ascend gradually to High Camp (4,925 m), just below Thorung La Pass. It’s important to rest well tonight and hydrate as tomorrow is the most demanding day of the trek.

Day 11: Cross Thorung La Pass and trek to Muktinath (7-8 hr)

The big day! We rise before dawn to tackle Thorung La (5,416 m), the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit and one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The views of Annapurna and Gangapurna are spectacular. We then descend 1,600 m to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,710 m).

Thorung La Pass Annapurna Circuit Nepal
Mustang district Nepal Annapurna

Day 12: Drive to Jomsom via Kagbeni

Today we drive or walk down through the dramatic, arid landscape of Upper Mustang to reach Jomsom (2,743 m). En route we stop at the ancient trading village of Kagbeni, a photogenic settlement with a striking red monastery on the edge of the Kali Gandaki River.

Day 13: Fly to Pokhara

We take the short but spectacular 20-minute mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, soaring through the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world’s deepest river gorge. We explore Pokhara in the afternoon, with its beautiful Phewa Lake, lakeside cafes and mountain views.

Pokhara Nepal Annapurna Circuit
Colorful boats or canoes on on the Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal

Day 14: Explore Pokhara

A free day to enjoy Pokhara. Hire a canoe on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, explore the old Newari town, or book a scenic sunrise flight over the Annapurnas. Excellent restaurants line the lakeside promenade.

Day 15: Explore Kathmandu

We spend the morning exploring Pokhara. In the early afternoon we fly back to Kathmandu. It’s just a 30-minute flight, so there’s time to explore the city in the afternoon. In the evening we can head to a restaurant for a final dinner together.

Monkey on stupa in Kathmandu
kathmandu-aerial-view

Day 16: Time to say goodbye

We drive you to the airport where we say our goodbyes – or even better, see you soon on another exciting adventure!

Price Includes

Airport transfers

All domestic flights

All road travel

Some meals before and after trek

All meals on trek

Experienced, English-speaking trek guide

Porter

All taxes and permits

Group medical supplies

Group route map

Drinking water

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Price Does not Include

International airfares

Nepali visa

Traveller's insurance

Trek guide and porter tips

Snacks, mineral water, cool drinks and alcohol

Wi-Fi on trek

Charging of tech items on trek

Any luggage in excess of 15 kg on domestic flights

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