AROUND ANNAPURNA VIA NAAR PHU VALLEY & THORONG LA PASS
AROUND ANNAPURNA VIA NAAR PHU VALLEY & THORONG LA PASS
One of the most popular treks in Nepal, the Around Annapurna takes you across the foot of the great Annapurna range and beyond it, to the rain shadow area which makes it the ideal trekking destination during Nepal’s long monsoon season.
After crossing farmland and walking through forests, we climb up to the high mountain area with glaciers nearby. We then walk through Metha, Chako, Kyang and Phu, and come across villages with stone houses, chortens and fluttering prayer flags that showcase the strong Buddhist culture in this high altitude desert. Leaving the Naar Valley, we cross the Kang La ((Pass) at 5,322 m enjoying a grand view of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.
- Crossing the Kang La Pass; great views of the Himalayas.
- Diverse landscapes and various ethnic groups along a path less-trodden.
- The isolated valley of Naar Phu, the well-preserved traditional villages of the Naar Valley and Phu Gaon where Tibetan culture prevails.
Gallery
Itinerary
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- Accommodation : Hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer by private local jeep with the team to Dharapani from where we get to see the Tilje Peak.
- Duration of drive: 6 hr. by minibus and 4 hr. by jeep
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 900 m.
- Descent: - 250 m.
- Duration of hike: 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
From Koto, we arrive at the high valleys of Naar and Phu. We cross the Marsyangdi River via a suspension bridge and walk along the banks on the right side of Naar Phu River. The path has been cut out on a cliff face. We walk on solid rock and soon come across a pine forest. After a two hour hike, we cross another suspension bridge and continue walking along the left bank. We cross the river one more time on a wooden bridge and the gorges get progressively narrower between the vertical cliffs. We then head to Dharmasala and are greeted by an amazing view of Lamjung Himal (6,932 m.).
After more than an hour of walking, we cross a small stream, then climb up a steep trail for about 300m to reach Metha, the first village of dry stone houses in a beautiful valley. We are greeted by outstanding views of Annapurna II (7,937 m.) and Lamjung (6,932 m.).
- Ascent: + 1300 m.
- Descent: - 400 m.
- Duration of hike: 7hr
- Accommodation: Lodge/Homestay
After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, Khampa warriors (from Kham in Eastern Tibet), left their homeland and settled here in Metha to fight back but were later removed by the Nepalese army in 1975. The inhabitants of Naar and Phu descend to this village during winter.
We take the trail up to Phu along the Phu River. After 1 ½ hour of walking along a rather flat path, we arrive in Jhunum (3,640m.). On the trail, we come across sheep pastures and enjoy beautiful views of the glaciers. After crossing two torrents, we arrive at the village of Chaku (3,750 m.), former settlement of the Khampas. We then continue along the path right up to Phu walking along the river of the same name.
We reach the Labse River (“Snow leopard” in Tibetan) which we cross to reach Kyang. A great view of the beautiful Pisang Peak (6,091m.), Tilje Peak, Gyaji Kang, Pokharan Himal and more greets us. The numerous chortens along the way remind us that we are in a Buddhist area with strong Tibetan cultural ties.
We continue walking on a path cut out on a rock and then walk along the river where we see herds of blue sheep (naur) which are the favorite prey of the snow leopard. A lovely climb leads us to the first gate of Phu, and we walk along large mani walls and come across some ruins. After an hour’s walk on an even path, we cross a large suspension bridge to finally arrive at an impressive gate in the village of Phu. This village, which once lay on the crossroads of the Trans-Himalayan trade route, is perched on a small rock promontory where houses merge with the rock. There are beautiful views of mountains: Himlung (7,126 m.), Kangguru, Pokarkang (6,265 m.) and the wide Annapurna range.
- Ascent: + 1100 m.
- Descent: - 700 m.
- Duration of hike: 7hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
Optional: Trip to the north of the valley towards Himlung Himal.
- Accommodation: same lodge
* It is possible to spend this day in Naar Gaun before crossing the Kang La Pass.
Rest day: rest and visit the Tashi Lhakang Monastery, located on the other side. Tashi Lhakang is one of the oldest monasteries in the Nepal Himalaya. Later, we start our descent to Chaku.
- Ascent: + 500 m.
- Descent: - 700 m.
- Duration of hike: 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 900 m.
- Descent: - 500 m.
- Duration of hike: 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 1200 m.
- Descent: - 1700 m.
- Duration of hike: 8 to 9hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 150 m.
- Descent: - 250 m.
- Duration of hike: 4 to 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
Walking along the Marsyangdi River, we climb up to Khangsar, the last village in the region. We continue hiking along the mountainside to the Tilicho Base Camp. Overnight at the lodge and rest for acclimatization.
- Ascent: + 750m
- Descent: - 100 m
- Duration of hike: 7hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 700 m.
- Descent: - 700 m.
- Duration of hike: 5 to 6hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 500 m.
- Descent: - 500 m.
- Duration of hike: 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 600 m.
- Duration of hike: 4hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 600 m.
- Descent: - 1800 m.
- Duration of hike: 8hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 400 m.
- Descent: - 1200 m.
- Duration of hike: 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
* NB : There is an alternative trail of same duration but less difficult via Kagbeni from the gates of Mustang.
Free day in Pokhara.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel
* NB: For those who do not want to take a domestic flight: another option is by road, taking a local bus or a private jeep (approximately 6h of track and 3h of paved road).
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu / afternoon free
- Accommodation: Hotel
Free day (safety day) in the capital city.
- Accommodation: same hotel
End of our services.
What's included
- Privatized local jeep from Besisahar to Dharapani one way
- Jomsom Pokhara flight
- Bus Mountain Overland Pokhara Kathmandu - English-speaking Nepalese guide for the whole trek - 1 porter for 2 (luggage carrying up to 13kg / person)
- Solo: English-speaking guide-carrier (max 10 kg of carrying)
- Trek full board in Lodge according to the itinerary
- ACAP & TIMS trek permit
- Special Narphu license ($100 per person, to be paid in duplicate if single person)
- Insurance and routing of staffs (guide flights)
- 4 nights at Yellow House or Kathmandu garden home or similar in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 1 night at the Asia hotel in Pokhara in BB
What's not included
- Nepal visas ($50 + Photos) to be obtained at the airport and international flight.
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, hot showers, recharging of batteries during the trek etc.
CLIENT REVIEW
Donatienne François Trip (Voyage) : AROUND ANNAPURNA VIA NAAR PHU VALLEY & THORONG LA PASS Date of Trip : 24-10-2021
Just a short message to tell you how much we enjoyed our trek and our trip to your beautiful country.
We had a really wonderful stay with sumptuous landscapes, magnificent nature and unforgettable encounters.
Our Kancha guide took great care of us. His knowledge of French, fauna and flora is impressive. It was a pleasure to share this trek with him, and with our carrier Suké, of great kindness and helpfulness.
I already miss the blue skies, the impressive peaks, all the beautiful smiles encountered.
I hope to have the opportunity to return to your very beautiful country.
Have a good day
Donatienne
