Nar-Phu Valley With Thorang-La Pass Trek

As this is a high altitude trek of moderate and adventurous walks of little more of two weeks. As long one is determined and physically fit and in sound health, can overcome the difficulty and tough climb with steep downhill’s.

The first part of the adventure is gradual with slow gain in altitude, but from Phu and Nar villages onwards. The difficult sections is long steep climb to Kang-La Pass top, the other hard climb is up to Thorang-La Pass. But taking slow with frequent rest stops will be the best to enjoy the difficult part of the adventure. Apart from the two high passes, rest of the walk is pleasant on moderate trails with short ups and down.

Nearly all villages and lodges have electricity from Hydro or Solar power, where one can charge their electronic items. Where client needs to pay an extra fee for using the power as per gadgets charged. But at Kang-La Phedi facilities for electricity is almost nil, just for few days. Rest of the trekking routes and overnight stops do have electricity power. As for internet and cell phone communications, every lodges have the Wi-Fi and internet services, but can be quite disturbing sometimes due to weather and location wise.

In major villages from budget to tourist standard lodge like in Manang. Including Muktinath and Jomsom with high-class accommodation of international standard. On treks most lodges and guest-house are simple with spacious rooms with attached or non-attached bathrooms and toilets. Where meals are served in a large dining room with a warm environment provides comprehensive food menu. Includes from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and popular Nepali meals. As well varieties of snacks and appetizers with home-baked bakeries items in large villages. The only simple comfort of accommodation is on the route to Phu and Nar villages, with Kang-La Phedi and at Thorang High Camp.

Depends upon the trek and grade chosen, for below 3,000 m high no risk of altitude sickness, but for trekking above 3,000 m and crossing high passes of over 5, 000 m. All trekkers should be well aware of altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).  Our guides, leaders offer safety advice about the route and rise of altitude on daily walks to designated overnight stops.

Enjoying the walks taking slow pace when required, having short stops to catch with your breath against getting exhaustion. Taking advice from your guide and walking slow, drinking enough water or any fluids (except alcoholic drinks) as well having rest. All our itineraries for high altitude treks, have rest days for acclimatization before heading higher ground. 

Yes, certainly of course a short panoramic flight of 30 minutes to Kathmandu from Pokhara. But the flight airfare depends upon the cost as set on the itinerary days. If the flight is not included on trip cost, it will be at extra cost, where trekkers needs to inform the Trek Landers Adventure on early booking. 

The Everest Panorama Trek is relatively short and straightforward in the Mount Everest area, offering magnificent views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, and other peaks without requiring high altitudes. This trek is ideal for beginners, families with kids, and travelers with limited time to spare.

The Nar-Phu trek is an expedition through the mysterious and locally untouched valleys of Nar and Phu in the Himalayas. Afterwards, the trek follows the traditional Annapurna Circuit and crosses the celebrated Thorong-La Pass at 5,416 meters. The trek is a blend of traditional Tibetan lifestyle, influenced by the culture, and stunning nature at high altitudes in the Himalayas.

Generally, the trek lasts from 18 to 22 days, depending on the trekking pace, acclimatization process, and the chosen itinerary. It is common among trekkers to spend additional nights in Manang or Phu for acclimatization and sightseeing.

The trek is categorized as difficult because the area it covers is remote, there are long days of walking, and the high altitude at Thorong-La Pass. The trek is intended for people who already have trekking experience and are physically fit.

The highest point of the trek is Thorong-La Pass at 5,416 meters, which is one of the highest trekking passes in the world. It is very important to be properly acclimatized before making the crossing.

The Nar–Phu Valley is a restricted area. Therefore, travelers should go with a licensed guide and carry special permission. Independent trekking is not allowed.

Basic teahouses and home stays are available in the Nar–Phu Valley, while the Annapurna Circuit segment of the trek offers more comfortable guest houses. The amenities are quite basic; however, you can expect the usual warm welcome.

Indeed, a guide is necessary as per the regulations of the restricted area and also due to the difficult, remote nature of the area. A guide ensures safety, helps with the route, and gives insight into the local culture during the trip.

The villages of Nar and Phu revolve around Tibetan Buddhism. There you will find ancient monasteries, prayer walls, yak herding communities, and traditional Himalaya-style stone houses that have been the way of life in the Himalayas for the past several hundred years.

Not at all, this trek is the right of the most skilled and accomplished trekkers only, and they must have previously done trekking in high-altitude areas. The lack of drop-in point facilities, tough environmental conditions, and long distances warrant a strong fitness level and great preparation.

Yes, altitude sickness is a potential problem as the main reason for the worry is the high altitude area, particularly in Phu, Nar, and Thorong-La Pass for submission. Good acclimatization, slow pacing, and drinking enough water are musts.

Yes, since the walk goes up to 5,416 meters at Thorong-La Pass, altitude sickness is a major problem. To keep away from serious situations of altitude, one need to acclimatize well, move slowly, take enough water, and have some rest days in Phu, Nar, and Manang.

In case you have a headache, dizziness, nausea, or you cannot breathe properly, tell the guide right away. The most secure reaction is to quit, take it easy, drink some water, and if the symptoms get worse, go downhill. The guides have got the altitude problems under control, and they will decide the best course of action for your safety.

The trek is best taken during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Both these seasons offer steady weather conditions, open sky, and appropriate temperatures not only for the off-the-beaten-path Nar–Phu but also for the high Thorong-La Pass.

Spring has gentle temperatures, flowering rhododendrons, and great visibility. Around Thorong-La, the snow is melting, thus the pass is getting safer and easier. The trails are invigorated with life, and the weather is still good both in the valley and on the high passes.

Among other things, autumn provides the sharpest views of the mountains, the driest trails, and stable weather conditions. The skies remain crisp and blue, and the temperatures are just right for long walks. In fact, it is the safest as well as the most predictable time to get across Thorong-La Pass.

During the wintertime, it is extremely cold, especially at altitudes above 4,000 meters, while thick snow can cause the closing of the Thorong-La Pass. Even if the Nar–Phu region can be accessed, a trek crossing Thorong-La in winter is a gamble and thus, not recommended for the majority of walking enthusiasts.

Monsoon comes with heavy downpours, landslides, slippery trails, and obscured views. The lower sections of the trek become muddy, and road travel is often delayed. The cloud-covered views make crossing Thorong-La dangerous due to poor visibility, and while the Nar–Phu region is in the rain-shadow area and receives less rain, it is not advisable to pass through Thorong-La.

October and November are generally regarded as the best months. The air is clean, the weather is stable, and in fact, these are the safest as well as the most scenic days for a crossing at Thorong-La Pass.

This trek is marked as a difficult one, for reasons such as the wild nature of the area, the lengthy days of walking, and the high altitude of the Thorong-La Pass. A trekker must be physically fit, have good stamina, and be familiar with high altitude trekking by experience.

The trekking routes are strenuous and include cliff trails that are both narrow and steep, and pass through areas that are at a very high altitude. Besides this, there are only a few facilities to be found in the Nar–Phu region. What make it additionally difficult is the remoteness of the valleys and the crossing of Thorong-La at 5,416 meters.

Indeed, it is highly advised. In particular, they need to have finished at least one multi-day high-altitude trek before taking on the challenge of Nar–Phu and Thorong-La. The altitude and rugged conditions may cause great discomfort for complete beginners.

It's the hardest part of the journey. In fact, the ascent is a rather long walk uphill where the air is thin and cold, thus it is usually done early in the morning. The extreme conditions in terms of wind and altitude make putting one foot in front of the other very slow and exhausting, but if the acclimatization is done properly, it is still feasible.

On average, 6–8 hours of trekking is done on most days, while some days are shorter and used for acclimatization. The days around Nar, Phu, Manang, and the ascent to Thorong-La can be longer and more difficult.

Besides possessing good aerobic capacity, a trekker also needs to have strong legs and stamina for him/her to be able to keep walking for hour’s non-stop. You are suggested to get in shape for the trek by taking part in hiking, stair climbing, and other endurance workouts for at least a month before the trek.

By area, the accommodation is different. Nar–Phu Valley teahouses and home stays that are run by local families will be your stay. When the trail goes to the Annapurna Circuit, the lodges become more beautiful and well-equipped.

Lodges at Nar and Phu provide a very basic level of service with shared rooms, wooden beds, some bedding, and communal toilets. Due to the remote location, facilities are quite limited, but the rooms are clean and the locals are very hospitable and friendly.

It is very seldom that there are attached bathrooms in the Nar–Phu Valley. Most places to stay have shared toilets. On the Annapurna Circuit side, there may be some attached rooms, especially in Manang, Braga, and Muktinath.

Hot showers can be found in some lodges, normally powered by solar or gas, but not in all of them. For instance, in remote areas like Nar and Phu, you cannot expect a hot shower but warm water in a bucket instead.

Electricity or solar power is available in most lodges; however, the power can be very weak in the higher villages. A few teahouses may charge a little if you want to charge your phone or camera, and this can happen in Nar and Phu.

It is necessary to have a warm sleeping bag on this trek because of the cold nights. Still, Treklanders Adventures has a good quality sleeping bag that they can provide you with for your comfort and safety, so if you want, you can bring your own, but it is not compulsory.

You can expect simple, fresh, and homemade food throughout the trek. Nar–Phu Valley offers very basic food options, but they are healthy and mostly made by local families. Whereas, Annapurna Circuit side teahouses provide more extensive menus with more variety.

Common meals include Dal Bhat (lentils with rice), vegetable curry, fried rice, noodles, thukpa, eggs, porridge, pancakes, and muesli. Dal Bhat is the most popular meal because it is a great source of energy for long walking days and is made fresh.

Absolutely, vegetarian meals are provided everywhere and are the most reliable food choice in the most inaccessible areas. The majority of lodges in Nar and Phu are naturally vegetarian because the meat supply is limited and not always fresh.

Certainly, food is always freshly prepared and served hot. In the remotest places, the meals are modest but hygienic. On the Annapurna Circuit, the standards of hygiene in kitchens are well maintained, and freshly cooked meals are typical for trekkers.

Buying bottled water or refilling a boiled water bottle at a lodge is your option. Water that has been boiled is the most reliable one, especially for areas that are located at a higher altitude or are remote. Using purification tablets or a filter bottle is highly recommended for safety and to lessen plastic waste.

Certainly, it is very helpful. Purification tablets or a portable filter will allow you to refill water anytime, anywhere, especially in Nar and Phu, where you may not always find bottled water. It is a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly option.

Mobile phone signal in the Nar-Phu valley is almost non-existent. Some lower villages may receive weak NTC signals, but most of the region especially between Koto, Meta, Phu, and Nar has little to no network. The place is quite far from the city, so do not expect to have a signal for a long time.

That is right. The network signal strength of NTC and Ncell is more stable in Ngawal, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Muktinath. But even so, the fluctuation of the signal due to altitude and bad weather is possible.

In Nar and Phu, the Wi-Fi service is an exotic thing and is usually not available due to the limited connection. On the Annapurna Circuit side, there are a number of lodges providing Wi-Fi services, but the connection may not be very stable, and you might have to pay some amount for the service, especially if you are at a high-altitude place.

Indeed. It is a good idea to buy an NTC SIM card as it is the one that works better in most parts of the Annapurna region. But even with an NTC SIM, do not expect coverage in Nar-Phu Valley.

In the Nar-Phu Valley, be prepared for an absence of network most of the time during your trek, especially around Meta, Phu, Nar, and Kang La Pass areas. Only after the Annapurna Circuit does the network become available.

Guides with licenses usually have their own local phones and are also able to get in touch with the communication systems of nearby lodges. If the situation is really serious and they can't get in touch with anyone, they will use whatever local networks, lodge phones, or the nearest village connection points that are available to them to get in touch with others and solve the problem.

Indeed, a guide is required for the Nar-PHU trek since the area is a restricted zone. Together, you cannot go off on a trek. To get into the region, find less-traveled paths, and be safe in the areas of high altitude, a guide with a permit is necessary.

The Nar–Phu region is very far from anywhere and has villages that are only a few miles away, narrow pathways on cliffs, and the number of signboards is quite low. A guide takes care of the route, safety, talking with the locals, making a plan for acclimatization, and also in the case of changes in trails, weather, or any other unforeseen events.

One can hire a porter for the trek to be in a comfort zone. There are days during the trek when the walking lasts for a long time, the mountains are steep, and parts with higher altitudes appear. Your main bag is carried by a porter while you walk with a day pack, and thus, you can save energy for the Thorong-La Pass.

A porter is the one who normally carries 20–25 kg in total, and this amount is usually divided between two trekkers. Light, waterproof, and well-organized backpacks will make it easier for a porter to carry the load over a dangerous stretch.

Definitely, besides that, licensed guides are trained in first aid, altitude safety, navigation, and emergency response. They even recognize different weather patterns, safe acclimatization procedures, trekkers' needs, and health status. Porters are mountain lovers, strong and very typical local walkers with a lot of experience on the trail.

Definitely, travelling with the assistance of a guide and a porter is the best safety measure you can have, especially if you are planning to visit a restricted area or are going to a place with a high altitude. In addition to helping with the pace, health monitoring, and accommodation, and also giving you the much-needed moral support during the difficult Kang La and Thorong-La Pass crossings, they are the ones who will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Absolutely no, the independent trekking option is foreclosed in the highly controlled areas. You have to have a licensed guide with you, and the permits must be handed out only by the trekking companies registered with the government.

You must have three permit types to walk the path of the Nar–Phu Valley with Thorong-La Pass: a Nar–Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for the entrance in the two restricted valleys; an ACAP Permit is issued for the Annapurna Conservation Area; and a TIMS Card is to be given to the trekker for registration and safety tracking.

The areas of Nar and Phu are the restricted border regions close to Tibet that are designated. A special permit is required by the government in this case to control access, protect the culture and the environment, and ensure that the trekkers are safe. No independent trekking is permitted in these areas.

A registered trekking agency organizes a Restricted Area Permit for you only after it gets the details of your guide and the authorization of the company. While you are free to do your part of the work, the agency will do all the work, the whole process, and your preparation of the documents.

Apart from the KTM and POK Office of the Nepal Tourism Board, from where a trekking agency can get the ACAP Permit and the TIMS Card by heading off to the same places, they are also issuing the permits. A trekking agency can be your path of least resistance and a very welcoming way for a tourist, taking care of everything.

You cannot go through the pass of Thorong-La unless you have the necessary permits, but aside from the permits, nothing else is required from you. This area is on the Annapurna Circuit, so your ACAP Permit and TIMS Card can serve as a full cover for the entire region after you exit the restricted zone at Ngawal.

The trek you are going to take is hard, so you must be physically well-prepared. Your training should not be later than 3–4 weeks before the trek, and it should consist of long walks, stair climbing, light jogging, and exercises that strengthen your legs and core. High-altitude days and long climbs become so much easier when you have stamina.

The clothing you bring should be warm and layered for the high-altitude conditions. Your clothing must be of the moisture-wicking types, and must consist of a base layer, a fleece for warmth, and a down jacket for the outerwear. You will also need trekking pants, thermal wear, gloves, warm socks, a hat, and a waterproof jacket. The layering helps you regulate the temperature as it changes very rapidly during the trek.

Absolutely, Trekking shoes that provide good ankle support and have a strong grip are what you should bring. Your boots should already be somewhat worn from before, so you will not get blisters on the trek. Light shoes or sandals are good for the evenings in the teahouses.

The most essential gear is a comfortable daypack, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, personal medications, water purification tablets, and basic toiletries. A warm sleeping bag is essential, and Treklanders Adventures is giving you a good sleeping bag, so you do not have to bring your own unless you really want it.

Do not put more than 10–12 kg of your stuff in your main duffel bag, which is going to be carried by the porter. Only the essentials like water, snacks, a camera, a warm layer, and personal items should be in your daypack. Being light helps you keep your energy, which is very important for the steep parts of the trek at a high altitude.

Definitely, Energy bars, nuts, and chocolates give quick energy during long days. Water purification tablets or a filter bottle are very necessary in remote places like Nar and Phu. Always bringing personal medications like altitude tablets, pain relievers, and any prescriptions you take regularly is a must.

The trek is considered to have started at Koto officially. Koto is a small village near Chame in Manang District. It is also the checkpoint for the Nar-Phu Valley, where all the trekkers have to come and get a passport before entering the region.

Mostly, trekkers from Kathmandu to Besisahar take a bus or a jeep. After that, they can proceed to Koto or Chame by a private jeep. Altogether, it takes about 8-10 hours to cover the entire trip on a bad or good road, of which a private jeep is the most comfortable and reliable option from Besisahar onwards.

The combination of a local bus, shared jeep, and private jeep can take you to Koto. While local buses are cheaper, they are also slower. On the other hand, while jeeps are faster, they are more suitable for the rugged mountain roads. Most trekking agencies will put you in a private jeep for easy transportation.

The trek generally comes to a close at Muktinath or Jomsom after the crossing of Thorong-La Pass. This is because these villages are connected quite well and therefore provide various means of transport for the onward journey to Pokhara or Kathmandu.

In the case of Jomsom, you could board a plane that will take you to Pokhara in a very short time if the weather is good. Otherwise, you can go by local bus or private jeep through the Kali Gandaki Valley. Due to flight cancellations that are mostly caused by wind, several trekkers opt to go over the ground.

There is a general trend that the roads around here are accessible, although their condition varies with the season. The time between spring and autumn is regarded as the most suitable for traveling. During the monsoon period, certain sections may get very muddy or be more prone to landslides, thus the only safe option will be that of private jeeps. Furthermore, snow in winter can also be a problem in areas near Manang and Muktinath with regard to traveling.

When done with the aid of an authorized guide and suitable preparation, the trek is definitely safe. Even though the area is quite isolated, there are solid trails and the guides are qualified to handle the direction, the emergencies, and the problems caused by the high altitudes.

The majority of the parts are safe, whereas the Nar–Phu Valley features narrow paths, rocky ground, and exposed Cliffside trails, which you can find especially at Meta, Phu, and the crossing of Kang La Pass. Trekking boots, poles, and sure-footedness will do. The trails on the Annapurna Circuit side are wider and better developed.

Make sure you eat hot meals that are freshly cooked, drink only water that is purified or boiled, and keep washing your hands. Things like sun protection, warm clothes, and drinking enough water will help you avoid the most common mountain problems. It is also advisable to bring along your personal medicines, altitude tablets, and basic first aid items.

There is no need for technical climbing gear, but some of the essential things would be a good headlamp, trekking poles, warm layers, gloves, a good sleeping bag, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Any time during the trip, your guide will be the one to take care of safety and help you if any emergency occurs.