Secret Himalayas - Nar Phu

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu

Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

Please note that A special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.

Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: None

DAY 2

Overland to Koto

A full and very long day of driving ahead. Initially travelling via the main highway in a private vehicle to Besisahar, where you’ll then switch to a 4WD vehicle up the rather bumpy jeep road that was built over the Annapurna Circuit trail to reach Koto. Journey time is an exhausting 10+hrs. But, as this is a custom trek you can break the journey up with an additional night along the way e.g. Bandipur

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Find out more about Trekking Lodges 

DAY 3

Trek to "Forest Camp"

The Nar Phu Khola Valley is a narrow, steep-sided gorge-like valley, and leaving the Annapurna Circuit behind, a narrow trail climbs steeply up through woodland above the Nar Phu stream. At around 2985 m, there is a basic lodge in area which doesn’t really have a recognised name as such, but which we call “Forest Camp”. From here on the lodges themselves are quite simple and basic, particularly when compared to busy, more developed areas like the main Annapurna treks. In most lodges you will be obliged to occupy a multi-bed room and should not anticipate that you will be able to have a private room. Walking time is approx. 5-6 hours, virtually all ascent.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, "Forest Camp"
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Ascend to Meta

The deeper you go into this restricted area, the less likely it is that you'll encounter many other trekkers. At times, the trail is gouged out of the cliffside and is quite narrow and exposed in places, with the river far below. There's both ascent and descent during today's walk, but more in the way of uphill to reach Meta (3560 m), taking around 4-5 hours of walking.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Meta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Walk to Khyang

Today is a relatively shorter hike and more gradual as you continue your ascent following the Phu Khola. The approach to Upper Chako sees the incline increase, and it remains a steeper climb to reach the plateau where the winter settlement of Kyang is located. If you needed any reminder that this is now the land of Tibetan Buddhism, your arrival at Khyang (3800m) is heralded by the presence of the mani wall at the edge of the village. Walking time is around 4 hours.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Khyang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Trek to Phu

Since leaving Koto, many settlements you've been passing through are temporary ones used by families from Phu during the winter months. They migrate to these places to graze their yaks and other livestock, and many still follow this time-honoured practise reminiscent of a bygone Tibet. Today you begin by dropping back down to the river and then up to Phu. You'll know you're close when you reach an old stone gateway, and beyond that, you'll be able to see Phu, which is more of a collection of three smaller villages than one large one. An hour's walk from the gateway, and you should be at Phu (4200m). Phu is such a fascinating place to explore that on your private, custom trek you may wish to consider adding an extra night up here. The villagers of Phu still trade across the border with Tibet. This remote and isolated community is by default one that remains unspoilt and about as authentic as you can get in the Nepal Himalaya. The Tibetan influence is evident in the style of houses and the fascinating ruins of the forts here. An extra day here affords you a unique opportunity to observe a traditional way of life, and as you may be one of only a small number of foreigners here at this moment, don't be surprised if the locals take some friendly interest in you too. There are around 145+/- people who call Phu home, so you could meet a fair few of them.Today takes around 4-5 hours of walking in total.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Hike to Nar Phedi

Today you have to retrace your footsteps for some of the way. Beyond Khyang you’ll divert towards Nar Phedi. Actually Nar Phedi (3490m) is really just one monastery and it is the monastery itself that provides simple lodge accommodation and a limited food menu. Walking time approx.5-6hrs.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Nar Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Trek to Nar village

There’s a lengthy ascent up to Nar (4110m). Nar may well be the romantic idyll of a remote Himalayan mountain village. Some might say it's got a touch of Shangri-La' about it. Whatever, it is quite the setting. A backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan mountains, colourful fields of carefully tended crops, Tibetan gompa’s, and the locals going about their spinning and weaving, for which they are renowned. It has of course taken some effort to reach this idyll, but for those in search of 'off the beaten track' Himalayan life, here it is. Walking time approx.4hrs.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

Walk to Kang La Phedi

The locals can most likely do the next two days walking in just one longer day. Respect to them, as it would be a very, very tough day. Today you'll walk for just over 3 hours, heading gradually up to the foot of the Kang La and a nice meadow camp site at Kang La Phedi (4530m). Tonight you stay in a seasonal fixed camp. Walking time approx. 3.5 hrs.

Accommodation: Fixed Camp, Kang La Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

Cross the Kang La

The “Thorung La” of this trek, the crux of the trek, is probably the hardest day, certainly the highest. But unlike the crossing of the Thorung La, there won't be hundreds of other trekkers all vying for space on the narrow trail to the Kang La (5320m). There's a stiff 700m or so of uphill slog to reach the pass. But after around 4 hours of huffing and puffing, you're greeted with stupendous panoramic views of the Tilicho Peaks, Annapurna 2, and Gangapurna. The descent requires your full attention and concentration. It's very steep at first, with loose scree underfoot. Snow is also a distinct possibility. It does ease off, and after a welcome break at a small, high plateau, the trail then skirts the mountain side as it gradually takes you down to Ngawal (3670m). The Tibetan influence remains with you. Walking time is tough at 7-8 hours.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ngawal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11

Return to Koto

With accompanying views of the Annapurna range after skirting the hillside, the trail now descends sharply to Pisang. You're back on the Annapurna Circuit. Should you wish to impress those following that particular trek with your exploits into a land not many have ever heard of, feel free. Oh, that 1500-metre rock wall that rises abruptly and almost vertically is Paungda Danda. It won't escape your notice. Down through woodland and beyond Chame, it's not too far to Koto (2600m). Total walking time is a good 7 hours..

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

Drive to Kathmandu

Down the bumpy jeep road to Besisahar where you’ll change from a jeep to a car and then return to Kathmandu on the main highway. Again, as this is a very long drive of 10+hrs you can also break up this arduous drive with an additional night along the way.

Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13

Depart Nepal

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.