Is Nar Phu area is Restricted Area of Manang region?

Upper Manang to Nar Phu was closed for outside visitors, it was then open from 2003 onwards. But remains as Restricted Areas of Nepal, as for Annapurna Circuit it does not fall within forbidden or restricted. Which a part of Normal trekking route, Annapurna Circuit is also listed as World’s Top Ten Adventure Destination. For both trekking around Nar-Phu and Annapurna Circuit requires ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) fees also. Including special permit for Nar and Phu areas.

Why is Nar Phu a Restricted Areas?

Nar Phu, remains as Restricted Areas of Nepal, due to its raw and pristine environment. As well to preserve its fragile natural surroundings, and limiting the mass flow of trekkers. The next reason is the areas of northern areas of Upper Manang and Nar Phu, falls close on route to the border of Nepal and Tibet / China. As well to another Restricted Area of Upper Mustang also, if it was not a restricted area there would have been more trekkers. It wouldn’t be the same with mass flow of trekkers amidst pristine wilderness of Nar Phu valley.

What are the religion and cultures of Manang areas?

he main religion of Manang areas is Tibetan Buddhism, called Mahayana the Greater Wheels. Tibetan Buddhism is practiced all around the Himalayas, as well around Mustang district adored with prayer walls and monasteries.

Is the trekking trail well maintained or hard to walk?

In the beginning of the trek from Kodo to Nar and Phu, where trails are well maintained. Having narrow path on some sections of the walk, with steep ups and downs. From the bottom of Kang-La Pass some of the section are broken due to movement of glaciers and snow-fall. But quite an exciting adventure walking on the tough areas. As well crossing over the two passes of Kang-La and Thorang-La. But once around Manang Valley and Annapurna Circuit, the trail is well defined and maintained and good. Except for the rise in altitude in snow condition climb at Kang-La and Thorang-La Pass will be quite difficult. Finding the right path up and on downhill is equally tough. So far the trail has been used by many flow of trekkers, which is a great walk on the right seasons of the year.

How are the accommodation and foods will be in this trek?

In the beginning from past decades the accommodation and foods was very basic and simple. But due to flow of trekkers increased, at present there are many nice good lodge accommodation and variation of food menu. The rooms are simple and clean with large dining hall, the food is served in a lively homely environment. Attached toilets and bath are few, due to its location and cold weather wise, where plumbing systems gets frozen. Especially around the higher areas, the only basic and very simple accommodation is at Dharmasala before crossing Larke-La and at High Camp of Thorang-La. The food are served according to the menu options of La-Carte or set meals, for larger group from minimum 4 person onwards. It is better to have set meals like Nepali famous Dhal-Bhat, served with mild vegetable curry and pickles of choice. Ordering Set Menu saves time and fuel energy, it will be a perfect ways to follow the rules of Responsible Tourism or Eco-Trekking.

Is there facilities to charge our electronic items and Wi-Fi connection

Nearly all villages and lodge have the facilities of electricity run by local Hydro or Solar Power. Where trekkers can charge their electronic gadgets and items, but needs to pay as per hour per items. Please coordinate with the guide or landlord regarding the price for charging. As well for using hot-showers or bucket of Hot-Water on every overnight lodges. Internet and Wi-Fi, as well telephone communications are available, but in some areas it is quite disturbing due to weather and landscapes wise. Like in deep gorge and valleys the communication either for phone or internet have slow and poor connection. Better to buy local SIM and DATA for your cell-phone in Kathmandu, which will be much better to use while trekking around Nepal Himalayas.

Nar Phu Valley & Annapurna Circuit Trekking

‘an adventure covering the whole of Manang areas beyond Annapurna Himalayas’

North of Annapurna Nar Phu Valley Trekking, is an adventure covering around the best of high Manang Valley. An exclusive, and amazing journey of a lifetime experience where views of snow peaks follow till the end of trekking.

Enjoy the walk around the hidden valley of Nar-Phu, at one time a forbidden country. It is a newly open region for outside visitors, since last two decades from 2003 onwards. But remains a Restricted Area of Nepal, where trekkers require a special permit to enter the fresh new Shangri-La.

The reason is being a restricted region and former forbidden area, due to its close border to Tibet. Where most of the inhabitants still follow the same old heritage and cultures similar to their Tibetan predecessors.

An Adventure that leads to remote pockets of Nepal Himalayas far beyond the massif Mountain range of Annapurna and Chulu. The land where wildlife like Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, and other exotic mammals graze around the undisturbed pristine surroundings.

North of Annapurna Nar-Phu Valley Trekking is a great adventure for people who are interested in off-the-beaten trails. The trek follows the main trail of the popular Annapurna Circuit, till the village of Kodo.

Close to Chame the headquarters town of Manang district, where our route diverts heading due north. As the walk follows a deep river gorge bounded by high rocky sheer cliff walls covered in pines and rhododendron trees.

After days of continued walks the gorge opens into a scenic valley on reaching Phu. A windblown village and interesting to explore its impressive cultures of ancient glories with old monasteries and scenic sites. Enjoying an exciting time at Phu village, the trail then leads to the adjoining Nar village.

Which is equally fascinating as Phu, but quite a small village of Nar. Then the walk leads to cross the high Kang-La pass a steep climb to the top. For every hard step, rewards you with stupendous views of the snow-mountain range, overlooking Annapurna and Chulu peaks. As far as Himlung Himal in the east with Damodar Himal towards the north direction.

From the pass on downhill joining, the main trekking trail of Annapurna Circuit on reaching Manang Valley. Enjoy the pleasant walk to the main Manang village located in between the giant mountain range of Annapurna Himalaya and Chulu’s.

The adventure continues heading at the end of Manang Valley reaching Phedi the base of high Thorang-La Pass. Our next tough and long day to accomplish the climb to cross the highest point of the wonderful journey.

The next morning a steep climb on an undulating winding path reaches you at Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the spectacular views of towering snow peaks that surround the top of Thorang-La. Includes Damodar and Annapurna Himalayan peaks with Chulu range as well as Dhaulagiri towards the west and Manaslu in the east. The walk then heads down towards Mustang areas to reach the holy sanctuary at Muktinath.

A famous religious pilgrimage site for the Hindus, from here slowly the trek comes to an end upon reaching Jomsom. The headquarters of Mustang district and the capital of Thakali the native tribe of Kaligandaki Valley of Lower Mustang.

The next morning a short, scenic flight brings you to the beautiful city of Pokhara near a lovely, serene Phewa Lake. Our marvelous adventure North of Annapurna Nar Phu Valley Trekking completes at charming Pokhara; a city blessed with natural wonders of mountains and lakes

Clothing and footwear

trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)

sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.

flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}

Bandana or neckerchief , Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .

Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.

Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)

Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.

Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.

Trekking trousers , Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.

Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses , Trekking pole , Water bottle.

Equipment

*Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

*Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

*Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

*A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

*Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

*Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

*A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.