Spectacular Nar Phu Valley Journey

After breakfast, Gravity Expedition will introduce you to your tour guide, who will pick you up from your hotel for an interesting tour of Swayambhunath Stupa, which is located on a hilltop and has spectacular views of Kathmandu city, green hills that surround the valley, and high snow-capped mountains. Swayambhunath is one of the world’s oldest historical landmarks, with a more than 2,5000-year-old Buddhist temple complex with a massive dome-shaped stupa with four mystical eyes of Buddha peering out in four directions: north, south, east, and west. After an outstanding tour of the monastery and little chapels, this location is surrounded by lush forest with many monkeys, and it is also known as “Monkey Temple”.

The next interesting tour takes you east of Kathmandu to the Pashupatinath Temple Area. Tourists and non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple, but one can see it from the bank of the Bagmati River. The holy and famous Shiva temple has golden pagoda tier roofs and four silver doors and is surrounded by a lovely forest with many monkeys. On Shiva Ratri (Lord Shiva’s birth anniversary) in mid-February, this area floods. Nearby, on the opposite bank of the river, funerals and cremations are held for all Hindus.

Then, after driving northeast, you’ll arrive at Bouddhanath Stupa, also known as “Little Tibet” due to the strong Tibetan influence in culture, traditions, and Buddhist religion. Bouddhanath is a massive dome with two tiers where you can walk up to the top for great views of the surrounding Bouddhanath area, which includes shops, stores, restaurants, and monasteries.

Finally, the day closes with an authentic Nepalese dinner at Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

We set out early for our long travel. We leave Kathmandu shortly after breakfast, at 7 a.m. Throughout the drive, we observe beautiful views of Nepali countryside, lush greenery, rivers, towns, farms, and mountain vistas.

After 8-10 hours of driving, we arrive in Jagat via Besishahar. The drive up to Besishahar will most likely be pleasant due to black-topped roads, but after Besishahar, the roads become dusty and coarse, but the picturesque view from our windowpane more than compensates for the rough journey. Stay overnight in Jagat.

Today’s hike begins slowly after breakfast. The trail from Jagat drops to the river and then continues through a lovely forest. Further rise results in a sharp-edged cliff overlooking the riverside. En route, Chyamje appears against the stunning background of the towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After passing a suspension bridge, we ascend steeply up the slippery and physically demanding path to Sattale. Following a series of rock-strewn pathways, we descend to a green riverbed that leads to Tal. As we go out from Tal, the path becomes more rough and windy. Then we approach the steeply forested settlement of Karte. We arrive in Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge after meandering through waterfalls and cliffs. Overnight in Dharapani.

We begin our walk to Bagarchhap in the morning, which takes approximately an hour and passes through pine and fir forests. We can go to the whitewashed monastery in this village. Then we continue our journey to Danaque, which takes approximately an hour. The trail leads steeply up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. The trail now continues through pine forests until it reaches Latamarang, which takes around one and a half hours. We take a break for lunch before continuing into the trees, catching a sight of Annapurna II. Finally, we arrive in Koto Village. Overnight in Koto.

We visit the Police Check Post in the morning to register our restricted area permit. Then we travel through the Soti Khola River bank, passing through beautiful pine forests, streams, and suspension bridges to reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the go. We then continue our journey through trees, ascending steeply towards Meta village. Finally, we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau, where we have an excellent view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.

We begin our day by walking up and down and crossing suspension bridges over several creeks. After nearly 4 hours of trekking, we arrive in Kyang to examine the relics, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (where Khampa refugees from Tibet formerly captured and lived). We continue going beyond the Phu Khola on a difficult trail for another 3 to 4 hours before arriving at the Phu settlement. Stay overnight in Phu Gaon.

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day, during which we should rest and become accustomed to the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can learn about the culture, natural diversity, and religious traditions of ethnic groups such as Lama, Gurung, and Ghale.

Aside from that, we may see how humans survive in remote areas or hidden valleys through agriculture, animal breeding, and seasonal migrations. It is also the day to visit the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, which is one of the 108 great Buddhist monasteries in the world and is said to be Karmapa Rinpoche’s final construction.

Aside from studying the lost valley’s cultural channels, we can also enjoy a spectacular view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight in Phu Gaon.

The trail descends over numerous creeks and suspension bridges till Mahendra Pul, which takes approximately 4 hours. We cross the Lapche River Gorge on an 80-metre-high suspension bridge. We had lunch at Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail ascends sharply, past many Buddhist stupas, till Nar Village, which takes approximately 2 hours. We may visit various Buddhist monasteries here, as well as enjoy the breathtaking views of Pisang Peak and other lesser peaks. Overnight in Nar.

This is the trek’s second scheduled acclimatization/rest day. We spent the day hiking around, seeing Nar village and getting a close look at the native culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the hike the following day. Overnight in Nar.

Today, we leave Ngwal and travel to Manang. We walk via the secluded settlement of Paugh, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. We then make our way slightly uphill to Mungli, where we will join the main Annapurna Trail. We ultimately make it to Manang, where we set up camp for the night. Overnight in Manang.

The trail begins in Manang village, crosses a creek, ascends to Tenki village above Manang, and then climbs out of the Marshyangdi Valley, turning northwest up the Jarsang Khola valley. The trail follows this valley northward, going through a few fields and a juniper tree scrub as it gradually gains elevation.

The trail continues past the little settlement of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud dwellings immediately below the trailhead. Now the road leads through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient Mani wall in a lovely meadow before arriving in Yak Kharka, another small village. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Today, we travel to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi. Thorong Phedi is a small, lively town that caters to fatigued hikers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this location as a base camp. Some guests attempt a walk to the High Camp today in order to make the following day simpler. However, the Himalayan Glacier team leader does not recommend this.

Although we will have a difficult day tomorrow, we will stop at Thorong Phedi to get a good night’s sleep in a lower altitude rather than risk sleeping in a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

Another highlight of this walk is crossing the grueling Thorong La Pass, which stands at a dizzying height of 5,416 meters (17,764 feet). An early start is required to navigate the ice high-altitude terrain. However, the stunning mountain vistas more than pay for the long hike across the arduous terrain.

We get to Muktinath around dusk, which is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. We may walk about the neighborhood, which has a Vishnu temple and a monastery nearby. Overnight in Muktinath.

We start descending the stunning Kali Gandaki Gorge over the dry landscape. We walk via Jharkot and Khingar villages, which have traditional Tibetan architecture. We arrive in Jomsom after following the valley level for the most of the route along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river. Overnight in Jomsom.

After breakfast, we travel to Pokhara. The gorgeous flight takes us across the ravine between two massive mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. When we arrive at Pokhara Airport, we will be taken to a lakeside hotel. We rest and then visit the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening.

We took a leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, Nepal’s second largest lake, while appreciating the majestic views of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat trip on Fewa Lake or a short stroll to the World Peace Pagoda. We can wrap out the day with a leisurely stroll around the stunning lakeside region.Stay overnight in Pokhara.

We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. After arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. We spend the day relaxing, shopping, and exploring any landmarks we missed on our first day in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Leisure day in Kathmandu, followed by a farewell meal and celebration. Leisure day in Kathmandu, followed by a farewell meal and celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. On this day, you can visit the valley’s numerous museums, including the Narayanhiti Museum, which was previously the residence of Nepal’s last king. You can also visit the hilltop of Nagarkot. After exploring the valley’s world heritage sites, you will enjoy a farewell supper with your Nepali friends and guide. You and your guide may even decide to extend your stay to include a Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and other activities.