Nar Phu and Around Annapurna Trek

Overview

Nar Phu and Around Annapurna Trek is an adventure to Nepal’s pure wild country located around Far North Mid-West, which was open for outside visitors for the last few decades.

Nar-Phu around Annapurna trek falls within Nepal’s restricted area as it is a raw and fresh new destination, where trekkers require special permits to enter into remote corners of Manang valley to Nar and Phu country.

Due to its isolation where numbers of trekkers and adventurers are less compared to other areas of the Annapurna region, where one can enjoy perfect tranquility in the harmony of beautiful natural surroundings with amazing views of high peaks.

Nar and Phu’s villages are tucked in a windswept terrain where the climate drops to arctic cold during late autumn and winter times, the native migrates to lower warm areas to escape from cold temperatures.

An enjoyable journey starting on the same trail of the famous and popular Annapurna circuit route for some days till walks reach at Kotto village near Chame the headquarters town of the Manang area.

From Kotto heading into pure wilderness within a deep gorge and valley entering lovely pine and rhododendron forest then slowly tree lines disappear for arid and barren country on reaching Phu village.

At Phu have rest days to explore the undisturbed areas and villages with interesting old monasteries to visit, then head towards another connecting village of the area at Nar Gaon.

Nar-Gaon is similar to Phu village but quite smaller due to its remote location which falls on the route to Kang-la Pass separating Nar and Phu from another region of Manang valley.

After an interesting and wonderful time around Nar-Phu villages where the adventure leads towards Kang-la Pass to cross and reach back at the main Annapurna Circuit trail in Manang Valley.

The beautiful and magnificent scenery of dramatic landscapes with close snow-capped mountain views of Chulus, Damodar Himal with Pisang Peak, and northern Annapurna peaks.

Slowly walk descends to the main Manang Valley and its interesting villages visiting its old monastery and observing wonderful colorful cultures of timeless heritage then the route leads to the base of Thorang-la Pass beyond at the end of Manang Valley.

Starting early morning traverse over the highest point of the adventure crossing Thorang-la at 5,416 m with a long descent to holy Muktinath temple premises within Lower Mustang district.

Enjoying grand times after crossing over two main high passes and then on easy walks towards the wide Kaligandaki River valley to reach a nice town in Jomsom the main administrative and headquarter of the whole Mustang area.

Jomsom is located on the old Trans Himalaya Salt and Caravan trail of Nepal to Tibet and home to the Thakali people the tribe of Kaligandaki valley, from Jomsom where the short scenic flight takes you to the beautiful city in Pokhara to complete our overwhelming adventure on Nar-Phu around Annapurna Himalaya Trekking.

Best Time for Nar-Phu and Around Annapurna Trek:

March to May best time when days are fine and clear for views and walks.

Can get cloudy late afternoon with chances of light showers can expect snow on higher hills sometimes, cold in the morning and night times.

March to May when wild flowers are in seasonal bloom with rhododendron and other plants in full bloom.

Mid-September to November are the best months during autumn/fall times where days are clear for views and walks but with short sunlight hours freezing temperatures during morning and night time could snow sometimes on higher areas on walks.

People and Culture:

Around Nar Phu and high Manang valley populated with various hill tribes, lower warm area mixed tribes of Gurung-Magar with Hindu Bharamins, Chettries, and Dalits with fascinating traditional farm life and cultures.

Higher hills dominated by Manang people of Tibetan origin from Tal-Besi to high Nar-Phu and Manang villages of Buddhism religion with interesting culture and customs.

Other main tribes are Thakali around the Kaligandaki River valley with some Gurung and Magar the hill people of western Nepal and the Annapurna region where one can observe various traditional cultures of Buddhism religion.