34 Days Manaslu Circuit Nar-Phu Trek

On first arrival reaching the soil of Himalayan country Nepal at Kathmandu international Airport, received by our guide and staff for short transfer to you hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city at Thamel, an interesting area where trekkers can find all needful items in the shops and stores at Thamel. Check into your rooms after a rest then down at meeting place in the hotel lobby or foyer for group briefing where our guide or leader will provide you with information of the treks with other necessary queries to make your stay with us enjoyable. Evening welcome dinner is organized in nice authentic Nepalese restaurant with country cultural program to entertainment you along with nice dinner.

In Kathmandu spare and free day at leisure for Nar-Phu treks preparation with options for tour around Kathmandu, as this city steeped with historical and ancient religious sites of both Hindu and Buddhism religions, an exciting tour to catch glimpse of Nepalese cultures as it were hundreds of centuries and within World Heritage Sites.

Morning an interesting long drive towards Nepal Mid West, journey leads to Dhading areas to reach around Gorkha district on dirt road past farm villages and forest to reach on the side of Burigandaki River at Arughat farm town. From this town drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages heading upstream of Burigandaki River to Sotikhola village for overnight stop in local simple lodge.

From Sotikhola first day walk on trail where route lead into steep valley, within dense forested area and past small villages to reach wide valley opposite at the point where large tributary stream enters into Burdhigandaki River. The terraced cultivated field belongs to upper village of Lapubesi. From here our path descends to a wide, sandy riverbed following a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. At some length leading to a climb on the trail to Machhakhola for overnight stop, with number of tea shops and small lodge, the word Machhakhola means Fish Stream.

Walk from this small village leads to several interesting farm villages and crops fields as vegetation changes slowly, as morning leads to cross a stream where Machhakhola village name comes from (Fish stream), from here follow upstream towards Kholabensi village and at Tatopani ‘hot spring’. An opportunity for hot bathe as time allows, after a nice refreshing break walk carries on to reach at Dovan for overnight stop in this small farm village next of Yaru phant village.

Morning walk across broad gravel field to Lauri stream to cross over suspension bridge which leads to a climb on high trails and then descending into open valley of Yara Khola, where our journey continues on for another hour to the village of Jagat. From Jagat descends to a river, where trail climbs on terraced hillside at Saguleri, with distance view of Sringi Himal 7,187m, walk continue with ups and down trail as our route reach at a bridge over Buri-Gandaki. Crossing bridge as path winds up to Philim village for overnight stop, with time here to observe around nice farm village with rich cultivated farm fields and well tended terraces.

After crossing our path winds up to Philim village having short break on this nice farm village with lovely cultivated fields and terraces. After a refreshing stop head higher through terraces of golden fields of wheat’s and barley, to a rocky ridge top covered within bamboo forest area towards a place called Eklai Bhatti. After rest walk towards higher Manaslu area, as route diverts North West to reach our overnight stop at Deng a small nice village of more Tibetan culture.

Morning walk around farm village, where houses and terrains change into strong Tibetan culture and of Buddhism religion, after few hours walk leads to Bihi, a small village for overnight stop, here people are more of Tibetan origin with ancient Buddhist culture. Villagers raise buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops, since trekking gain popular around the area, spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown.

From here air gets cooler air, as walk continues for few hours to a steep sided scenic valley, coming across Mani prayer with stone walls, as walk lead to Ghap for possible lunch stop. After Ghap altitude gains as route heads into alpine woodland where path meander to steep climb as valley open up with extensive pastures and then crossing a large stream flowing from the glacier of Lidana. Walk facing views of Manaslu where the local name is Kutang Himal with Pang Phuchin 6,335m, Saula Himal 6,235m with many unnamed peaks of above 6,000m. Walk from here takes you uphill altitude gains as walk takes you past farm village to reach at Namrung for overnight stop, the village also called Sho Namru.

Spending overnight at Namrung, from here walk within farm fields, Yak herder huts, as route leads to high and scenic valley all the way to Lho Gaon a nice village for overnight stop. An attractive village of Manaslu region, at Lo enjoy close views of towering Manaslu North Face, around Lo, visit its monastery with numerous chhorten and Mani walls with views of Ganesh Himal towards east.

Enjoying time at Lho Gaon morning walk from here leads to much easier with slow and gradual climb with constant views of mountain with Peak 29 ahead, after few hour walking uphill reaching into a small forest at Shyala village facing view of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli, and then few hours further then ending our day trek at Sama Gaon village, with views of Mt. Manaslu. Sama Gaon village the largest around Manaslu Valley, where local are mostly farmers cultivating buck wheat, barley which are the main crops in this high and harsh terrain, potatoes and some high and cold vegetables are also grown. Villagers around high Manaslu valley descended from South West Tibet way back more than 400 years of history where custom and culture of ancient Buddhist heritage similar to its origin Tibetan predecessor. The local villagers are still active with trade and bartering across the border with Tibet taking few days to reach the frontier of Nepal and Tibet, actually located on old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route of the two countries.

Today a free day for acclimatization before climb to high Manaslu base camp, here with time for short hike around Sama Gaon houses adorned Tibet heritage facing views of peaks and visit the old Monastery.

After Sama Gaon, morning a pleasant walk of few hours to reach the last village of Manaslu valley, starts with slow climb taking time with short break to enjoy surrounding wonderful views of peaks and dramatic terrains. As walk continues finally ending at Samdo village with short climb to reach a small flat plateau where the village located, moderate size village of more than forty houses with about two hundred villagers living this high harsh country.

On leaving last village of Manaslu valley and higher areas of Gorkha district walk leads towards end of a valley, facing views of snow capped peaks with Mt. Manaslu. Walk continues to cross icy streams to reach Larke Phedi at the bottom of a pass, also known as Dharmasala means ‘travelers rest house / shade’. At Larke Phedi afternoon free for short walks and preparations for next early morning long climb and descend crossing high Larke-La pass to reach Manang areas.

After overnight in Larke Phedi, early morning start climb leads to steep slopes over moraine of rocks and boulders. Heading towards ablation area of Larke north glacier, facing views of Cho Danda with Larke Peak, and then reach on top of Larke-la, festooned with thousands of Buddhist colorful prayer flags. From the top enjoy panorama of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II includes series of Manaslu peaks. Enjoying super fantastic views and then on long descend back into green vegetation and tree lines after a small place of Larcia, walks on moraine ridge to Tambuche at 3,900m, at the bottom of a pass, and then with short walk to Bhimthang for overnight. Bhimthang a magnificent place located on a wide green valley with number of lodges adorned with prayer Mani walls, surrounded by green tall trees of rhododendron-pines and oaks.

From Bhimthang rest of the journey is easier with downhill walks and short climb on route to Gho and Dharapani villages, morning facing views of peaks heading towards alpine woodland. Walk into beautiful forested areas to reach a small clearing in the midst of woodland at Gho for overnight stop within a small cattle and yak herders summer pasture and temporary settlement.

Morning walk follows downhill through forest to reach a nice village at Tilje village, a nice place by the raging Marysangdi River, from here cross a suspension bridge with short steep climb to reach large and nice lovely Dharapani village located on the junction of famous and popular Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit trails.Dharapani located on a river gorge with lovely tree lines where motorable has been constructed since past few years, the village provides excellent lodges for overnight stop.

With overnight stop at Dharapani morning walk into rhododendron and pine forest past villages of Bagarchap and Danque, then climb up to Timang a village with more Buddhist culture facing excellent views of Mt. Manaslu, from Timang village few hours trek leads to Koto, from here our route diverts to Nar-Phu away from main Annapurna circuit trail, Koto village for overnight stop which is close to Chame a large town and headquarter town of Manang district.

After Koto our route heads north away from Annapurna circuit trail for a week heading towards Nar & Phu villages, in the hidden areas of Upper Manang valley near South West Tibet border in the country of blue sheep’s and snow leopards. Trek leads into narrow valley with forest of pines and rhododendron trees, then reaching nice pasture fields with huts and sheds of Yak herders and in the gorge formed by Pisang Peak and Kang-guru Himal lower basin, walk continues following Nar-Phu River upstream to reach at Dharmasala for overnight stop.

Morning walk leads towards far north towards Phu village isolated area of dry, arid landscapes, on the lookout for some wildlife’s Blue Sheep’s, Snow Leopard, Musk deer’s and mountain goats. Walk continues to Kang for overnight stop after an interesting day, Kyang with dozen houses of Tibetan culture.

Today walk leads to our destination at Phu village, morning walk to Phu River following upstream for some time and then descend to river again, and then climb to reach within gorge and narrow valley, walk around for some time and up into a wide glacial valley with pasture lands ending at Phu village of strong Tibetan influence culture, traditions and religion.

Necessary rest day at Phu for acclimatization and explore impressive village visiting Tashilkhang and Samdu Choling Monastery and Kyauchyu waterfalls, Phu Village with about 30 houses for 100 to 150 inhabitants.

From Phu village walk heads back on same trail for few hours descend leads to narrow gorge at Phu khola, from here a slow climb to reach at Yughat small village with Mani, chortens and Buddhist shrines, then finally reaching on a flat field at Nar Phedi for overnight stop.

Morning walk leads back to Phu Khola for few hours to reach a suspension bridge over Phu Khola, crossing the bridge with steep climb for few hours reaching a flat area then walk to Nar village for overnight. Nar Gaon in comparison with Phu looks similar but smaller due to its remoteness with high altitude and dry land.

After Nar-Gaon walk heads to remote wilderness, away from human settlement for few days, an interesting walk for few hours then with short ups and downs in some rocky and arid path, passing cattle herders shelters and grazing field heading further west following Temdenzon khola (stream) around this wild areas with views of peaks and finally reaching at Kang la pass Phedi or a base for overnight stop with camping at 4,530 meters altitude.

Starting early in the morning to cross Kang-la at an altitude of 5322 meters, walk climbs higher on a steep slope for few hours with stunning views of Pisang Peak with Chulu Far East Peak, and then reaching the top of the pass with wonderful views of Annapurna massif mountain range, Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal and adjoining peaks of Annapurna range, and then walk downhill to Ngawal via Julu village close to Manang village to reach at main route on Annapurna circuit trail.

Morning walk leads you towards Manang main village, after an overnight at Ngawal where our route this morning joins Annapurna Circuit trail after being away for main flow of trekkers for some days. On route main Manang village with short stop at Braga villages visit its old interesting monastery with fabulous views of mountains. The houses built with traditional Tibetan style, Manang people are known for their rich cultural and traditions.

From Manang walk lead further west to Yak Kharka walks follows past scattered farm and villages with close views of Chulu West then reaching at a wide valley where Yak Kharka located facing Gangapurna, Tilicho peaks in the south with Chulu West towards north direction.

Morning starts towards end of Manang valley at the base of Thorang-la after crossing a short bridge with climb that leads high above Jarjung stream to reach at Thorang Phedi or a base, from here steep climb for an hour to our overnight stop at Thorang High Camp.

Our main adventure and highlight start this morning, after having early breakfast where walk heads with steep climb on winding up within barren landscape to reach on top Thorang-la Pass at 5,416 m high, on the highest spot of the adventure. The high top rewards you with grand vista of beautiful scenery facing dramatic landscape and snowcapped peaks, then long downhill to Muktinath at 3,800 m. On reaching at Muktinath village and temple area for overnight stop, this is a holy pilgrimage spot for both Hindu and Buddhist followers where the word Muktinath means ‘a place for Nirvana and to liberate one-self’.

From here onward with pleasant scenic walk with downhill to reach on a wide Kaligandaki River valley, last trek continues to reach large major town of Mustang district at Jomsom. Check into nice hotel then having lunch, afternoon at leisure with walks around the street and shops at Jomsom the home town of indigenous Thakali people.

Morning transfer to Jomsom airport for short scenic flight to Pokhara during air enjoy fantastic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s, Annapurna Himalaya including towering Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ peak as small aircraft makes landing at Pokhara airport. A short drive to your nice hotel within beautiful city Pokhara located by the side of serene Phewa Lake, after an enjoyable and scenic time around Nar and Phu Trekking.

Morning nice and exciting drive to Kathmandu on leaving Pokhara, where journey takes you on interesting highway back to Kathmandu, and then check into respective hotels, with afternoon free to enjoy your own personal activities and shopping.

(Options for scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu of 30 minutes)

After a marvelous adventure and experience in Nepal with glorious moments around high Himalaya on Manaslu Circuit and Nar-Phu trekking , with last day in the country of high mountains and colorful culture, our staff and guide transfers you to airport for your flight back home or to next port of call.