NAR PHU - Semi Annapurna Circuit Trekking

‘great adventure beyond Annapurna Himalaya and crossing two high passes’

Trek at a glance

Mode of accommodation:      Hotels in Kathmandu-Pokhara with local nice lodge on treks.

Trekking Grade:               Moderate to Adventurous walks.

Area of Trekking:              North Mid-West around Annapurna Himalaya

Highest elevation gain:        At Kang-la 5,322 m and Thorang La Pass 5,416 m

Daly Walks:                   Minimum 4 hrs to maximum of 6 hrs.

Trekking duration:             16 Nights and 17 Days (with drive and flight from Jomsom to Pokhara) 

Total Trip:                    20 Nights and 21 Days (arrival to final departure)

Best Seasons for Tilicho and Semi Annapurna Circuit Trekking:

April and May and from mid-September till early November months is best time for visit.It is also good in spring season from April and May when days are fine and clear for views and walks, with longer sunlight hours but cold in the morning and night time above 2,000 m onward with chances of snow sometimes.

Another good months from mid-September to early November around autumn / fall season with clear fine morning and day for excellent views of peaks and pleasant trek.

But the days are short and sun-light hours due to autumn and pre-winter season can snow sometimes on higher area above 2,500 m.

People and Culture

Nar-Phu and Semi Annapurna Circuit Trekking within whole Annapurna range as well around Manang and Mustang areas witness various hill tribes, low warm area of mix tribes Gurung-Magar with Hindu Bhramins, Chettris and Dalits with fascinating traditional farm life and culture.

Higher hills dominated by Manang tribes of Tibetan origin with interesting culture of Buddhism religion which you can notice along the walks with religious monuments of Stupa and series of prayer wheels and stone slate walks, mid-hill and lower region villages practice both Hindu and Buddhism religion of various interesting culture and custom.

Other main tribes are Magar, Gurung and Thakali hill people of Annapurna and Kaligandaki valley region where one can witness various exciting cultures of both Hindu and Buddhism religion.

After Manang dominated by Mustang tribe and Thakali people interwoven with Buddhism religion and exciting colorful culture at Muktinath till Jomsom especially on this trek.

Introduction

Nar-Phu and Semi Circuit Trekking is an exciting adventure as the region been closed for outside world, and flung its door open from late 1990’s where trekkers and explorer could explore this wonderful country.

Nar-Phu and Semi Circuit Trekking is truly a great exceptional journey on less visited region by few flow of trekkers, but slowly gaining popular due to its immense beauty of magnificent landscapes located beyond massive Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks.

The adventure takes you behind group of Chulu peaks and within close to Himlung and Damodar Himal range of mountains on the off beaten trail that makes this trek so special than other main stream trekking.

A great country well hidden and away from main Manang villages and far beyond Annapurna Himalaya range, due to its remote and isolation where trekkers can witness some wild mountain wild-life like blue sheep, snow leopard and other antelopes.

Nar and Phu is located far from main popular trekking trails where walk takes you to visit both of its traditional old villages to observe its ancient heritage of Buddhism visiting its monasteries of great interest in the shadow of high snow-capped peaks.

Adventure starts with exciting overland journey towards low-warm areas of Nepal Mid-West around Lamjung area then route takes you along the glacial river upstream past nice typical hill villages to reach into cooler alpine country, where strong Buddhism culture begins.

Heading higher as walk takes you through lovely shade of forest of pine, fir and rhododendron tree lines heading past nice villages of Jagat, Dharapani and then our trail diverts towards hidden areas of Nar and Phu.

Ample time to explore weather beaten villages takes you back into medieval era away from modern civilization then crossing high Kang-la pass to join back on scenic main Annapurna Circuit trail.

Adventure continues walking into main Manang village with time to visit its cultural villages, sites and monastery, a beautiful place enclosed by Annapurna and Chulu peaks.

Slowly walk takes you at the end of Manang valley to cross over highest pass of the trek at Thorang-la 5,416 m facing breathtaking panorama of mountain range then route descend to scenic Kaligandaki valley around district of Mustang.

Trek to holy Muktinath one of the most sacred pilgrimage spot for Hindu religion.From here on our marvelous adventure comes to an end on reaching Jomsom a large town and headquarter of Mustang region, and home to Thakali people.

Jomsom with an airstrip located on old and present Trans Himalaya Salt Trade and Caravan Route to Tibet which is far beyond Upper Mustang, from Jomsom,a smooth scenic flight brings you to magnificent Pokhara to complete our overall adventure Nar-Phu and Semi Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

Additional Information

On this adventure where trekkers can enjoy great panorama from Mt. Dhaulagiri (8, 167 m), Mt. Annapurna- I (8, 09 m) Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7, 555 m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Mt. Annapurna South (7, 219 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6, 441 m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6, 986 m), Tukuche peak (6, 920 m), to Tilicho peak (7, 134 m).

Short Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:     Main arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m via various airlines.

Day 02:     In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour and trek preparation.

Day 03:     Drive to Jagat 1,260 m via Besisar 820 m -07 hrs.

Day 04:     Trek to Dharapani 1,943 m - 06 hrs.

Day 05:     Trek to Kotto village 2,580 m - 05 hrs.

Day 06:     Trek to Dharmasala 3,230 m - 05 hrs.

Day 07:     Trek to Kyang 3,010 m - 05 hrs.

Day 08:     Trek to Phu village 4,080 m - 06 hrs.

Day 09:     Rest day in Phu village for acclimatization and short exploration.

Day 10:     Trek to Nar Phedi 3, 545 m - 06 hrs.

Day 11:     Trek to Nar-Gaon 4,206 m - 06 hrs.

Day 12:     Trek to Kang La Base Camp 4,530 m - 05 hrs.

Day 13:     Cross Kang-La Pass 5, 322 m trek to Ngawal 3,650 m - 07 hrs.

Day 14:     Trek to Manang 3,540 m - 05 hrs.

Day 15:     Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m - 04 hrs.

Day 16:     Trek to Thorang- La High Camp at 4,450 m - 04 hrs.

Day 17:     Cross Thorang La 5,416 m and trek to Muktinath 3,800 m -06 hrs.

Day 18:     Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m around Kaligandaki valley - 04 hrs.

Day 19:     Fly to Pokhara 860 m from Jomsom-22 min and transfer to hotel.

Day 20:     Fly or drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 21:     International departure to respective countries homeward bound.

Trip Extension in Pokhara

While in Pokhara,with more time can extend for other adventure sports activities rafting, mountain biking, boating, Ultra-light flight, Para-gliding and Zip Flyer or just relax and enjoy at leisure with views of Annapurna Himalaya.