Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass Trip Highlights:
The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass trip is an extraordinary journey that combines the stunning and less-visited Nar Phu Valley with the iconic Thorong La Pass.
- Experience a more authentic and less crowded side of the Annapurna region.
- Explore the most diversified valleys of Nar Phu and the Annapurna Circuit.
- Be in the hidden gem of Nar Phu Valley, which is less frequented by trekkers and maintains absolute serenity.
- Meeting the local communities of Nar and Phu Valley is a unique aspect of this trek.
- Explore the ancient monasteries that have stood the test of time.
- Going over the most stunning Kang La Pass @ 5,320 m / 17,450 feet.
- Witness the unique landscape diversity and the scenery contrast from lush forests to arid, high-altitude deserts.
- Phenomenal views of some of the world's highest peaks, including the Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, etc.
- Crossing the Thorong La Pass @ 5,416 m / 17,769 feet with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- The diverse cultures encountered along the Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit route.
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass Trip Overview
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass is certainly one of the most beautiful treks, a hidden gem of Nepal. If anyone is looking for a trek that goes beyond the natural beauty Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass will surely be the best pick.
If you are intending to escape the commercial traditional trekking route and prefer to go into the wilderness, this trip will be the best pick. Furthermore, are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path trek? Then Nar Phu Valley would surely be an ideal choice.
This classic 20-day trek takes you to the magical, remote villages of Nar and Phu and the incomparable Thorang La pass. It is a beautiful combination of the untouched valley of Nar Phu and the most acclaimed trekking destination of Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Located in the North of Annapurna in Manang District, lies the ancient valley of Nar and Phu, the hidden gem. The valley of Nar Phu is a restricted area and still very unaffected because it was opened to the outside world only in 2003. It is a valley with a very medieval setting, and it is still untouched by the outside world.
Nar Phu has a unique and diverse topography, which makes it exclusive, unlike many other Himalayan valleys of Nepal. It is a valley that sends you into the ancient era, where you will experience the genuine rustic life before civilization. The remoteness of the region is still very tranquil and gives anyone the real feeling of being in the wilderness.
Trekking into Nar Phu Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful experiences not found elsewhere. The trail cruises through narrow alleys, traditional Tibetan-style villages, and dramatic forest settings. Significantly, it introduces you to an exceptional Himalayan culture, customs, and beliefs, which are extraordinary.
Gradually, the trek takes you over the Kang La Pass 5320m into a magical valley of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Now you will get to a different valley that is very rich in its natural beauty, different history, myths, and in its unique culture. Much like Nar Phu, Annapurna Circuit is, without a doubt, a hidden gem purely adorned by its natural beauty.
Besides the mountains and the cultured villages, the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass has a lot to offer. The local traditions, rituals, dress, and numerous sacred monasteries bear fascinating myths and legends.
Besides, the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass delivers travelers one of the most outstanding views of the mountains. The mountain and landscapes view in both the valleys are outstanding, it's simply phenomenal and heavenly. The mountain view includes Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Tilicho Peak, Himlung Himal, Annapurna massif, and many more.
Thorong La Pass 5,416m: The Highlight of Annapurna Circuit:
The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass takes you to two different high-altitude mountain passes, Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass. After finishing the Nar Phu Valley and going over the Kang La Pass, we get prepared to go over the Thorong La Pass.
The Thorong La Pass stands at a height of 5,416 meters / 17,769 feet, making it the highest point on the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. This challenging mountain pass connects the two different valleys of Manang and Mustang.
The Thorong La Pass offers one of the most breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks that surround you from all sides. Starting from Manang District, once you go over the Pass, you are in a different magical zone of Mustang, which is popularly known as the DESERT OF NEPAL.
The crossing of Thorong La is certainly very challenging, but reaching the top delivers you one of the rewarding moments. From Torong La we descend 1,700 m / 5,577 feet to Muktinath, a sacred place of salvation, which is at 3,710m / 12,172 feet, is incredible.
Do you know that due to its unique diversity both in culture and topography, the Annapurna Circuit was once a world number one trekking destination? It still has a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and trekking fun.
If you look into the history of Thorong La Pass, for centuries before tourism arrived, it served as a vital trade route for local people. It has served as a crucial trade route during the SALT TRADE ERA. The traders between the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys got connected via this mountain pass.
There were times when Thorong La used to close down in winter due to heavy snow. However, now with climate change, it is open all year round. As of now, there are ample tea houses that serve modern trekkers along the same ancient paths with the luxury of food and accommodation to go over this once formidable pass.
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Thorong La Pass Trip Details:
The Nar Phu Valley trek with Thorong La Pass basically starts from the prominent Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Kathmandu, we drive to Dharapani via Besisahar. Despite a long drive, the view and the fun of driving through the narrow highways and the mountain gorges are interestingly unbelievable. From Dharapani we skip the legendary Annapurna Circuit trial and enter into the most stunning hidden valley of Nar and Phu.
Though the walking distance is short yet the walking hours are governed by your pace and the time you spend adoring the mesmerizing sights. Gradually we explore this practically untouched valley walking into the remote magical surrounding with its enchanting charm. Eventually, we go over the amazing Kang La pass 5320m / 17,454ft and once again join the famous Annapurna Circuit Trial. As we get down to Ngawal the view of the Annapurna massif is simply unbelievable.
