Annapurna Circuit & Nar Phu Valley Trek - 20 days
Considered by many as one of the world’s classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit is a long trek of incredible diversity, panoramic views and soaring peaks. The route takes you from sub-tropical zones right up to the very edge of the arid Tibetan plateau.
Over recent years roads have been extended up both sides of the circuit through the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki Valleys. Our new trekking route takes advantage these roads to allow time for a remote trek through the Tibetan influenced Nar and Phu Valleys, while still including the highlight of the original route across the high Thorung La Pass to Muktinath and avoiding walking on the roads themselves. This is a hugely rewarding trek that encircles the entire Annapurna Himal mountain range.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free day to explore the sights and sounds of the capital at your leisure. On this day we'll take your passport to obtain your permits to enter the Nar and Phu Valleys.
From Kathmandu you travel by road to Besi Sahar, and then on up to Kotor where your trek begins, leaving the road and the busy main Annapurna Circuit route behind. Your route through the beautiful Nar and Phu Valleys is challenging at times, especially while crossing the 5100m Kang La Pass. You spend the nights staying in trekking lodges and a monastery at Nar Phedi, where you will meet other trekkers and guides, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere after the exertions of the day's walking.
After returning to the main Annapurna Circuit trail the next challenge is the 5416m Thorung La pass which sits at the very edge of the Tibetan plateaux and affords fantastic panoramic views. Once across the pass, you visit the pilgrimage temple at Muktinath, before descending to the Upper Mustang village of Kagbeni. We leave the main route again here for a couple of days hiking via Dhagarjung village to Jomsom or Marpha from where we take a shared jeep down through the Kali Gandaki valley, between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, to Tatopani. A night's break here allows a chance to relax in the hot springs before you drive back to Pokhara.
The tour ends with a drive back to Kathmandu where your adventure will come to an end. Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
National parks
USD 1,985