Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel (No Meals):

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel (No Meals):"

Alfred McKinney
5 years ago
Views:

1 Overview The Nar Phu valley is a remote and exhilarating trek that begins by following the world classic Annapurna circuit route and the trail to Nar and Phu villages separates from the circuit at the scenic village of Koto, we then make a sensational excursion along a remote route closed until 2002 for tourists, the route passes through serene settlements of people of Tibetan descent, the Nar Phu trek blends the pristine natural appeal of the Himalaya with adventurous side-trails and the famous Annapurna circuit, along the way, we visit isolated landscape with remote monasteries. We at Outfitter Nepal Treks and Expedition have 20day itinerary to complete the Nar Phu valley trek with the world famous Thorong La pass Trek and the itinerary includes your arrival and departure days plus a day tour in Kathmandu, and our real trek starts after a day drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule and follow up the Marsyangdi River by following the classic Annapurna Circuit Trail till the Dharapani then we take route to Nar Phu valley from Koto, we pass through a wide diversity of terrain and ethnicities to the other worldly terrain of Nar and Phu villages and there is much more to see along the way including majestic monasteries and excursions to Milarepa Caves and Ice Lake and we pass few passes like Kang La passes and reach Ngwal and will trek to Manang Village, a nice village then we follow the classic trail of the Annapurna over the Thorong La pass and reach Jomsom through Muktinath then take short flight to Pokhara or you can trek further down by taking the classic Annapurna circuit trail through the Ghorepani-Poon Hill as well. Outline Itinerary Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel (No Meals): Day 02 : Full day sightseeing in historical Kathmandu valley (B): Day 03 : Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (B, L, D): Day 04 : Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (B, L, D): Day 05 : Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (B, L, D): Day 06 : Trek from Dharapani to Koto (B, L, D): Day 07 : Trek from Koto to Meta (B, L, D): Day 08 : Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (B, L, D): Day 09 : Excursion around Phu valley (B, L, D):

2 Day 10 : Trek from Phu valley to Nar (B, L, D): Day 11 : Explore Nar village (B, L, D): Day 12 : Trek from Nar village to Ngwal after crossing Kang La passes (B, L, D): Day 13 : Trek from Ngwal to Manang (B, L, D): Day 14 : Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (B, L, D): Day 15 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (B, L, D): Day 16 : Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (B, L, D): Day 17 : Trek from Muktinath- Kagbeni- Jomsom (B, L, D): Day 18 : Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (B, L): Day 19 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (B): Day 20 : Transfer to international airport for your connecting flight home (B): Itinerary Details Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel (No Meals): When flying into Kathmandu on a clear day, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawl down below you & are almost breathtaking, beginning a whole link of memorable experiences that stay with you for a real, long time, Our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Our representative will help you check into your designated hotel then you will be briefed about your daily program. This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods. Day 02 : Full day sightseeing in historical Kathmandu valley (B): After having breakfast at hotel, we will take your sightseeing tour in Kathmandu about 9:00 am and the Kathmandu is historical heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents an interesting holy mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and western influence in the valley. There will be a day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Squire, all of them are UNESCO recognized World Heritage sites, return to hotel and you will have some time to buy trekking gear if you need and overnight at your hotel.

3 Day 03 : Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (B, L, D): You will have an early breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu and our trekking guide will come to pick you up at the your hotel about 7 AM in the morning, we then drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar then to Bhulbhule, check in to the lodge and overnight at Hotel. Day 04 : Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start trekking and the trekking will take about 6 hours to Chamje, The trail goes flat for the first part then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests, check into the guest house and overnight at Guesthouse. Day 05 : Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (B, L, D): After having breakfast at guest house, we start our trek by descending to the river and cross another suspension bridge; we begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. We continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing a meandering path to the top of the hill, we will see the level plain of Tal (1700m.). Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river and we cross a another suspension bridge and arrive at Dharapani, overnight at Guesthouse. Day 06 : Trek from Dharapani to Koto (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek and today, our trek goes gradual ascent path and cross a stream to reach Koto, the mountain views we will enjoy are of Annapurna II, Manaslu range and beautiful views of forests on the way add another dimension to your trek, the Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and others and their life style is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans, over night at simple guest house. Day 07 : Trek from Koto to Meta (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala, we then continue our trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village and

4 overnight at simple guest house. Day 08 : Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams, then almost 4 hours of trek we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived), we then further trekking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village and overnight at simple guest house. Day 09 : Excursion around Phu valley (B, L, D): We will have interaction with locals and explore up the wide valley systems above us, we might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hourâ s walk past the gompa, the Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and we can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat, overnight at simple guest house. Day 10 : Trek from Phu valley to Nar (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek and descend to the river and retrace our step back to Junam Kharka, we then trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below we sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. we finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo topped chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old colorful and traditional Gompas and the snow peaks looming overhead, it is little longer day today and overnight at simple guest house. Day 11 : Explore Nar village (B, L, D): Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu and the village â squareâ is full of chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets, pounding mustard seeds for oil, or spinning the ubiquitous wool while catching up on the news. Each family in Nar seems to have at least one son or daughter in a gompa, and many live at home or visit frequently, so there is the resonating sound of cymbals, chanting and drums echoing throughout the village. Other Nar villagers may be printing prayer flags, doing some carpentry, collecting wood from the forest and carrying large loads with a head strap back up to the house, harvesting the crops, tending the yaks, sheep and goats or spinning the prayer wheels in the center of town, overnight at simple guest house Day 12 : Trek from Nar village to Ngwal after crossing Kang La passes (B, L, D):

5 After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek and the Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking its toll, the Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and gradual down towards the end and overnight at lodge. Day 13 : Trek from Ngwal to Manang (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek and today, we walk through the leveled path along the bank of Marshyangdi River to reach Manang, on the way we pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. We will enjoy the views of Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak and beautiful landscapes and vernight at Guesthouse. Day 14 : Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we star tour trek and today the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village, en route, we will see panoramic views all the day and it seems it is short trekking however we will feel tiring as we are going higher and into less oxygen air and overnight at Guesthouse. Day 15 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (B, L, D): After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek with climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi and overnight at Guesthouse. Day 16 : Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (B, L, D): After having early breakfast at lodge, we start our trek quite early in the morning crossing the Thorung La (5416m.). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we will reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snowcovered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple, overnight at Guesthouse. Day 17 : Trek from Muktinath- Kagbeni- Jomsom (B, L, D): This morning, we will go visit the famous temple of Muktinath and return to the lodge then

6 we will have breakfast and begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet, after passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures and There is situated a monastery said to belong to 15th Century and we stop at Kagbeni and continue trekking to Jomsom following flat path along the bank of dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as in Tibet and overnight at Guesthouse. Day 18 : Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (B, L): After having early breakfast at lodge, we will take early flight to pokhara, and check in to hotel and visit the most beautiful city Pokhara, relaxing day and overnight at Hotel. Day 19 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (B): We take a tourist bus at 7 AM to drive to Kathmandu and the drive will be fantastic along many satellite towns on the way. And we are able to see healthy settlements, Rivers, terraces and landscapes, after 6 hours driving we will arrive at Kathmandu, Fare well dinner in the Evening and overnight at hotel. Day 20 : Transfer to international airport for your connecting flight home (B): OUTFITTER NEPAL feels honored to have met you & served you. You counted on us & we reckon we didnâ t let you down. We know youâ ve enjoyed your vacation & we hope t he relationships built up over the weeks will translate into a warm & mutual friendship in the years ahead. Please do remember us. Bon Voyage & take care!!!. Cost Includes All the airport transfers by private vehicles. Three nightsâ hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast on twin share basis. Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary. All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek on twin share basis. Your standard meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast. All necessary paper works, Conservation entry permits, special trekking permit and TIMS permit. One nightâ s accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast on twin sharing bas is. Ground transportation from Kathmandu â Bhulbhule -Pokhara - Kathmandu by bus. Flight fare from Jomsom to Pokhara with domestic airport tax. An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide and porters (1 porter for 2 peoples). Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porter. Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.

7 Sleeping bag, down jackets and trekking map, if necessary (return after the trek). All government taxes, VAT and Service charge. Cost Excludes Note Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos. Your Travel insurance (compulsory). Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara. Your personal expenses and entrance fees while you are on sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and Sweet things like chocolate. International airfare and airport departure tax. Tips for the guide, porter & driver. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on including section. Hotel and Accommodation on Nar Phu trek: We offer 2/3 star standard hotel (3 nights in Kathmandu) and (1 night in Pokhara) and Lodge/teahouse during the Nar Phu valley trek and the rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets, A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge on lodges during the trek, we will accommodate group in local lodges available each day on the trek. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required number of rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance in all places). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary as the trail of the Nar phu has been developing tea house so, you need to stay in people house/home stay and in dormitory sometimes as well and there is some luxury 4/5 star accommodation available in Kathmandu and Pokhara and if you want, we can book them for you for your Kathmandu and Pokhara stay so, do let us know if you want to upgrade your accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Transports used on Nar Phu Valley trek: We at Outfitter Nepal provide private vehicles for the airport transfers and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, Local bus transportation from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule and Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu and flight from Jomsom to Pokhara however there are private transport available: Would you like to take private transport: if yes, then we have private jeep transport from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule instead of local bus and it cost USD per jeep and up to 6 person can sit in one Jeep and if you want have private transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu instead of tourist bus then a car

8 cost 100USD ( you can sit up to 4 person), a jeep cost USD (can sit up to 6 person)â and aâ Hiece cost USD (can sit up to 13 people) or you can take 30 minu te flight to Pokhara to Kathmandu as well, please ask us for the up to date flight fare. Electricity and battery charges on trek: There are electricity available in some of the villages of the trail of Annapurna Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trek, where you can re- charges your camera batteries and there is solar power in some villages we trek through and you can recharges your batteries in those places as well if they have enough power and we suggest you to have spare batteries as well and you will have pay some for recharging batteries. Meals and drinks on trek: The meals are included in our price of the trek and they are taken in lodges; we will have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where we stay overnights and our will guide will choose and stop for lunch on available place every day and we recommend you to bring water purification pills since you will have normal water for free, then you can have the normal water and use the medicine and drink however you have options of buying bottled water or boiled water in every places as well. Luggage/Bag pack on Nar Phu valley trek: Your main luggage on the trek will be carried by porter and you simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, and etc, during the trek, as small loads allows you for full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotelâ s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of cha rge. Weight allowance at Nepalâ s domestic airlines (if you are taking flight) is 15 Kg inc luding your hand bag; excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more which is extra on our tour cost. Guide and Porter on trek: We provide trained trekking guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek) and porters, A porter for each 2 trekkers and a porter carry about 20 Kg (10 Kg from each trekkers) and if there are more than 10 people in the group then we will provide you additional guide for the group. Group Size, guide and crew member:â We organize Â Nar Phu Valley Trek for minimum or two people to maximum 14 people at once or even if you have more than 14 people then we can split the group in to two or more groups (according to the number of trekkers) however you all can walk together and stay at same guest house along the trail and there are only different guide, and there are

9 1 guide up to 10 people and 2 guide for people and a porter for each 2 trekkers. Personal expenses on trek: Personal expenses depend largely on your habit and all the meals are included on our Â Nar Phu Valley Trek, You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (some smaller shops are available along the trail in the areas), tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places), and meals ( A meal cost 5-7USD in Kathmandu and Pokhara) for your Kathmandu and Pokhara stay, entrance fees ( approx: 25USD) while your tour in Kathmandu, if you do not drink alcohol and sopping then 12-15USD per day should be enough for the hot drinks, shower and snacks on trek and Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trek. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 10-15% of the total tour cost as tips to the staff and you can do this if you feel the services have been good. Gears available in Kathmandu: It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying equipment for the Nar Phu Valley Trek in your country as Majority of these gears can be bought at reasonable rates in Kathmandu. A typical day on trek: Each morning on our Nar Phu trek, after packing your bags and having hot breakfast at lodge, you set off on the dayâ s walk/hike/trek and after walking for 3-4 hours, you will sto p for lunch at around midday. The afternoonâ s walk is generally shorter and usually arr ives at destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days you will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free then after dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the dayâ s adv entures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep. Our meeting in Kathmandu:

10 You should to pass your International flight details to us once you confirm and book Nar Phu valley Trek with us for a â œmeeting and greetingâ service at the airport on your arrival, once you pass through the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either â Outfitter Nepalâ or your name writte n on paper then our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and transfer you to the hotel or if you have not booked your Kathmandu hotels with us (you have done it yourself) and have just booked the trekking part then you should pass your hotel detail in Kathmandu, we fix the date and time to meet through e mail when we communicate while booking trek. Insurance/Rescue/Evacuation: In case of a serious sickness or a casualty while you are on Nar Phu Valley Trek (which we believe will not happen), we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital to save your life (this has happened to us few times) and you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation/rescue, so, please make sure that these expenses are covered by your insurance policy before assigning for the trek or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ensure that youâ ve insured yourself before doi ng the trip, Common sense dictates this, itâ s good for you and please visit Nepal Tra vel insurance page for more info about it. Booking and payment: You are required to make 20% (non refundable) payment in advance in order to confirm and book Nar Phu Valley Trek along with your passport copy and flight detail (Arrival detail, flight name, number and time) and the remaining 80% balance is payable when you arrive in Nepal and you have options of paying the advance by bank transfer or credit card, so, do let us know which modes of payment is convenient for you then we will forward the detail for payment.

Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel ( No meals): Day 02 : Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul and trek to Jhinu dada (B, L, D):

Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel ( No meals): Day 02 : Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul and trek to Jhinu dada (B, L, D): Overview We at Outfitter Nepal have carefully designed this 08 day Annapurna Base Camp Trek for those having limited days and still want to reach the wonderful Annapurna Base camp as our normal Annapurna