Nar – Phu Valley – Annapurna Circuit Trek – 23 Days landmarkdiscoverytreks.com

Nar Phu – Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventure into the mystical lost valleys of Nar and Phu and the enthralling Annapurna Circuit, along with the high passes of Kang La and Thorung La. The Nar and Phu valleys (north of the Annapurna Trail) are home to people of Tibetan origin who speak a unique dialect of the Tamangic languages spoken along the Annapurna trails; but are unintelligible to the people of the Manang Valley. They have remained isolated from the lower valley for centuries, choosing to trade across a high pass with Tibet. The valleys and forests are home to some rare species of Himalayan wildlife, creating the possibility of encountering herds of blue sheep, thar or even the elusive snow leopard.

In late 2002, this high region (mostly 3 500m) was opened, at their request, for trekking in Nepal to restricted area. Simple tea house treks are now possible, but are demanding as the tea houses are few and far between. A restricted area permit, only issued to two or more trekkers with an official guide, is needed to enter this region.

The route north of the Annapurna trail requires four long trekking days – and two rest days to explore Phu and then Nar. Trekkers can then either return to Tal and Kathmandu (in 3 days: total 12 days) or continue west to Manang and complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Pokhara (in 11 days, total 20 days). The full trail is described below. The best time to explore this region is in late September and October (when snow is least likely to be a problem.)