Compare Annapurna Dhaulagiri in Comfort by World Expeditions vs Nar Phu Valley Trek by Himalayan Glacier Adventure

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Trip	Annapurna Dhaulagiri in Comfort by World Expeditions 5 \| Excellent 2113 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Nar Phu Valley Trek by Himalayan Glacier Adventure 5 \| Excellent 269 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	16 days	19 days
Price From	$ 2,490	$ 3,590
Price Per Day	$ 156	$ 189
Highlights	Be swept away by breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges Traverse the high pastures above Kopra Ridge beneath Annapurna South, where ancient pilgrim trails lead to the sacred Khayer Lake Wander old yak herder trails to Upper Phulbari, above the level of often visited Poon Hill Take in the views on a Himalayan mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara Explore Kathmandu's vibrant streets and ancient sites	Trek to the unexplored surroundings of the Annapurna region Trek through the rugged and wild trails to the enthralling valley of Nar Phu Enjoy the dramatic mountain views of the high snow peaks and ancient villages Observe the medieval Tibetan culture in the hidden mountain valley
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Basic	Standard
Physical Level	N/A	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Trekking & Expeditions Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel	Hiking & Walking Trekking & Expeditions
Countries Visited	China Nepal	Nepal
Cities and Attractions	Kathmandu Pokhara Tibet	Kathmandu Pokhara
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Trekking	Hiking Nature Trekking
Meals Included	N/A	18 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches and 16 Dinners
Description	A remote trek into the heart of the Annapurnas	A fantastic journey to the wild and unexplored vicinity located north of Annapurna, this rugged and wild trek takes us to the exotic and enthralling valley of Nar Phu. Nar Phu Valley trek starts from Jagat following the popular trekking routes of Annapurna Circuit trail and then branch off from Koto to follow the off the beaten track to Nar Phu valley in the north of Manang and pass the Kang La pass with magnificent panorama of Annapurna massifs. The Kang La pass links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Neyshang valley. The valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. Trekking to this hidden mountain valley offers medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, dramatic mountains view and great alpine sceneries. We then head west over the Thorong La Pass and down through lower Mustang before heading on to Jomsom. We finally fly back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu next day.

Itinerary: Annapurna Dhaulagiri in Comfort

Day 1 Join Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

meals : Array

Day 2 Free day in Kathmandu

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. It is possible that the Kathmandu free day will take place at the conclusion of your trek instead of at the beginning. If this is to occur with your group, your leader will brief you locally.

meals : B

Day 3 Fly to Pokhara, commence trek to Dhampus (1990m) - walk approx. 3 hrs

This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest town (820m). In good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range. From here we drive for an hour to a pass between two river valleys to the village of Phedi, where we commence our trek. There is no need to rush as this is a short day with plenty of time to reach our overnight stop. The trail ascends for the first hour, following a ridge through fields of bamboo clusters to magnificent rhododendron forest. Villagers greet us with “Namaste”, the traditional Nepalese greeting, as we pass their homes and continue to the ridge top where at the crest the scale of the mountains astounds us. Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m) can be seen from our immediate viewpoint. Overnight eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek to Landruk (1640m). Walk approx. 5 hrs

After a glorious mountain sunrise we follow the trail through rhododendron forest before continuing through a series of Gurung villages where lifestyles have not changed substantially over the centuries. After lunch we follow a well-marked trail to the prosperous village of Landruk where we camp for the night. Our private eco campsite affords dramatic views of Annapurna South.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 To Ghandruk (2050m). Walk approx. 4 hrs.

Our destination today is easily seen across the valley, the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk. We exit the village and slowly descend through rice terraces, crossing a steel bridge that spans the glacial river of the Modi Khola and commence our ascent. As we trek up the many staircases, we enjoy the beauty of the Himalaya at a relatively close range and observe the glaciers flowing from them to form the rivers below us. It really is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. Our leisurely approach along these ridges with their fine mountain views ensures proper acclimatisation and the un-hurried opportunity to fully savour this magnificent scenery. Overnight at exclusive eco-comfort camp.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 To Tadapani (2650m). Walk approx. 4 hrs.

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into forest of rhododendron, magnolia and lichen covered fig. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants such as exotic orchids bursting with colour. Tadapani is a small village with limited campsites, our overnight accommodation will be in an eco lodge. This is the last stop before we head into the more uninhabited regions of our trek.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 To Bhaisi Kharka (3420m), walk approx. 6/7hrs.

Leaving the main trekking trail we continue to ascend on a less defined path through old growth forest where we may be fortunate enough to see Himalayan Thar, Hyrax or Ressus and Langur monkeys. Eventually we rise above the tree line and gain stunning views of the Annapurna Himal, our lunch spot will most likely be a yak pasture at Timuje perched high on the hillside with fantastic views of Annapurna South and Himul Chuli. Following our lunch break we ascend steeply to the ridge where spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and it's surrounding peaks unfold before us. This section of the trek is magnificent and we are now well off the main trail. Continuing down the opposite side of the ridge we drop into smaller rhododendron forest and arrive at our remote campsite high on the hillside overlooking the valley.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 To Kopra (3660m), walk approx. 7/8hrs.

Setting off early today we make our way downward towards the valley floor, eventually entering the old growth forest, surrounded by colourful rhododendron. We glimpse a small settlement lower down at Chistibung, which will be our lunch spot. After a relaxing lunch we begin our ascent to the stunning location of the eco lodge at Kopra. The accommodation options are limited to one lodge in this area and tents are not allowed to be pitched, we will utilise the best possible rooms. The views here are truly amazing and some of the best in the entire Annapurna range. Dhaulagiri dominates the scene and towers above the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 In Kopra and optional day hike to Khayer Lake (4600m) 9-10 hours

For those who are feeling fit and motivated for a big day hike, and dependent on weather and route conditions, the trip to the sacred Khayer Lake high above us is well worth the effort. The views are outstanding and you will trekking along an ancient pilgrimage trail to the site of the annual Badau Purnima Festival. The area is held in sacred regard and trekkers are encouraged not to take leather items beyond the lodge if possible. The trail contours the steep hillsides and takes us even closer to the impressively sheer cliff face of Annapurna's Fang Face. In the late afternoon, we will descend back to our eco lodge at Kopra. Our staff will accompany you on this hike and you may turn around after a few hours if you choose to, or simply enjoy a rest day in the comfort of our eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 To Swantha (2400m). Walk approx. 6/7 hours.

We descend steeply from our lodge towards a stream and pass through the village of Chistibung. Today's route takes us through heavily forested terrain. Overnight in our exclusive eco-comfort camp in Swantha.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 To Upper Phulbari (3210m), via Ghorepani & Poon Hill (3200m), walk approx 5/6 hrs.

A short walk brings us to Chitre where we join the old Tibet-Nepal trade route. The walk this morning offers excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range as the trail zigzags until we reach our lunch stop at Ghorepani. This is a large village which is on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar for a short period following lunch, as there are many Tibetan wares on display, and also a bakery or two. Most trekkers to Ghorepani take a a pre dawn 45 minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m), which is a highlight of trekking in the Annapurnas. We will make the climb in the afternoon, when there are no crowds. From Poon Hill we leave the main trail and traverse on old yak herder trails to Upper Phulbari. The location affords spectacular views of the Dhauligiri Massif, with the luxury of no pre-dawn start, unless of course you chose to photograph the stunning views at sunrise. Overnight eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 To Les Par via Jaljala Dil (2600m), walk approx. 6/7hrs.

The views in the early morning are tremendous, with forested foot hills as a fore ground and some of the world's greatest mountain ranges surrounding us. If you are up early enough, the glow of the rising sun catches Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna. Our trail takes us through beautiful forests of rhododendrons, fir, pine, cedar and bamboo, there are many small trails through the forest, and we are unlikely to see any other westerners in this section of the trek. Eventually we emerge to open grassland ridges that offer a particularly pleasant trekking experience, before descending to a pretty lunchspot in a narrow valley skirted by multicoloured rhododendron bushes. From here there are three trails, we take the south trail which leads us to our exclusive eco-comfort camp at Les Par (Swarga).

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 To Ghibrang (2000m), walk approx. 4/5 hrs.

Trekking along the ridge of Bharmakot Dhanda we gain excellent views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and the Manaslu ranges. Ghibrang is a delightful village, largely untouched by western influence, and our exclusive eco-comfort camp offers yet more stunning views in a peaceful terraced setting amidst this pretty village.

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 To Nayapul (1340m), walk approx 3/4 hrs and transfer to Pokhara

Have your trekking poles at the ready today as our descent is approx. 1000m. We pass through interesting villages situated on steep rocky hills and terraces. The villages we pass are mixed communities of predominantly Gurung, Brahmin & Chettri. The final descent into Nayapul is 20 minutes on stone stairs. Here we will have a quick lunch break and then board the bus for Pokhara. Once settled in we highly recommend you take a stroll down to the lake at Pokhara, there are many stores selling Tibetan wares which are less expensive than Kathmandu. The main street running along the lake is vibrant and an interesting place to sit and watch the world go by. Overnight: hotel

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

This morning we transfer to the airport for the spectacular 40 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day is at leisure.

meals : B

Day 16 Trip concludes Kathmandu

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport.

meals : B

Itinerary: Nar Phu Valley Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. After checking in, we may take a rest or visit Himalayan Glacier’s office. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Himalayan Glacier’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner