Compare Annapurna Chitwan by World Expeditions vs Nar Phu Valley Trek by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 11 days | 19 days |
Price From | $ 1,890 | $ 3,590 |
Price Per Day | $ 172 | $ 189 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
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Description | Combine our introductory Annapurna Trek and Chitwan Safari |
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. |
Day 1 Join Kathmandu (1330m).
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 Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kimchi (1640m) - approx. 3.5 hours and trek to Ghandruk. approx 40min
We take a short 25min early morning flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city (820m). In good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna range. From here we drive alongside the Kali Gandaki river and through foothills and valleys to Kimche. On arrival we will begin our walk to Ghandruk, our first overnight stop. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp
meals : B,L,D
Day 3 To Tadapani (2650m). Walk approx. 6 hours
Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into the forest of rhododendron and magnolia. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants. Tadapani is a clearing in the forest and a rest place for porters. We overnight in an eco lodge and observe the local people as they travel by. Overnight: eco-lodge
meals : B,L,D
Day 4 To Ghorepani (2880m) Walk approx 6-7 hours
The walk this morning offers excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range as the trail zigzags until we Ghorepani. This is a sizeable town on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar, browse through Tibetan wares on display and enjoy local treats from the bakeries. Overnight: eco-lodge
meals : B,L,D
Day 5 Early morning Poon Hill & Trek to Ulleri, walk approx 5-6 hours
From Ghorapani a pre dawn 45 minutes climb brings us to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m). The view of the Himalaya are tremendous, with forested foot hills as a fore ground and some of the world's greatest mountain ranges surrounding us .The glow of the rising sun catches Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna, making the early morning rise more than worth the effort. We descend to camp for breakfast and during the morning we descend further through small settlements to enter a deep ravine where multiple waterfalls follow our trail. We over night in an eco lodge in the village of Ulleri. From Ulleri we will have an over view of our trek route, as well as views of the Annapurnas at the head of the valley. Overnight at our private eco lodge
meals : B,L,D
Day 6 Trek to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara, walk approx. 4 hours, drive 2-3 hours
Today we descend steeply down to valley floor, passing through the beautiful countryside villages of Tirkhedhunga and Hile. Once we reach the valley, we cross the river via a suspension bridge and the trail continues with a more gentle walk along the riverside as we make our way to Birethanti. From here we board our vehicle for the picturesque drive back to Pokhara. Note that the walking hours include rest stops, are a guide only and can vary due to trail or weather conditions. Overnight: hotel
meals : B,L,D
Day 7 In Pokhara
Today you will have a free day to explore Nepal's second largest city, Pokhara. This relaxing city surrounds Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal and is a popular starting and ending point for trekking in the Annapurna region. This city offers plenty of modern restaurants, bars and a buzzing nightlife. There are countless stores to pick up last minute souvenirs or locally made goods. For those still in seek of adventure can choose to go paragliding, cycling tour, paddle boat across the lake or an ultra light scenic flight. You may also explore historical and religious sites including Devi's Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave or Binyabasini Temple. Whilst there are plenty of options, nothing beats a gentle stroll to discover this relaxing city. Overnight: hotel
meals : B,L,D
Day 8 Drive Pokhara to Chitwan. Approx 5 hours
This morning we transfer to Chitwan by road. On arrival we are briefed on the planned activities during our stay. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to sight wildlife, so other times tend to be for less energetic activities. We will have lunch at our lodge and commence our activity program. Our accommodation is at the Chitwan Adventure Lodge outside the park, generally in 2-bed huts with a private bathroom. Solar heated hot water is available in the afternoons.
meals : B,L,D
Day 9 In Chitwan
A full day's activities are available including jungle walks, canoe rides, bird-watching and jeep safari, as well as lectures on other fauna. Our concession area is the territory of many species of wildlife including 3 tigers, 5 leopards, 7 rhino, and many deer, boar, bear, peacocks, an extraordinary number of bird species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants. Overnight: adventure lodge
meals : B,L,D
Day 10 Drive to Kathmandu approx 5-6 hours drive
After breakfast we transfer by road to Kathmandu. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similiar
meals : B
Day 11 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 and assisted with check-in procedures.
meals : B
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
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft
We begin our journey at early dawn as we have a long drive ahead of us. We head-start right after breakfast and leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. We see picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive we reach Jagat via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Overnight in Jagat.
Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Upon breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 5: Dharapani to Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally we arrive in Koto village. Overnight in Koto.
Day 6: Koto to Meta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,560m/11,680ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.
Day 7: Meta to Phu Gaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m/13,944ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
We start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After 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 further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in Phu Gaon.
Day 8: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m/13,944ft
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale in here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.
Day 9: Phu Gaon to Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 6-7 hrs
The trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Nar.
Day 10: Acclimatization and preparation at Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
This is the second scheduled acclimatization/rest day for this trek. We spend the day taking a day hike nearby and explore Nar village and have a close look over the local culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the trek next day. Overnight in Nar.
Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass to Ngwal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,660m/12,008ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Today is adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla pass. From pass we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Ngwal.
Day 12: Ngwal to Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,519m/11,546ft
Hiking: 4-5 hrs
From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of Annapurna range. We then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang, where we set up our camps for overnight stay. Overnight in Manang.
Day 13: Manang to Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Day 14: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Himalayan Glacier’s team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can have sound sleep in lower altitude rather than risking sleeping in a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 15: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La to Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 5,416m/17,770ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/8,859ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We begin descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge through the arid land. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which has typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Mount Kailash Resort)
Maximum Altitude: 827m/2,713ft
Flight: 30 Min
After breakfast we fly to Pokhara. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to lakeside hotel. We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while admiring the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat-ride in Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside area.Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Driving: 5-6 hrs
Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Either way, we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure from Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Himalayan Glacier representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.