^$6,500

Nar Phu To Lower Mustang Valley Trek

18 days Mustang

Tour code
T16
Destination
Mustang
Group Size
Grade
4 Strenuous
Altitude
2000m - 5,416 m
Trip Region
Annapurna Region

Overview

Description

This trek takes you deep into one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally unique Himalayan regions. After starting in Kathmandu, you drive to the trailhead and hike through forests and rugged terrain into the restricted Nar–Phu Valley, visiting Tibetan‑style villages, ancient monasteries, mani walls, and sacred caves. You’ll cross the high Kang La Pass (~5,300 m) for panoramic views before descending into Manang. Optionally, you can continue over Thorong La Pass (~5,416 m) to reach the sacred Muktinath Temple and explore the rain‑shadowed landscapes of Mustang.

Transportation

You start with a 6–8 hour jeep or bus ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar.
Then travel by jeep or shared vehicle to Dharapani or Koto, which is the trailhead for your trek. From here, the trek begins on foot.
At the end, most trekkers return via a jeep or bus from Manang or Jomsom back to Kathmandu, or optionally fly from Jomsom → Pokhara and then drive to Kathmandu.

Best season

Spring (March–May): Mild, clear weather; rhododendron forests bloom and mountain views are excellent (15–20 °C daytime)
Autumn (September–November): Post‑monsoon clarity, cool dry air, vibrant landscapes, popular and reliable season for trekking (10–18 °C daytime)
Monsoon / Summer (June–August): Less rain in, Nar–Phu due to rain shadow, but roads to trailhead can be dangerous or blocked; risk of landslides.
Winter (December–February): It’s very cold at high altitudes; heavy snow may block passes and lodges may close—only for very experienced trekkers,

Permits

You need two main permits:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar–Phu: USD 100 for the first week in spring/autumn (Sep–Nov), USD 75 in off‑season (Dec–Aug), USD 15 extra per day after the first week.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Around NPR 3000 (≈ USD 30) per foreign trekker

TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) is sometimes included or required if extending into Annapurna Circuit, though some agencies include it automatically; must be issued through a licensed agency.
Solo trekking is not allowed — you must trek with at least one other person and have a licensed guide or porter for foreign nationals.

Photos

Itinerary

You’ll fly into Kathmandu for sightseeing and trek preparation before heading overland to Dharapani and onward on foot to Koto and Meta, passing through mixed forests and river valleys. Upon entering Nar–Phu valley, you’ll explore ancient Phu, acclimatize amidst stone monasteries, and trek to hidden Nar village. A highlight is the crossing of Kang La Pass (≈5,300 m), offering panoramic views before descending to Ngawal and Manang. If you choose the extension, you’ll continue via Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, summiting Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), visiting Muktinath Temple, then trek through Kagbeni to Jomsom. The journey concludes with a scenic flight to Pokhara and a return drive to Kathmandu for departure.

Arrival in Kathmandu Cultural sightseeing: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath Trek briefing, permit processing, gear check

7–9 hrs scenic drive through foothills to Dharapani

5–6 hrs trek, crossing terraced farmland and oak-pine forest

Enter rhododendron forests, mountain views

Trek into Phu, rich in Bon/Tibetan culture, visit ancient monastery

Explore monastery, caves, and high-altitude surroundings

Trek into Nar Village, visit chortens and mani walls

Cultural immersion, visits to caves and local rituals

Summit Kang La Pass for panoramic views, descend to Ngawal

Leisure afternoon at Manang: markets, Himalayan Rescue Station

Manang → Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi → Muktinath → Jomsom Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m); visit Muktinath temple, Kali Gandaki gorge, flight to Pokhara

Relax by Phewa Lake and enjoy Annapurna panorama

Leisure time or optional sightseeing

Final hotel breakfast and airport transfer

Route Map

Includes / Excludes

Includes

All airport transfers (arrival/departure).
All lodge accommodations during the trek (best available).
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Licensed and experienced English-speaking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
Sleeping bag and down jacket (returnable)
First aid kit, oximeter, and safety equipment.
Government taxes and official expenses.