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24-Day Nar Phu Hidden Village Expedition

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Overview

The Nar Phu trek is one that combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures over 24 days.

Trekking to the standard Annapurna circuit, the bridge leading over the Maryland River to the steep portals of the Nar/Phu valley system is easily missed, but although the entrances are narrow and forested, the valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements.

You'll venture into this remote region of Upper Manang, camping along the way at the winter settlement of Nar and Phu, and visit some of the most unvisited and interesting villages in the Tibetan Buddhist world.

You'll complete your trip in the tourist destinations of Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Hiking & Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Kathmandu

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Welcome to Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You'll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening to either relax at your hotel or head out and explore the city on your own.

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    Activities

    KathmanduOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Utsav Authentic Nepali Restaurant

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tribhuvan International Airport to Kathmandu

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    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kathmandu

Day 2

Drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu

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Drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu

In the early morning, you'll drive to Besisahar which is situated nearly 165 kilometres west of Kathmandu through the Trading Village at Dumre at 820 metres. It is a very scenic six-hour drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures along the way. Upon arrival, you'll check-in and relax at your guesthouse.

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    Accommodation

    Besisahar Guesthouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kathmandu to Besisahar

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Besisahar

Day 3

Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda

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Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda

Your first day’s trekking introduces you to the diverse cultural elements of Nepal and you pass by many typical local houses and the faces of varied ethnic tribes exchanging greetings (Namaste) as you pass. You will share the trail with mule caravans that transport supplies to the remote villages. The route makes its way through subtropical forests and the rice terraces of Sera. The trail moves gently upwards to Bahundanda at 1300 metres. It will be seven hours of trekking in total.

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    Accommodation

    Bahundanda Guesthouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Besisahar to Bahundanda at 1310 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Besisahar

    Bahundanda

    Nepal

Day 4

Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje

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Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje

You'll start the day by descending on a steep slippery trail past amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces. The rest of today’s trek will have you pass the river a few times and you will see a few waterfalls as well. As you near the village of Jagat, you will have a steep 200-metre climb to a trail that has been blasted out of the rock face. 15 minutes below this village, you can visit another small hot spring. From Jagat, you'll climb up to Chamje. It will be a total of six hours of trekking.

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    Accommodation

    Chamje Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Bahundanda to Chamje at 1430 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nepal

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Gandaki

Day 5

Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap

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Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap

Today, you will do the 940-metre ascent to Bagarchap through bamboo and rhododendron forests, on a trail high above the river bank. You will pass the village of Tal at 1700 metres which lies at the foot of a large waterfall. All old villages from here to Kagbeni have these arches and they become more elaborate and picturesque as the Tibetan influence becomes stronger. The trail slowly climbs from here on through a forest to Bagarchhap. You'll be trekking for a total of seven hours.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bagarchhap Guesthouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Chamje to Bagarchhap at 2160 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Gandaki

    Devachuli

Day 6

Trek from Bagarchhap to Koto

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Trek from Bagarchhap to Koto

Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you'll pass through Danagyu before coming to a thundering waterfall, where you turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. After an hour of lovely, open forests, you'll reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where you will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, you can look back for views of Manaslu before continuing on to Koto.

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    Accommodation

    Koto Guesthouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Bagarchhap to Koto at 2600 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Devachuli

    Nepal

    Mid-Western Development Region

Day 7

Trek to Koto to Dharmasala

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Trek to Koto to Dharmasala

This morning, you'll head out early, as you have a long and somewhat difficult day before you. Just past the check post, you'll cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys, and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola (river). The route takes you through some beautiful woods and past several small shelters (caves) and a pilgrims’ ‘Dharamsala’. A stunning start for the Nar Phu trek! You'll camp at the Dharamsala, a lovely campsite.

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    Accommodation

    Dharmasala Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Koto to Dharmasala at 3230 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Nar

    Fu

Day 8

Trek from Dharmasala to Kayang

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Trek from Dharmasala to Kayang

A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings you finally to high pastures on a 3,200 metres plateau. You'll pass by the scenic kharka of Meta, 3560 metres, a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you will probably share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The mountains around you are utterly spectacular. Many more ups and downs take you to tonight’s campsite at Kyang, on a plateau high above the river.

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    Accommodation

    Kyang Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Dharmasala to Kayang at 3740 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fu

Day 9

Kayang to Phu Village

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Kayang to Phu Village

Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank. Today, you really start to see some of the unique, colourful chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to rock-hop carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge. Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chortens colour the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill, amphitheatre style.

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    Accommodation

    Fu Village Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Kayang to Phu Village at 4050 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fu

    Nepal

    Mid-Western Development Region

Day 10

Free Time in Phu Valley

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Free Time in Phu Valley

Having spent quite a few days getting to Phu, you will spend an extra day in the area to enjoy it. You'll meet the local Phu residents and do some exploring up the wide valley systems above you.

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    Accommodation

    Fu Village Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Fu Excursion

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Fu

Day 11

Trek from Phu Village to Junam

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Trek from Phu Village to Junam

Back through Phu gate, you descend to the river, and retrace your steps back to Junam karka, a lovely spot as any for your campsite for the evening. Your guide will tell you how, in 2003, they camped with some Phu residents (all but one woman) on their way back up to Phu with huge loads of planks from the nearby forests, and the evening was filled with Tibetan, or Manangi songs, smoky shelters and that unique Tibetan laughter.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Junam Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Phu Village to Junam at 3550 Metres

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Fu

Day 12

Trek from Junam to Nar Village

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Trek from Junam to Nar Village

Set off on another classic Himalayan trekking day, as you trek down to the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge (cameras out for this crossing), and then all the way back up again. It’s a good thing the scenery is so stunning. Below you sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. You finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by more wonderfully painted chortens and a large tiered chorten before being rewarded with sublime views of Nar.

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    Accommodation

    Nar Village Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Junam to Nar Village at 4150 Metres

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fu

    Nepal

    Mid-Western Development Region

Day 13

Excursion around Nar Village

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Excursion around Nar Village

It is a good day to try some local buckwheat pancakes or ‘diro’. Depending on the condition of the group, we will either spend the night at Nar, or leave early in the afternoon for a two-hour easy walk up the valley towards the pass, and camp just below the access trail to the pass by the river.

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    Accommodation

    Nar Village Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Excursion from Nar Village

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Nar

Day 14

Trek from Nar to Ngwal via Kang La Pass

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Trek from Nar to Ngwal via Kang La Pass

The Kang La is not a difficult pass in good conditions. The Kang La, at 5240 metres, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Thongde. The trail down initially is steep; scree jumping seems to be the easiest option for the descent. After resting sore knees and shaky legs, you'll lunch on a plateau overlooking the peaks, and then continue to contour to the left towards Ngawal.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ngawal Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Nar to Ngwal at 3675 Metres via Kang La Pass at 5315 Metres

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Nepal

Day 15

Trek from Ngwal to Manang

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Trek from Ngwal to Manang

Today, you'll start the day with a two-hour walk through open forest to Braga, an old Tibetan-style village of about 150 partially deserted houses. Then, you'll come across an arid countryside, dominated by weird cliffs of yellow rock, eroded into dramatic pillars alongside the trail to reach the day’s destination, the village of Manang where you get to refuel on your supplies.

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    Activities

    Trek to Manang

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nepal

Day 16

Trek from Manang to Ledar

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Trek from Manang to Ledar

Today, you'll trek from Manang to Ledar (4245 metres) which takes 4.5 hours. Trekking slowly upwards to Thorung La, you will leave the large trees behind and see the vegetation consisting mainly of junipers and alpine grass and a few meadows where horses and yaks are found grazing. Blue sheep can also be seen grazing on the steep slopes of Yak kharka. You arrive at Letdar an hour after passing through Yak kharka.

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    Activities

    Manang to Ledar

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tanki Manang

Day 17

Trek from Ledar to Thorung Phedi

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Trek from Ledar to Thorung Phedi

Today, you'll trek from Letdar to Thorung Phedi/high camp (4450 metres) which takes 3-4 hours. You get used to the altitude before crossing the highest point in the trek. From Letdar you continue to climb along the east bank of the Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs at 4420 metres. Blue sheep and snow leopards can sometimes be spotted in this region while the sight of lammergeyers and Himalayan griffons circling above is quite common.

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    Accommodation

    Thorong Phedi Base Camp Lodge

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Trek to Thorung Phedi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Gandaki

    Nepal

Day 18

Trek to Thorung Muktinath via Thorung la Pass

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Trek to Thorung Muktinath via Thorung la Pass

Crossing over an altitude of 5416 metres could be difficult due to strong winds otherwise the highly trodden trail is very easy to follow as it has been used for hundreds of years to bring sheep and yaks in and out of Manang. It takes around 4-6 hours to reach the pass from Thorung Phedi. From here, you start a long descent of about 1600 metres with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri mountain until you reach Muktinath temple.

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    Accommodation

    Muktinath Lodge

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Trek to Muktinath Temple vai Thorang La Pass

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nepal

    Dhawalagiri

Day 19

Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni

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Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni

This morning, you'll trek along a wonderful trail through more Mustangi villages, where you will feast on delicious apples and see the traditional back-loom weaving techniques being practised by the local women. The scenery is truly wonderful – soft light, patchworks of fields, peaks overhead, villagers out ploughing the fields, horses tethered next to the houses, apple trees providing texture to the landscape. After a steep descent, you'll reach the atmospheric oasis of Kagbeni.

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    Accommodation

    Kagbeni Guesthouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Muktinath to Kagbeni at 2815 Metres

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nepal

    Mid-Western Development Region

Day 20

Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom

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Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom

Today, you might take an alternative route to Jomsom down the west side of the river depending on the conditions of the trail, and the attentiveness of the check post guards (this is also officially in upper Mustang, but not strictly enforced).

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jomsom Teahouse

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Trek to Jomsom

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mid-Western Development Region

    Dhawalagiri

    Nepal

Day 21

Fly to Pokhara from Jomson

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Fly to Pokhara from Jomson

This morning you have to be an early bird to catch your flight. You'll fly out from Jomsom to Pokhara today. Upon arrival, you'll be whisked to your hotel and after checking in, you'll have an entire day to explore Pokhara city. You can go around with your guide to explore the city or explore on your own, whichever you wish. After all your trekking, it's the perfect opportunity to have a massage.

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    Accommodation

    Lakeside Retreat Pokhara3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Pokhara

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Jomsom to Pokhara

    Private Driver from Pokhara Airport to Pokhara

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nepal

    Pokhara

Day 22

Fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara

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Fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara

After breakfast, you'll have a little more time in Pokhara to do some shopping before you leave. You'll be transferred to the airport for your 25-minute flight to Kathmandu. From here, you'll be taken to your hotel and then you'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish. The designated tourist hub of Kathmandu, Thamel is a quarter of the city that is alive, thriving and filled with everything from shopping essentials to quaint hole-in-the-wall bars that are begging to be enjoyed.

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    Accommodation

    Hotel Holy Himalaya3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Thamel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Pokhara to Pokhara Airport

    Plane from Pokhara Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport

    Private Driver from Tribhuvan International Airport to Kathmandu

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pokhara

    Kathmandu

Day 23

Kathmandu Sightseeing

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Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today, you'll spend a day exploring Kathmandu including a drive to several UNESCO World Heritage sites by private car, including Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swoyambhu Nath stupa. There's lots to see in this city and accompanied by a local guide, you'll explore it in the best way possible.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Holy Himalaya3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kathmandu

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kathmandu

Day 24

Departure Day

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Departure Day

This concludes your memorable Nar Phu trek. In the morning, your driver will meet you at the hotel for your departure transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kathmandu

Included in Price

  • 20 nights accommodation
  • 16 activities
  • 23 breakfasts, 19 lunches and 20 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Trekking permits

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
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