Trek au Népal
The Naar Phu valley
Technical lev. : 3.5 / 5
VERY DIFFICULT MOUNTAIN HIKE
The hike has dizzying, physical and technical passages, the path is equipped with cables and ladders to allow progression.
You must master the activity, you are autonomous in the mountain in the easy passages, the guide will help you in the difficult passages.
You will learn about the weather and how to use a mountain rope to help you progress.
Physical lev. : 4 / 5
CONFIRMED COURSE
Effort corresponding to about 1000 - 1400 m of ascent in hiking per day.
You like endurance sports and do them about twice a week.
One of the most beautiful treks in Nepal, the secret valley of Naar Phu is a valley that runs parallel to the Annapurna massif. It has been open to tourism for around 15 years, with trekking permits reserved for agencies, giving a very wild character to this Nepalese valley, which is inhabited by Tibetans who were exiled from their country a long time ago.
Dates & Prices
The price for this trek in Nepal is available on request.
Don't hesitate to contact us to ask about options for the trek, as it is possible to design holidays for private groups!
Price per person for 2024:
The trip
Nepal, land of Himalayan peaks and ancient temples, captivates visitors with its cultural diversity and wilderness. From the bustling lanes of Kathmandu to the trekking trails offering breathtaking views, every moment reveals a new chapter in this mystical and bewitching land.
The Naar Phu valley is a secret valley between the Annapurna Massif and Tibet. You need a special permit to enter this valley, which is accessible by trekking from the Annapurnas and also by trekking with mountaineering from Upper Mustang.
This wild valley allows you to discover the Tibetan culture, the inhabitants of this valley went into exile at the time of the Chinese invasion of Tibet.
The valley is very wild, surrounded by 7000m of vertiginous cliffs. Access is via the Kang La Pass or the valley floor along a path carved into the cliffs.
Program
Flight from Paris to Kathmandu: we recommend Quatar Airways. Flights should be on the same airline, with a 3-hour stopover between flights to give you every chance of avoiding problems with flights and the arrival of luggage at your destination.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1500m)
We will collect you from the airport in the late afternoon on arrival.
Overnight in a quiet mid-range hotel in Thamel.
Rest day with shopping in Thamel and preparation of the bags for the departure of the trek the next day (day to finalise the trek permits).
Overnight stay at the same hotel.
We leave early in the morning for a 7-hour bus ride to arrive at the gateway to the Annapurna Valley with the entire team. We sleep in a lodge.
Elevation gain: + 500 m
Walking time: around 3 to 4 hours
4x4 transfer: around 3 to 4 hours
We take 4x4 vehicles up the valley and then begin the trek to Timang, a pretty little village where we spend the night. On the way we will see some beautiful waterfalls with many surprises.
Overnight in a lodge.
Elevation gain: + 500 m
Walking time: around 3 to 4 hours for around 9 km
A short day's walk takes us to Chame, a pretty little village with superb Nepalese monuments. Here you can rest and enjoy this superb village before we begin our climb to higher altitudes.
Overnight in Lodge
Elevation gain: + 900 m
Walking time: around 7 hours for around 15 km
We head up the valley to see Annapurna 2 at an altitude of 7,937 metres. The valley widens with a superb view of the Manang valley. The village of Upper Pissang is magnificent, with beautiful monasteries adding a superb charm to the village.
Overnight in a lodge.
Elevation gain: + 500 m
Walking time: around 7 hours for around 20 km
We walk up the balcony paths through the village of Gyaru and Nawal, with the peaks of the Annapurna massif in front of us. We spend the night in Manang or Kangsar, depending on your level of fitness and which lodges you choose.
Elevation gain: + 900 m and -300 m
Walking time: around 7 hours for around 16 km
This is the first long day with a technical route, as we cross the Landslide, a vast area of scree with a small path in a Cargneule wall with a 7000-metre range in front of us. We leave early enough to be able to enjoy the hut in the afternoon.
Night in refuge.
Elevation gain: + 900 m and -900 m
Walking time: around 6 to 7 hours for around 14 km
We have a good breakfast and set off early in the morning as soon as the sun warms the atmosphere. We climb a large moraine to reach the Lac du Tilicho and the Great Barrier of 7000 metres above the lake. Here we are at one of the most beautiful vantage points on the planet, with glaciers, peaks and the 6km-long Lake Tilicho. After a stroll over the pass, we return to base camp for a comfortable rest after your first 5000m ascent.
Elevation gain: -900 m
Walking time: around 6 to 7 hours
We descend the Landslide to return to Manang by the same route we took on the outward journey. On our return to Manang we may have a good meal of yak meat or other Nepalese specialities.
Elevation gain: +1000 m and -300 m
Walking time: around 6 to 7 hours for around 14 km
We set off from Manang to return near Kang La, which is the pass leading into the Naar Phu valley. The day is not very long, so we have time to set up camp and prepare meals.
Elevation gain: +1100 m and -1200 m
Walking time: around 8 to 9 hours for around 14 km
We set off from the camp after a good breakfast, sleeping on the sunniest side so the morning sun will arrive quickly, the climb is fairly steep so the difference in altitude will be rapid, at the Kang La pass at 5300 metres we will enjoy the summit then descend into a completely unspoilt valley. There is usually a little snow, but the descent is less steep and the path is fairly gradual. After a few hours of descent, we reach the village of Naar, where we'll spend the night with the locals or in small lodges.
This is the longest day of the trek.
Elevation gain: +500 m and -700 m
Walking time: around 6 to 7 hours for around 12 km
We start from the superb village of Naar, surrounded by fields of wheat and other cereals grown in terraced fields.
On the descent we pass magnificent monuments and cross Himalayan bridges over superb gorges. The valley is immense with many yaks and after a two-hour descent we climb to Kyang where we set up camp in tents.
Elevation gain: +500 m
Walking time: around 6 hours for around 9 km
We walk up a superb gorge with red rocks to reach the village of Phu, inhabited by a small tribe and monks. We can explore this magnificent village and spend the night with local people or in a small lodge. We arrive early enough to be able to visit the village and the monastery.
Elevation gain : +700 m and -700 m
Walking time: around 6 to 7 hours for around 10 km
We take advantage of the day to discover the superb Pangri Glacier and return to our lodge before enjoying a good meal.
Elevation gain : -700 m
Walking time: around 6 to 7 hours for around 16 km
We descend the valley and set up our last tented camp on a superb plateau above the gorges.
We take advantage of the numerous yaks in this area.
Elevation gain : -1000 m
Walking time: around 7 to 8 hours for around 18 km
Let's set off on the descent back into the Annapurna Valley. The path is sometimes cut through cliffs and behind waterfalls, but the descent is quick as the trail is good, and we arrive in the village of Koto in the evening, where we can enjoy the comforts of a lodge.
Walking time: around 2 hours
4x4 transfer: approx. 5 hours
We descend into the Annapurna Valley.
Return to Kathmandu by bus (approx. 7 hours' drive).
We arrive at Boudgnath, one of the most beautiful places in Kathmandu.
Meals and overnight in hotel
Visit to Baktapur, the ancient capital, and return to our hotel.
Free day, meals are not included so you can eat as you wish and choose the restaurant for the last evening together.
You can rest and stroll around Boudnath before departing for the Quatar Airways international flight. We'll take small taxis to the airport, which is not far away.
This is an indicative program, subject to possible changes depending on the hazards that the group will encounter during the trip.
The group leaders are entitled to change the program for the safety of the trip and their participants. In the event of bad weather conditions, mountain or acclimatisation problems, sickness, etc., the group leaders are entitled to change the program in the interests of the safety of the trip and its participants.
This trek involves risks inherent in the mountains, high altitude and remoteness.
Good physical condition is essential for this trek. Don't hesitate to consult our blog for advice on how to limit aches and pains after a long trek.
Materiel
The porters will carry the group's belongings (tents, food, cooking equipment) and 9 kg of equipment per person of your choice, as much as you like, but remember that 9 kg is not a lot.
You'll be carrying your personal gear for the day, snacks and your mountain equipment (around 8 kg), as light as possible but with the equipment given in the equipment list and your first-aid kit.
Your guide will have a more complete kit in case of problems.
Level
SPORTY & TRAINED PEOPLE:
Effort corresponding to approximately 1200 - 1700m of ascent per day.
You like and practice endurance sports at a good level.
VERY DIFFICULT MOUNTAIN HIKE
The hike has dizzying, physical and technical passages, the path is equipped with cables and ladders to allow progression.
You must master the activity, you are autonomous in the mountain in the easy passages, the guide will help you in the difficult passages.
You will learn about the weather and how to use a mountain rope to help you progress.
Useful infos
Trekking in Nepal is much more than just hiking. It's a total immersion in the life of remote villages, an opportunity to meet friendly locals, discover their age-old culture and share unforgettable moments over a cup of hot tea. Between majestic peaks, verdant valleys and ancient monasteries, each step brings you a little closer to the very soul of this bewitching country.
As a participant in this trek, you may need to check that your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date in order to enter Nepal.
We advise you to take it when you arrive at the airport. If you register online, you may save a little time at customs, but it is not compulsory.
You can apply for a VISA to enter Nepal online at the following website: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
You may fill in an online form, from which a file will be generated for you to print out. This document is valid for a fortnight, so it is advisable to apply online no more than 14 days before departure. On arrival, this document may be presented with your passport and a copy of it at the visa counter. Payment is made on the spot when the visa is obtained, and this procedure does not change the usual fee.
The cost of the VISA is approximately €50 for 30 days. You may need to bring 4 passport-size photographs.
Trekkers may need to bring their mobile phones with them; remember to use your operator's World option.
Remember to inform your bank that you are going to Nepal with the countries where you have stopovers by plane to be able to use your bank card otherwise it is automatically blocked by your bank outside Europe in general and telephone operator.
It is advisable to have a certificate of fitness for a trek at high altitude, 5100 m (a consultation with a mountain doctor is advisable and strongly recommended in the event of a known problem or illness. You can look up the list of illnesses in the IFREMONT document that I'll send you later.
A visit to your dentist is recommended before departure, with a panoramic X-ray to avoid toothache at altitude.
Repatriation assistance with mountain rescue is compulsory. Rescue in Nepal is carried out from private helicopters and costs can quickly rise to over 10,000 euros.
Esprit Montagne offers the following insurance: https://www.assurance-multi-sports.com.
You can also take out the insurance offered by the FFCAM: https://www.ffcam.fr/assurance.html.
You may have to take out your own cancellation insurance. Be careful with your credit card insurance such as Mastercard or VISA as they often do not include snow activities or do not consider mountain sickness as an illness requiring repatriation. You may need to check your insurance carefully.
We will need your insurance to file the application with the embassy in the event of repatriation or rescue and mountain search costs, which are two different things.
There is a significant risk of food poisoning during a trek in Nepal. That's why it's important to follow the basic rules of hygiene: wash your hands regularly, and carry disinfectant soap to clean your hands. Don't drink the water, even at the airport - the network isn't drinkable, even when brushing your teeth. Be careful not to drink the water in the shower inadvertently. We'll be taking bottled drinking water in town and filtering the water in the mountains. Fruit and vegetables may have to be peeled; avoid dairy products, ice cream and ice cubes. Only eat well-cooked meat and never minced meat unless it has just been minced.
Avoid dishes that are too spicy, as we are not used to the amount of spices they contain.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering Nepal.
However, some vaccinations are recommended: hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and the classic French vaccines: tetanus, poliomyelitis and diphtheria.
As the trek is not in a malaria-prone region due to the altitude, preventive treatment is not recommended, and may even be useless and dangerous. You can find out more on the Institut Pasteur website.
It is best to avoid contact with dogs and wild animals and to report any bites. Rabies is present in Nepal and is fatal if treated late, after around 48 hours, which is a short time if a bite occurs during a trek, as treatment is only available in Nepal's major cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara).
Be free the day before departure and be sure to check your e-mail regularly, as airlines can change flight times up to 24 hours in advance. Don't take transport where you arrive at the last minute if you miss the plane, as no refunds are possible.
Show up three hours before your flight with your electronic ticket and passport.
During the flight, get up a few times to take a few steps to stretch your legs and avoid circulatory problems.
Put on your mountain boots for the flight and pack your essentials for the trek in your hand luggage, along with your papers, telephone and money. Luggage lost in the hold (20 kilos max) or arriving late could compromise the trek.
No liquids, lighters or sharp objects in your hand luggage to avoid problems at customs.
The porters will carry the group's collective belongings (tents, food, cooking equipment) and 9 kg of equipment per person of your choice, whatever you want but remember that 9 kilos can come in handy.
You will carry your personal belongings for the day with your warm clothes and rain gear with your snack and your mountain equipment about 8 to 10 kg: A bag as light as possible but with the equipment given in the list of equipment and your pharmacy.
A mountain leader for over 20 years, Jean Luc has traversed the mountains of the Alps and has also completed numerous treks in Nepal: Tilicho Lake, Three Khumbu Passes (Everest Massif), Manaslu, Annapurna Tour, Naar Phu Valley, Helambu, Goseikunda and Langtang.
He has also trekked and climbed in Bolivia, Sardinia, Sicily and the Alps.
He has also been an Artificial Rescue Worker and Weather Forecaster at Les Arcs ski resort for over 15 years. Jean Luc has given training courses on high-altitude and travel medicine with IFREMONT.
He also spent 5 years working in maintenance on the world's largest cable car, the Vanoise Express, which links Les Arcs to La Plagne, before returning to the mountains.
You can find out more about the guides in our team here.
We're working with a local Nepalese agency that will help us prepare and run the trip. We will have a guide and assistant-guides with us, as well as porters and a person in Kathmandu to handle administrative matters in the event of repatriation.
His experience and closeness to the villages we'll be passing through will be invaluable in helping us discover Nepal.
The local guide who will be co-leading the trek speaks French and has over 25 years' trekking experience.
. Guidance from a qualified mountain leader in our team ;
. Guidance by an experienced French-speaking local Nepalese guide ;
. Airport/hotel/airport transfers ;
. Bus transport Kathmandu / Trek / Kathmandu ;
. 4X4 transport to and from the Annapurna Valley ;
. A Certec hyperbaric chamber and an Iridium satellite telephone to receive weather routing ;
. A collective pharmacy for a remote trek at high altitude, IFREMONT base ;
. Mountain tents and water filtration equipment ;
. Permits for the Annapurna National Park and the Naar Phu valley ;
. TIMS (Trekking Information Management Service) card ;
. 4 nights' accommodation in a double or triple room with full board (meals included morning, noon and evening) ;
. 16 nights in a lodge or tent with full board (meals included morning, noon and evening) ;
. Porters for the collective equipment and guide helpers required depending on the size of the group ;
. International air tickets to Kathmandu ;
. Personal equipment (sleeping bag, walking sticks, hiking boots, water bottle, rucksack, sunglasses, sun cream, etc.).
. The tip for the Nepalese customs team, approximately 30 euros.
. Nepalese entry visa: approx. 50 euros. Remember to have 4 passport photos with you (check that your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date).
. Transport and visits in Kathmandu ;
. Drinks and personal expenses ;
. Showers with hot water in the lodges; it is impossible to say where there will be showers on the trek, but in general you will have a small bucket of hot water for washing with gloves;
. The cost of recharging your batteries in the lodges ;
. The evening meal on the last day in Kathmandu. The group is free to choose where to celebrate the end of this adventure;
. Assistance and mountain search insurance with a capital of 20,000 euros, cancellation and repatriation insurance ;
. Expenses related to exceptional events or force majeure (road cut, landslide, general strike, bad weather, snow, war, epidemic.....) ;
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When choosing your tour of Nepal, home of the world's highest peak, there are several criteria to take into account. Firstly, the altitude. Some treks, such as the Naar Phu Valley, take you to altitudes of over 5,000 metres. Make sure you're in good physical shape and can cope with these conditions.
The level of difficulty should also be taken into account. Some treks require good physical condition and some experience of mountain walking. Find out about the elevation gain, the distance to be covered each day and the nature of the terrain.
Experience of trekking in the Alps on a difficult route is essential before setting off on a trek in Nepal such as Naar Phu.
Don't forget to choose your trek according to the season. Not all treks are accessible all year round. For example, the Naar Phu Valley trek is generally done in spring or autumn.
Finally, consider the cultural aspect. Some treks allow you to discover the local culture, such as the Naar Phu Valley trek, which takes you through villages with a culture close to Tibetan. The population of this valley is made up in part of Tibetan exiles.
Nepal enjoys a wide range of climatic conditions, which vary according to altitude: tropical in the jungles of the Terai, temperate in the valleys and polar in the high mountains, such as Manaslu or during the Annapurna tour.
Nepal's climate varies considerably depending on the region and the season. Although the Terai is similar to a tropical and subtropical climate, the rest of the country has distinct climatic conditions. These differences are largely influenced by the significant variation in altitude over a short distance, from north to south.
The country's east-west topography and the presence of the Himalayas to the north also contribute to local climatic variations, as do the wet and dry monsoon seasons.
Nepal can be visited all year round, but to make the most of the mountains and trekking, it is best to travel to Nepal between October and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The ideal season is spring or autumn. Winter temperatures and snow prevent trekking at altitude, even though the season is fairly dry.
At high altitude, it is essential to bring a good fleece, a down jacket for cool evenings and a warm sleeping bag, even in summer, to withstand temperatures of -15 to -20 degrees at night.
When planning a trek to different parts of Nepal, the world's highest peak country, it's important to take out travel insurance that provides adequate cover for high-altitude activities and the risks associated with mountain trekking. Here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing your insurance:
Emergency medical cover: Make sure your insurance covers emergency medical expenses, including helicopter evacuation if necessary. Medical services at high altitude can be expensive, and it is essential to have insurance that can cover these expenses, which may be in the region of €20,000. In Nepal, no helicopter takes off without having been paid for, and repatriation files with embassies must be properly completed in order to receive assistance.
Altitude cover: Check whether your insurance provides specific cover for altitude-related medical conditions, such as acute mountain sickness (AMS) and its possible complications.
Repatriation assistance: Make sure your insurance includes repatriation assistance in the event of a serious medical emergency requiring repatriation to your home country or a specialist hospital.
Trip cancellation and interruption: Opt for insurance that covers trip cancellation or interruption costs in the event of unforeseen events, such as health problems before or during the trip.
Personal effects cover: Check whether your insurance covers loss, theft or damage to your personal effects, such as your trekking equipment, camera, etc.
Before taking out insurance, read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that it meets your specific needs and the requirements of your trek in Nepal. It may also be useful to consult an insurance agent or travel professional for personalised recommendations.
For a tour of Nepal, the land of the world's highest peaks, such as the Naar Phu Valley, Manaslu or the Annapurna tour, the choice of footwear is essential to ensure comfort and safety.
Hiking boots: These are compulsory to ensure good ankle support and protect against the cold and damp. Make sure they are waterproof and breathable.
Sole: Choose a grippy, sturdy sole to withstand the sometimes difficult terrain of Nepal. Vibram soles are renowned for their quality and durability.
Comfort: Choose shoes that fit well and are comfortable, as you will be walking for several hours a day. Good cushioning is important to minimise impact on descents.
Breaking-in: It's advisable to buy your trekking shoes a few weeks before you leave and wear them regularly to get them to fit your feet and avoid blisters.
A second pair of light trail shoes for the lower altitude sections is much more pleasant and less tiring than the big shoes.
Finally, don't forget to take suitable hiking socks with you, both for comfort and to avoid blisters. You can also bring a lighter pair of shoes for the evening in camp.
You can read our blog for more details on equipment.
From April 1, 2023, it will be compulsory to be accompanied by a guide when exploring Nepal's trails. Self-guided trekking will no longer be permitted in the country. By 2019, 46,000 people had opted for this solo experience on these trails.
For the Association of Trekking Agencies of Nepal, this decision is welcomed for two major reasons: job creation and increased safety for trekkers. According to Nilhari Bastola, president of the association, the new regulations could lead to the creation of "40,000 jobs". In 2019, a benchmark year for tourism, Nepal welcomed 1,190,000 foreign visitors, including 300,000 trekkers, 46,000 of whom trekked independently.
The adventure tourism economy plays a crucial role in Nepal, and trekking trails were already subject to a fee with the compulsory TIMS card. This obligation will continue, but at a single rate of 2,000 Nepalese rupees per person.
