Narphu (Nar-Phu) Valley Trekking

For Himalayan addicts only, The Nar and Phu valleys are newly opened, spectacular regions of ethnically Tibetans inhabitants for those of you that think you trekked all. This is a trek that combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures. Trekking 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 is narrow and forested, the valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. Two long days of walking from the border of Tibet, Tilman first explored this region in 1950s. Closed to trekkers until late 2002, very few westerners have explored these virtually untouched villages or climbed the many 7000-meters peak surrounded it. We will 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. Buddhist pilgrims from around Nepal might accompany us up to Phu to visit the renowned Tashi Lha Khang monastery and receive a blessing from Lama Karma Sonam Rinpochhe. Along with spending plenty of time at these colorful and timeless villages, we explored the high alpine valleys above Phu (including Himlung base camp for those who want to), and crossing Kang La pass fro Nar to Ngwal on the Pisang route leading back into the Annapurna circuit. Just in case one 5315-meter pass isn't enough, we will head west over the Thorong La pass (5416-meter) and down through lower Mustang, where we will spend a few days exploring before heading on to Jomsom, and finally fly back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Restricted Area trekking…when the earth kisses the sky…

If you are wishing to get well off the beaten track you may wish to consider a journey to some of the fascinating restricted regions of Nepal.

These regions remain pristine wilderness & ecological cultural museums where life has changed very little. An intimate experience of the differing ways people arrange their lives in order to cope with their often harsh physical conditions on some of the toughest terrain on earth. A journey full of questions and contrast awaits everyone who visits this     side of Nepal.

Some of the remote areas of Nepal were restricted for foreign visitors until 1991. After multiparty democracy in Nepal, rules have been changed together with new democratic constitution regulations and opened for visiting the most inaccessible and firmly controlled areas in Nepal. The regulation is designed primarily to protect the environment and cultural aspects of the remote regions and provide security and safety for both foreign trekkers and Nepal's northern borders with China.

The treks must be fully arranged through a registered Trekking Company. It has to be fully equipped with tents, all Support staffs, cooks, etc. The trekking agency arranges the trekking permit through a series of applications and guarantee letters. You cannot trek alone in these restricted areas. You should be at least 2 people in the group. Each group is accompanied with a government environmental officer. The environmental officer has to handle all the formalities with the police and government offices en-route.

Encounters Nepal has a decade of experience in operating in restricted zones & we will arrange all your trek formalities & logistics for some of the most challenging & thrilling adventures in the great outback of Nepal.