| 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. |
