Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang Trek with Teri La Pass

After procedure of special trekking permits from Nepal Department of Immigration we take a scenic afternoon flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu that takes some 25 minutes. Overnight in Pokhara in Hotel Mount View or Similar 

After taking a nicely prepared buffet, catch the picturesque mountain flight to Jomsom.  Flight passes through Kali Gandaki George and presents magnificent views of the mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna (8091m). After some rest in the windy town of Jomsom, the trek begins as you head towards Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The walk will be 4-5 hours.

The trail goes to the eastern bank of Kali Gandaki River and goes up several ridges in the north. Then we each at the Gurung settlement of Tangbe. You can see Chortens here along with appealing patterns of alleyways. Continue further to Chhusang and cross a river. Then, you leave Kali Gandaki valley and climb steeply to reach Tsaile. Overnightlodge at in Tsaile.

You continue the trek through the trail that stretches along the steep region and passes by a pile of stones. Then, you cross a stream and descend down to arrive at Rangchung Cave Monastery. It is considered as one of the holiest places in Mustang. After a gradual climb from Syangboche, you descend to arrive in Ghiling village. In Ghiling, you see a big Chorten and two gompas with red painted walls. Overnight at tented camp in Ghiling.

In the morning, you climb up a small pass and then walk through the Ghiling valley. Passing through the Ghiling village once again, you move on the Nyi-La Pass (4010m). Moving ahead, you cross the longest Mani wall in Mustang and then you cross a stream. Climb up a ridge and cross a valley to arrive in Dhakmar. 

Climb up a steep eroded gully and pass through some alpine meadows. Then, climb a ridge and keep going downhill till Ghar Gompa which is also known as Lo Gyaker, meaning pure virtue of Lo. Then, you keep walking along a grassy valley. You walk further to cross Marang–La Pass (4230m) before descending and following the trail to get to the fortress city of Lo-Manthang. 

An additional day to rest or discover around Lo-Manthang which was the capital city of the former Kingdom of Mustang, which contains around 200 earthen structures including palaces and monasteries. This fortress city is one of the last places on earth which still follows the pre-Buddhist Bon culture. Lo-Manthang is also known as the reserve of the purest form of Buddhism. Lo-Manthang has Thukchen Monastery which is the only monastery in the world with 108 mandalas painted on its wall.  Also you have choice of going excursion to eastern valley of Chhoser where you can visit monasteries as well and cave used by Tibetan Khampa Guerrillas when China evaded Tibet in 1959  

Leaving Lo-Manthang, the trail steadily climbs two small passes—Lo La (3950m) and Dhi La (3950m)—before arriving in Dhi village. It will take about 3 hours through to reach Dhi village. You descend for about an hour and then you cross Puyung Khola. Continue climbing alongside the river to reach Yara. 

Again an extra day, to visit the Luri Cave Monastery, which is believed to be 700 years old located in the high hills and the visitors have to scramble up a dirt trail. The lower caves have beautiful white stupas and painted walls. You can explore the ancient paintings of Shakyamuni Buddha and Padmasambhava. Then, you return back to Yara in the afternoon for lunch. 

Comparatively It is a long and tough day today. Leave early and make a steep ascend. Then, you descend steeply until arriving at Dhechyang Khola. After crossing the river, the trail ascends and passes through the grasslands. The trail then drops rapidly to Tangge village. 

Here today; we meet our trekking crew with camping stuff for the rest of the days. There is no human settlement between Tangge and Nar Village. 

The trail climbs up the barren land that leads you to the meadow where the locals bring their yaks for grazing. This place is thus known as Yak Kharka (pasture) which means grazing place for yaks. You may see some seasonal yak herder's shelters Yakpa where you will be camping for tonight. 

It is an easier and short day today, climb gently for first part to the pass then descend downward. There is no vegetation as you move ahead but the highlight of the day will be the lively river bank of Samena Khola. You will come across some old farming lands before arriving at Samena Khola. 

Follow the trail that takes upward and passes through sparsely vegetated areas alongside Yak Khola, following which you reach Teri-La Base Camp. You can enjoy the view of Teri Himal (5935m) along with the views of other peaks as you rest in Teri-La Base Camp. 

It is the most difficult day today, You trek to the High Camp. You need to be ready, physically as well as mentally, in order to make the climb and adjust to the altitude above 5000m. Then you cross the high mountain pass, Teri-La (5575m). From the top, you can view the Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Purkung. After a short break at the top, you descend to the other side of the pass to Teri-La Phedi. 

You follow the descending path and takes to a plain land in 4 hours. Continue the trek through the flat terrain of Nar Phu Valley to reach Labse Khola. In mid-summer, you might see yaks and sheep grazing around the area. 

The trek continues through the wilderness to Yak Kharka. Following Labse Khola downstream, you reach Yak Kharka. There are only a few temporary shepherd huts here. It is a lush pastureland which is used for cattle grazing, especially the yaks. 

Follow the trail downhill for around 7 hours to reach Nar Gaon. This village is located on the northern side of the famous Annapurna Trekking Trail. The name of the village is believed to be derived from Nar Khola. There are many Buddhist monasteries to visit here. You can interact with the locals and learn about their one of a kind culture in Nar. 

Relatively an easy and short walk today going a downhill  you walk past the Mani walls and continue to walk downhill to Phu River. Kyang village is located just above Phu River. You can see the locals and mules passing by as you move along the trail. 

Go by some Chortens and streams that arise from the high Himalayas. Walking on a rocky path, you follow the trails of Phu River and then cross the river to in Phu Gaon. There is Lakhang Monastery, also known as the blessed house of gods, in Phu which is one of the oldest monasteries in the world.

Set off from the hidden valley and follow the up and down track to Meta. You go by several streams and suspension bridges. It is an isolated trek and there are relatively fewer trekkers in this region. You might get a chance to see the blue sheep on the way. During this trek, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Lamjung Himal (6893 m) and Annapurna II (7937m).

It will be a downhill walk and comparatively an easier trek to the settlement of Koto. You walk through the pine forests passing many streams and picturesque waterfalls near Dharmashala. Koto is a small, clean and quiet village. You get an enchanting view of Annapurna II (7937m) from Koto. We may encounter many other trekkers heading toward Manang and Thorong La Pass trek. 

Walk along the bank of Marsyangdi River downstream, passing through pine forests and small villages. On the way, you reach a ridge from where you can get excellent views of Annapurna II (7937m). You continue the trek and arrive at Dharapani, which is a major junction in the Marsyangdi valley with a police check post and many government offices. 

You drive back to Kathmandu in a private 4 wheeler which is long day ride. You can enjoy the views of the beautiful landscapes, mountains, and villages on the way back. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can rest in your hotel or explore the nearby markets.