Nar and Phu are restricted-permit valleys in the rain shadow north of the Annapurnas — Tibetan-rooted villages closed to outsiders until 2003. This 18-day route combines a visit to Phu and Nar with the Mesokanto La (5,099 m), an alternative pass to the Thorong La used by trekkers who want to avoid the Thorong crowds.
Why this trek
- Restricted-area permit means low foot traffic — fewer than 1,500 trekkers per year visit Nar and Phu combined.
- Tibetan Buddhist culture intact — yak herds, mani walls, gompas centuries old.
- Mesokanto La is technically harder than Thorong La but quieter and more dramatic.
- Connects to the Annapurna Circuit's Manang village, so you can extend or shorten.
This is a trek for experienced Himalaya walkers comfortable with restricted-area logistics and long high-altitude days. We require a minimum group size of two — solo trekking isn't permitted by Nepal's restricted-area rules.