Nar-Phu Vallery Trek

The Nar-Phoo valley in newly opened, spectacular regions of Lama, Gurung and Ghale inhabitants. Nar-Phoo valley has unique natural, cultural and geographical wounders, making it the most sought after destination in Nepal. Governemnt in 2002 has declared this region as a new destination ad opened it for organized trekking only. This region was first of all explored by Tilman in the 1950s. Till date very few westerners have explored the virtually untouchd villages of Nar & Phoo or clmbed the many 7000 m peaks surrounding them.
There are 63 household in Nar and 39 in Phoo. They are living in the village under their own social values and norms.

Access:

The way to Nar-Phoo villages separates from Koto (near Chame) to the northeast. The trek starts from Kotoa and ends in Ngawal after crossing Kang-La Pass (5200m.) Nar can be reached walking for 2 days while Phoo in 3 days from Koto village.

Historical Overvies:

Historically, Nar-Phoo region was the place which Khampa refugees (from Tibet) once captured and lived illegally at places like Jhunum, Chyakhu, Meta and Kyang. One can still see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement, along the trail of Nar and Phoo.

Way of Living:

Labor intensive lifestyle is the peculiarity of the Nar-Phoo villages. Subsistence agriculture, animal husbandary and seasonal migration to the city centres and mid hills are the usual chores of the people during winter seson. The villagers return with the onset of pleasants weathere in April. Leisure time is normally spent in knitting blanket, pherpa and making Docha (locally made shoes). The staple foods include dhindo (capray), dalbhat and variety of items made fro potato buckwheat, wheat flour while dring includes Tibetan tea (made by churning it in a bamboo or wooden hosepipe).

Natural Aspect:

The valley is an untamed and amazing piece of land enriched by the natural wonders like the breath catching views of Himalayas, riveres, foundains, lakes and Pine forests. July and August are the months full of blooming colourful wind flowers. This is also and excellent habitat of Blue Sheep, Chyanhura, Himalayan Snow Cock, different species of birds and elusive Snow Leopard. A hot spring near the "Hulakin Odar" (Postman cave) on the bank of the Nar River officers a soothings naturall bath!. The bathapart from being a natural therapy is believed to cure sking ailments. Deep georges of Lepche River locally known as Mahendra pool and DOna Waterfall (near Dharmashala) are the bonus attracions for the visitors.

Culture Aspect:

Unique cultural features of the Nar-Phoo valley have flourished its fame and fascination making it cultural hub to national in international visitors. There are 5 Gompas in Nar and 3 in Phoo. Out of them "Tashi Lakang Gompa" of Phoo is the most significant of all. Out of 108 Buddhist monasteries, it is believed to be the last gompa constructed by Kamarpa Rimpoche. In the new coon and full moon day, the villagers perform Puja (worship) in the monasteries.

Festival:

There are many mojor festivals like Lhosar, Derchi, Dunchhyang, Yakchha etc. Although most of therse festivals are religious some have historical singificance while others are seasonal celebrations. Most peculiramong these is the death ceremony - tradition during which the Lama (monk) read their book (Chhe) and decides wheather the dead body needs to be buried or burned or fed to the vulture. It is told that the time of birth and death of an individual decides its course of the funeral process.

Yakcha Festival:

Yakcha is one of the most important cultural festival practiced in the Nar vilage. Although there is no historical manuscript found so far. It is believed that the festival started frist in Ngawal village then in Bharka, Manang and finally in Nar. Although the roles can be played of freewill the roles of the king and the priest are strictly limited to particular members of the group which are passed down from generation to generation.