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TREKS & CLIMB IN THE HIMALAYA • ADVENTURE TRAVEL ORGANIZER |
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Upper Arun, Nar & Phu in Manang,
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Upper Arun, Nar & Phu in Manang,
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 Under this category there are several areas just opened last year (2001). Some of the areas are termed as special permit and other just normal permit. Thus the opening of these areas almost completes all those areas which used to be off limit to foreigners. However in late 50’s geologists, geographer, naturalists, and mountaineers have explored all these places. Though exhaustive studies are still not yet been made yet you can find several books written about the areas. Like all the areas under special permit and special trek category these newly opened area offer similar cultural and natural beauty. Only exception is you will be in the club of limited numbers of explorers who have already visited the places, which are untouched by present development.
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Trek starts at Tumlingtar and follow Arun-river towards north to Num and travel northeast to the source of Arun River, which is located beyond the old trading post of Kimathanka. Visit the isolated villages of Hatia, Chepuwa, Ritak and Thudam near the Tibetan border of north east Nepal. From Thudam you travel south to Topkegola. It is another village that share the history of upper Tamur.
From Topkegola instead of taking lower trail through Mewa Khola (river) to Donje, Phapung and Lingtep the proposed trail climbs up to the ridge of Jaljala Himal (4800m) and continues the snow traverse through the high mountain trail to Milke Danda and descend to Chainpur. The traverse involve about 4 days of travel through snow and average 4700-meter elevation. Depending upon them weather and physical condition of the trekkers the higher trail would be taken. From Milke danda it is also possible to descend to Basantapur and catch bus to Biratnagar.
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Take bus to Dhankutta and walk to Hille, a small town north of Dhankutta. You follow the main trail to Tumlingtar and from Khare the trail gradually ascend to chainpur. Cross Milke danda and descend to Dhoban. Follow the Tamur river towards northeast to Gunsa; Near Lelep village you turn north towards the source of Tamur river and reach Walungchung–gola (or Olangchunggola).
Christoph Von Furer-Haimendorf in his book Himalayan Traders noted “Walongchung bears all the outward sign of flourishing center of Buddhist. There is a large and lavishly furnished gompa (monastery) and the village is studded with chorten (stupa), mani walls and prayer wheels. He further noted that the Bhutias of Upper Tamur practice much more orthodox pattern of Buddhist culture than any of the Lhomi communities of Arun valley. The people of Olangchung have had far more impact of Tibetan culture across the border than other areas.
Explore the upper reach of Tamur and cross Nangola (4802m) to reach Gunsa. Travel further on rugged trail to the glacier at Pangpema (5150m). Retrace the trail to Gunsa and travel south towards the eastern bank of Tamur River. From Chirwa ascend the steep trail to Pathivara (3700m). Make final descent to Taplejung to take bus to Ilam and to Biratnagar for flight back to Kathmandu.
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The trail to this remote valley left untouched by civilizations enter from near Chame, on the trail of popular Annupurna trek. Explore the valley to the north, visit Phu village situated on the edge and travel south to Nar Village. Cross Kangla (5321m pass)east of Chulu East and join main Annapurna trail.
Nar and Phu villages are the most remote villages in Manang. The valley is surrounded by Peri Himalaya to the north, Gangla and Kangguru to the east and Damodar Himalaya to the west. The elevation of the valley became prominent around 1960 when Khampa from Tibet entered Nepal in Mustang and Manang Valley. Despite the prosperity of the other area in Manang people in this valley have remained untouched until now. Their dialect is different from other near by area. They have not left their nomadic tradition. There are three Buddhist monasteries dedicated to Nyingmapa sect. Nar and Phu valleyis the closest area that pre Budhist tradition, culture and rituals are still in tact like in Upper Dolpo. It has been so near yet so far away.
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