Nar Phu Valley is one of the exotic trek destinations of the Annapurna region. This trek allows you to venture deep into the two secluded and hidden valleys of the Upper Manang district - Nar and Phu. Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the highest elevation achieved during the trek. Besides the cultural insight, magnificent views of Manaslu, Pisang, Kangru, Chulus, Langtang, and other peaks, glaciers, canyon, tranquil forest, and impressive boulders fascinate you throughout the trek.
Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary starts with 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Jagat- the starting point of our 20 days trekking trip.
The trail further climbs up to the Marsyangdi River valley following the main Annapurna Circuit Trail up to Koto and branches off from Koto to the beaten-off trekking route of Nar Phu valley.
Exploring Phu village, the trail continues to gain elevation and climbs Kong La Pass located to the west of Nar valley. Further, it joins the main Annapurna Circuit Trek at Ngawal and follows the route of Thorong La Phedi. Crossing an adventurous Thorong La Pass (5,416m), it finally descends to Jomsom via Muktinath.
This valley is located in the isolated section of Annapurna amidst Damodar Kunda and Annapurna Circuit part one. The area is intact to modernity and you will find people still adopting Tibetan culture and tradition. This less-frequented track of the Annapurna region offers the real experience of remote Himalayan life, culture, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Nar Phu Valley trek cost depends on the length and package offered on the trip. The Nar Phu Valley trek cost must cover all meals, accommodation, guide, porter, and transportation throughout the trek. What it does not include is Lunch & Dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara and the personal expenses of the trekkers.
Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary can be fully customized to your preference ensuring you flat rates, special group discount, and 100% departure date.
Nevertheless, trekkers seeking more adventure can attempt Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek which is more rewarding and challenging too.
The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area for trekking, which requires special permits to enter. These restrictions are in place to preserve the fragile environment, nature, and culture of the valley.
The permit costs are as follows:
According to the regulations, all international trekkers must be accompanied by a government-registered guide, and your trek must be organized by a government-registered company in Nepal.
After having breakfast in the morning, our journey begins with a pleasant 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. It's about 190 kilometers in distance. We take a local bus route that runs alongside the picturesque Trishuli River. During the drive, you'll get to enjoy beautiful sights, like terraced fields, traditional villages, and you'll even catch glimpses of impressive peaks such as Ganesh and Manaslu.
As we continue our drive, we leave the main road that goes to Pokhara and instead head north towards Besisahar. Along the way, we pass through lush paddy fields, eventually arriving at Jagat, which is a lovely village with a touch of Tibetan culture.
After having breakfast in the early morning, we start our trek. The path takes us uphill, but it's not too steep, and we make our way to Chame. During the journey, we'll cross a bridge that hangs from ropes and continue on a rocky and slightly steep trail. This leads us to the charming village of Tal, where you can enjoy the sight of stunning waterfalls. After taking in the beauty of Tal, we keep moving, crossing another hanging bridge that brings us to lower Dharapani. A little farther along the path, we reach higher Dharapani, where we'll spend the night.
You'll enter the Nar Phu Valley, which will take about four to five hours. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful pine and fir forests, visit several monasteries, and see traditional villages before reaching Bargarchhap. Here, you'll get to enjoy stunning views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, and other big mountains. After that, you'll continue through more pine forests until you arrive at Koto, a charming village where Gurung people live.
Your trek begins in Koto, a village perched at 2,610 meters (8,563 feet) above sea level. This journey takes you through the beautiful Nar Phu Valley, where you'll see lush forests, peaceful riverbanks, and experience the local culture. The path follows the Soti Khola river, giving you lovely views of pine forests and several suspension bridges. You will also come across cascading waterfalls. After trekking for around five hours, you'll reach Dharamshala, a place to rest. Moving on from Dharamshala, the forest thins out, and you'll hike uphill for about one and a half hours. Finally, you'll reach Meta village, located at 3,560 meters (11,680 feet), offering beautiful views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, where you'll spend the night.
The trek involves a mix of ups and downs, with a suspension bridge leading you to Chyaku. As you continue uphill, you will be treated to beautiful views of Annapurna and eventually reach Kyang, where you can admire Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. After crossing the Phu Khola river on a rocky path and passing some unique rock formations and possible campsites, you will reach the entrance of Phu Village, known as the Phu gate.
Nar and Phu villages are famous for their distinct blue sheep, rich cultural traditions, and unique religious practices. During your visit to Phu Village, don't miss the chance to explore Tashi Lhakhang Monastery. Moreover, Phu Village offers splendid views of various Himalayan ranges, including the impressive Himlung Himal.
We depart from Phu Gaon and make our way to Nar Village, crossing two high mountain passes, namely Phu Pass at 5,050 meters and Nar Pass at 5,400 meters in elevation. Along the trek, you will encounter several suspension bridges over streams, including the notable Mahendra Pul. The path also offers you the chance to admire Pisang Peaks and many other beautiful views.
We'll take a day to acclimatize in Nar, which means we'll rest and get to know the Nar village better. During this time, we can explore the village, meet the locals, learn about their traditions and culture, and visit the various monasteries and Chortens in the area. It's interesting to note that in Nar, at least one child from each family studies Buddhism, which might come as a surprise.
Starting from Nar, we will climb up along the side of the Temdenzon Khola river on a pleasant path. Along the way, we will pass through yak pastures and enjoy beautiful views of the west ridge of Pisang Peak. Next, we'll head to Jhombu Kharka, also called Kang La Phedi, which is the base of Kang La Pass.
From Kang La Phedi, we'll gradually hike up to Kang La Pass. While the path is steep, it's not overly challenging, and it should take us about 2 hours to cross the pass. Once we're on Kang La Pass, we'll be treated to beautiful views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. After that, we'll trek for approximately three more hours to reach Ngawal Village, where we'll spend the night.
We depart from Ngwal and follow the Marsyangdi River towards Manang. Along the way, you will pass through forests and villages like Braga and Paugh, all while soaking in views of the Tilicho Peak and Annapurna mountain ranges. When we reach Mungli, our path connects with the main Annapurna trekking route. We continue our trek until we finally reach Manang, where we'll spend the night.
Leaving Manang behind, we cross a stream and arrive at Tenki village. Then, we head northwest out of the Marshyangdi Valley and into the Jar Sang Khola Valley. The path takes us higher gradually, passing through some pastures and juniper trees until we reach a small village called Gunsan. The houses in Gunsan have flat mud roofs, and the villagers raise yaks and horses, so you might spot these animals grazing in the nearby pastures. After crossing a small river via a wooden bridge, we continue our journey up the stunning valleys to a serene and open meadow known as Yak Kharka.
Today, our destination is Thorong Phedi, located at the base of the Thorong La pass. Starting from Yak Kharka, you'll ascend to a ridge, then descend and cross the Marsyangdi river using a wooden bridge. Afterward, we continue along a mountain path, follow a narrow trail on a slope, and eventually reach Thorong Phedi.
Today is a challenging day as we'll be crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the world's highest passes and the highest point of our trek. It involves a steep climb, high altitude, and cold temperatures, but the incredible views from the pass make it all worth it. From Thorong La Pass, you will witness a panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks stretching north into Tibet and the Annapurna ranges behind you. Afterward, we will descend to Muktinath, which takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Muktinath holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. In Tibetan, it's known as "Chumig Gyatsa," which means "Hundred Waters," and you'll find 108 water sprouts and an eternal flame at the Muktinath temple premises.
The trek from Muktinath to Jomsom involves descending from a high altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) to a lower altitude of 2,715 meters (8,910 feet). During this trek, you'll see a change in the landscape, going from high alpine areas to drier and more desert-like terrain. You'll pass through charming villages, dry valleys, and follow the Kali Gandaki River, which happens to be one of the world's deepest river gorges. Your destination, Jomsom, is a lively town in the Mustang region, serving as its administrative hub. It's known for its unique landscapes and strong Tibetan cultural influences.
Starting from Jomsom, we'll hop on a local bus bound for Tatopani. This bus journey might be a bit bumpy but offers beautiful sights of some of the world's deepest gorges. As we travel, you'll notice a shift from the dry, high-altitude terrain to lower areas with lush jungles and fertile farmlands.
Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Kali Gandaki River, which separates Annapurna (the world's 10th highest peak) from Dhaulagiri (the seventh highest). Tatopani is renowned for its natural hot springs, and you can even take a soothing dip in these nearby hot springs to relax your tired muscles.
We begin our journey early in the morning with a seven-hour bus or jeep ride from Tatopani to Pokhara, passing through Beni Bazaar on the route. Pokhara, often called the tourist capital of Nepal, is a fantastic destination with plenty to offer. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities and make the most of the amenities designed for tourists. It's a place where you can truly unwind and have a great time.
Today, we start early and take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The 200-kilometer ride follows rivers, offering beautuful views of the landscape, villages, and farms. As the bus climbs, we return to Kathmandu, where our trek began.
The Nar Phu Valley trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves long days of walking, high altitude, and some steep ascents and descents. Proper physical fitness and acclimatization are important.
Yes, you need a special permit to trek in the Nar Phu Valley. You will need both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit.
The duration of the Nar Phu Valley trek can vary depending on the itinerary you choose. On average, it takes around 12-15 days to complete the trek.
The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is usually clear, and the views are stunning during these times.
Accommodation on the Nar Phu Valley trek is basic and mostly consists of teahouses or guesthouses. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities. Camping options are also available in certain areas.
While it is possible to do the trek independently, it is recommended to hire a guide or join a guided trek for better navigation, safety, and cultural insights.
Essential items to pack include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, a first aid kit, and other personal items.
The highest point of the Nar Phu Valley trek is Kang La Pass, which stands at an altitude of approximately 5,320 meters (17,450 feet).
There are no specific age restrictions for the Nar Phu Valley trek. However, it is important to consider the physical fitness and endurance levels of individuals, especially when trekking at high altitudes.
Yes, there are options for side trips and extensions during the Nar Phu Valley trek. Some popular ones include visiting Tilicho Lake, exploring the Annapurna Circuit, or continuing to the Thorong La Pass.
Yes, the Nar Phu Valley trek offers opportunities to explore the unique culture and visit ancient monasteries in the region. You can immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist traditions and interact with the local communities.
While previous trekking experience is not mandatory, it is recommended to have some level of fitness and endurance. It is also beneficial to have experience with high-altitude trekking and be familiar with basic trekking techniques.
Yes, you can hire a porter to carry your backpack and ease the load during the trek. This allows you to focus on enjoying the journey and the stunning landscapes.
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