Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Trip Facts:

Group Size
Max 12
Region
Annapurna Region
Trip Duration
16 days
Activities
Trekking Adventure
Transportation
Flight / Private Car
Meals
BLD During Trek
Accommodation
Hotel / Lodge / Tented Camp
Best Month
Autumn / Spring
Trip Grade
Moderate
Trek Starts / Ends
Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview

Nar Phu Valley Trekking is an exceptional experience in the Trans Himalaya, located behind the towering north face of Mt. Annapurna. This Nar Phu journey offers a unique blend of cultural, adventurous, and scenic experiences, providing trekkers with breathtaking views of sky-high peaks, glaciers, remote ancient villages, deep river gorges, dense forests, unique rock formations, and wildlife such as yaks and wild goats. The Nar Phu Valley Trekking route was officially opened for trekkers in 2003 and has been developed as a tea house and homestay concept. As this is a Restricted Area trekking in Nepal, trekkers need to obtain special permits through registered trekking agencies in Nepal.

The Nar Phu Valley Short Trek is a great option for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nepal. Nar Phu Valley Trek begins from the Koto village and takes you away from the more crowded routes, into the remote Nar Phu Valley. After crossing the Marsyangdi River at Koto, the route follows Nar Khola, where you will encounter only a few trekkers. The trekking route leads you through narrow paths and forests with stunning glimpses of mountain views, along with colorful Tibetan Chortens, monasteries, rock paintings, and prayer stones, and vast pasture lands that justify the trip.

Nar Phu Valley Trek continues to the Nar Phu Valley via Meta, Chyank, and Kang, where you will come across broken fragments of buildings that serve as reminders of the 1960s Khampa revolution. Several side trips are possible from Phu Village, such as visiting the Tashi Khaling Gumba, Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,920m), and the sacred site of Damodar Kunda trail. In favorable weather conditions, properly organized trekkers can venture on to the Phu Pass (5,050m) and Nar Pass (5,400m), making a direct journey from Phu to Nar village.

The trip retraces to the Meta village, where you may visit the Kangaru Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and then continue towards the Kanga La Pass (5,320m) via Nar Phedi and Nar Village. The view from the Kang La pass is simply incredible, with a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Range, Chulu Range, Himlung Himal (7,176m), Kangaru Himal (6,981m), and Lamjung Himal (6,983m). The Kangla Pass Short Trek concludes at Chame, the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit, via Ngawal (3675m), from where you will drive back to Besisahar and onward to your destination.

Nar Phu Valley is an ideal trek to learn about the depth of Nepal's mountaineering and culture in a short time. Nar Phu Valley Trekking is cheaper than other restricted areas of Nepal and is designed for trekkers who want to explore the high Himalayas on a limited budget and time. Trek to Nar Phu Valley is moderately difficult, and it's advisable to hire a guide to ensure your safety and enhance your experience. The best time to embark on this trek is during autumn and spring, when the weather is pleasant, and the views are clear.

At Magnificent Treks, we are happy to organize your Nar Phu Valley Trekking trip throughout the year with our expert local guides and porters. If you are looking for trekking paths near you, this is an incredible opportunity to discover one of the most remote and stunning places on earth. Contact us for Nar Phu Valley Trekking cost and itinerary, and start on a journey of a lifetime.

Main Highlights of Nar Phu trek

  • The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an off-the-beaten-path journey that presents trekkers with breathtaking views of the sky-high peaks, glaciers, and deep river gorges.
  • Nar Phu trek provides a unique opportunity to explore remote ancient villages, dense forests, unique rock formations, and wildlife such as yaks and wild goats.
  • The Nar Phu Valley Trek offers a chance to immerse oneself in medieval Tibetan culture that has been passed down from generations.
  • Nar Phu valley trek follows the Nar Khola and offers stunning glimpses of mountain views, along with colorful Tibetan Chortens, monasteries, rock paintings, and prayer stones.
  • Trekkers can venture on to the Phu Pass (5,050m) and Nar Pass (5,400m), making a direct journey from Phu to Nar village.
  • The Kang La pass offers a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Range, Chulu Range, Himlung Himal, Kangaru Himal, and Lamjung Himal.
  • The Nar Phu trek offers a mix of adventure, cultural, and scenic experiences.
  • trek to Nar Phu is relatively cheaper than other restricted areas of Nepal, making it an ideal destination for trekkers on a limited budget.
  • Nar Phu Valley is located in the rain shadow area behind the Himalayas, making it an ideal destination to visit during the monsoon season.
  • Trekkers need to obtain special permits through registered trekking agencies to start on the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
  • Nar Phu treks retraces to the Meta village, where you may visit the Kangaru Himal Base Camp and then continue towards the Kanga La Pass.
  • The Nar Phu trek offers an opportunity to learn about the depth of Nepal's mountaineering and culture in a short time.
  • Several side trips are possible from Phu Village, such as visiting the Tashi Khaling Gumba, Himlung Himal Base Camp, and the sacred site of Damodar Kunda trail.
  • Autumn and spring are the best times to embark on the Nar Phu trek.
  • At Magnificent Treks, expert local guides and porters are available to organize your Nar Phu trek throughout the year.

Nar Phu Valley Trekking Itinerary

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On the first day, you will depart from Kathmandu on a long drive to Jagat. The Nar phu journey takes approximately 10 hours, and along the way, you will pass through scenic landscapes and rural villages. Jagat, situated at an altitude of 1290 meters (4232 feet), will be your destination for the day. Overnight stay in Jagat.

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BLD
Accomodation
Lodge

After breakfast, you will begin your Nar Phu trek from Jagat to Dharapani. The trail takes you through picturesque valleys, terraced fields, and charming villages. You will trek for about 7 hours, ascending gradually to reach Dharapani, located at an altitude of 1830 meters (6003 feet). Overnight stay in Dharapani.

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Lodge

Today's trek will take you from Dharapani to Koto. The route winds through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, offering splendid views of the surrounding mountains. As you ascend, you will gradually gain altitude and reach Koto, situated at 2610 meters (8891 feet). Overnight stay in Koto.

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Lodge

Leaving Koto behind, you will continue your journey to Nar Phu towards Meta. The route follows the riverbank, passing through picturesque landscapes and remote settlements. As you trek for approximately 7 hours, you will gradually ascend to Meta, located at an altitude of 3560 meters (10826 feet). Overnight stay in Meta.
 

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Lodge

Today's trek to Nar Phu  takes you from Meta to Phu, a remote and culturally rich village in the Nar Phu Valley. The trail offers breathtaking views of the mountains and takes you through narrow gorges and high cliffs. After trekking for about 7 hours, you will arrive at Phu, situated at an altitude of 4250 meters (11614 feet). Overnight stay in Phu.

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Lodge

This day is set aside for acclimatization in Phu. It is important to rest and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. You can explore the village, interact with the locals, and immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the Annapurna region. Overnight stay in Phu.

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BLD
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Lodge

Continuing your trek to Nar Phu, you will leave Phu behind and head towards Nar. The trail takes you through rugged landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Nar, situated at an altitude of 4110 meters (13484 feet). Overnight stay in Nar.

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Lodge

Today is another acclimatization day in Nar. Take this opportunity to rest, explore the village, and enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. Overnight stay in Nar.

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Accomodation
Lodge

On this challenging day of Nar Phu trek, you will  from Nar to Ngawal, crossing the Kang La Pass. The pass stands at an altitude of approximately 5300 meters (17388 feet) and offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. The trek will take about 9 hours to complete, and you will descend to Ngawal, situated at 3600 meters (12171 feet). Overnight stay in Ngawal.

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Lodge

Leaving Ngawal, you will make your way to Manang. The trail descends through beautiful landscapes, passing through quaint villages and lush green forests. After trekking for about 4 hours, you will reach Manang, located at an altitude of 3540 meters (11614 feet). Overnight stay in Manang.

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Lodge

Continuing yourNar Phu Valley trek, you will leave Manang and head towards Yak Kharka. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the mountains and the Marsyangdi Valley. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, you will reach Yak Kharka, situated at an altitude of 4110 meters (13484 feet). Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

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Lodge

Today's Nar Phu trek takes you from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing the Thorong La Pass. The route winds through alpine landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. After about 4 hours of trekking, you will reach Thorong Phedi, located at an altitude of 4600 meters (15091 feet). Overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.

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Lodge

This is a challenging day of Nar Phu Valley trek, as you will cross the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. Starting early in the morning, you will ascend steeply to the pass at an altitude of 5416 meters (17769 feet). From the pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views before descending to Muktinath, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists, situated at 3710 meters (12171 feet). The entire trek will take approximately 9 hours. Overnight stay in Muktinath.

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Leaving Muktinath behind, you will trek to Jomsom, a charming town in the Annapurna region. The route descends through arid landscapes, offering unique views of the Mustang Valley. After about 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Jomsom, situated at an altitude of 2760 meters (9055 feet). Overnight stay in Jomsom.

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Lodge

Today, you will take a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The short flight offers magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful lakeside city. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

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Lodge

On the final day of your itinerary, you will drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. The drive takes approximately 8 hours, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes along the way. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can rest and reflect on the incredible journey you have experienced. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

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Accomodation
Hotel

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preference and specification.

FAQs

Nar Phu Trek is a stunning adventure that takes you through remote villages, high mountain passes, and breathtaking landscapes. You can expect a unique and challenging trekking experience that is not crowded like other popular treks in Nepal.

The best seasons for Nar Phu Trek are autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May). These seasons offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and stable weather, making it perfect for trekking.

The Nar Phu Trek usually takes around 15 to 20 days to complete, and the trekking distance is approximately 80 kilometers.

Yes, you need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit.

Yes, it is safe to trek in the Nar Phu region, provided you follow the safety guidelines and instructions of your guide.

The maximum altitude reached during the Nar Phu Trek is 5,416 meters at Kang La Pass. You can prepare for the high altitude by acclimatizing properly, staying hydrated, and following a healthy diet.

Accommodation during the Nar Phu Trek is basic and ranges from teahouses to camping. You can expect shared rooms with basic amenities like a bed, blankets, and pillows.

Yes, it is mandatory to hire a licensed guide and porter for the Nar Phu Trek. The cost varies depending on the duration of the trek, but it ranges from $30-$40 per day for a guide and $25-$35 per day for a porter.

During the trek, you can expect basic meals like Dal Bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, and soup. If you have any dietary restrictions, inform your guide in advance so they can make necessary arrangements.

You need to bring essential items like warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, comfortable trekking shoes, and a backpack. You can rent gear like trekking poles, sleeping bags, and jackets in Kathmandu.

Cell phone reception is limited during the Nar Phu Trek, and you may not have access to internet connectivity.

 

Yes, you can customize the Nar Phu Trek itinerary according to your preferences and budget. Talk to us and plan accordingly.

Traveller Useful Information

Best time to go

The Nar Phu Trek is a great option for those who want to explore the hidden valleys of the Annapurna region and get a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local inhabitants. The best time to go for the Nar Phu Trek is from March to May and from September to November.

During these months, the weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, providing stunning views of the Himalayan range. The temperatures during these months are mild, making it comfortable to trek during the day. Additionally, the flowers and vegetation are in full bloom during spring, making the landscape even more beautiful.

In contrast, during the monsoon season from June to August, the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can make trekking challenging and uncomfortable. Similarly, during the winter months from December to February, the region is covered in snow, making it difficult to trek.

Overall, the best time to go for the Nar Phu Trek is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is favorable, and the views are spectacular.

Necessary permits and regulations

To trek in the Nar Phu region, you need to obtain a special permit called the Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit, which is in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) that is required for all treks in the Annapurna region.

The Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit can be obtained from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. 
Additionally, all trekkers are required to have a licensed trekking guide, and it is recommended to hire a porter to carry your gear.

When trekking in the Annapurna region, it is important to follow the regulations set by the local authorities and respect the culture and traditions of the local communities. It is also crucial to carry proper gear and equipment, including warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and enough food and water.

Finally, it is important to leave no trace and practice responsible trekking to minimize the impact on the environment and local communities.

Difficulty level and fitness requirements

The Nar Phu Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek and requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance.

The trek to Nar Phu involves hiking in high altitudes, with the highest point being the Kang La Pass at an elevation of 5,320 meters. The trail is rugged and includes steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and river crossings. Trekkers will also be exposed to cold weather conditions, and may experience symptoms of altitude sickness.

To prepare for the Nar Phu trek, it is recommended that trekkers engage in regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, and endurance training. It is also important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at higher altitudes before attempting the Kang La Pass.

Trekkers should carry proper gear and equipment, including warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and enough food and water. It is also important to stay hydrated and well-rested throughout the trek.

Overall, while the Nar Phu Trek is a challenging trek, with proper preparation and training, it is achievable for those with a good level of fitness and endurance.

Tips for acclimatization in the high-altitude region

Acclimatization is an important aspect of trekking in high-altitude regions such as the Nar Phu Valley. Here are some tips to help you acclimatize properly:

Take it slow: It is essential to take the trek at a slow and steady pace to give your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. It is recommended to ascend no more than 300-500 meters per day above 3,000 meters.

Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is crucial to help your body acclimatize to the higher altitude. Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Rest and sleep: Proper rest and sleep are essential to allow your body to acclimatize. It is recommended to take a rest day every few days and to get a good night's sleep.

Acclimatization hikes: Taking short hikes to higher altitudes during the trek can help your body adjust to the altitude. It is recommended to climb higher during the day and return to a lower elevation to sleep.

Medications: Some medications can help prevent or alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, such as Diamox. However, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before taking any medication.

Know the symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience any symptoms, descend to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help your body acclimatize properly and enjoy a safe and enjoyable trek in the high-altitude region of Nar Phu Valley.

Nar Phu Trekking Tips and Advice

Choose the right time: The best time to trek to Nar Phu Valley is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons when the weather is mild and stable.

Get proper permits: Obtain the necessary permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit, before starting the trek.

Hire a licensed guide and porter: It is mandatory to hire a licensed guide and porter for the Nar Phu Trek.

Pack wisely: Pack light and bring only the essential items, including warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, comfortable trekking shoes, a first aid kit, and enough food and water.

Train and prepare: The Nar Phu Trek is a moderate to challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and endurance.

Respect the local culture: Nar Phu Valley is home to several ethnic communities, including the Nar and Phu people, who have their own unique culture, customs, and traditions.

Bring cash: There are no ATMs or credit card facilities in the Nar Phu Valley, so bring enough cash to cover your expenses.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent altitude sickness.

Acclimatize properly: Take it slow and allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude.

Be prepared for the weather: Weather in the Nar Phu Valley can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate gear for rain, wind, and cold temperatures.

Take care of your feet: Properly care for your feet, including wearing comfortable and appropriate shoes, taking breaks to rest, and using moleskin or blister pads.

Keep a positive attitude: A positive attitude can help you overcome the challenges of the trek.

Be prepared for basic accommodation: Accommodation in the Nar Phu Valley is basic, with no hot showers or electricity.

Respect the environment: Nar Phu Valley is a fragile environment, so take care to not litter or damage the natural surroundings.

Follow safety guidelines: Follow safety guidelines provided by your guide, including staying on the trail, not trekking alone, and avoiding dangerous areas.

Essential items to pack for the Nar Phu Trek

Here are some essential items to pack for the Nar Phu Trek:

Clothing: Warm, comfortable and breathable clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, thermal innerwear, fleece jacket, gloves, scarf, woolen hat, and hiking boots.

Sleeping bag: A good quality sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures is essential for the cold nights in the mountains.

Backpack: A sturdy backpack with a waterproof cover is necessary to carry your essentials during the trek.

Trekking poles: Trekking poles can provide support and balance while trekking on the steep and rocky terrain.

Water bottle: A reusable water bottle is a must to stay hydrated during the trek.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

First aid kit: A basic first aid kit with antiseptic, bandages, painkillers, altitude sickness medication, and any personal medication you may need.

Snacks: High-energy snacks like granola bars, nuts, and chocolate bars can provide a quick boost of energy during the trek.

Map and compass: A map and compass can help you navigate the trail and avoid getting lost.

Headlamp: A headlamp or flashlight is essential for navigating in the dark or during power cuts.

Camera: A camera to capture the stunning views and memorable moments of your trek.

Cash: Bring enough cash as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities in the Nar Phu Valley.

Toiletries: Personal hygiene items like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.

Portable charger: A portable charger to keep your electronic devices charged.

Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies or flight cancellations.
 

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