Nar Phu Valley Trek - 11 Days

Key Information
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Duration:11 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude:5,322 m/17,460 ft
  • Starts/Ends:Koto/Chame
  • Trip Style:Trek
  • Group Size:2-12
  • Best Time:Spring & Autumn

The Nar Phu Valley trek takes you into the hidden and untouched section of the famous Annapurna region. The Nar Phu Valley remains a restricted area in Nepal, so a special permit is needed to travel here. If you are looking for a true wilderness experience in the Himalayas, then Nar Phu Valley trekking is a fantastic option.

The valley is tucked between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. It was only opened in 2003 for tourism purposes, so not many trekkers know about it. The Nar Phu Valley trek is challenging, so ideal for adventure lovers who are looking to challenge themselves. You complete the trek only in 11 days while crossing a high mountain pass- Kang La (5,322 m/17,460 ft).

What to expect during the Nar Phu Valley trekking?

The Nar Phu Valley trek 11 days explores lush forests, remote villages, narrow canyons, glaciers, mountain passes, and amazing rock formations. It is a mesmerizing journey to rich Tibetan Buddhist villages. The Nar Phu Valley trek route is not crowded like the famous Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, so trekkers get to enjoy solitary time.

Nar and Phu are two separate villages located close to each other. These villages are inhabited by Khampas, who are Tibetan refugees. Therefore, the culture, traditions, food, and beliefs of the locals are highly influenced by Tibetan roots. The trail is dotted with stupas, mani walls, chortens, and ancient monasteries.

Tashi Lhakhang Monastery is one of the main monasteries in the Nar Phu Valley. Our Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary has two acclimatization days in the Nar and Phu villages. During the acclimatization days, you will explore the villages, get to see the daily lifestyle of the locals closely and hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp.

Similarly, the Nar Phu Valley trek also offers stunning landscapes and mountain vistas. You will witness Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,984 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), etc.

Extend the Nar Phu Valley trek to Thorong La pass

Travelers with extra time on hand can extend their Nar Phu Valley trek to the Thorong La pass. After crossing the Kang La pass, you will descend to Ngawal. Ngawal is a part of the Annapurna Circuit route. Instead of ending the trek, you can continue to explore the world-famous Annapurna Circuit. You can also combine the Tilicho Lake excursion with your trip.

Let us know if you make up your mind to continue the trek to Thorong La pass after completing the Nar Phu Valley trekking. You can inform your guide. We will let you know how much additional money you have to pay to do Annapurna Circuit, and our team will make the necessary reservations right away.

Who can do the Nar Phu Valley trek 11 days?

The Nar Phu Valley trek is challenging. This trek is for experienced trekkers who are mentally and physically fit. The Nar Phu Valley trek route is off the beaten path. So, it requires extra effort and caution. Trekkers of all ages can go on this adventurous backpacking voyage with us if they are capable of walking uphill and downhill 6 hours a day.

Nar Phu Valley trek preparation and packing

To prepare for the Nar Phu Valley trek, you do not have to do much. Long walks and day hikes are enough. You can also do regular exercise focusing on your leg muscles, core strength, and stamina. Activities like swimming, cycling, running, etc will help you increase your stamina. You can also walk or jog on treadmills.

Follow our packing list and get the trekking clothes and gear as per that. If you are buying new trekking shoes, then get them early and get used to them to avoid any blisters during the trek. Likewise, do not forget to pack any medicines that you may need.

Below is a packing list for Nar Phu Valley trekking:

  • Base layers (quick dry and moisture-wicking)
  • Undergarments
  • Trekking shirts, trousers
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves, socks, sunhat, bennie, scarf
  • Trekking boots and sandals
  • Backpack
  • Trekking poles
  • Quick dry towel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottles and water purification tablets
  • Sunglass
  • Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, facewash, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, wet tissue, comb, etc)
  • Personal medication
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Snacks, adapter, camera, power bank, charger, journal, pen
  • Passport, Visa, permits, photos, cash

Why do the Nar Phu Valley trek with us?

We, Halesi Treks, offer the best Nar Phu Valley trek package in Nepal. Our Nar Phu Valley trek cost and service are unbeatable. You will travel with a reliable team of guides and porters during the trek who ensure your safety and a satisfying trek experience. With our professional team, you can enjoy hassle-free Nar Phu Valley trekking.

Likewise, you can customize the Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary with us as per your requirements. We also organize the trek as per our client's budget. Feel free to contact us and share your travel plans. Our team will help you make it come true.

Join us on our Nar Phu Valley trek 2024/2025 departures and explore the unseen part of the Annapurna region!

Itinerary

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team will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival day. They will be around the terminal gate waiting for you. After a short meet and greet, you will drive to your hotel in Thamel. We use a private four-wheeler as per the group size.

Settle in your hotel and freshen up. Later in the day, meet with other team members and your mountain guide for the trek briefing. Do any last-minute shopping and pack your duffle bag. We will end the day with a delicious Nepali meal as the welcome dinner.

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Start the day with a warm breakfast. After that, you will leave the hotel and travel to Besisahar. It is going to be a long and scenic ride. Following the winding lush foothills, you will drive to Dumre. The road is bumpy from here onwards to Besisahar. On the way, see stunning landscapes and mountain views.

  • Max. Altitude: 760 m/2,493 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Distance: 175 km/109 miles

Today, you will drive from Besisahar to Koto. It will be a thrilling and stunning ride. Follow the rugged Himalayan foothills and drive via small villages. Witness terraced fields, waterfalls, rivers, and snow-capped mountains along the way. Upon reaching Koto, rest and get ready for trekking the following day.

  • Max. Altitude: 65.6 km/41 miles
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 65.6 km/41 miles

We will register the permits in Koto. From here, the trail continues to Meta. Trek following the banks of Soti Khola. The trail gradually ascends via lush forests, crossing numerous suspension bridges on the way. You will also come across many lovely waterfalls on the way. You will reach a settlement called Dharamshala, and from here, it takes around one and half hour to reach Meta. Get to see superb views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal from this village.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,560 m/11,680 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 14.5 km/9 miles

Leaving Meta, the trail ascends and descends through lush forests. You will arrive at Chyaku, crossing a hanging bridge. The views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak are fantastic from here. The trail then goes via Kyang and Phu Khola. We will then follow a rocky trail and climb to Phu village.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,250 m/13,944 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 16.5 km/10 miles

Today, we will spend a rest day in Phu Gaon. Start the morning with a fresh breakfast and later explore the village. Visit the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery and hike to nearby areas to witness mountains. You will get to see a striking view of Himlung Himal. Also, come across blue sheep and witness the daily lives of the locals.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

From Phu Gaon, trek to Nar village. It is also known as Nar Gaon. The trail steeply descends from Phu Gaon and follows the same trail back to Nar Phedi. From here, we will ascend to Nar village, crossing Phu Pass (5,050 m) and Nar Pass (5,400 m) on the way. On the way, you will walk along beautiful streams and rivers. The views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Pisang Peak are spectacular from Nar village.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,250 m/13,944 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 20 km/12 miles

You will spend one more day in Nar village acclimatizing. In the morning, hike to a viewpoint to witness a gorgeous sunrise and mountain vistas. Later in the day, explore the villages. There are many chortens and monasteries scattered around the Nar village that you can explore. Get to see the lifestyle of the villagers and enjoy a relaxing day.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

On this day, you will cross Kang La pass. It is the highest point of our trek and also the toughest section. The day begins early with a gradual ascent from Nar village. You will follow an uphill route along the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola. Soon, the trail goes past yak pastures and ascends to Kang La Phedi.

Further, you will walk up to the top of the pass. The views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Manaslu, Mt. Gangapurna, and many other mountains are surreal from the top of the pass. After enjoying the views, descend to Ngawal village to spend the night.

  • Max. Altitude: 5,322 m/17,460 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

Today, you will trek from Ngawal to Chame. The trail is scenic and tranquil. You will trek via beautiful villages and lush rhododendrons and pine forests. Likewise, the Marsyangdi river flows along the way. You also cross a few suspension bridges on the way. The mountain views are lovely, too. It will be a fantastic hiking day.

  • Max. Altitude: 760 m/2,493 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 22 km/13.6 miles

Early in the morning, you will drive from Chame to Kathmandu. The ride starts following uneven foothills. You will drive past small villages and forests, enjoying beautiful scenery. At Besisahar, we may change the vehicle and retrace the route back to Kathmandu.

The guide will drop you at the hotel. Today is your last day in the city with us. Explore local markets and buy souvenirs. In the late evening, we will gather in a restaurant for a farewell dinner. You will also receive a trek completion certificate.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 9-10 hours
  • Distance: 38 km/148 miles

Trip Cost Details

What's Included
  • Airport Pick up and drop by private vehicle
  • Hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast 
  • All your Meals (Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
  • Teahouse Accommodation during trek
  • Licensed holder English-speaking guide
  • Between 2 clients 1 local porters to carry your luggage
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff
  • Nar Phu Valley special permit and ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Area project)
  • From Kathmandu – Besisahar to Koto to Kathmandu via Besisahar 4WD Jeep or Private Bus
  • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with a cultural show
  • All our government taxes, Tourist service charges, and VAT
  • Official expense
What's not Included
  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Alcoholic and cold drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Tips for trekking staff

Useful Information

Nar Phu Valley trek permits & required documents

Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area in Nepal. To trek here, foreigners need to obtain two permits- a Restricted Area Permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Likewise, according to the restricted area trekking rules, you have to be in a group of at least two trekkers and must be accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide. Our team will arrange everything for you.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit cost: USD 30 per person
  • Restricted Area Permit cost (September – November): USD 100 per person per week
  • Restricted Area Permit cost (December – August): USD 75 per person per week

Nar Phu Valley trek difficulty

The Nar Phu Valley trek is challenging. This trek route explores the untouched section in the Annapurna region. The Nar Phu Valley trek difficulty may vary from one person to another, but overall, it is considered challenging. Like any other trek in Nepal, you will walk 6 to 7 hours a day on the Nar Phu Valley trek. However, the terrain will be steep and offbeat.

It is good to have a previous trekking experience before you do the Nar Phu Valley trek. Similarly, decent fitness is needed as the daily ascents and descents on rugged terrain can be taxing. We do not recommend the Nar Phu Valley trek as your first trek in the Himalayas. The trek route is not famous, so the tourist infrastructure lack as well.

You will see greenery in the first couple of days of trekking, however the landscape soon changes to rustic, dry, and barren hills. At the end of the trek, you will cross Kang La pass (5,322 m/17,460 ft). It is the toughest section of the trek and requires 8 to 9 hours of walking. Overall, the Nar Phu Valley trek is suitable for trekking with experience and good fitness.

Altitude sickness and how to avoid it

High altitude is one of the main concerns of the Nar Phu Valley trekking. It triggers altitude sickness that may affect the journey and trek experience for the participants. Altitude sickness is common during trekking in Nepal, and it is also possible to avoid it.

During this trek, you will go above 5,000 meters from sea level. Once you are above 2,500 meters, the risk of altitude sickness increases because of thin air and less oxygen. So, it is important that trekkers adjust to the elevation as they trek. To do that, acclimatization days are a must.

Below are some of the things you can do to avoid altitude sickness during the Nar Phu Valley trek:

  • Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Our Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary has two acclimatization days that provide trekkers ample time to rest and adjust to the environment. We highly suggest you not remove the rest days from your itinerary.
  • Do not ascend more than 500 meters a day, and our itinerary makes sure of it.
  • Drink plenty of water every day and have soups, ginger/lemon teas, electoral powder, etc. A well-hydrated body is less likely to get altitude sickness.
  • Do not drink alcohol or smoke during trekking, especially when you have not touched the highest point of the trek.
  • If you see symptoms like vomiting, headache, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, restlessness, difficulty in breathing, etc, inform your guide and take medicine.

The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley trek

The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather, climate, and challenges differ in all the seasons. So, selecting the right time to do the trek is important for a delightful experience. Spring and autumn are the most favorable times to explore the Nar Phu Valley because these seasons have stable weather and a mild climate.

The trail is dry in these seasons, and vegetation is also thriving. The low chance of precipitation allows for clear days and excellent mountain panoramas. In winter (December to February), the region is covered with snow, the cold is unbearable, and some tea houses may get closed at the upper part of the trail as the locals come down to lower elevations to spend the winter.

Talking about the summer/monsoon season (June to August), it is also not an ideal time for the Nar Phu Valley trek. The heavy rainfall ruins the route, making it slippery and filled with bugs. Likewise, the risks of landslides and rockfall are also high in this season because of wet and unstable muddy hills. Therefore, spring and autumn remain the best time of the year to do the Nar Phu Valley trek.

Guide and porter during the trek

As we have mentioned earlier, trekking with a guide and porter is mandatory if you want to explore Nar Phu Valley. We'll provide you native guide and porter for this trek. You will trek with a reliable team of guides and porters. Our guides have many years of expertise in the Himalayas and know all the trekking regions, including Nar Phu Valley, in the back of their head.

While trekking in a restricted area, you need more support navigating the trails as they are tricky. Likewise, the Nar Phu Valley trail is quite empty, so in case of any emergency, a guide and porter can only support you. Not only that, but you will also get to learn about the locals and the valley deeply.

Nar Phu Valley trek travel insurance

To do a restricted area trekking in Nepal, travel insurance is mandatory. You cannot join the Nar Phu Valley trek without travel insurance. The travel insurance must cover medical bills and emergency helicopter evacuation. Not all travel insurance covers evacuation from the Himalayas, so make sure yours does.

Accommodation and meals on Nar Phu Valley trek route

Tea houses are available on the Nar Phu Valley trek route. Tea houses are a very basic accommodation and food provider in the Himalayas. You get a shared room and washroom with other essentials like electricity, clean drinking water, WiFi, hot showers, etc. Apart from room and washroom, any other service will cost you a few extra bucks.

These expenses are not covered in the Nar Phu Valley trek cost, so budget additional money. Rooms are twin shared & small. You will get clean bedding. We highly recommend carrying a sleeping bag for the Nar Phu Valley trek. Likewise, we also recommend trekkers bring their toilet paper, soap, and other toiletries.

You will have the meals in the tea houses. The food variety will be decent. Nepali and Tibetan dishes are most commonly found with some Western options in villages at lower elevations. Tibetan bread, toast, chapati, oats, eggs, pancake, pie, stew, curry, fried rice, dal bhat, thukpa, thenduk, dhido, momo, noddle, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, etc are some common dishes.

Nar Phu Valley Trek - 11 Days FAQs

  • If we have to rate the Nar Phu Valley trek difficulty out of 10, it will be 8-9. It is an offbeat trek route in the far western Himalayas of Nepal. The trail is a restricted area, so not many travelers visit here. The tourist facilities are minimal, and the terrain is steep and rugged.

  • The Nar Phu Valley is situated in Manang district inside the Annapurna region, western Himalayas of Nepal.

  • The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley trekking is March to May and September to November. These are the top trekking months because of favorable weather conditions and dry trails. The mountain views are also clear in these months.

  • During the Nar Phu Valley trek, you will witness mountains like Manaslu, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, Fishtail, Gangapurna, etc. The trekkers also get to witness diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to rocky, arid valleys.

  • The Nar Phu Valley trek route does not have a good network connection. You will get an okay network towards the start and the end of the trek. However, the network is not good in parts of the trail. Every village has an emergency VHF phone, and your guide will also carry a satellite phone.

  • The Nar Phu Valley trek cost ranges between USD 1,450 to USD 3,500 per person as per the duration of the trek. You will get the best deal by directly trekking with a local company like us.

  • No, you cannot do the Nar Phu Valley trek without a guide. It is a restricted area in Nepal. As per the restricted area rule, trekking with a guide in a group of at least two trekkers is mandatory.

  • The maximum altitude reached during the Nar Phu Valley trek is 5,322 meters (17,460 ft). It is the top of the Kang La pass.

  • Yes, you can combine the Nar Phu Valley trek with other treks in Nepal. Many trekkers combine Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit trek. You can also add excursions to Tilicho Lake. As per the changes made to the itinerary, extra charges will be applied.

  • Yes, the Nar Phu Valley trek is worth it if you are looking for a less crowded, unspoiled trekking route in the Himalayas. The trek offers a wide variety of landscapes, intimate interactions with the villagers, stunning mountain panoramas, and a tranquil journey. You will explore remote villages, narrow canyons, gorges, lush forests, rivers, waterfalls, etc.

  • Nar Phu Valley trek is very challenging and lacks tourist infrastructure. It is not like the EBC or ABC trek, so you should consider it before taking your kids on this trek. We do recommend this trek to the age group over 12 years old.

  • Yes, previous trekking experience is important to join the Nar Phu Valley trek. It is not one of the beginner-friendly trekking packages in Nepal. High altitude experience and strong fitness are a must for the Nar Phu Valley trek.

Price Per PersonUS$1200US$1400
Group Discount Price
Number of PeoplePrice Per Person
6 - 10 pax
US$1200
5 - 6 pax
US$1250
2 pax
US$1300
1 adults x US$1200Total US$1200
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