Nar Phu Valley Trek – 9 Days

Durations

9 Days

Difficulty

Medium

Min Age

19

Nar and Phu are two different villages located in the eastern part of the Manang district. Both of these communities represent rural villages that extend back centuries. Aside from their distinguishing appearance, the communities are spiritually enlightened by Bon Buddhist practitioners in the region.

Furthermore, magnificent mountain ranges surround this beautiful bare valley. During your trek to Nar Phu, you will see Annapurna II (7937m), Pokarkhang (6272m), Kangaru Himal (6981m), Himlung Himal (7126m), Gangapurna (7454m), Khangsar Kang (7485m), Annapurna I (8091m), and other peaks.

The Nar Phu Valley Short Trek is a cultural, adventurous, and picturesque experience. The main features of the journey include sky-scraping peaks and adventure pathways, glaciers, and detached ancient villages.

Additionally, you will get to see flowing rivers, carving deep gorges, beautiful forests, stunning rock formations, a herd of yaks and wild goats, Gombas, and mediaeval distinctive Tibetan culture passed down from their ancestors.

The Nar Phu Valley Trek was recently opened in 2003 and is still relatively unexplored and less crowded trek. Access to this concealed valley requires a special permit. The trail to Nar Phu, just off the Annapurna Circuit road, takes you through rural villages, Tibetan-like peoples, woods, tight gorges, a Buddhist gompa, and spectacular mountains.

In other words, amid busy Annapurna region trekking, an off-the-beaten-path walk to Nar Phu Valley may be ideal. Even if it is classified as a difficult walk, with proper planning and our highly qualified trek guides, you will have a fulfilling Nar Phu Valley experience.

This trekking tour may be ideal if you want to explore one of the Himalayas’ most remote locations. The terrain is also remarkably similar to Tibet, with steep routes remaining. The lovely towns decorated with Buddhist praying flags provide a look into the vibrant culture and traditions of the residents, which have remained unchanged over time.

Trek Facts

Duration: 9 Days
Starting Point: Kathmandu
Ending point: Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: 4150m
Best Time: Autumn and Spring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea house/camp
Grade: Moderate
Activity: Trekking
Transportation: Private vehicle/Public vehicles

Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Stunning views of the Annapurna Range, Mt Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, etc.
Visit the renowned Tashi Lhakhang Gompa.
Spectacular mountain views of the high snow peaks and traditional communities.
Tibetan settlements and stunning Buddhist Monasteries.
Venture into an unexplored region of Nepal.
Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and rain shadow areas.
Trek via the rocky and wild slopes to the beautiful valley of Nar Phu.
Observe yaks graze on their pastures.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Besisahar (760m)
Day 2: Drive from Besisahar (760m) to Koto (2,600m)
Day 3: Trek from Koto (2,600m) to Meta (3,560)
Day 4: Trek from Meta (3,560) to Phu Gaon (4,150m)
Day 5: Exploring Phu Gaon (4,150m) & Acclimatizing
Day 6: Trek from Phu Gaon (4,150m) to Nar (4,110m)
Day 7: Acclimatise and Explore Nar Valley (4,110m)
Day 8: Hike From Nar (4,110m) to Ngawal (3,650m)
Day 9: Drive to Beshisahar
Day10: Drive to Kathmandu

Best Time to do Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nepal’s weather at higher altitudes is highly erratic. However, it fluctuates with the four seasons: spring, autumn, winter, and summer. Let’s look into detail about the weather conditions in Nar Phu Valley during different seasons.

Spring (March to May):
Spring Nar Phu treks are quite popular, attracting significant numbers of trekkers to Nar Phu Valley. This season’s temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, the rainfall is confined, and the trekking conditions are ideal.

The weather is moderate, not too hot nor too cold. This season allows for comfortable trekking. It is the flowering season when everything comes to life. It is an excellent time to venture out on an excursion and enjoy Mother Nature’s season of abundance.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):
Summer is the warmest season of the year. The weather is hot, with heavy showers. Trekking in this valley is possible because it is in a rainshadow area. This valley receives less rainfall, even during the summer.

The Nar Phu trip is also possible during the monsoon season (June to August), however, the muddy trail, rainfall, and landslides in the area may restrict access or cause delays in the hiking itinerary.

Because it is monsoon season, few hikers walk during this time to view the Himalayas at their most beautiful. So, after the latest rainfall, nature will be at its most gorgeous, and the road will be deserted.

Fall / Autumn (September to November):

Autumn, like spring, is a season that attracts tourists from all over the world to Nar Phu. Autumn is an excellent trekking season because of its moderate temperatures, light breezes, and low rainfall. During fall, the days are warm and pleasant, and the clear prolonged visibility makes it a perfect season to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan massifs.

The sun shines brightly, the sky is clear, and you have an excellent view of the mountains. You can see amazing starry skies because the sky is clear at night. The monsoon season will be ended by early September, leading to mild to warm weather.

Many hikers desire to have a successful trek this season. It favors all-around trekkers. The weather is wonderful. Due to the large number of hikers, the guesthouses remain open and filled in. You must make a reservation to secure a room for a single night.

Winter (December to February):
Winter is the coldest season. The adverse conditions and high winds made trekking difficult. Many passes have remained closed because of the heavy snowfall. This season is unfavorable due to the extreme cold.

The temperature decreases to its lowest point this season, and certain Annapurna crossings will be impassable because of heavy snowfall. Temperatures may fall as low as 1°C during the day and reach -10°C at night.

Accommodation

The Nar Phu Valley Trek offers a wide range of accommodation and consumption options, which are often basic and pleasant. Mountain hotels offer a comfortable and cost-effective option, reducing the stress of organizing tents and meals.

Many tea establishments even have dining campfires, which create a cozy and appealing ambiance. In Nar Phedi, you will stay in the local monastery, which will provide you with an extensive knowledge of the lives of the villagers and monks.

As you approach higher altitudes, expect the trekking to become more limited and simple, as this path is still relatively unknown and underdeveloped.

It would be beneficial to have a sleeping bag and a liner. The lodge’s facilities are minimal. Some areas lack electricity, however the dining room is powered by solar panels. You can charge your battery for cell phones and cameras for an additional fee.

Food

Your journey will take you to very high altitudes, so you’ll need enough nutrient-dense food. You will provide lots of nutritious food, but as you ascend, your options will become increasingly limited.

You’ll enjoy the delicious vegetables, which are usually grown locally. What you get may vary according to the season. From May to October, you can eat native dishes including Sherpa stew, dhindo, roti, and Dal Bhat. As winter approaches, the weather becomes slightly colder and cloudier, and more vegetables are brought in from nearby settlements.

Breakfast includes local Tsampa porridge, pancakes, cornflakes, French toast with jam, oatmeal, and Tibetan bread or chapati. Hashed brown eggs, butter, cheese, and honey; egg varieties (omelets).

Lunch includes vegetarian curry, potatoes, noodles, thukpa, macaroni dishes, salad, pizza (mixed, tomato, and mushroom), dal, bhat & tarkari, sherpa stew, spaghetti, and momo (dumplings).

Dinner includes macaroni dishes, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, potato items, papad, prawn, and a variety of soup items. It also includes sandwiches, momo (dumplings), bhat (rice) and tarkari (curry).

Nar Phu Valley Trek – 9 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Besisahar (760m)

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours

Following an early morning meal, you will start on a magnificent trip from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which will take approximately 6-7 hours (190 kilometers).

The road leads from Kathmandu Valley to the lower-lying plains and follows the Trishuli River, where you can watch people doing whitewater rafting. Along the journey, you will witness rather stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains, green hills, rivers, and villages.
Day 2: Drive from Besisahar (760m) to Koto (2,600m)

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Koto (2,600m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours

Today is the second day of your Nar Phu Valley Trek, so you will begin with an off-road drive from Besisahar to Koto. Your route takes you through villages Jagat, Chamje, Dharapani, Bagarchhap, Timang, and Thanchock.

From here, the road takes you through the pine forest to Thanchok, and finally to Koto. This is the close Chame headquarters of the Manang district, and you are blessed with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal from Chame, as well as two little hot springs. Stay overnight at the teahouse.
Day 3: Trek from Koto (2,600m) to Meta (3,560)

Facts of the Day:

Travel Distance: 65 km
Travel Duration: 4/5 hours
Mode of Transportation: Jeep
Max. Altitude: 2,600m
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodg
Food: Meals Included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

As the sun rises over Besi Sahar, our eager group prepares for an adventure through the road less traveled. You’ll drive through the newly constructed road, winding your way through the Marsyangdi valley. Your sturdy jeep will carry you through diverse landscapes, and leafy foothills to the cradle of mountains.

After four hours of twists and turns, you’ll arrive in Koto, a village with rustic charm and warm hospitality. Your arrival in Koto marks the beginning of the traditional trekking experience and it’s your entrance to the Phu Valley. Tomorrow morning, your boots will tread ancient paths, leading you a step further to Phu Valley.
Day 3: Trek from Koto (2,600m) to Meta (3,560)

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Meta (3,560)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours

After obtaining your restricted area permits at the Koto police checkpoint, you proceed down the banks of the Soti Khola through beautiful pine forests, crossing multiple suspension bridges and cascading waterfalls before arriving in Dharamshala in around five hours.

You stop for lunch, most likely in Dharamsala village, before reaching Meta. From Dharamshala onward, the woods thin and the vistas broaden. You continue your trip for almost one and a half hours through the jungle, ascending steeply to Meta village on the Tibetan Plateau.
Day 4: Trek from Meta (3,560) to Phu Gaon (4,150m)

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Phu Gaon (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, the trek climbs up the valley beside a little lovely river, possibly one of the most beautiful walks in the Himalayas. Finally, we arrive at the high pasture plateau, where Nar lives during the winter.

The terrain is similar to the Sierra Nevada: white rocks, low shrubs, junipers, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange-leafed shrubs, crumbling flat slate ledges, white, sandy pathways, and twisted trees.

Your trek takes you along the Phu Kola, where you might encounter unusual blue sheep, as the valley is known for these unique endangered creatures. You will enter Phu Village through the Phu gate and have a little rest at the teahouse. The settlement has beautiful views of various Himalayan mountain ranges, notably Himlung Himal.
Day 5: Exploring Phu Gaon (4,150m) & Acclimatizing

Facts of the Day

Max Altitude: Phu Gaon (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You spent an extra day in Phu acclimating to the altitude before trekking higher. You take a walk around Phu Village. There is still a distinct culture here, and people traditionally go about their daily lives.

You can meet some of the inhabitants and explore the vast valley systems above you. The trek to Phu viewpoint from Phu village takes around three hours. The viewpoint is located at the top of Phu village and provides a spectacular view of the settlement, the valley, and the Himalayan range.
Day 6: Trek from Phu Gaon (4,150m) to Nar (4,110m)

Facts of the Day

Max Altitude: Phu Gaon (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours

On the sixth day of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will climb roughly 15 kilometers from Phu Gaon to Nar. This hike takes approximately 7 hours. Today you retrace your journey to Nar. Before it, you cross a bridge across an incredible 80-metre-deep tight canyon.

Tonight you will attend evening prayers with the monks who live there. The evening will be filled with Tibetan and Manangi music in the smoky shelters, accompanied by distinct Tibetan laughter.
Day 7: Acclimatize and Explore Nar Valley (4,110m)

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Nar Valley (4,110m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today you enjoy an acclimatization day at Nar, a rural community in a bowl-shaped valley. This Tibetan Buddhism Monastery’s red, gold, and white painting contrasts sharply with its surroundings.

The nuns, monks, and surrounding landscape are peaceful and adapt to you. You will spend the night at the tea house in Nar Village.
Day 8: Hike From Nar (4,110m) to Ngawal (3,650m)

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Ngawal (3,650m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours

From Nar, you rise through Temdenzon Khola’s lateral moraine on a lovely road that passes through yak meadows while acquiring breathtaking views of Pisang Peak’s west ridge. A difficult day, but the sights helped make up for the pain in our legs!

From the top of the Kang La Pass, you can see Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. A delightful two-hour trek takes us to Kang La Phedi, where the trail sharply rises to Kang-La Pass (5306m), which takes approximately two and a half hours.

You get to admire the natural beauty of the Annapurna Range and its majestic peaks. Finally, you arrive in Ngawal, where you will spend the night in decent accommodations.
Day 9: Drive to Beshisahar

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Besisahar (760m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, the trail descends slowly to Pisang Village along the Marsyangdi River bank. You enjoy a wonderful mountain view throughout the trek. Then we drive to Besishahar through Manang Valley.

After three hours of driving, you will stop at Chamche Waterfall for lunch before heading toward Besishahar, which has a lovely view of the local town and the Marsyangdi River.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu

Facts of the Day:

Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Gaze pictures of any scenery you may have overlooked along the route. After 5 hours, you will arrive in Kathmandu and transport you to your hotel.

test

Include

Pick up and drop off to and from the airport.
Free bus travel from Kathmandu to Beshishar.
Shared jeep transport to Koto for your convenience.
Comfortable lodging at tea houses throughout the trek.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) provided during the trek.
Government-licensed guide for an informative and safe trekking experience.
Porters to carry luggage on a shared basis (1 porter for 2 trekkers), with a maximum weight limit of 15-18kg for each porter. Trekker luggage limit: 7-8kg.
Comprehensive coverage for guides and porters, including meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight, and necessary equipment.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP), Special Permits for Narphu Valley, and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS CARD).
All government, local taxes, and official expenses are included.
All government, local taxes, and official expenses
Farewell dinner after you conclude your trek.

Exclude

Tips for guides and porters.
Costs for accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before and after the journey.
Additional costs for extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
Expenses such as shopping, snacks, bottled water, hot and cold drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery recharge fees, extra porters, etc.
Costs associated with personal clothing and trekking gear.
Compulsory travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.
Extra costs resulting from delays beyond the company's control, such as landslides, weather conditions, safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
Any services not explicitly mentioned above

FAQ

Will I get altitude sickness on this trek?

Altitude sickness is unlikely to occur on the Nar Phu Valley Trek. There will be a night spent at most 4000 meters. You spend very little time at the highest point you reach, Kangla Pass (5320 meters/17,454 feet), thus there is little chance of altitude sickness.
Do I need experience for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Despite the region’s trekking being rated as somewhat challenging, no prior expertise is necessary for going on an adventure to this area. You should be right if you are prepared for high-altitude trekking and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Do I need a trekking guide for the trek?

Yes, a certified agency’s guide is required to accompany you inside the prohibited regions. It is best to trek with local guides as they have the most knowledge of the terrain and specialties of the area.
Does the Nar Phu Valley trek have an age restriction?

No, there is no age restriction for this trek, however, participants must be physically and psychologically fit because it is tough.
Can I trek solo into the Nar Phu Valley?

No. Solo travelers are not permitted to go on the Nar Phu Valley Trek or any other restricted area treks in Nepal. Nepal’s government does not provide permits to solo tourists in prohibited zones. These permits require a minimum of two trekkers and a government-registered guide.
Do children need to have separate permits in Nepal?

In Nepal, children under the age of ten are spared from any sort of permit requirement, but make sure you have their legal documentation.

Price

$1320

per Person (min 2 pax)

Price

From

Things to know

Permits Required

Permits required for Nar Phu Valley Trek are detailed as follows:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):

Cost: $25 per person

Nar–Phu Restricted-Area Permit:

Peak Season (September to November):

US$100 for the first week
US$15 for every subsequent day

December – August

US$ 75 per person / week
US$ 15 per person / day for every subsequent day (beyond 1 week)

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS):

Not mandatory for the Nar Phu Valley Trek
Mandatory, if you’re extending your trek to Annapurna Circuit.
The cost for independent trekkers is $20

Group, Duo, or Solo Trek

Because of the permit regulations, a minimum of two participants is necessary for this journey. For solo travelers, we can assemble a group for you. Trek & Adventure Nepal is proficient in accommodating various group sizes and teams with an additional assistant guide. If you have a group, you’ll get a discount. More members in a group, more discounts.

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Nar Phu Valley Trek – 9 Days

Durations

9 Days

Difficulty

Medium

Min Age

19

Trek Facts

Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Brief Itinerary

Best Time to do Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek – 9 Days Itinerary

Include

Exclude

FAQ

Price

$1320

Price

From

1320 $

Date

Adults

1

Children

0

Things to know

Permits Required

Group, Duo, or Solo Trek

Check All

Packages

From

$1190

From

$450

From

$1960

From

$1560

From

$1940

From

$500

Trek & Adventure Nepal

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