Trip Introduction
Overview of Nar Phu Valley Trek
Wondering about being in an exotic land with scenic Himalaya views and preserved culture? If yes, then Nar Phu Valley Trek will be a unique place that holds centuries of untouched beauty. This trek is rich in every beauty that you are searching for. It includes the high Himalayas, technical passes, glaciers, old settlements, and forests. The Nar Phu Valley Trek in Nepal allows you to experience spectacular wilderness in the far north of the Annapurna Region.
Nar and Phu are two different old settlements displaying their own ways of life. Deep valleys, barren landscapes, and rich cultures are significant attractions you will find during the trek. This area is less explored and is a restricted area for trekking. Keep your eyes open and tune into the present in your physical body and the reality around you. In addition, take the time to appreciate the flawless valley, the Himalayan biodiversity, and the gorgeous vistas of peaks.
Stroll the challenging ascent through Kang La Pass (5,320 m) and allow the incredible scenery of the landscape to catch your attention. Spend time at the beautiful settlements of Manang and Ngawal. You will get a chance to experience a completely different way of life by seeing the daily activities of local people.
Trekking to Nar Phu Valley might be a perfect destination to follow your interest in immersing yourself in the Himalayas. You will pass through pristine passes and monasteries during the trek. You will be blessed with a visit to the famous Tashi Lhakhang monastery during the walk. This trail is also famous for Himalayan wildlife like thar and snow leopards. Upon completing this trek, you might achieve the goal of realizing harmony, love, and togetherness, also referred to as wholeness.
Itinerary of Nar Phu Valley Trek
Early in the morning, we will start our memorable 11-day Nar Phu Valley Trek with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then Dharapani. We will cover 234 km from Kathmandu to Dharapani, which takes about 11 hours of driving.
As soon as we leave KTM Valley, we will follow the picturesque view of green hills and the Trishuli River. As we drive, terraced fields, traditional settlements, fast-flowing rivers, and mountain peaks can be seen from a distance. You will witness Ganesh and Manaslu peaks while driving. After some hours, we will leave the main highway that heads to Pokhara and drive north to Besisahar. From Besishar, we will take a public Jeep and reach Dharapani.
Today you will leave the trail to Annapurna Circuit and enter the Nar Phu Valley. It takes around 6 hours to reach Koto. You will also wander through pine and fir forests, monasteries, and traditional settlements.
After some hours of walking, we will reach Bargarchhap village. As you reach this village, the spectacular view of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and other minor peaks makes you more active. The path then continues further into the pine forest before reaching Koto village. This village has dense settlements of Gurung people.
Today our day starts after we register our restricted area permit at the police checkpoint in Koto. Today we are about to enter the restricted and rarely visited valley of Nar Phu. We travel along the banks of Soti Khola through pine forests, suspension bridges, and a thundering waterfall. After some additional hours of walking, you will finally reach Dharmashala.
From here ahead, you will notice thin vegetation, and the view becomes wider. The last walk of the day requires more demanding trails, and you will also see the beautiful Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. We will walk an additional half-hour from Dharmashala to reach Meta village. You will experience large open plains that reward beautiful, unobstructed scenery.
Today, the path has more ups and downs, and by crossing the bridge, you will reach Chyaku. As we walk further, you will get a splendid view of the Annapurna range before entering Kyang. You can see a mesmerizing view of Pisang and Annapurna peaks.
After some hours, you will cross the Phu River and the rocky trail and reach Phu Gate. This gate is the entry point for Phu village. You will have an excellent opportunity to observe the Tibetan people and culture here. You will also see the unique and colorful Tibetan chortens upon reaching here.
The day’s breathtaking vistas and secluded aspects of the walk are only overtaken by the thrill of coming upon the medieval walled village of Phu. The fantastic artwork comes to life with block-like buildings and constructions ringed around the center of the hill.
While at Phu for the day, we can take advantage of the heights and breathtaking vistas at Himlung Base Camp. There will be plenty of time to explore the Tibetan village of Phu and learn about its rich religious and cultural traditions.
Those interested in getting the best possible look at Himlung can make the trek to the base camp via the glacier valley. You will also see the ancient Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the world’s most renowned monasteries, thanks to its rich history and inclusion in a list of the top 108 monasteries. Historically, this monastery is considered Karmapa Rinpoche’s last monastery construction.
Today we will leave Phu village and head toward Nar village. Today you will have to cross two high passes, i.e., Phu Pass (5,050m) and Nar Pass (5,400m). Crossing many streams and suspension bridges, ascend to Yughat. This village is decorated with mani stones, Buddhist chortens, and shrines. From here, we continue to walk through the Lapche River Gorge, along with flora and fauna.
Reaching the Nar Phedi provides an opportunity to appreciate Pisang and several other dazzling peaks. In Nar Phedi, you mostly see Tibetan monasteries residing on flat land. Today, you will stay in a monastic school, which serves almost as well as guesthouses do. You will see friendly nuns while they prepare your dinner. You might also see the evening religious rituals, and you can also be a part of them.
Nar is as impressive as Phu village, with a picture-perfect setting and a dazzling view of the Himalayas. We will be acclimatizing in Nar village for a day. You will rest for the next day and explore this beautiful village, its people, traditions, and cultures. Women will also be weaving wool fabric to make rugs and blankets here. Impressive views of the sunset can also be seen from this village.
Get ready for a challenging hike as you leave the village of Nar behind and head upwards today. The reward of seeing the beautiful scenery from the top of Kang La Pass makes the challenging day worthwhile. From Nar, we take a scenic ascent along the Temdenzon River lateral moraine. Beautiful vistas of the west ridge of Pisang Peak can be seen as we make our way through yak pastures.
After that, you’ll make your way to Jhombu Kharka, also called Kang la Phedi (the base of the Kang La pass). We’ll make our way up to Kang La Pass from Kang La Phedi. Although the trail is steep, it is feasible for physically fit people. We predict that crossing the pass will take about two hours. The pass provides a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area, including the Himalayan peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Tilicho, and the surrounding mountains, as well as Hunde Airport and the Marsyangdi Valley.
After taking in the sights at the summit, you’ll make your way down to the village of Ngwal. Numerous beautiful scenes of Buddhist prayer flags and mini chortens will greet us along the way. If we keep walking for another three hours, we should reach Ngawal Village. The village marks our return to the standard route for the Annapurna Circuit.
From Ngawal village, it’s only a few hours’ walk to Chame. As you get lower, the temperature rises, and you’re rewarded with lusher vegetation. Along the way, you’ll see the Tilicho Peak and Annapurna mountain ranges and travel through several forests and villages like Braga and Paugh. Our goal for the day is Chame, which we will reach by continuing our trek.
We take a local jeep to Besisahar and then transfer to another vehicle to reach Kathmandu. Green forests, rivers, farmland, villages, and hills can all be seen along the route to Kathmandu.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- KTM – Besisahar – KTM by local bus
- Sharing Jeep from Besisahar to Dharapani and Chame to Besisahar
- Restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Fee
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 10 days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for 09 days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for 09 nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary.
- Staff insurance
- 10 x set breakfast, 13 x set lunch and 12 x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
What's Excluded?
- International Flight Fare
- Accommodation in Kathmandu since there are many possibilities available.
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances that may lead to a change in itinerary.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Special Group Discount Price
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | US$ 904 Per Person |
| 2 People | US$ 709 Per Person |
| 3 People | US$ 660 Per Person |
| 4-6 People | US$ 640 Per Person |
| 7-9 People | US$ 624 Per Person |
| 10-12 People | US$ 621 Per Person |
| Over 12 People | US$ 615 Per Person |
Essential Information - Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek Route Map
Are you wondering about the map of the Nar Phu trek? If you click the infographic image below, you will see the Nar Phu Valley Trek route map.
We have designed the digital map for simplicity and practicality and to enhance your trekking experience. In addition, this map portrays the extension trails, peaks, rivers, and religious sites. Click the infographic image below to learn about the route.
Nar Phu Valley Trek distance is 11 days, starting with the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. The whole distance of the Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary is about 274 miles. The distance differs from the days of the itinerary and the trek start point. Our trek starts ahead of Dharapani,
Meta, Phu, Nar, Ngawal, Pisang, Besisahar, and Kathmandu. On the map, you will see the extension route too. Upon your interest, we can also extend the trail to Annapurna Circuit for more exciting adventures and views.
Is Nar Phu Valley Trek difficult?
The Nar Phu trek is categorized as a medium to hard trek. However, our itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. And the trick is to move carefully, stay hydrated, and pay attention to your body’s signal.
However, you will encounter numerous uphills and downhills on this hike. This expedition will require an average of seven hours of walking every day. All of these factors make this journey quite tricky. Therefore, train and prepare for around three to four months before this trekking. This reduces the likelihood of altitude sickness.
Before arriving on this trek, you can engage in physical preparations such as running, cycling, jogging, and swimming for a couple of hours for several months.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit
You must obtain two permits for the Nar Phu Valley Trek, i.e. Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP).
The trekker can apply for and get the ACAP at one of the offices in Kathmandu or Besisahar. On the other hand, a trekker can only apply for and pick up their Restricted Area Permit (RAP) through a licensed Nepali trekking service.
To apply for a trekking permit in Nar Phu Valley, you will need to present the following materials:
- 2-4 passport-size photos
- One scanned photograph
- Passport Photocopies (Photocopies should strictly be with a validity of at least six months or more in duration)
- Travel insurance papers (which include up to a 6,000-meter altitude limit for helicopter rescue)
- Nepal tourist visa
Other Essential Info
Accommodation on Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley accommodation is not a big problem during the trek. There are a few monasteries and teahouses available. However, the accommodations they offer are basic. The rooms will each be occupied by two people at a time. You can also spend the night in a Buddhist monastery in Nar Phedi.
Please be informed that we will provide you with accommodations only during the trek. While staying in Kathmandu, you should pay for your hotel yourself. There are numerous options for hotels, and we want you to stay wherever you feel comfortable. We are always available if you need any suggestions on hotels.
Food on Nar Phu Valley Trek
The food varies from basic but sufficient meals in the tinier towns to standard trekker fare, including luxuries in the bigger cities.
A hidden valley in the Annapurna range, Nar Phu is a place of incredible isolation. As a result, the number of teahouses providing even the most fundamental amenities is relatively low throughout the walk. Their selection of food is limited. Pure water for consumption is going to be given. However, you can bring your own water containers and water purification pills.
Please be aware that we will serve you three meals during the trek. The cost doesn’t include meals in Kathmandu. Because of the variety of food options available here, we let you explore breakfast, lunch, and dinner by yourself. On special request, we can also manage your food service in Kathmandu. For that, please let us know while customizing your trip.
Best season to trek Nar Phu Valley
The most excellent times to go on this hike are in the autumn (September–November) and the spring (March–May). The monsoon season is also an excellent time to explore Nar Phu Valley because it is situated in a rain shadow area behind the Himalayas.
The temperature in the lowlands is very comfortable, but it drops to a more bearable level higher up. It is also interesting to note that this hike takes place under the rain shadow provided by the Himalayas. As a result, the trip through the Nar Phu Valley is considered one of Nepal’s best monsoon (June through August) treks.
In addition, during the monsoon season, there will be a greater variety of lodging options available in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as lower prices.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization of Nar Phu Valley Trek
The trails above 5000m are challenging regardless of how many times you have hiked this or the same-level trail. While trekking, acclimatization is crucial, as is regular hydration. It involves using a variety of strategies to adapt to the changing environment.
There is less oxygen and air pressure in the atmosphere of the high-altitude region above 3000 m. It would help to avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine while trekking, as they are the primary causes of dehydration. Drink water frequently to hydrate your body.
Altitude sickness is a severe condition; if anyone ignores it, the case can worsen and cause death. Most of the best treks in Nepal are at the highest altitudes. So, before you trek to the Manaslu region, you must know about the altitude sickness in the Nar Phu Valley Trek: what it is and how to avoid it.
We request that you start exercising your body before you go high-altitude trekking. Join a gym, go hiking on rough terrain, and keep your diet in check. Following this helps you a lot during the trek.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Packing Suggestions
Please properly pack your luggage for the porter (each of you weighs 15kg; for two of you, a porter is arranged). You will leave the rest of your luggage behind at your hotel until the end of this holiday. Below is a loosely advised Nar Phu Valley Trek packing list that might help you on your trek:
- Appropriate clothing (3 sets)
- Woolen sweater or jacket
- Thermal inner wear
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Woolen cap and scarf
- Thick woolen gloves
- Waterproof gloves
- Sport Sandals
- Woolen socks (2 pairs)
- Waterproof (not water-resistant) shoes with a good tread or grip
- Rain-proof pants and jacket with hood
- A lock for the duffle bag
- Backpack with waterproof cover
- Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures around 0°C (optional)
- Down jacket with hood
- Camera (optional) (video camera is not permitted by authority)
Other essential items:
- Personal clothing
- Toiletries
- Small thermos for hot beverages
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
- Castor oil (50 ml) to lubricate the nostrils at high altitude
- Ziplock bags for clothing
- Quick-dry Towel (not a regular one)
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Sunglasses
- Snacks: chocolates, biscuits, nuts, etc.
- Hand sanitizer
- Powerful flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Medical Kit
Though we arrange basic medical kits for Nar Phu Valley Trekking, they are very general and may need to be revised based on conditional necessity. Personal medical equipment with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band-aids, knee caps, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and any other personal medication is necessary from your side.
Communication in Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary encounters different landscapes. Even in this age of highly modern information and communication technologies (ICT), the landscapes are challenging for development in remote areas.
Most asked questions
FAQs about Nar Phu Valley Trek
People have long remarked that living in the Himalayas and surrounded by natural beauty makes them feel blissfully complete on the inside. The Nar Phu Valley Trek, with its awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape and incredible biodiversity, has the capacity to leave you feeling fulfilled.
Never undervalue your individual hobbies; they may be so alluring that they motivate you to attain your objectives and grow as a whole person. Following your desire to travel to Nar Phu Valley Trek and other Himalayan destinations, the journey is more than a vacation. How you feel about it depends on your curiosity and awareness level.
You can visit the beautiful Hidden Valley, Nar Phu Valley, by visiting different landmarks. The most difficult and exciting part of the trek is getting through Kang La Pass (5320m), which is the trip’s highest point.
You must get entrance authorization if you wish to enter the Nar Phu Valley for any reason. Getting a specific trek permit is necessary to enter a protected area that the government has designated for trekking.
To visit this place, you need a special trekking permit. You will need Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP).
The permit is for your safety while traveling into the conservation area, also used to improve the national park.
Our itinerary is one of the best for all, so there may be various choices if you are a beginner in high altitudes. Reducing the itinerary may lead to a lack of time to adjust to changes in the environment, humidity, or pH, which may lead to high altitude sickness and other problems. Your body needs time to produce more red blood cells to counteract the lower oxygen saturation in blood at high altitudes.
But if you are willing to spend more time in the Himalayas, we have the best other options to extend the days and customize your itinerary per your demand. Feel free to get in touch with us, and our team shall provide you with your dream package under your priorities and our guidance.
Getting a guide for your Nar Phu Valley trip is compulsory. Additionally, if you experience high altitude sickness, your trekking guide will immediately monitor your symptoms.
They will help you at every stage because they are familiar with the surroundings and the wildlife. If you are an independent trekker, it is optional to bring a guide along for this trek, but a guide will be helpful for a hassle-free vacation.
In a cold environment, your battery may discharge more rapidly. Therefore, it is recommended that you recharge your battery periodically. You can recharge your battery on the bottom portion of the route where you spend the night, but as you ascend, the likelihood of doing so decreases. If a charging service is offered, you must pay an additional price because the resort uses solar energy to power its electricity.
However, you can bring a spare battery for your camera and other devices, so you won’t need to worry about charging it frequently. There might be a power cut or low voltage, so it will be best to carry the portable power bank.
As traveling through high-altitude regions, assessing your health and fitness is crucial. Every trekker’s experience is made safer and more comfortable thanks to it.
Due to our conviction that children benefit from nature in various ways, we are pleased to welcome you and your family to the Nar Phu Valley Trek. With a professional guide, the trek can be done smoothly. However, we won’t suggest bringing kids who are too young (less than 5 years old) to go hiking at high altitudes.
For at least a month, prepare your kids for this trek by having them practice easy exercises and breathing techniques. Please let us know if you require a kid carry service during the inquiry process.
Before starting your journey to Nar Phu Valley Trek, we want to inform you that we have already paid for several things on behalf of you; permit, taxes, and others. Please also be aware that we must compensate our porters and guides even if you cancel or choose not to finish the trip because of their commitment to serving you.
Specific fees apply if you desire to cancel your reserved trips. Behind that, we welcome you to shift your trip days to Nar Phu Valley Trekking or the package itself. We may charge a specific amount if you wish to reschedule/cancel the booking date. Both parties will benefit if you inform us as soon as possible. Please go through our terms and conditions to clarify the refund process.
In case of hikers finish their journey sooner than expected or decide to terminate it early for any reason, kindly be aware that we do not grant refunds for any portion of the trek that is not used. This also totally depends on the circumstances, but we request that you not expect a refund for the reasons mentioned above.
We suggest you engage in physical activities three months before the trip to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Additionally, we offer the Soldhunga Hike as part of our quick acclimation training trip. You can utilize this hike as a preview of what to expect on your main journey in the central Himalayas.
Please ask our ground team in Kathmandu for assistance arranging day tours around the city. If you still have time for an extra few days or a week after the trek, we can also set up one of the following quick relaxation trips. Please pick the one you think will best suit your interests.
- Pokhara
- Lumbini
- Ghandruk
- Chitwan Safari
These additional vacation days were planned with the idea that you would want to relax after a challenging and long trek rather than go hiking again. Please let us know if there are any other destinations you would prefer over these.
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