Main Info
TRIP FACTS
Wondering to be 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.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Highlights
- Along the walk are stunning waterfalls and landscapes and isolated valleys that have been cut off from modern civilization for generations.
- Observe some ancient forts, experience the historic way of life of the locals, and submerge yourself in the beautiful smiles of local children.
- Magnificent vista of Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak from Kang la pass 5320 Meters.
- Thousands of the Mani walls, as well as Chorten, surround the trails.
- Encounter a Tibetan-derived lifestyle, with unique and vibrant prayer stones as well as monasteries
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-strength 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 hiking 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 Nar Phu Valley; 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 Nar Phu Valley trek permit, 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 (includes up to a 6,000m altitude limit for helicopter rescue)
- Nepal tourist visa.
For more, visit: Trekking Route and Permit Fee
Nar Phu Valley Trek Cost Details
Price Includes
- 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
Price Excludes
- International Flight Fare
- Accommodation in Kathmandu since there are many possibilities available.
- Personal 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
Itinerary
Early 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 drive.
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 the traditional settlement.
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 to 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 at 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 wonder 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 plain land that rewards 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 the Kyang. You can see a mesmerizing view of Pisang and Annapurna peaks.
After some hours, you will cross the Phu river and rocky trail and reach Phu gate. This gate is the entry point of Phu village. You will have an excellent opportunity to observe the Tibetan origin people and culture here. You will also see the unique and colourful 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 centre 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 2 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 guesthouses does. 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 picture perfect setting and dazzling view of the Himalayas. We will be acclimatizing at 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 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 walks 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.
Maps
