Nar Phu Valley Trekking

9 Days
  • 5,320m
  • Moderate
  • Tea House
  • 09 Days
  • 2-10
  • Sep-Nov & Mar-May
  • Public Bus & Jeep
  • RAP, ACAP & TIMS
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • Besisahar to Besisahar
  • Moderate

Trip Overview

The Nar Phu Valley Trekking route was only opened to trekkers in 2003, so it is still very remote and untouched. Added to this is the fact that a special Restricted Area Permit is required, which is why this might be a fascinating trek. This is an ideal trek to experience Tibetan culture, as well as explore glacier valleys and mountains. Accommodation is more basic than that in some other treks in the region, but the warmth of the people is unmatched. This trek is also ideal for those wishing to visit in early summer (April to June) or autumn (September to November). However, be aware that it is a strenuous trek, so functional fitness is essential.

Nar and Phu are two different villages situated in the Manang district. Phu sits at the junction of glacier valleys, surrounded by glorious mountain peaks. Nar is a little more modern and is home to four sacred monasteries. The highest point of our trek is over the Kang La Pass at 5,320m, which links Nar with Manang and Neyshang Valley. The Nar Phu trek offers access to this hidden valley, featuring alpine and mountain landscapes, as well as ancient Tibetan culture. Throughout the trek, we witness views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal.

Nar Phu Valley Trekking offers the chance to experience the daily life of the Nar and Phu villages, accompanied by stunning panoramas along the way. You will be overwhelmed by the scenario that comes your way. It will make you travel to Nar Phu again and again.

Trip Highlights

  • A remote area with few trekkers
  • The border of Tibet and the ancient culture of the peoples reflect this
  • Witness yak herding
  • See glacier valleys and pass frozen waterfalls
  • Visit sacred monasteries
  • Stunning mountain views
  • Kang La Pass (5,320m)
  • Remote communities and their traditional ways of life

Trek Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Drive from Kathmandu to Koto (2,600m) via Besisahar (760m).

    Early in the morning, we will drive from Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar. We have to change vehicles if we take the local bus, but we don't have to change if we take a private jeep. It takes 5 hours to reach Besishar from Kathmandu and 5 hours to arrive at Koto from Besishar. On the way, the Annapurna ranges, waterfalls, and many beautiful green hills can be seen. We will also visit various villages.

    10 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    2

    Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m).

    Today, we will head towards Meta from Koto. It takes around 7 to 8 hours to walk to reach Meta from Koto. We will walk through Nar Khola. The trail is, for the most part, challenging, but also gradual in some areas. As the elevation increases from 2,600m to 3,560m, the trek may be somewhat tricky. On the way, a few pinnacles/peaks like Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Kangaroo Base Camp will welcome us with their all-encompassing view.

    Similarly, walking through the forests of pine and rhododendron, with the appearance of the waterfalls, will make the outing magical. We will have lunch at Dharmasala, where there are three hotels, one of which is currently open, and the other two are under development. From that point onward, we will follow the way and cross over four suspension bridges. Directly before getting to Dharnasala, the trail is straight up. It may be difficult. However, you can do it.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    3

    Trek from Meta to Phu (4,050m).

    Earlier today, after having breakfast, we will walk to our next destination, i.e., Phu from Meta, which takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach. A portion of the trails are up and down, but mostly you have to climb uphill. Some of you may have difficulty walking due to the elevation change. Besides, we will reach Phu after crossing places like Chyako and Kyang in the middle. Pisang Peak can be seen all the way, and Pokhara Peak is visible before reaching Phu. From Meta to Phu, we will cross numerous suspension bridges and wooden bridges.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    4

    Acclimatization day at Phu (4,050m). Optional hike to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m).

    Acclimatization implies the day when we remain at where we arrived last time and make some side outings of that place. Today we will stay at Phu village. Phu is a small village inhabited by the Tibetan people, characterized by a distinct culture and lifestyle. We can still find the old cave where people used to stay; however, those caves have now been demolished. Likewise, the massive religious monastery named Tashy Gompa Lies in this spot.

    Alongside the destinations, Birds and Blue Sheep are likewise one of the fascinations. From Phu, we will approach Himlung Base Camp as a side outing. You should prepare yourself, as you will need to climb to a relatively high elevation. The trail is mostly uphill, but it becomes somewhat flat in between.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    5

    Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi (3,490m).

    Today we will walk for 5 to 6 hours. We will return similarly; however, before reaching Meta, we will take a right turn to reach Nar Phedi. The course to Nar Phedi is rough. It is smarter to be cautious while walking such trails. While on the way to Nar Phedi, there are no villages, but you can discover the Monasteries. There is a significant Monastery named Satya Gompa, which the Kapan Monastery of Kathmandu runs. In that Gompa, two ceremonies are held with the belief that the people of that place live long. With those monasteries, you can find prayer flags, Chortens, and a long, bordered wall.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    6

    Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,110m).

    Today, we will head towards Nar Village from Nar Phedi. It takes 2-3 hours to walk to reach Nar Village. Nar is a large village with approximately 500 residents, which is why it is also considered one of the most significant villages in this valley. For the most part, people in Nar Village are Tibetan. To enter Nar, we have to walk uphill from the start to the end. There is no place to eat along the trek, so we will have our lunch after reaching Nar Village. Likewise, Nar village includes numerous lodges and hotels. The land and the terraces are all around cultivated with potatoes, grain, and so on. After reaching Nar, you can even hike. You will find an excellent facility for charging your devices with electricity, but it is costly.

    3 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    7

    Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal (3,660m) via Kang La Pass (5,320m).

    It is the long day of our trek, which takes 8 to 9 hours. Today we will walk to Ngawal via Kang La Pass. Firstly, we will climb to Kang La Pass from Nar Village, which takes 5 hours. The first 2 hours of the trek are flat, then it becomes uphill, while the remaining hours up to the top are straight upward. Along the way, we will see Tibetan flags, Chortens, and other stunning views. As this day is quite precarious and we need to walk somewhat further, it is wiser to carry a water sack and a packed lunch.
    Moreover, we will move towards Ngawal from Kang La Pass. In the middle, we will get the chance to see the Annapurna ranges, the Chulu ranges, the Glacier Lakes, and the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight in Ngawal.

    8 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    8

    Trek from Ngawal to Pisang and drive to Besisahar (760m).

    From Ngawal to Besisahar it takes 1-2 hrs drive. We will reach Besi Sahar and enjoy ourselves, as it is our last night together.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    9

    Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m) or Pokhara (822m).

    Today is the farewell day, when we will say farewell to the beautiful place. You can either head to Pokhara or return to Kathmandu.

    5 hour
    Breakfast
    Hotel

The Cost Includes

  • International airport pickup and drop-off services.
  • An English-speaking professional trekking guide for 09 days (including his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance).
  • Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
  • All necessary ground transportation by local bus/jeep (Kathmandu- Besisahar by local bus, Besisahar-Koto by sharing jeep, Ngawal/Pisang-Besisahar by sharing jeep, and Besisahar-Kathmandu/Pokhara by local bus).
  • Hotel to the bus station transport by car or taxi.
  • Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • 08 nights accommodation in mountain tea house lodge (twin-sharing basis).
  • Seasonal fruits after the dinner during the trek.
  • NEST branded water bottles with purification tablets.
  • NEST branded duffle bags for the trek.
  • NEST branded sleeping bags (-20/-25 degrees) during the trek (if required).
  • A pulse oximeter to provide a daily report (SpO2 and bpm).
  • NEST branded Nar Phu Valley Trekking maps.
  • NEST branded warm hats.
  • Trekking poles (if required).
  • All government tax and service fees.
  • First aid kit box.

The Cost Excludes

  • Nepal Visa Fees (15 Days- USD 30, 30 Days- USD 50, and 90 Days- USD 125).
  • Travel Insurance (must include coverage for medical expenses and emergency evacuation).
  • Food and accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Any kind of drinks or bar items during the trek.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, bar bills, battery charge, boiled water, laundry, hot shower, snacks, and Wi-Fi in the mountain).
  • Additional costs due to changes in the itinerary.
  • Porter for the trek (A porter for 09 days costs USD 210).
  • Private jeep from Kathmandu to Koto and Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara (The round-trip jeep ride costs USD 530 and can accommodate a maximum capacity of 7 people).
  • Tips for guide and porters (Expected).
  • Any additional services not listed in the included section.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Map

Nar Phu Valley Topographic Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to trek Nar Phu Valley?

The best time to trek in the Nar Phu Valley is March, April, September, October, and November.

What would be the food and accommodation during the trek?

Regarding food and accommodation, you shouldn’t expect anything like the city area, but every tea house will have a menu for food, and the accommodation will be clean and comfortable. They don’t provide you with enough blankets, so you should carry a sleeping bag with you.

What are the permit requirements for Nar Phu Valley Trek?

As Nar Phu Valley lies within the Annapurna region, we require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and a Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter. The cost of RAP is USD 100 in the Autumn and USD 75 in the spring, and ACAP costs USD 30 for foreigners and Rs 1,000 for SAARC countries, inclusive of VAT.

Is there a toilet available while I am hiking? Is it squat or western toilet?

There are no public toilets along the way. If you are near the village, you can go to the tea house; otherwise, you will go to a nearby location.

Can I trek Solo?

No, you need to have at least two people for the Nar Phu Valley trek. As Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area, a guide is mandatory.