Trip Overview
Nar Phu Valley Trek is an exceptional journey in the Annapurna region that traverses through two notable remote villages. This trekking route is a new trekking trail and also an off-the-beaten-path. Not many are familiar with the journey; therefore, the journey offers a truly adventurous spirit. The trekking route boasts the rugged and exotic cultural and natural beauty of the valley. A journey to Nar Phu valley is unlike any other trekking journey in Nepal. It is a wonderful journey that lets travelers find beauty in remoteness.
Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trek
- A rugged and wilderness trek
- An outlandish land that offers medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, dramatic mountain views, and great alpine scenery
- High plateaus and remote Tibetan villages
- Stunning landscapes and the vast valleys that are surrounded by the Trans Himalayas
What is the trail like?
- The trek is a strenuous level of the trek. Therefore, we recommend doing routine exercise to be healthy and have a good fitness level and stamina.
- The trail is rugged; thus, we suggest you bring boots with a strong grip.
- The maximum elevation you will cover is at Thorong La Pass (5416m).
- Daily, you will walk about 5-6 hours during the trekking days and gain an elevation of 600-700m every day.
- The trail is opted by very few trekkers, so you will have the whole trail to yourself.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a remote trek that takes you to the secluded and alluring regions located in the north of Annapurna. Nar and Phu are two different remote villages known for preserving their exotic beauty and traditional cultures. The villages are heavily influenced by Buddhist culture; the trek route adorns with Buddhist monuments. The trek route is strewn with prayer flags, chortens, Gumbas, Mani walls, and many more shrines that reflect the cultural influence in these villages.
The trail is a restricted trekking area in Nepal, the cultural and natural beauty of the valley is intact. Being a new trekking destination, it is a seldom traveled route with a unique combination of high peaks and passes. This intriguing area offers a picture of glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, Gompas, and unique Himalayan cultures. Overall, the trek promises wilderness and the company of majestic mountain views along with stunning landscapes.
Although trekking to Nar Phu has not been long since its opening, voyagers have deeply fallen in love with the place. The trail entails passing through high pinnacles, mountain passes, and remote villages. Some of the notable villages of this journey are Manang, Nar, Phu, Meta, Koto, and few others. Likewise, the trail includes passing through exquisite verdant forest and vast pasture lands.
Trekkers will be fascinated with the remote Tibetan towns with overlapped stone houses. Along with that, old Buddhist religious communities and a terrific view of the Annapurna Range are significant attractions of the journey. It is a unique journey that lets visitors experience far-off villages with awesome cultural backgrounds.
All in all, we wouldn’t advise this trek to those who are keen on a remote environment. The accommodation on this trek is basic and simple. Teahouses are not as facilitated as in the other trekking trails of the Annapurna region. Likewise, it is difficult to have internet access daily as well. So if you are looking for something remote yet want to be in touch with the world besides the place you are in, we would advise you Manaslu Circuit Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.
When is the best time to do Nar Phu Valley Trek?
The best time for Nar Phu Valley Trek is spring, monsoon, and autumn season. The spring season in Nepal falls from March to May. The weather during this time is calm and moderate. Days are sunny and warm, and nights are chilly. The flowers bloom and make the surroundings lively and colorful. Alongside, you can also opt for this trek during the monsoon season, which is from June to August. The trail lies in the rain shadow area, so it faces rare rainfall. People who cannot travel during the spring and autumn season can travel around these times.
Similarly, the autumn season, which tumbles from September to November, is when the sky is clearer than ever, and the mountain is shinier than ever. The weather around this time is also calm and moderate. The nights are chillier as it is also a pre-winter season, but days are warm and bright, perfect for walking. Additionally, it is one of the busiest times of the year for trekking in Nepal.
How difficult is Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a testing journey; therefore, it is important to be physically fit and healthy to do this trek. Also, we wouldn’t advise rookie trekkers to do this trek. Because Nar Phu valley is an off-beat trek with modest accommodation and meals. Besides, the trail is rugged and rough and includes walking through a narrow path along the ridges, so trekkers have to carefully approach the trek. Before starting the trek, it is advised to do some physical training and exercises few months before the trek. It will be very beneficial during the trek. Therefore, it is a challenging trek but completely attainable trek if proper exercise and training are done.