Nar Phu Valley Trek

5.0/5 from 692 reviews
Do you want to discover the hidden gem, a secluded paradise, and a less-traveled location in the Annapurna region? Well, then we, Nepal Hiking Team, present our Nar Phu Valley trek as just what you are looking for!
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    17 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Max. Elevation
    5416m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • Best Time
    April-May and Sept-Nov

Our 17-day Nar Phu Valley, with the addition of the Annapurna Circuit, offers a harmonious blend of the widely popular destiny of Annapurna region and the secluded paths of Nar Phu.

The journey offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in the Himalayas. You'll hike through the restricted trekking area and get a glimpse of the unspoiled nature.

Nar Phu Valley is a newly accessible trekking destination that only few trekkers have walked before. It is a rarely traveled route. The trip itinerary connects a unique combination of high peaks and passes to showcase and promise to deliver breathtaking vistas.

During your expedition, you will have the chance to experience the exciting cultures of the Nar and Phu communities. The people of these two villages have protected their traditional way of life by maintaining their indigenous cultural practices and ancient customs. These cultures and traditions of the Nar Phu Region are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist customs.

In addition to Nar and Phu villages, the exploration includes a Manang village sightseeing tour and a side trip to Gangapurna Lake.

Adding to the adventure, our route includes a famous Annapurna Circuit section from Manang, which leads to a high-altitude cross, Thorong La Pass (5,416m). This high-altitude pass offers trekkers extraordinary views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, enhancing the trek's diversity and intensifying its challenges.

The combination of Nar Phu valley exploration with an Annapurna Circuit trek provides an unparalleled trekking adventure in the Nepal Himalayas.

Highlights of Nar Phu Trek

  • Experience the traditional heritage of Kathmandu during a sightseeing exploration. This trip enables you to experience the historical, artistic, and cultural aspects of the country.
  • Experience a beautiful drive to Dharapani via Jagat and Chamje. Your walking excursion officially starts from this point onward.
  • Take a journey to the mystic Nar and Phu communities with majestic mountain views that create an unmatched scenic vista.
  • Take some time to interact with local residents of Nar and Phu Village, as they share authentic stories regarding their traditional way of life.
  • Savor traditional local food and taste Dal Bhat, which combines rice and lentils.
  • Witness the region’s undisturbed landscape and get immersed in a world of nature.
  • Explore the village of Manang. The panorama of distant mountain ranges from here will surely take your breath away.
  • Celebrate reaching the highest mountain pass of the region, known as Thorong La Pass.
  • ​Visit Muktinath Temple, a shared religious site serving both Hindu and Buddhist worship needs.
  • You can relax at the scenic Phewa Lake shoreline while exploring the Pokhara city streets.

Route Overview of Nar Phu Valley

Once you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our staff. Before your real journey to Nar Phu Valley, you will visit the heritage sites on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley. Now, you’ll hop on a scenic drive to Dharapani via Besisahar and Jagat by local jeep. From Dharapani, trekkers will trek through Koto, Meta, and Phu Gaon.

After Phu Village, you’ll make your way to Nar Phedi and then to Nar Village. Now you’ll hike to Ngwa by crossing Kangla Pass, which is the second highest point of the Nar Phu valley with Annapurna Circuit at the height of 5,320m. Then, head toward Manang, a paradise for trekking destinations and trekkers. A sightseeing day is organized in Manang village, where you can explore local temples and monasteries or opt to take a side trip to Gangapurna Lake.

After a day of acclimatization in Manang, you’ll hike to Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and Muktinath by crossing Thorong La Pass. Thorong La Pass is a high-altitude pass, and it is the highest point of the trip at 5,416m. You’ll now drive back to Pokhara. The drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara is the end of your trip. In Kathmandu, you’ll rest and re-energize yourself before catching the flight back home.

Looking for an Alternative Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Manaslu Circuit trek is considered a great choice for those seeking a remote and less crowded Himalayan experience. Trek to this region offers stunning views of Mount Manaslu, rich Tibetan culture immersion in villages like Samagaun, a challenging high-altitude pass (Larkya La), diverse flora and fauna, and a unique opportunity to explore a region with controlled tourism, making it a more authentic and pristine trekking experience.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

The 22-day hike to Kanchenjunga stands out among other choices because it allows visitors to witness the distant wilderness of the Himalayas from a breathtaking vantage point that reveals mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak.

Upper Mustang Trek

Venture into the "forbidden kingdom" of Lo Manthang, an ancient walled city with a unique Tibetan culture, preserved due to its isolation from the outside world. Our 17-day Upper Mustang Trip offers a glimpse into a distinct lifestyle and landscape within the Himalayas.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

At the airport, our office representative will meet you and bring you to your hotel for check-in. At the hotel, we will conduct a short meeting to enlighten you about the program. There are no events scheduled for the day. Have a nice stay at the hotel.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02:Full day Kathmandu Tour: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley

Today, we begin our Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour, including the cultural heritage sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pasupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath Temple. Enjoy Nepal's creative arts, sculpture, monuments, and history.

Later on this day, at the hotel, we will conduct a short meeting to enlighten you about the Nar Phu valley with Annapurna Circuit program itinerary, accommodations, and other details. If required, NHT will provide trekking gear for the Nar Phu Valley Trip, such as a Duffle bag, sleeping Bag, down jacket (M, L, XL, all sizes available), and Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek Map.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 03:Drive Kathmandu to Dharapani (1860m | 2821 ft) Ditance: 180 km, Duration: 7-8 hours

  1. Max. Elevation: 1860m.
  2. Durations: 7 - 8 hours
  3. Distance: 180 km drive

We will drive to Dharapani after breakfast in the Kathmandu hotel. We pass through the Trishuli River, looking at the terraced hillsides and villages.

The road condition from Kathmandu to Dharapani is smooth until Mugling. As we reach Dumre and Besishar, the roads are not well-maintained (Bumpy roads). We then entered the Manang district.

After crossing numerous suspension bridges, pass by the view of white waterfalls in villages called Syange. Continuing our drive following the flow of the Marshyangdi Khola (River) and local notable villages like Jagat and Chamje, we will be at Dharapani at a height of 1860m.

We will spend the night in a local teahouse of Dharapani, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 04:Trek from Dharapani to Koto (2600 m | 8530 ft) Distance: 12 km, Duration: 4 -5 hours

The trek from Dharapani to Koto village (2,600m) takes about 5 -6 hours and leads trekkers deeper into the Nar Phu Valley region of Nepal.

Today, we will walk through dense forests of pine and fir, crossing wooden bridges. One of the highlighted parts of this day is Bagarchhap village (2,160m). It is a small Tibetan-style village popular for its whitewashed monastery (Gompa) and prayer wheels (mani wheel) lining the route.

The path continues through towering trees, leading our way to Danaque and then to Timang (2,750m). This section is the most rewarding one. After a few hours of hiking, this place gives trekkers stunning views of various mountain peaks, such as Mount Manaslu and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7,871m).

Gazing at mesmerizing Himalayan views, we will hike towards the Koto Village. Koto Village serves as the gateway to Nar Phu Valley. All the trekkers must register at the checkpoint to enter this village. Nar Phu lies in a restricted area of Nepal.

We will spend the night in a local teahouse, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 05:Trek from Koto to Meta (3560m | 11,679 ft), Distance: 13 km, Duration: 5-6 hours

From Koto village to Meta, the trekking distance is 13 km, and it takes approximately 5 hours to reach there.

Today’s hike is a bit challenging, as it includes hiking up and down two hills, through apple orchards and Manangi local villages. As we trek deeper into the restricted region, we pass multiple caves and steep towering canyon walls.

Crossing through the Dharmasala village along the Naar Khola River, we will reach the very first major village in the Nar region, i.e. Meta village. Annapurna ranges and Lamjung Himal (6,983m) are mostly seen from this spot if the weather is clear.

We will spend the night in a local teahouse, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 06:Trek from Meta to Phu Village (Phu Gaon 4250m | 13,943ft) Distance: 10 km, Duration: 5-6 hours

We hike downhill from Meta village along the banks of Phu Khola through a nearby desert gorge, taking in breathtaking views of Kangaroo Mountain, Pokharkan, and Amotsang Himal. Today's ascent is slow and not too challenging.

The trail takes us past beautiful Buddhist chortens (cairns/shrines) with views of spectacular gorges, canyons, and ruins of Tibetan-style forts. The first Tibetan migrants arrived in Phu Gaon nearly 200 years ago. 

Crossing a suspension bridge, we reach Phu, from where we can visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 07:Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi, Distance: 9 km, Duration: 4-5 hours

Today, we retrace our steps slightly as we head towards Nar Phedi. We hike downhill from Phu village along the banks of Phu Khola, crossing a bridge spanning an 80m deep narrow canyon. It is a breathtaking and dramatic part of the trail.

We descend towards Mahayandra Pool, the trail takes a steep descent before reaching Nar, where we spend the night in a teahouse. Before that, we visit Nar Phedi Monastery, where we attend evening prayers with the nuns. We also share a home-cooked dinner prepared by the nuns and experience the daily life of the monastery. Trekkers are welcome to donate and light oil lamps for loved ones, making this a spiritually enriching experience.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 08:Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4110m | 13484 ft) Distance: 3 km, Duration: 2-3 hours

The trek from Nar Phedi to Nar village in Nepal is a scenic route through Buddhist settlements and multiple monasteries.

We start from Nar Phedi, visiting Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist settlements decorated with mantra flags and some arts of Buddha stupa (chortens).

After Yughat, we reach the second gate of Nar Valley. It signals our arrival in an ancient village, which is rich in Buddhist monasteries (Tashi Lhakhang Monastery). It takes us 2 -3 hours to reach Nar village from Nar Phedi.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 09:Trek from Nar Village to Kang La Pass (5,320m | 17454 ft), then to Ngawal (3650m) Duration: 17 km, Distance: 7-8 hrs

The trek from Nar village to Kang La Pass, then to Ngawal, is challenging. It involves ascending through yak pastures, crossing high passes like Kang La (5,320m), and descending to a village.

We begin our day early, departing Nar Village (4,110m) around 4 a.m. The initial two hours involve a gentle ascent, allowing our bodies to warm up before tackling the steeper, rugged sections leading to the Kang La Pass (5,320m). Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Annapurna II.

We will descend from Kang la and stay overnight in a teahouse in Ngawal.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 10:Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3540m| 11614 ft) Distance: 8 km, Duration: 3-4 hours

The trek from Ngawal to Manang is the second part of our trip. It is part of the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal. It's a relatively gentle trail that takes about 3–5 hours. The trail winds through juniper bushes, pine forests, and arid landscapes, with views of the Annapurna III and Gangapurna mountains, passing by traditional Manang and Gurung villages.

Major highlights of the day are passing Sher Gompa and other surrounding settlements. Along the way to Manang, we encounter Milaperpa's cave, where the Tibetan Buddhist yogi (11th-century Tibetian yogi and poet) and teacher are said to have lived.

Continuing our journey, we pass through Braga Gompa (900 years old), Braga Gompa in Braga village, Gompa of Godzo, and finally Ghatte Khola (river). We will reach Manang village (3,540m). Manang town is simply the paradise for trekking and a hub for trekkers. It is one of the important villages during the trip and has many gompas to visit.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 11:Acclimatization in Manang (3540m): Sightseeing in Manang Village

We spent our time visiting the temple, taking side trips to Gangapurna Lake, and going on excursions to enjoy the beautiful scenery around the villages. Besides, we should go to the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 12:Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m), Distance: 11 km, Duration: 4-5 hours.

The path begins in Manang village, crosses a creek, climbs to Tenki village above Manang, and then proceeds to ascend out of the Marshyangdi Valley, turning northwest up Jarsang Khola's valley. This valley is followed northward by the trail, which passes across a few pastures and a juniper tree scrub as it slowly gains altitude. The path continues to travel near Ghunsa, a small village with flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. The route then winds through meadows grazed by horses and yaks.

The trek route goes through an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow after crossing a small river via a wooden bridge before arriving at Yak Kharka, another small village. The trick to avoiding altitude issues is a gradual ascent.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included with your overnight stay at the Guesthouse.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 13:Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m), Distance: 8 km, Duration: 3-4 hours.

Today, we make our way to the Throng Phedi. Thorong Phedi is a small bustling settlement that caters to weary trekkers and climbers. This point serves as a base camp for hikers like us. Any tourists often try a climb to the High Camp today to make the next day better.

However, we will not recommend this. Even though we will have a difficult day tomorrow, we will rest at Thorong Phedi to sleep soundly rather than risking a dangerous sleep at High Camp's higher altitude. Thorong Phedi is where you'll spend the night.

We will spend the night in a local teahouse, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 14:Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5416m), Distance: 16.5 km, Duration: 8-9 hours.

We will begin our climb to the pass. In the beginning, the ascent is very steep. It gets a lot sloppier when we get closer to the peak. We'll arrive at the top of the pass after navigating rocky ridges.

The top offers an unexplainable 360-degree panorama of snow-capped peaks in the Tibetan plateau. We can see several peaks of Annapurna peaks and the incredible Kali Gandaki gorge when we look back. Continuing the route, we then descend to Muktinath (3800m), following a steep path. Muktinath is home to ethnic Tibetans and has temples and monasteries for Hindus as well as Buddhist pilgrims.

We will spend the night at the guesthouse, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

  1. Accommodation: Guesthouse
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 15:Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (825m), Distance: 168 km, Duration: 7-8 hours.

The drive from Muktinath to Pokhara is about 156 kilometers and takes around 6 hours. The drive includes passing through settlements like Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, and Beni. You can take a jeep or car for this drive. 

You can enjoy mountain views, the world's deepest gorge, and the wilderness. Pass through famous Thakali villages like Dana, Ghasa, Kalopani, and Marpha.

Overnight at Pokhara. Breakfast and Lunch are included.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included

Day 16:Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Distance: 200 km, Duration: 6 - 7 hours

We return to Kathmandu. After a six-seven hours drive, we will be in Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel, Breakfast included.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 17:Tour Ends/ Departure

  1. Distance: 6 km drive

Around 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will take you to the airport for your onward journey.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation in a private vehicle, including airport pickup and drop off.
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • A night's accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara
  • Kathmandu city tours, including tour guides and private vehicles
  • Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin-sharing lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the trek
  • One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porter (1 porter for 2 people), and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
  • Kathmandu – Dharapani  transportation by private car
  • Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate
  • First aid medical kit
  • Annapurna conservation permit fee and Nar Phu special trekking permits
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport-size photos for permit)
  • Government taxes & office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.'
  • Travel Insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa.
  • All kinds of drinks (hot and cold)
  • Hot showers during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver

Nar Phu Valley Trek Route Map

Nar Phu Valley Trek Map

Know Before You Go

Difficulty of Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley trek is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty due to its rugged terrain, high altitude (crossing Kang La Pass at 5,240 meters), and long daily hikes (6-8 hours), requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization.

Trekking to the remote village of Nar Phu involves crossing the Kang La pass on a narrow path, with daily distances ranging from 10-12 kilometers and occasionally up to 15 kilometers.

The trip altitude starts at an elevation of 2,610 meters (Koto Village) and reaches the highest point at Kang La Pass (5,240 meters).  But as we have included Annapurna Circuit Trek in this Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary, it reached an altitude of 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass).

The hiking hours per day will be 5 -6 hours on average, involving both uphill and downhill sections, requiring good stamina and endurance.

Due to the high altitude, we have included multiple acclimatization days in the trip to prevent altitude sickness.

Special consideration: Generally, the Nar Phu Valley Trek starts and ends in Koto as a loop and involves traveling by bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then to Manang, with a local jeep ride from Besisahar to Koto. However, we have introduced a unique itinerary for the Nar Phu Valley package with the all-time popular Annapurna Circuit. Our Trek starts in Koto village and ends in Pokhara.

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Annapurna Circuit + Nar Phu Trek Reviews

    Went on the Nar Phu Valley Trek combined with the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Everything went smoothly, and the process was very flexible. We were able to modify the itinerary given our limited time in Nepal.

    Special thanks to Arjun, our guide, and our porters, Goku and Ram. Arjun was very friendly and helpful, and the trip would not have been the same without him, his stories, and his guidance.

    Goku and Ram were very friendly, always helping us and even playing some Nepali card games with us despite the language barrier.

    Very great team! Can’t wait to plan another trek with them again.

    K
    - Excellent

    Mr. Korben W

    11th Jul 2025
  • Narphu Valley over Kang La Pass

    We did the more remote Nar Phu Valley trek, over Kang La Pass (17,500 feet). Unfortunately, I developed altitude sickness so couldn’t complete the trip, but I’m leaving this review to tell you how wonderful Nepal Hiking Team was in taking care of me. They allowed us to stay at one location for an extra night to see if I could acclimate. 

    When that didn’t work, Ganga arranged a helicopter evacuation and hospital stay. He came and visited me in the hospital and worked on arrangements to allow me to rejoin the trip in Pokhara. NHT completely and thoroughly took care of me, and I felt very safe. I would have no hesitation traveling with NHT again. Our guide and porter were terrific as well.

    H
    - Excellent

    Mr. Hfarbs

    7th Mar 2025
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024

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