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Best Season: April, May, September, October (best in terms of view), November
Nar Phu Valley trek is wild and uncharted and offers a wealth of medieval Tibetan culture and festivities because it is home to Tibetan Buddhist ethnic people. Beyond its cultural significance, Narphu Valley is renowned for its breathtaking views of majestic mountains including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and Lamjung Himal. During your journey to the Nar and Phu valley, you will revel in the sights of traditional Tibetan towns, amazing rock formations, high-altitude grazing settlements, narrow gorges, thick woods, and spectacular snow-capped peaks.
This trek takes you through the magnificent Tibetan towns of Nar and Phu, across the Kang La Pass, and along the, which connects the Manang and Kali Gandaki valleys. It also includes a less-travelled route to Tilicho Lake. This pass-crossing offers you a more difficult and intriguing substitute for the well-known Thorong La Pass (5,416M) on the Annapurna Circuit. This is a journey full of an exciting adventure that shouldn’t be missed.
Major Highlights of Nar Phu Valley
Your ultimate adventure starts with your landing in Kathmandu Valley surrounded by beautiful green hills and alluring Mountain views. You will be welcomed by our representative at the airport gate. Following that, you will be transferred to the respective hotel nearby to rest and refresh to avoid Jet lag. Today you can just explore nearby areas.
Staying a night prior to start is essential. We recommend you explore and get acclimated before starting a trek if you are coming from sea level. You will enjoy the beauty of historical monuments, along with Hindu and Buddhist temples and pilgrimage sites. Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO world heritage sites worth visiting and experiencing. You would enjoy many choices of restaurants and meals providing both local and western foods. You can imagine the types of cuisine they offer. You can get your trekking gear from a shop nearby if you need anything for your trek. This evening, our representative will give you a briefing about the trek and address your queries in the best possible way.
Are you ready for the adventure? Let’s go!
Early morning, you will leave Kathmandu for Besisahar. This is going to be a long drive today. The journey is filled with breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges, green hills, and the Trishuli River. The road is winding, bumpy and narrow until you reach the confluence of the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers. You will drive along the Prithvi Highway after crossing a bridge over the Marshyangdi. After 20 minutes, you will reach Dumre and follow the north route to Besisahar. After 4 hours of driving from Dumre, you will reach Besisahar. Now, you will take 2.5 hrs of drive from Besisahar to reach Syange. The road is rough and tough till you are rich Chame. However, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery, waterfalls, mountain view and rice terrace along the way. Driving past beautiful villages, you will reach Jagat and stay overnight.
Drive time: (7-8hrs)
Accommodation: Hotel
The trek from Syange to Dharapani begins by passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional Nepali villages. The trail ascends the Marshyangdi River, passing through charming villages, terraced farmlands, and lush forests. You will cross a few suspension bridges and climb a steep staircase to reach Tal village. With numerous abrupt ascents and descents, the trail continues through trees and alongside a river. The villages of Karte and Dharapani are on your route. It takes 5 to 6 hours to travel from Syange village to Dharapani via Jagat, Tal and Karte.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 5 miles (8km)
Accommodation: Hotel
Your morning hike begins through the coniferous and fir forests. Today's walk will be a little challenging. The magnificent Himalayas of Annapurna II, Manasalu, Lamjung Himal, and Himalchuli adorning the area and the distinctive lifestyles in the Himalayas will be your treat to the eye. For the day, there will be about 5 to 6 hours climb and descent uphill. You will reach Koto after an exhausting journey.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Accommodation: Hotel
As you travel to Meta, you will follow the Naar River. Early morning, you depart the trails of the traditional Annapurna Circuit at Koto. As you enter the restricted region of Nar Phu Valley in the morning, you register your permit at the army checkpoint. Then you begin your hike down Seti Khola's riverbank, passing by a renowned Dharmasala. The trail is carved through the narrow, steep-sided Naar river cliffs, and it leads to the Meta village after passing via multiple suspension and wooden bridges, waterfalls, woodlands, and steep ascents. You will stay motivated on the journey thanks to the gradually changing scenery and views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Accommodation: Guest House/Hotel
Leaving behind Kyang, you will start slowly climbing up and descending to Kyang village. Kyang is a small settlement located at an altitude of 3800 meters. Trek to Kyang is moderately challenging as it is steep in some sections and quite slippery and rocky in some areas. You will pass the dense forest, cross several suspension bridges over gushing rivers, and encounter local people going about their daily lives. The trail offers stunning views of the Himlung range on the way. Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Trekking distance: 2.5-3 miles (4-5 km)
Accommodation: Guest House/Hotel
The next leg is the trek from Kyang to Phu village. The trail follows the Phu Khola and passes through several traditional villages and terraced fields. As you get closer to Phu village, you’ll notice the landscape become more rugged and arid, with the surrounding mountain becoming more imposing.
Phu is a unique and fascinating village that has been untouched by modern development. After reaching Phu, you can spend some time exploring the village and its surroundings. You can also interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life and culture. One of the highlights of Phu village is Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, located at the top of a hill overlooking the village. It is believed to have been built 800 years ago and is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. The monastery is adorned with ancient statues and prayer flags. The remote and off-the-beaten-path nature of this trek makes it an ideal choice for those seeking authentic experiences.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Trekking distance: 2.8-4 miles (4.5-6.5)
Accommodation: Hotel
The trek from Phu Village to Nar Phedi is relatively short, taking about 4-5 hours to complete, but it can be difficult due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. From Phu Village to Nar Phedi, the trail winds through narrow gorges and rocky terrain. The path gradually ascends towards Nar Phedi. You will pass through breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped peaks, high-altitude pastures, and ancient caves. The village is located at an altitude of around 4,110 meters and is home to a small community of people who live a traditional lifestyle. The village offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is an ideal place to spend the night. Overall, the trek from Phu Village to Nar Phedi is a unique and rewarding experience that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Trekking distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Accommodation: Hotel
After reaching Nar Phedi, the next leg of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is the trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village. This trek takes around 2-3 hours and is relatively easy compared to the previous legs of the trek. The trail follows the Nar Phedi Khola River and passes through some scenic landscapes. The trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village passes through a narrow and steep gorge with spectacular views of the mountains and the Nar Phedi Khola River. As you approach Nar Village, the landscape becomes more rugged and arid, and the surrounding mountains become more imposing. You can take a walk around the village and observe the unique traditional architecture of the houses, which are built using mud, stones, and wood.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Trekking distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
Accommodation: Guesthouse
You will begin your walk toward Kang La Pass early in the morning (5320m). This pass offers breathtaking views of the Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Annapurna range. You face a difficult ascent because the trail is rocky and covered in freezing moraines. The peak of Kang La offers a fantastic opportunity to see the Kangla Himal Range and Annapurna Mountain. Then you make a hard descent through the moraines and turn onto a grassy route that takes you to Ngawal settlement. The descent can be taxing on the knees, so you need to maintain caution. A few monasteries are passed before you reach Ngwal. Spend the night at Nawal. Spend the night in Ngwal.
Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail today gently makes its way past monasteries until you reach Braga village. The trek will be short and easy, unlike other days. You can explore the 900-year-old Braga Gompa as well as the Boozo Gompa on the Marshyangdi River's bank. Before entering the village of Manang, cross a suspension bridge above the Marshyangdi River and arrive at Gangapurna Lake. Throughout the day, you will be greeted by the Annapurna range, Gangapurna (7454m), and other beautiful peaks.
Trekking time: 2.5 hours
Trekking distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Accommodation: Teahouse
It is indeed an additional day to expose your body to a new height. However, you will spend the night back in Manang. This is done to help your body adjust and avoid altitude sickness along the journey. Although Manang is a small village, it offers numerous side trips. The rigorous trek to Ice Lake (3900m) is one of the most popular of all. Chongkor view will offer a beautiful view of the glacial lake as well. You can also visit nearby Gumbas and local monasteries. The view of the Gangapurna glacier, which overs over the Manang is also beautiful to capture. You can go to the Himalayan Rescue Association (clinic), where they will provide information on altitude sickness every day for free. It is a good option to get acclimatized before you go over 4000m; the next day.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy! Feel! Shout! Laugh! Roar!
Leaving behind Manang, you will trek past the western gate and trek down to the river. After crossing it, you will walk through the forest to reach the beautiful Khangsar village. The trail to Sri Kharka is dusty and rugged. After passing a beautiful monastery, you will head further watching stunning Chulu and Gungang in the background. After 4-5 hrs of a trek, you will reach Sri Kharka. First, the trek will be easy to descend to Khangsar village. After crossing a river, the trek ascends to the barren landscape from where you can see Yak Kharka. You might see some wildlife (Blue Sheep) on these routes if you are lucky on this day. You can visit Tare Gumba. It is a sacred place for people living in this area. After a few miles of walking, you will reach Yak Kharka. There are a few teahouses that will provide you with food and lodging facilities. This will be your destination for today.
Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Accommodation: Guest House
This is going to be the final stretch of the trek before the difficult trek to Thorong La Pass. Now, your body is progressively acclimating to the high altitude as you walk over 4500m. Take it easy and stay hydrated all the time. The path to Thorong Phedi winds through an isolated and lonely area. It is a glacier valley bordered on three different sides by the high mountains. It’s a typically cold place. When you arrive at the rest stop, go straight to a tea house and get warm. You sleep early tonight because you have a hard day tomorrow. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Today’s trek will be challenging compared to the entire trip before and ahead. You will get up early and leave before the sun rises because there is no wind in the morning. The path is steep in the first few hours but not difficult. After one hour, you will reach High Camp where you can rest for a few minutes, drink hot water, tea whatever you have carried and continue going up. The final few hundred meters to the summit of Thorong La is difficult. After 2-3 hours, you will reach the top of Thorong La Pass (5416m/17769ft). When you reach the top, you will be greeted by a breathtaking mountain vista. Dhaulagiri (8167m) stands majestically over the head of Thorong La Pass. From the top, the old kingdom of the upper mustang can be seen in the distance as well. Stay for a while and capture memories with your friends.
After crossing the path, you will descend slowly as the trail is slippery and rocky. It will take around two and a half hours to reach the holy pilgrimage – The Muktinath temple. It is revered by Hindus as well as Buddhists as a place of salvation. As you arrive in Muktinath village, go to your hotel to relax your hurting muscles. Overnight at Muktinath.
Trekking time: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Early morning, you will visit Muktinath (Vishnu Temple) for blessings. It is a famous pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists attracting a large number of people every year. After a short visit to Muktinath and its surrounding, you will either board a vehicle or trek to Jomsom via Lubra (a beautiful village). You can see the best view from the top of Lubra village, which you wouldn’t see from the bus/Jeep. After Lubra, you will descend to Kagbeni (Junction between upper and lower mustang). Upper Mustang lies above Kagbeni – an isolated kingdom secluded from the main area. The road from Muktinath to Jomsom is well-paved, however in some places construction is going on. If you want to take a jeep, it will take one hour to reach Jomsom from Muktinath. The road winds along the picturesque Kali Gandaki. Tatopani is a small village located in the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is famous for its natural hot springs.
Congratulations! You have completed the Narphu Valley Trek. Now, you can celebrate in the evening and relax.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
The drive from Tatopani to Pokhara is a scenic journey that takes around 5-6 hours. Pokhara is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, serene lakes, and majestic mountains. The journey from Tatopani to Pokhara follows the Kali Gandaki River and passes through some picturesque landscapes. The road is mostly paved and in good condition, but it can be narrow and winding in some sections. As you leave Tatopani, you'll gradually start ascending towards the village of Beni, which is the district headquarters of the Myagdi district. From Beni, the road continues towards the town of Baglung, where you can catch stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges.
After crossing Baglung, the road starts descending towards the Seti River valley, and soon you'll arrive at the town of Pokhara. Pokhara is a vibrant city with a relaxed atmosphere and offers plenty of activities for tourists. Some of the popular things to do in Pokhara include visiting the tranquil Phewa Lake, taking a scenic flight over the Annapurna range, and exploring the World Peace Pagoda.
Driving time: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Hotels/lodges
Mission accomplished!
Drive to Kathmandu via tourist bus. When you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax. Make your last evening special with a special farewell supper at a traditional restaurant nearby. You can take part in Nepal cultural events while enjoying your dinner. You can also buy a few souvenirs as well from local shops nearby.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Driving distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Accommodation: Hotel
Insurance
Trekking in the Himalayas is not always fun. Nar Phu Valley is a very remote area of Nepal. Our government has designed many protocols to make sure on safety of our tourists but sometimes it is really hard to prevent risk. Due to few transportation options in Nepal, the only fastest way to rescue anyone from the mountain is a Helicopter which could be very expensive. Therefore, we would like you to get insured through a trustworthy insurance company just to be safe. Make sure you are insured with helicopter rescue, medical injuries and any other emergency issues. We would highly recommend you carry a copy of your insurance and send one to us just in case of any emergencies.
Permit Requirements:
Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
From September to November (Autumn): US$ 100 for the first 7 days and then US$ 15 for every additional day spent in the restricted area.
From December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer): it is US$ 75 for the first 7 days, then US$ 15 for every additional day spent in the restricted area.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
Gears needed:
Shoe: Pair of exceptionally good hiking boots and sandals
Clothes: Thermals, down jacket, wind and rainproof jackets, trekking pants, sports t-shirt, fleece, warm gloves, towels, winter hat, Inner garments, shorts, and a few pairs of good socks.
Accessories: Good trekking bag backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, water purifier, sunscreen, lip balm, Swiss pocket knife.
Equipment: Sleeping bags upto - 20 degrees celsius, duffel bag, hiking poles
Medicine: First-Aid Kit, Altitude sickness medicines (eg. diamox), bug spray.
Bring all these essential gear with you about the checklist. If you want to buy it in Kathmandu, there are multiple places here as well. Ask us if you want a better place to buy or rent gear.
Physical fitness: Trekking to Nar Phu Valley is a physically demanding activity, and it requires a good level of physical fitness. One should engage in regular cardiovascular and strength-building exercises for at least a few months before embarking on the trek. Exercises such as hiking, running, cycling, and strength training will help prepare the body for the rigors of trekking.
Adequate acclimatization: Acclimatization is the process of adapting to high altitudes. As you trek higher, the air becomes thinner, and the body needs time to adjust. Adequate acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness, a potentially fatal condition. It is recommended to spend a few days at lower altitudes to allow the body to acclimatize before climbing higher.
A knowledgeable guide: Trekking to Nar Phu Valley is a challenging activity, and having a knowledgeable guide is essential for success. A guide will help navigate the route, provide information about the local culture, and assist in case of any emergencies. It is important to choose a guide who is experienced and knowledgeable about the trek.
Proper nutrition and hydration: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining energy levels and preventing altitude sickness. It is recommended to consume a high carbohydrate and protein-rich diet to provide the necessary fuel for the body. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. It is recommended to carry a water purification system or tablets to ensure access to clean water.
Mental preparation: Trekking to Nar Phu Valley is a mentally challenging activity. It requires patience, perseverance, and mental toughness. It is important to be mentally prepared for challenges and to have a positive attitude. It is also important to be aware of the risks and to take appropriate precautions.
Basic first aid knowledge: Basic first aid knowledge is essential for trekking to Nar Phu. It is important to know how to treat common injuries and illnesses, such as blisters, altitude sickness, and hypothermia. It is recommended to carry a basic first aid kit with essential items such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
Respect for the environment and local culture: Trekking to a restricted area of Nar Phu Valley is an opportunity to experience the unique local culture and environment. It is important to show respect for the local culture and customs and to minimize the impact on the environment.
