Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an excellent adventure through the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering all trekkers a chance to explore pristine and full landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and outstanding natural beauty. The trek also takes you through two relatives' hidden valleys—Nar and Phu—north of the Annapurna Circuit. These valleys are also home to the indigenous people, who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and the region remains untouched mainly through modern development. Starting from the busy city of Kathmandu, the trek usually begins with the drive to the town of Besisahar, followed by the unforgettable trek through charming villages like Koto and Meta. As you move through the valley, the landscape transforms dramatically, with dense forests giving way to high-altitude state terrain. The route passes through picturesque villages, where visitors can also experience the traditional lifestyle of the excellent local communities. Along the way, trekkers are also treated to stunning views through the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges and the opportunity to have rare wildlife such as blue sheep and the rare Himalayan tahr.

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Tour Details

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Duration9-12 days

TransportationDrive from Kathmandu to Koto, trek starting point

Per Day CostUSD 1000-1500

PermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and special permit for Nar Phu

Favorable TimeMarch-May and September-November

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Itinerary

Tap each days to expand details

DAY 1

Kathmandu to Koto

The drive through the city of Kathmandu to Koto takes around 8–9 hours, covering the distance of around 185 kilometers. The journey involves a mix of smooth roads and fine, rough, going routes through the foothills of the Himalayas. Along the way, travelers can also enjoy scenic views of rivers, fine terraced fields, and brief mountain landscapes.

DAY 2

Koto to Meta

The trek through the Koto to Meta takes around 7–8 hours as you enter through the Nar Phu Valley. The route follows the incredible, narrow, rugged trail alongside the Phu Khola River, passing through dense forests and quaint villages. The journey also offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to experience the region's rare Tibetan culture.

DAY 3

Meta to Phu

The trek through the great Meta at Phu's great ancient village takes around 7–8 hours. It follows a steep uphill trail through rocky terrain and alpine meadows. As you move on, stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys unfold. Phu, a remote Tibetan village, offers a great glimpse at the region's rich culture and history.

DAY 4

Acclimatization in Phu

Exploring Phu village gives you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, with its traditional stone houses and peaceful atmosphere. Nearby, you can also visit ancient monasteries, like the Phu Monastery, which holds sacred Buddhist relics and offers panoramic views of the valley. The calm environment, combined with a rich cultural heritage, makes Phu a fine destination for trekkers.

DAY 5

Phu to Nar

The trek through the Phu to Nar takes 6–7 hours. The scenic trail passes through high-altitude terrain and impressive landscapes. As you cross rivers and climb steep ridges, the views of the surrounding peaks become more spectacular. Nar, another significant village in the wonderful valley, is known for its ancient monasteries and traditional Tibetan culture.

DAY 6

Acclimatization in Nar

Exploring the great Nar village offers a chance to experience the rare Tibetan lifestyle, with the traditional stone houses and great views through the Himalayas. The town also has several ancient monasteries, such as Nar Monastery, with significant cultural and religious greatness. The surrounding area is also perfect for small hikes, offering panoramic views of the valley and close peaks.

DAY 7

Nar to Kang La Pass to Ngawal

The trek through the Nar over the Kang La Pass to Ngawal takes around 8–9 hours, crossing the high-altitude pass at the incredible 5,300 meters. The route offers breathtaking views through the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, with all rugged terrain and steep ascents. Ngawal, a fine, charming village, provides a welcoming stop with traditional architecture and many stunning mountain vistas.

DAY 8

Ngawal to Pisang

DAY 9

Pisang to Kathmandu

The trek through the streets of Pisang to a nearby motorable road takes around a few hours, and you can also catch a vehicle back in Kathmandu. The drive back takes 8–10 hours, following winding mountain roads and fine scenic landscapes. The journey offers one final opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna region before returning to the capital.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley Trek costs between USD 1000 and 1500, reflecting its remote nature and the need for special permits. This cost typically includes permits, local guides, transportation to and from the trek's starting point, accommodation, and meals. Accommodations in the Nar Phu Valley are essential, offering an authentic experience of the region's lifestyle and culture. The budget should also consider the cost of a guide and porter, which is necessary due to the trek's challenging nature and remoteness. Additional expenses include personal gear, travel insurance, and extra activities or side trips. Despite these costs, the trek offers incredible value, providing an intimate experience with the natural beauty and cultural richness of one of Nepal's most secluded areas.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

The main highlight of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is going through the isolated Nar and Phu villages, where life remains unchanged from several centuries ago. These villages offer the fine into the rich Tibetan culture, with ancient monasteries, chortens, and revered mani walls dotting the landscape. The trek has excellent, challenging, high-altitude passes, like the Kangla Pass, which gives breathtaking panoramic views throughout the surrounding peaks. The trek can also take around 14-18 days, depending on the great route taken and the pace made by the aspiring trekker. While the trek offers incredible beauty and cultural vastness, it also requires an acceptable moderate level of fitness, as trekkers must go all through the rugged trails and the delicate high-altitude terrain. The best time to trek in Nar Phu Valley is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is more favorable. Despite the remote location and excellent, challenging conditions, the Nar Phu Valley Trek remains one of the finest rewarding treks in Nepal, offering a rare experience of adventure and the finest exploration through the Himalayas.