Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 days
Things to Know
- Duration12 Days
- Difficulty Level Strenuous
- Altitude Kang La Pass ( 5,240m)
- Trip Type Trekking
- Start and End Kathmandu and kathmandu
- Best Time Autumn and Spring
What You’ll Do- Venture into the lesser-explored corners of the Annapurna region
- Walk through a unique eco-touristic trail rich in nature and culture
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, Mt. Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
- Cross the challenging and scenic Kang La Pass (5,322m)
- Discover remote Tibetan settlements and stunning Buddhist monasteries
- Stay in traditional villages that preserve their ancient way of life
- Visit the untouched and spiritually rich villages of Nar and Phu
- Walk along the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and experience authentic Tibetan-influenced culture
Nar Phu Valley Trek Kang La Pass Trek is located in restricted areas of Nepal, rich in cultural and natural beauty. Opened to trekkers only in 2003, the Nar Phu Valley Trek remains one of Nepal’s most secluded and untouched adventures. Tucked away just off the famous Annapurna Circuit, this hidden gem requires a special permit to enter, preserving its authentic charm and remote wilderness.
The journey begins with a bridge crossing the Marshyangdi River, leading to the narrow, forested entrance of the Nar Phu Valley—easy to miss but impossible to forget. Once inside, trekkers are rewarded with an extraordinary world of ancient Tibetan-influenced villages, deep canyons, alpine forests, Buddhist monasteries, and soaring peaks. Though daily hikes average 5–6 hours, the rugged terrain and high altitude make this trek moderately challenging. A good level of fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended. Along the route, you’ll witness dramatic glaciers and striking mountain views, including Manaslu (8,163m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Annapurna I (8,091m).
In Nar and Phu villages, time seems to stand still. Locals continue their traditional lifestyles — cultivating barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, and herding yaks and sheep — offering an immersive cultural experience rarely found on more crowded trails.
For trekkers seeking breathtaking mountain scenery, genuine cultural encounters, and a trail less travelled, the Nar Phu Valley Trek offers the perfect blend of adventure and solitude in the heart of the Himalayas.
ItineraryExpand AllCollapse All
Our representative will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport on time based on the timing of your flight. They will drive you to the hotel and assist you with check-in. After a rest in your hotel, you can walk around the city.
The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar starts early, winding through scenic hills, terraced fields, and riverside villages along the Prithvi Highway. After about 5-6 hours, we reach Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. From here, a 4WD jeep takes us on a bumpy off-road ride along the Marsyangdi River, passing waterfalls and charming villages like Syange and Jagat. The 3–4-hour drive to Dharapani (1,860m) offers stunning mountain views.
The trek from Dharapani to Koto takes around 4 hours. The valley extends westward through thick Fir and Pine forests. After 30 minutes of walking, we reach Bagarchap (2,160m). From there, we will walk through Danaque and Temang Village. The view of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna Himal (1 and 2) is breathtaking. From Temang, we will trek to the higher and dry areas of the Manang Valley. The path uphill is flat to Thanchowk, from where we will trek to Koto to spend the night. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurungs who follow Tibetan Buddhism.
Today, we enter the restricted area, complete entry formalities. The trail takes us through pine forests, along the Soti Khola (river), and over rocky terrain. We can see caves and canyons on the way. We stop for lunch, most likely at Dharmasala village, before reaching Meta, where we stop for the night. Views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal fill the skyline.
After enjoying a fantastic breakfast with a magnificent view of Meta, your journey will begin. At the start of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will come across stunning monasteries and vibrant Tibetan chortens with flying prayer flags. Before reaching Phu gate, the entrance to Phu Village, you would have passed the Phu Khola. The village offers breathtaking vistas of several Himalayan mountain ranges, including Himlung Himal and surrounding mountains.
Phu Gaon is a big village situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal. There are around 50-60 local houses. Most of the people are Sherpa and follow Tibetan culture and traditions. Acclimatisation is best done by keeping active, so we head off for a hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp and a glacier valley. You will also visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, a must-see location in Phu Village.
Today, we have to make our way up to Nar Phedi. It will take around 5 hours to reach Nar Phedi from Phu Gaon. The route has a gradual descent as we move towards the low altitude. First, we retrace our original route to Meta. Then, we take a different route leading us to the Nar Phedi monastery. This monastery is actually our accommodation for the night. We stay with the welcoming nuns and join them in the Kitchen. We plan to join the nuns at the Puja session in the evening.
Today, no longer hiking. It is just 3 hrs trek. The path is very dry and rocky. As it is a short-duration trek, we will have our lunch after reaching Nar Village. Nar village is one of the big villages in this area. There are around 100 local houses, and most of the people residing in the region are Sherpa and Tibetan. The main source of income for the people is agriculture; they grow wheat and buckwheat. Most of them are also engaged in running teahouses. The local people also raise cattle, such as yaks, cows, and sheep. There is an old monastery in this village, which we can explore after having lunch and resting for a while.
This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The steep ascent from Nar village to Kang La Pass (5,320m) takes about 5–6 hours, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Himlung Himal, and Humde Airport. We will provide a packed lunch, which you'll enjoy at the top of the pass while taking in the stunning Himalayan panorama. After a well-deserved break, we descend to Ngawal—a 3–4 hour trek down a steep trail, which can be slippery in winter due to snow. Ngawal is a quiet traditional village with 40–50 homes, inhabited by Sherpa and Tibetan families. Locals are involved in Yarshagumba collection and running teahouses to welcome trekkers.
From Ngawal, we’ll begin our journey back to Besisahar by jeep, as buses do not operate in this area. The village is directly connected by a rough road, and while motorbikes can also access Ngawal, jeeps are the most reliable mode of transport. The drive takes around 6–7 hours, with most of the route being off-road—only about 10 kilometers are paved. We’ll stop for lunch en route, enjoying the final stretch of this adventurous Himalayan journey.
Driving from Besisahar to Kathmandu, approximately 176 kilometres (109.3 miles), typically takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route primarily follows the well-maintained Prithvi Highway with stunning views of lush green hills, valleys, and rivers, including the Marshyangdi River.
After breakfast and 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight, one of the representatives will transfer you to the airport and bid farewell.
Trip Cost Details
Included- International Airport Pickup and drop off by private car.
- Experience an English-speaking trekking guide and porters
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Nar Phu Valley Restricted Permits
- Kathmandu to Besishar by local bus, then jeep ride to Dharapani
- Nagwal to Besishar by local jeep
- Besisahar to Kathmandu by local bus.
- One set of breakfast, one set of lunch, one set of dinner, tea and coffee on the trek.
- Best available tea house accommodation during the trekking days.
- Company Service Charges and local tax.
Excluded- International Flight Ticket.
- Nepal visa fees.
- Hotels in Kathmandu.
- Food in Kathmandu.
- Porter charges for the trek.
- Private transportation.
- Tips for guide.
