Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 Days

narphu valley trek
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude5240 M.
ActivitiesTrekking
Group Size1-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeMarch-May and September- November

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an unforgettable journey through one of Nepal's most remote and pristine regions. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas, fascinating landscapes, and a deep dive into the rich culture of the local communities.

This trek offers a rare experience of the unspoiled natural beauty of the Annapurna Region as it leads you through the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu. This remote and less traveled trek presents an ideal blend of raw nature, uninhabited settlements, and age-old Tibetan tradition. 

Unlike the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Nar Phu Valley trek provides a quieter, less crowded experience while showcasing the breathtaking scenery that makes trekking in Nepal so renowned. Whether you are an adventurer seeking solitude or a cultural enthusiast wanting to explore the hidden gems of Nepal, this trek offers a perfect escape.

Along the trek route, you will be treated to spectacular views of the towering snow-clad mountains—Annapurna, Kang Guru, and Himlung Himal.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the Nar Phu Valley Trek, one of a few treks that bring you to the remote villages of Nar and Phu, which are populated by Tibetan cultural influence.
  • Navigating through elevated terrains, narrow gorges, and large rugged snowcapped mountains with great diversity.
  • Conquer the dizzying heights of 5,322 meters at the Kang La Pass, which offers views of Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Himlung Himal in all their glory.
  • Because of this consideration, the Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary is designed to provide opportunities to visit ancient monasteries and experience a different way of life in purely wild nature, which is even more perfect for trekkers searching for a particular trip.
  • Strike the rugged Nar Phu Valley on a short trek option for those who need more time or wish to see and feel the sights and calmness of this place within the shortest duration.
  • The Nar Phu Valley Trek's 12-day distance covers a problematic yet interesting route that promises the adventure of a lifetime.

Trek’s Route Map

Nar Phu Valley Trek has a well-detailed map that takes you through some of the unspoiled, impossibly beautiful places in the Annapurna region. 

The journey begins at Besisahar and follows the Annapurna Circuit route before heading toward Koto. From here, the path follows into the deep crevasses of Phu River Valley, continuing toward the villages of Meta, Nar, and Phu. The trail also includes crossing the high-altitude pass of Kangla and descending to Ngawal to connect back to the Annapurna circuit.

Itinerary

Nar-Phu Valley Trek journey begins at Besisahar and follows the Annapurna Circuit route before heading toward Koto. From here, the path follows into the deep crevasses of Phu River Valley, continuing toward the villages of Meta, Nar, and Phu. The trail also includes crossing the high-altitude pass of Kangla and descending to Ngawal to connect back to the Annapurna circuit.

Trip PlanExpand all

So, the journey commences with a beautiful ramble from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the trek’s starting point. The drive offers fantastic views of green valleys and local settlements, igniting expectations for the forthcoming trekking.

The trek begins when you proceed to Koto, taking an upward hike to an elevation of 2600 meters. This section of the trek is filled with greenery and beautiful houses and villages, making it an ideal way to begin the Nar Phu Valley Trek.

The path resembles a gorge as you enter the interior Phu River Valley. After walking past diverse canyons and ridges, you’ll reach Meta, where extensive views open up at elevation 3560.

Today, you will witness the last remnants of Tibetan civilization as you make your way through the Phu Village. This region, located at an altitude of 4,050 meters, is a perfect representation and experience of understanding how those people live and their culture, making it feel like an expedition to a different planet.

Spare a day for the fascinating Phu Village and its adjacent monasteries, but remember to do it while accommodating to the higher altitude. A rest day is essential to help one acclimate to the altitude before the next leg of the trek.

Today’s trail will descend to 3490 m in Nar Phedi, where you will be accommodated in a monastery guesthouse set among beautiful landscapes. Appreciate the calmness as you prepare for your trip's upcoming segment.

Proceed to ascend towards Nar Village, which is located at an altitude of 4110 meters above sea level. The culture is dynamic, and almost every turn is filled with beautiful vistas, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

This is the day that involves the most challenging trek. On this day, we will cross the Kang La Pass at an elevation of 5322 m. Before you descend to Ngawal for the night, the pass offers incredible sights of the Annapurna range.

From Ngawal, you will hike to Pisang, situated at 3,200 meters. The picturesque views consist of several small, friendly villages and a green, thick forest, making the trek back down a pleasure.

Embark on a more leisurely hike today as you journey to the picturesque village of Manang, situated at 3,540 meters. This charming village serves as a popular stop for trekkers and offers opportunities to explore diverse cultures.

Go back the same way and commence the return journey to Besisahar. Remember the stunning trip you have just undertaken while retracing your steps on the very well-known routes.

The driving back to Kathmandu marks the closure of your trek and enables an individual to enjoy and appreciate a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Nar Phu Valley.

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Cost Details
Included
  • Permits: Your package covers all required trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area and Nar Phu Permit.
  • Guides and Porters: Trained and skilled guides and porters will accompany you during the trek, helping you traverse the trails and carrying your baggage.
  • Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation will be provided in teahouses or lodges along the trek, ensuring you have a place to sleep after the long and tiring trek.
  • Meals: Most packages offer meals during the trek, allowing you to sample the delicious local foods as you pass through the valley.
  • Transportation: For convenience, transfers from the airport and Kathmandu to Besisahar are usually provided.
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance: Buying travel insurance includes coverage for high-altitude treks, medical expenses, and trip cancellations is advisable.
  • Personal Expenses: Extra expenses for food and drinks, gifts, and other personal effects for which you don’t have the commission are not catered for; hence, plan accordingly.
  • Tips for Guides and Porters: Tipping your guides and porters for their efforts is also advised, as it is common practice in Nepal to thank people in this manner.
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Additional meals and drinks in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Essential Information

Best Time to Travel Nar Phu Valley Trek

The best time to travel Nar Phu Valley Trek is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Here’s why these seasons seem remarkable.

Spring (March to May): 

This season's climate is fair, and the scenery is adorned with beautiful, gregarious purple-colored rhododendrons and other wildflowers. Temperatures are also bearable, making it an ideal season for trekking. On the other hand, autumn is usually hectic; thus, the trails at this time are quieter than during the autumn season, enhancing the experience.

Autumn (September to November): 

This is the best trekking season ever recorded in Nepali nationals' history. The climate is quite favorable, with clear weather providing a perfect view of the mountains. The busy paths, with many trekkers around, create an attractive atmosphere. However, this period is characterized by high service demand; hence, prior booking is advised.

Winters and monsoon seasons are somewhat more complicated owing to snowfalls and rains, yet some intrepid trekkers go as far as engaging in winter trekking in search of peace. 

Recommended Read: Best Time for Annapurna Region Trekking

It is essential to understand the correct times of year to travel and consider the permits needed to trek within the Nar Phu Valley.

Permits Required for Nar Phu Valley Trek

As with many trekking routes in Nepal, a Nar Phu Valley trek requires specific permits from relevant authorities to facilitate a non-hassle and non-legal breach travel journey across restricted areas. Here’s What You Will Require:

Nar Phu Valley Special Permit: 

A special permit will be required as the Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary goes into some restricted zone. The fee falls under seasonal variations, with the first week of high season (September to November) charging 90 and 75 dollars from December to August.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): 

Since this trek incorporates the Annapurna range, an ACAP, which costs around 30 dollars per person, will also be required.

Thus, procuring those permits to use the trails and participate in the area's environmental management is essential. 

You can obtain these from the Nepal Tourism Board.

How is Food and Accommodation in Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The Nar Phu Valley Trek embodies the spirit of the locales, with most of the accommodation being in lodges and tea houses. This is what you should look forward to:

Food: 

As you will agree with me on the Nar Phu Valley trek's 12-day itinerary, it is impossible to miss local foods like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, and other soups. Although Phu Village is quite secluded, do not worry; you will sample delicious and healthy meals that prepare you for trekking. This applies also to vegetarians, who will be included along the path.

Accommodation: 

Staying in teahouses means that even though the place is primitive, there are still soft beds, albeit shared toilets. The higher the altitude you reach, the more primitive the places get, but these do offer along-day trekking warmth. And in Nar Phedi, besides being taken care of and having lodging facilities, expect sleeping in a monastery’s guesthouse as an added incentive!

Now that your stomach and shelter needs have been addressed, let's move on to the issue that every trekker thinks about—how easy or challenging is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

How Difficult is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a fantastic experience that offers a combination of moderate and challenging difficulties. Some of the major causes of this challenge are the high altitude, long days of trekking, cold weather, erratic climate conditions, and the physical effort involved.

Altitude is a great challenge and has risks, mainly because of heights above 5000 meters, such as Kang La Pass, which is 5322 meters high. Given the quick climb, the risk of altitude sickness can be higher. Therefore, one must acclimate well following the Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary with inherent ciliary adjustments.

The trekking days are every week, six and twelve days long, during which they have regenerative 6 to 7-hour treks each day. Some days, such as when trainees cross Kang La Pass, will be more challenging than usual. It will be necessary, if not imperative, to have a good pace and stamina to cope with numerous long days of treks on rough terrain.

As with many treks, cold weather can hinder progress due to the increased risk of exposure, which is sudden at high altitudes, especially at Nar Phedi and Phu Villeg, whose temperatures do not stay above freezing. However, thermal innerwear and good sleeping gear would work well to ward off the cold.

Plus, many places can be exposed to different weather conditions. In the monsoon season, when the monsoon is received, trails are treacherously slick with rain. Then, during winter, snow can close off the high passes. It is said that people watch the weather and have no fixed plans while on the trek, for it can be dangerous otherwise.

Lastly, physical fitness is also challenging. The 12-day Nar Phu Valley trek in Pakistan requires a certain fitness level, including endurance, strength, and flexibility. This helps ensure you have fun in the hills and stay in training because you want to complete the trek.

Having understood how arduous the Nar Phu Valley Trek can be, let us examine what you must carry for this remarkable journey!

Recommended Read: Annapurna Trek Difficulty

What Should You Pack for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Packing is essential for a prosperous Nar Phu Valley Trek. The right equipment can be the difference between comfort, safety, or readiness for whatever challenges the trek may present. Here is a list of items to carry for the Nar Phu Valley trek 12-day package: 

Clothing:

  • Moisture-wicking base layers
  • Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Trekking pants (quick-dry)
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Thermal socks
  • Sunglasses (for snow glare)

Footwear:

  • Sturdy trekking boots (waterproof and broken in)
  • Comfortable camp shoes (for resting at the teahouses)

Trekking Gear:

  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
  • Backpack (with a rain cover)
  • Water bottles or a hydration system

Miscellaneous Items:

  • Sunscreen and lip balm (with SPF)
  • First aid kit (with altitude sickness medication)
  • Headlamp (with extra batteries)
  • Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits)
  • Personal toiletries

The packing checklist provides all the items you need to face the challenges of the Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary. Let us dwell on how this trek is worthwhile with Real Adventure Nepal Pvt. Ltd.

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FAQs

Most trekking agencies provide a detailed Nar Phu Valley map showing critical locations like Koto, Meta, Phu Village, Nar Village, and the Kang La Pass for easy navigation and tracking.

Yes, a Nar Phu Valley short trek is available. It typically lasts 7–8 days. It offers a faster pace but covers the main highlights, including Phu and Nar Villages.

The total distance of the Nar Phu Valley trek, which takes 12 days, is approximately 80–100 kilometers, depending on the route and specific stops.

The 12-day Nar Phu Valley trek package typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500, including permits, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

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Why With Us?

Real Adventure Nepal Pvt. Ltd. offers some of the best-selling trip experiences in Nepal. For your Nar-Phu Valley Trek, you can customize your trip with us for an adventure with stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable Nepal tour package.

  • We ensure an experienced guide, excellent service, and a well-organized itinerary. 
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the Annapurna region.
  • Well-organized itineraries that prioritize your safety and comfort.
  • Quality accommodations and meals throughout the trek.
  • A commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices.