Nar Phu Valley Trek Days

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Nar Phu Valley Trek

  • Duration
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Starts at
  • Ends at
  • Meals Full Board During Trek
  • Accommodation Tea House
  • Max. Altitude
  • Activity Trekking , Hiking & Exploring
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season Spring / Autumn / Winter / Mansoon

Nar Phu Valley Trek Overview

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a captivating and lesser-known journey located in the remote Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek offers adventurers a unique blend of rugged Himalayan landscapes, ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, and pristine natural beauty. Unlike the popular trekking routes in Nepal, Nar Phu Valley remains off the beaten path, providing trekkers with a peaceful and authentic experience amidst traditional villages and untouched wilderness.

One of the main highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is its rich cultural heritage. The valley is home to the Nar and Phu villages, where people still practice ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The remote monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and stone houses create a serene atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time. The local communities maintain their traditional lifestyle, farming barley and potatoes, and welcoming guests with warm hospitality.

The trek itself is moderately challenging, taking trekkers through high mountain passes, narrow canyons, and alpine landscapes. The trail offers spectacular views of towering peaks such as Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho. The route also passes near the spectacular Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Due to its remote location, the Nar Phu Valley Trek requires special permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and restricted area permits issued by the Nepalese government. The limited number of trekkers allowed each season ensures that the trail remains pristine and uncrowded, enhancing the sense of adventure and discovery.

Trekkers on the Nar Phu Valley route stay in traditional tea houses and lodges, experiencing simple yet comfortable accommodations. Food typically includes hearty Nepali and Tibetan dishes, which provide the energy needed for the daily hikes. The altitude and terrain demand good physical fitness and proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness, especially while crossing the Kang La Pass at around 5,300 meters.

Day to Day Itinerary
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Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax or explore the bustling streets. In the evening, attend a pre-trek briefing to discuss the itinerary, permits, and gear.

Take an early morning flight or tourist bus to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. Flights take about 25 minutes, buses 6-8 hours by scenic roads. Pokhara is a tranquil lakeside city surrounded by hills and towering mountains. You can explore Phewa Lake, the Lakeside market, and rest well before the trek begins.

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Besisahar (about 2-3 hours), the official starting point of many Annapurna treks. From Besisahar, take a jeep on rough mountain roads to Dharapani village, the gateway to the Nar Phu region. The road journey itself offers beautiful views of terraced hills and small villages. Overnight stay in Dharapani.

Start trekking along the Marsyangdi River trail, which passes through lush subtropical forests, small villages, and terraced farmlands. The trail is moderate with some uphill stretches. You’ll cross suspension bridges and see local farmers at work. Reach Koto, a small village known for its rustic charm and panoramic mountain views. Overnight in a tea house.

The trail ascends steadily through rhododendron and pine forests as you approach Meta. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Meta is a small settlement with basic tea houses, and it serves as a good acclimatization stop before entering the higher, remote Nar Phu valleys.

Today’s trek is challenging as you leave the main trail and enter the remote Nar Valley. The path climbs steeply, often rocky and narrow, surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-capped peaks. You’ll pass yak grazing pastures and rugged landscapes typical of Tibetan-influenced Himalayan valleys. Nar village itself is a beautiful traditional settlement with stone houses and Buddhist monasteries. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

Spend the day acclimatizing in Nar village to avoid altitude sickness. You can explore the village, visit the local monastery, interact with the villagers, and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Optional short hikes around the valley are possible, allowing for gradual adaptation to altitude and appreciation of local culture.

Cross a high pass called Kang La (about 5,300m) or take the lower trail depending on weather and fitness. Descend gently into the adjacent Phu Valley. Phu village is equally traditional and culturally rich, with beautiful stone architecture and prayer flags. This is one of the most remote villages in Nepal, preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions intact. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Another acclimatization day to explore Phu and its surroundings. Visit the ancient monasteries, mani walls, and interact with the locals. You can take a day hike to nearby viewpoints for spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and other Himalayan giants.

Begin your return journey retracing steps through Meta. The descent is less strenuous, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the scenic beauty and reflect on your remote valley experience. Overnight in a tea house at Meta.

Continue trekking downhill through terraced fields and forests toward Koto. The route passes several traditional villages where locals farm and live in harmony with nature. Overnight in Koto.

Descend further along the Marsyangdi River trail to Dharapani. This day offers varied scenery with rivers, villages, and forested hills. Overnight in Dharapani.

Take a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, then transfer to a vehicle back to Pokhara. The drive is scenic, and you can relax in Pokhara for the evening.

Fly or take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu. You can spend the day shopping or resting in the city before your onward journey.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Customize Trip
Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu

  • Domestic flights or tourist bus tickets between Kathmandu and Pokhara (both ways)

  • Jeep or private vehicle transportation from Pokhara/Besisahar to Dharapani and return

  • All necessary trekking permits:

    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

    • Restricted Area Permit for Nar and Phu Valleys

    • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card

  • Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide

  • Porter service (usually one porter for every two trekkers) to carry luggage

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and along the trekking route (tea houses and guesthouses)

  • Three meals a day during trekking days (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • First aid kit and basic emergency equipment carried by guide

  • Government taxes and service charges

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare to/from Nepal

  • Nepal entry visa fees

  • Travel insurance (including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage)

  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu and Pokhara (unless specified)

  • Alcoholic beverages, bottled water (unless purified/boiled), tea, coffee, and soft drinks on the trek

  • Personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, and hot showers

  • Tips/gratuities for guide, porter, and driver (customary but voluntary)

  • Trekking gear rental (sleeping bags, trekking poles, down jackets, boots, etc.)

  • Extra accommodation or transportation costs caused by delays, weather, or personal reasons

  • Optional sightseeing or activities in Kathmandu or Pokhara

Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

🗓 Best Time to Trek

  • Spring (March to May): Warm weather, blooming rhododendrons, clear mountain views.

  • Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, dry trails, and spectacular views.

  • Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures with possible snow, especially at higher elevations; suitable for experienced trekkers with proper gear.

  • Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and increased risk of landslides; trekking generally not recommended.

🏔 Trek Difficulty & Altitude

  • The trek is moderate to challenging, with steep ascents, high altitude (Kang La Pass at ~5,300m), and rugged terrain.

  • Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.

  • Proper acclimatization days are essential to reduce altitude sickness risk.

🧳 Packing Essentials

  • Warm layered clothing including thermal base layers, fleece, and down jackets.

  • Waterproof and windproof outerwear.

  • Sturdy trekking boots with ankle support.

  • Sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C (14°F).

  • Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

  • Water purification tablets or filter to ensure safe drinking water.

  • Basic personal medications and first aid kit.

💰 Money and Payments

  • Carry sufficient Nepalese Rupees (NPR) in cash, as ATMs are not available on the trekking route.

  • Most lodges and shops accept cash only.

  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging services usually cost extra (approx. NPR 200–500).

📱 Connectivity

  • Mobile network coverage (Ncell, NTC) is limited and patchy in remote valleys.

  • Wi-Fi is available sporadically in some lodges, often for a fee.

⚠️ Permits Required

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Restricted Area Permit for Nar and Phu Valleys (issued by Nepalese authorities)

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

  • Your trekking agency typically handles permit arrangements.

🍲 Food & Accommodation

  • Simple tea houses and guesthouses provide Nepali and Tibetan cuisine including dal bhat, momos, noodles, and soups.

  • Meals are hearty to support trekking energy needs.

  • Accommodation is basic but clean, with shared bathroom facilities.

🏥 Health & Safety

  • Altitude sickness is a real risk; follow your guide’s advice, stay hydrated, and take rest days.

  • Carry a small personal first aid kit.

  • Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and evacuation coverage is essential.

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