The Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 days is a hidden trek located inside the Annapurna region of Nepal in the northern Himalayas. This is a beautiful trek that takes you to the ancient valley of Nepal, which was a trading route between Nepal and Tibet back in time. The Nar and Phu are two different valleys hidden and tucked away from the modern generations. The valley is still untouched and less explored, due to which it has preserved its ancient and traditional Buddhist cultures.
| Day | Acitivity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1400M) |
| Day 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (1860M) |
| Day 3 | Drive from Besisahar to Koto village (2600M) |
| Day 4 | Trek from Koto Village to Meta Village (3560M) |
| Day 5 | Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (4078M) |
| Day 6 | Acclimatization day in Phu Gaun (4079M) |
| Day 7 | Trek from Phu Gaun to Nar Village (4110M) |
| Day 8 | Cross Kang La Pass (5,320 m), trek to Ngawal (3,660 m) (5318M) |
| Day 9 | Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m) (3519M) |
| Day 10 | Trek from Manang to Chame (2650M) |
| Day 11 | Drive from Chame to Kathmandu (1398M) |
| Day 12 | Departure |
The valley was closed until 2002 to preserve its originality and the traditions but later opened for the trekkers and explorers to witness the true ancient Buddhist cultures.When trekking to the Nar Phu Valley, you will witness the beautiful Himalayas, like Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho Peak. During the Nar Phu Valley trek, you will be crossing the Kang La Pass at an altitude of 5,306 m. Also, you will be trekking to the Kang La base camp, also known as the Kang La Phedi, which is above 5000 m.
During your Nar Phu Valley trek, you will be trekking via lush green hills, water streams, ancient villages, and the beautiful landscape at the backdrop. You will be trekking via the rocky paths and the landslide areas, which are risky but worth it. The Nar Phu Valley feels like heaven during the trek. You will be passing through many beautiful villages before reaching the Nar Phu valleys, like Koto, Meta, Kyang, Phu village, Nar village, and the ultimate destination, the Kang La Pass. During your trek to the Nar Phu village, you will see the stone, mud, and wood houses, which take you back in time. During the trek after reaching the Koto village, you will feel like you have arrived in an ancient Tibetan village or a Greek village because everything looks old, and the people here are also welcoming, and they love to share their stories and treat guests as gods.
You will see people doing yak herding, barely farming, and weaving. You will get to try the main local dishes made from yak meat and milk, like yak meat and yak cheese. The village is in the high alpine deserts, which adds to the serene beauty of the area. You may see the wildlife animals and birds in the region in the open climate. You will see the glacier formations, the river, and the water streams.
Nar Phu Valley is a hidden gem inside the Annapurna region that is not known by many, and in a year fewer than 1000 travelers visit here, which is why it has preserved its ancient culture and traditions. The village has its unique charm and has preserved it, making it the most beautiful place to visit. Nar Phu Valley is a living museum to visit and explore. The Nar Phu Valley is home to the ancient Tibetan heritage. You will see the chortens, mani walls, prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries like Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. You will witness the beautiful Kanguru Himal, Himlung Himal, and Pisang Peak.
Also during the trek, you witness the dramatic landscapes of deep gorges, high alpine deserts, glaciers, and rugged cliffs that are perfect for photography and soul-searching. The village is an ancient monastery with peaceful surroundings and minimal modern distractions. Nar Phu is ideal for you if you are seeking solitude, reflection, or even spiritual retreats.
The permits required for the Nar Phu Valley trek are mainly the two permits, which are the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Let's discuss in detail for each permit.
A Restricted Area permit is the first permit required for you if you are planning to trek in the Nar Phu valley. As the valley is inside the restricted area, like the Manaslu Circuit trek. The cost for the permit is 100 USD per person for the first 7 days and then 15 USD per day after that. The restricted area permit cannot be obtained by the trekkers themselves, so it's necessary to have a registered trekking agency package to obtain it.
The Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP) is another permit required to enter the Nar Phu valley. ACAP is also the entry permit to the famous trekking routes like the Annapurna Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and many other Annapurna region treks. The ACAP permit is used because the Nar Phu valley lies both inside the Restricted Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area as well. The permit is issued by the tourism board office and can be obtained by the trekkers visiting the office. The cost of the permit is NPR 3000.
To reach Nar Phu Valley, you will have two options. Either you can drive to the starting point of the trek, which is Besi Sahar, or to Koto village. You will need a proper 2-day drive to reach the starting point, as the valley lies far away from direct access for the people. On the first day, you will drive to Besi Sahar from Kathmandu. The distance between Besi Sahar and Kathmandu is 179 km, which is 111 miles, and a proper 7 to 9 hours of driving will be required to reach Besi Sahar. After reaching Besi Sahar, you will rest for the night, and another day you will drive from Besi Sahar to Koto village. The distance between Besi Sahar and Koto village is 62 km via the bumpy off-roads, which will take around 5 to 6 hours depending on the road conditions.
Another option is that you can directly fly from Kathmandu to Nar Phu Valley, which will be an 11-day tour. You will fly for a visit and return. If you stay there, you might get altitude sickness. The flight time will be 40 minutes, and you will get 2/3 hours to explore the place and return. However, the cost will be much higher than trekking.
The best time to visit Nar Phu Valley is during the months of September to November, which is during the autumn, and March to May, which is during the spring. But the valley is among those beautiful places in Nepal that can be visited during all four seasons, which are autumn, spring, monsoon, and winter, as every season has something unique to offer you and you can witness it.
Autumn is the best season to trek in the Nar Phu Valley, as this is the time when the climate is cool and not so hot and not so cold, making it ideal for trekking. The skies are clear, due to which you can witness the panoramic views of the beautiful mountains and landscapes. The trail is lush green and dry, making it eye-catching. The daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C, and the nighttime temperatures range from 0°C to -5°C, which is cold and harsh. The trail is also in good condition. This is also the time of Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, which you can explore and celebrate.
Spring is another of the best seasons to trek in the Nar Phu Valley. Like autumn, spring also offers lush green scenery and beautiful landscapes. The weather is mild, and the rhododendrons and alpine flowers start to bloom below 3,500 meters. It is also a perfect time to witness the transition from barren winter to colorful spring. Temperatures during the day are usually between 10°C and 20°C, while nights are still chilly, going up to 0°C to -5°C.
Monsoon is not considered the time to explore the Nar Phu Valley; however, if you trek in monsoon, you will witness something unique that cannot be witnessed in the other peak seasons. During monsoon, you will feel nature as there will be rain every time you see the water streams overflowing and growling in the wild. The trails may be in bad and slippery conditions, especially in the starting places of the trek, as the Nar Phu Valley lies inside the shadow area where there is little or very little rainfall. The only disadvantage of trekking in the mountains is reaching the starting point, and in some places, like Koto and Meta, after that, you will witness the same beautiful mountain ranges. The landscapes are just changing and looking colorful.
During the month of winter, the Nar Phu Valley looks like a snow wonderland. The weather is harsh and cold, and every place is covered with thick snow, and there is snowfall at night. The valley looks magical under a fresh coat of snow, and the crisp air makes for incredible views. You will witness the snow-covered mountains and landscapes, which will make you feel like you have come to Antartica.
While trekking in the Nar Phu Valley, it is important to take care of your health and prepare according. While trekking to the valley, there are some things that need to be considered before trekking. The Nar Phu Valley lies above 4000 meters, which is higher compared to normal places. The Kang La pass is also at an altitude of 5350 meters, which is higher than the Larke La pass. You will need to ascend gradually, acclimate yourself, and watch for the symptoms of altitude sickness, like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Drink at least ¾ liters of water every day in order to hydrate yourself. Have enough well-balanced diet foods to overcome the soreness and pain. Trek with the licensed guide and porter, don’t stress your body, and many more. You can read our blog on how to do the high-altitude treks.
The cost for the Nar Phu Valley trek depends on many factors, like the guide you choose, the accommodations you choose, the meals you have during your trek, permits, the vehicle options you choose for the trek, and the trekking gear you rent or buy.
The Nar Phu lies inside the Restricted Area, due to which you will need a guide at least, which will cost you around 20 to 30 USD and sometimes 40 USD as well if you trek with a licensed guide who speaks your native language. For a porter, you will have options; you can choose the porter to carry your weight, whose cost is also around 20 to 25 USD per 20 kg per day.
Another place where you will be spending money is on permits, as the region lies in a restricted and conservation area, permits are mandatory, and to obtain the restricted area permit, you will need to pay USD 100 per week. However, the permit costs are 75 USD during other seasons. The ACP permit costs are around NPR 3000 fixed.
The accommodations during the Nar Phu Valley trek are simple on a twin-sharing basis; however, they're expensive compared to the cities, although they are basic. The accommodation costs are around 5 to 8 USD in lower regions and 10 to 20 USD in upper regions per day.
As you will be trekking, you will need food to survive, and the Ar Phu Valley trek is far away from the city, due to which the food is basic in taste but expensive in quantity. The costs of the meals per day will be around 30 USD per day, taking an example that you are having breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transportation costs depend on you. If you're crossing in a public vehicle, then the costs will be lower compared to if you are renting a vehicle like a Scorpio from the agencies. The cost of the rented vehicle is around 250 USD, which can be divided among the trekker groups if you have one, or else you can drive among the other travelers. If you are choosing the private vehicle, then the cost is around 10 USD to reach Besi Sahar, 10 USD from Besi Sahar to Koto, and return the same. However, the public vehicle is time-consuming and very uncomfortable, so it is suggested to rent a Scorpio or a jeep from the rental agencies.
The other costs that you will need to pay during the Nar Phu Valley trek are for the gear rentals. As you will be trekking with the proper gear rentals, it's necessary to rent or buy the items according to the seasons. The rentals are around 1 to 5 USD per item, and you can create a list of items you want to rent and a list of items you want to buy. You can check our packing list for the Nar Phu Valley trek below.
Another cost that impacts your budget is travel insurance, as no trekking agencies take responsibility for the emergency evacuations. You will need to have travel insurance that covers your health, loss, and emergency evacuations. You will need to get travel insurance that covers at least 5000 m above rescue. In a natural emergency, the Nepal government does rescue and cover your health, but if you are getting acute mountain sickness and emergency evacuations are needed during this time, travel insurance is important. The average cost of the travel insurance is around 100 to 200 USD.
The Nar Phu Valley distance covers a total of 100 km, which is 62 miles, from starting the trek from Koto village and ending the trek in Koto village, but if you're combining your Nar Phu Valley trek with the Manaslu Circuit Trek or with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, then the distance will be more in km. The total distance, including the drive, will be 582 km, which you will be covering in 2 weeks. Here is the table below:
| From | To | Distance (km) | Altitude (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Besisahar | 185 km (drive) | 760 m |
| Besisahar | Jagat | 60 km (drive) | 1,300 m |
| Jagat | Dharapani | 14 km | 1,860 m |
| Dharapani | Koto | 19 km | 2,600 m |
| Koto | Meta | 10 km | 3,560 m |
| Meta | Phu Village | 15 km | 4,080 m |
| Phu Village | Nar Village | 12 km | 4,110 m |
| Nar Village | Kang La Pass | 6 km | 5,320 m |
| Kang La Pass | Ngawal | 14 km | 3,660 m |
| Ngawal | Upper Pisang | 9 km | 3,300 m |
| Upper Pisang | Jagat | 45 km | 1,300 m |
| Jagat | Besisahar | 60 km (drive) | 760 m |
| Besisahar | Kathmandu | 185 km (drive) | 1,400 m |
The Nar Phu Valley altitude is a gradual ascent where you will be ascending gradually day by day, starting from 1400 m in Kathmandu to crossing the Kang La Pass at an altitude of 5320 meters. You can check the table below for the attitudes:
| Place/Valley | Altitude (meters) |
|---|---|
| Koto (Starting Point) | 2,600 m |
| Meta | 3,560 m |
| Junam Goth | 3,800 m |
| Chyakhu | 3,870 m |
| Kyang | 3,840 m |
| Phu Valley (Phu Gaon) | 4,080 m |
| Himlung Base Camp (optional) | 4,920 m |
| Nar Phedi | 3,540 m |
| Nar Valley (Nar Village) | 4,110 m |
| Kang La Pass | 5,320 m |
| Ngawal (rejoins Annapurna) | 3,660 m |
To prepare for the Nar Phu Valley trek, you will need to start 1 month before, as the Nar Phu Valley takes you to the highest altitude of 5320 m at Kang La Pass, due to which the difficulty level and the preparation play a crucial role. To prepare properly, you will need to understand altitude & acclimatization, get permits in advance, choose the right season, pack smart for remote conditions, look for a registered guide or agency, and have mental & cultural preparedness. Along with that, you will need a good level of physical fitness. You will need to do cardio training, which involves hiking, running, cycling, or swimming, and leg strength workouts, which involve squats, lunges, and step-ups. You will need endurance hikes with a loaded backpack. Also, you will need breathing exercises for altitude readiness.
The packing list for the Nar Phu Valley trek is very crucial, and according to the season, you will need to prepare for the trek. During the peak seasons, some light jackets are necessary, whereas during the winter you will need a thick jacket, and during the monsoon, you will need a raincoat, so let's discuss in more detail.
Autumn is the peak season to trek in the Nar Phu, and the weather is also moderate, and cool skies that are clear skies, so the packing list for autumn is lightweight. You will need to pack items like
During the spring season, the weather is moderate and crisp, just like in the autumn. During this time you will need a packing list of
Winter season is the cold and harsh weather due to which, during this time, you will need to bring everything warm and pack more heavily in order to survive the cold weather. So during this time, you will need a packing list of
Monsoon is the month of rain, and the lower regions like Meta and Koto have heavy rainfall, whereas the upper regions like Nar and Phu do not get that much rain as they're in the rain shadow area. However, still packing to survive proper rain is important.
There are some lists of things that need to be bought according to the seasons, but there are some things that need to be packed commonly, and those are
The weather conditions in the Nar Phu Valley Trek depend on the season you are trekking and the places you are visiting. The same region has different temperatures and conditions, like the lower region can have 5°C during the day, but the upper region can have 0-5°C on the same day and time. You can check the weather temperature table below.
| Season | Avg. Day Temp. | Night Temp. | Rain/Snow Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10–15°C | to -5°C | Low (some snow) |
| Autumn | 5–15°C | -5 to -10°C | Very low |
| Winter | -5–5°C | -10 to -20°C | High snow risk |
| Monsoon | 15–25°C | 5–10°C | Heavy rain |
Namaste and welcome to Kathmandu, the valley of ancient culture and traditions, which was formed by the great legend Manju Shree, according to mythology. You will be arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the gateway to Nepal. Upon arrival, complete your documentation, and we will be waiting for you at the arrival gate. After that, we will drive to the 3-star hotel, and you can rest. In the evening we will have a warm welcome dinner in Thamel's best authentic restaurants and table talk about your Nar Phu Valley trek.
| Food | Welcome dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3 Star Hotel |
| Elevation | 1400 |
Upon having breakfast, we will pack our bags. We check out of the hotel and keep our bags in the vehicle and head towards Besisahar, our next destination and the gateway to our trek. The distance between Kathmandu and Besisahar is 179 km, which will take around 6 to 8 hours depending on the road conditions. We will be driving through the hustle and bustle city to the beautiful, peaceful villages and highways. We will drive via beautiful places like Dhading, Mugling, Dumre, and then Besisahar. We will have lunch on the way to drive in Nepal's authentic dhaba, which means the highway-side restaurants that serve the local tastes of the place. Upon reaching Besi Sahar, we will check into our hotel and then relax after the long journey.
| Food | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Guest House |
| Elevation | 1860 |
Early in the morning we will have breakfast like Gurung bread, tea, coffee, Omletssel roti, or any other dish of your choice, pack our bags and put them in the jeep, and drive to our next destination, which is Koto village. The distance between Besisahar and Koto village is around 85 km, which will take a proper driving time of 6 to 8 hours because the roads are not paved and there are landslides and waterfall streams in the area, due to which the roads are bumpy and slippery. On the way, we will be passing through beautiful villages like Jagat and Dharapani, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, the Tilicho Lake Trek, and other Annapurna regions. After Dharapani, we will pass through the Timang village and finally Koto village, located on the hilltop, known for its peaceful scenic environment.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 2600 |
Early in the morning, we will trek from Koto village to Meta village. The distance between Koto village and Meta village is around 16 km, which will take up to 8 hours of trekking, including the tea breaks and rest. When we head towards the meta village, we will pass through the checkpoints where we will show our permits and enter the restricted area. We will follow the Nar Khola River while trekking through dense pine forests, dramatic waterfalls, and narrow gorges.
As we trek to the meta village, we will see that the trail is remote and serene, with minimal human settlement. We will pass via steep ascents and suspension bridges along rocky terrain. As soon as we reach the Meta village, we will see the Tibetan-influenced village perched on a plateau with open views. Upon reaching it, we will check into the teahouse and relax for the day. In the evening we will have dinner and then enjoy the stargazing.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 3560 |
Early in the morning, we will enjoy our breakfast and then give our duffel bags to our porter to carry our backpack and water bottle, and head to our next destination, Phu Gan. The village's name is Nar Phu Valley Trek, but actually, first we will trek to Phu and then to Nar Valley. Phu Gaon is located at an altitude of 4,080, and the distance between Meta and Phu Gaon is around 17 kilometers, so we will be trekking for 8 to 10 hours, including the lunch break, tea breaks, snack breaks, and everything. We will be passing through rugged and arid landscapes. We will be crossing multiple ridges and traversing river valleys. On the way, we will pass through remote seasonal settlements like Chyaku and Kyang. Seasons because during the monsoon and winter people migrate to lower regions.
Despite the moderate distance, the high-altitude terrain and remoteness make this a demanding trekking day, so we will need to be prepared mentally. On the way, we will witness the panoramic mountain views, including Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Pisang Peak. Upon reaching the Phu Gaun, we will rest and then go for the hike to the Tashi Lakhang Gompa, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. In the evening we will have our authentic dinner and relax.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 4078 |
Today we will have an acclimatization day because we will be trekking to an altitude of 5320 meters, due to which acclimatization plays a crucial role. Acclimatization does not mean we will just relax and sleep in the teahouse; instead, we will go to explore the places near Phu Gaun. We will explore the village, talk to the local people, learn about their culture and traditions, and we will visit the 700-year-old Tashi Lakhang Monastery, blessed by the 8th Karmapa.
Also, we will trek to the Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,900 m) which is the perfect place for witnessing the beautiful mountain ranges and the yak herding. We will enjoy the different kinds of foods and cuisine that are available in the village and spend the whole day acclimatizing our bodies to the altitude.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 4079 |
Today we will have breakfast and then head towards our next destination, which is Nar village. Which is also the name of our trek. We explore the Nar Phu village first and then explore the Nar village now. The distance between Phu Gaun and Nar village is around 14 km, which will take up to 8 to 10 hours, depending on your walking pace. We will be walking via the Nar Khola all over the trail from Phu Gaun to Nar village. We will first descend to Nar Phedi village and then ascend to Nar village while crossing the Mahendra Pul, an exhilarating 80-meter-high suspension bridge that spans a deep gorge, which is similar to the Tenzing-Hillary suspension bridge during the Everest base camp.
Upon reaching Nar Phedi, we will first visit the Nar Phedi monastery. And then ascend through barren landscapes dotted with prayer flags, eventually reaching the expansive terraced fields of Nar Village. Upon reaching the Nar village, you will witness the ancient town where the houses are made of mud and stones and the region has frozen in time. We will visit five active gompa in the Nar village. In the evening we will try the yak cheese butter tea and yak meat and enjoy our day in the Nar village.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 4110 |
Today we will be crossing the Kang La pass, which is at an altitude of 5320 meters above sea level and is the main destination of our trek as well. We will start early in the morning before 3 AM because the daytime temperature is unpredictable, making it difficult to trek in the pass. We will take our headlamps and then start to climb the Kang La Pass. Today our trekking distance will be 20 km, and the most difficult part of our trek will take us at least 12 hours to complete. As we first ascend and then descend to Nagwal village. We will first climb gradually, passing through yak pastures and alpine meadows.
And then we will reach Kang La Phedi, the base of the pass, and begin a steep, rocky ascent to the top. Upon reaching the Kang La Pass, we will witness the beautiful views of the Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and countless unnamed snowy giants dominating the skyline. We will celebrate the moment by clicking pictures and then have our lunch, which we will bring in from the tea house, and enjoy there, and then we will descend to the lower area of the upper Pisang, which is at an altitude of 3660 meters. Upon reaching the Nagwal village, we will have our dinner and then relax for the night after completing the strenuous trek.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Elevation | 5318 |
Early in the morning, we will head towards Manang, a beautiful village located at an altitude of 3540 meters, which is also the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake Trek, and North Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Manang is traditional, but it has developed over time. Villages where everything looks like you have come to the ancient city, but the services are of the modern era. We will find there the German bakeries, hotels and restaurants, movie halls, and beautiful places. We will enjoy the night in the beautiful Manang village.
Note: If you want to trek to the Annapurna Circuit, then you can do that as well, as Manang is the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek. You can customize your trekking itinerary according to it by contacting us.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Guest House |
| Elevation | 3519 |
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and then trek to Chame, a beautiful small settlement in the Annapurna region, which is the gateway to the Ponker Lake above the Bhimtang village. Chame is also the last destination before the trek to the Annapurna region, so we will reach Chame and then enjoy our dinner and interact with the locals, and then enjoy the typical Gurung delicacies.
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tea House/ Lodge |
| Elevation | 2650 |
Early in the morning, we will drive to Kathmandu from Chame. The distance between Chame and Kathmandu is 270 km, which will take a proper time of 10 to 12 hours. On the way, we will pass through the beautiful villages like Jagat, Dharapani, and Besi Sahar as well, which were our first stop before the Nar Phu Valley trek. We will have lunch on the way to Kathmandu and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the region, and then upon reaching Kathmandu, you can relax and explore the beautiful, vibrant Thamel street in the evening and buy some gifts and souvenirs for your loved one.
| Food | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3 Star Hotel |
| Elevation | 1398 |
Today will be the day of departure. We hope you liked our arrangements and explored the Nar Phu Valley comfortably and had your beautiful moment in Nepal. Don’t forget to drop us a review about the trek. According to your schedule, we will transfer you to the airport. If your flights are in the evening, then you can enjoy the beautiful places in the Kathmandu Valley, like Swyambhunath, Boudhnath, Patan Durbar Square, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
| Food | Breakfast |
|---|
The Nar Phu Valley trek is 5320 (17454) meters above sea level, which is the high point, taking you to the heart of the Himalayas over Kang La Pass.
Phu Valley is located inside the Annapurna region, which is also a restricted area in the region, like Upper Mustang, to avoid the modern world and protect its natural life, culture and traditions, and biodiversity.
Nar Valley is located in the northern Himalayas above the Phu Valley at an altitude of 4,110 meters (13,484 feet) above sea level inside the Annapurna Restricted Area.
The Nar Phu Valley trek is a hidden gem trek that takes you to two of the most beautiful and ancient villages in Nepal, which look like time has frozen them, and it makes you feel like you have stepped into an ancient Tibetan valley.
The Nar Phu Valley is located in the North Himalayas of Nepal inside the Annapurna region, which can be accessed via the trek from Dhara Pani or Koto village.
Usually the Nar Phu Valley trek takes 10 to 18 days; it depends upon the itinerary you are choosing, the side trips you include, and the main trips you include, like whether you want to trek to Nar Phu and return or you want to combine Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Nar Phu Valley with the Tilicho Lake Trek.
Yes, a guide is mandatory for the Nar Phu trek because the valley is inside the restricted area of the Annapurna region, and the permit required to get inside the valley is given only when you have a trekking guide with you.
The permits required for the Nar Phu Valley trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Annapurna Restricted Area Permit (ARAP). ACAP can be obtained from the Tourism Board Office, whereas the ARAP needs to be obtained from a government-registered trekking agency.
No, you cannot do the Nar Phu Trek independently because the region lies inside the restricted area, and no one is allowed to enter the restricted area solo.
The best time to trek the Nar Phu Valley is during the months of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Yes, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is open in winter for the trekkers. If you are well prepared for the harsh climate conditions, you can surely complete it in winter.
The Nar Phu Valley trek is moderate to difficult, as the trek takes you to an altitude of 5230 meters, which is quite higher than normal. If you are experienced trekkers, then it can be moderate, but if you are a complete beginner, then it can be difficult.
The elevation of Nar Phu villages is 4,110 meters (13,484 feet) for Nar and 4,080 meters (13,386 feet) for Phu.
For the Nar Phu Valley Trek, pack essential layers including thermal wear, a down jacket, waterproof outerwear, trekking pants, and moisture-wicking shirts suitable for high-altitude conditions. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, sun protection, a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, a headlamp, and all required permits and documents.
For the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you'll need sturdy high-ankle trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a -10°C to -20°C rated sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a reliable backpack with a rain cover. Don’t forget essential gear like a headlamp, water purification tablets, a first aid kit, and all necessary permits (Nar Phu RAP, ACAP, TIMS).
No, you will not need crampons or spikes for Nar Phu in spring, but you will need them in the winter, as there is heavy snowfall and the trails are covered with a snow blanket.
You will need a good level of fitness for the Nar Phu Valley trek. You will need to be fit mentally and physically.
Yes, a beginner can do the Nar Phu Valley trek if he/she has previous experience hiking in the hills or they start to prepare 2/3 months before the trek by doing cardio exercises like cycling, walking, running, swimming, and other exercises.
The Nar Phu Valley trek cost depends upon the itinerary package, side trips, meals, guide and porter you are hiring, permits, accommodations and food, and transportation. The total cost can range from USD 800 to USD 1200.
The permits, accommodations, transportation, food and meals during the trek, basic gear, guide, and porter are included in the Nar Phu Valley trek.
No, there are no hidden costs in the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The costs are transparent to you; always check the companies' includes and excludes, as they provide the details there.
The average daily budget for the Nar Phu Valley is around 100 USD, as it covers the accommodations, food, and the guide.
The permit for the Nar Phu Valley trek costs USD 100 in peak seasons and USD 15 per day extra, and in the off-season, it costs USD 75 with USD 10 per day extra. The ACAP permit is fixed at NPRS 3000 for 15 days.
Yes, tea houses are available in Nar and Phu villages, which are basic in accommodations and are run by the locals and the families there.
You will have a variety of foods like dal bhat, thukpa, noodles, thenduk, yak meat, butter tea, momos (dumplings), egg omelets, tea and coffee, and many more.
Yes, you will have options for vegetarians and vegans during the Nar Phu Valley trek.
Yes, drinking water is available along the Nar Phu route, but it is not suggested to drink the water directly from the water streams or the glaciers, as it might look healthy, but we don’t know what kinds of germs and parasites are living there, so always filter the water and drink it.
No, you will not get internet services in Nar Phu because it lies above the Himalayas, where there is no connection to the internet or the mobile network.
The detailed itinerary for the Nar Phu Valley trek is
To get to the starting point of the Nar Phu Trek, you will need to drive to Besi Sahar from Kathmandu or whichever place you are, and then drive to Koto village.
The distance from Kathmandu to Koto is 230 km, which is 143 miles, and you will need a proper 14-hour drive from Kathmandu, so it is always suggested to first drive to Besisahar, and the next day you can drive to Koto.
The highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek are
Yes, you can combine the Nar Phu trek with the Annapurna circuit, as the Nar Phu valley trek ends in Chame, which is the gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek, due to which it's easy for you to combine them, and as you already have crossed the Kang La Pass, it would be easy for you to cross the Thorong La Pass as well.
Yes, the Nar Phu Valley is safe for solo travelers, but the thing is, it is not allowed to trek solo inside the restricted area, not only inside the Nar Phu but in any other trekking route where there is a restricted area; you will not be allowed to do a solo trek for the trekkers' safety.
There is a high risk of altitude sickness in Nar Phu, as you will be trekking to the highest altitude of 5320 meters. You will need proper acclimatization, rest, and physical fitness to complete it.
The highest point of the Nar Phu trek is 5320 meters, which is the Kang La Pass.
Yes, there is an emergency rescue service in Nar Phu. In case of natural calamities, the Nepal government will do the emergency evacuations, and in case of your emergency rescue, you will need to have travel insurance that can cover altitudes of 5000 meters above.
The Nar Phu Valley is a very remote place, as it was a main salt trading route back in time. The place still conserves its identity by following its ancient roots.
The Nar Phu Valley is culturally special because the people living here are still following the ancient Buddhist customs and traditions and daily rituals, and they have conserved all of their ancient monasteries, making it one of the best places to visit in Nepal if you love exploring ancient places.
In Nar and Phu, locals celebrate the Yartung Festival with vibrant horse races, dances, and feasting to mark the end of summer. They also observe Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) with prayers, lama dances, and family gatherings for blessings and purification.
Yes, you will need to respect any local customs and etiquette because the people living here are very sensitive to their cultures and traditions.
Yes, both Phu and Nar villages have ancient Tibetan monasteries that are key cultural highlights. In Phu, the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery is especially sacred, believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche, while Nar village has several smaller but spiritually important monasteries nestled among traditional stone houses.
Yes, the Nar Phu Valley is deeply influenced by Tibetan culture. The region preserves ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions, seen in its monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, language, clothing, and daily lifestyle of the local people.
Nar Phu Valley is harder compared to Manaslu Circuit because in Manaslu Circuit you reach a highest altitude of 5160 meters crossing Larke La Pass, whereas during the Nar Phu Valley you will reach an altitude of 5320 meters on Kang La Pass.
Choose Nar Phu if you seek a more rugged, remote, and physically challenging trek with high passes and fewer tourists, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Opt for Upper Mustang if you prefer a cultural journey through ancient kingdoms, desert-like landscapes, and more developed infrastructure, with permits allowing jeep access and shorter hiking days.
The Nar Phu Trek offers stunning Himalayan views, rich Tibetan culture, and peaceful trails with fewer trekkers. However, it requires special permits, has basic teahouse facilities, and is physically demanding with long trekking days.
Nar Phu is better than Langtang for remote trekking because the Langtang Valley trek is known to everyone, due to which it is crowded in the peak seasons, whereas Nar Phu is not known to many, due to which fewer than 1000 trekkers visit every year.
Yes, you can book the Nar Phu Valley trek online with Adventure Vision Treks (US), as we provide the best trekking experience for the Nar Phu Valley trek.
To find a reliable guide for Nar Phu, you can check our page, Hire Guide and Porter, where we have more than 100 guides from different places registered who are known for their experience.
To find a reliable guide for Nar Phu, you can check our page, Hire Guide and Porter, where we have more than 100 guides from different places registered who are known for their experience.
Yes, there are local trekking agencies for Nar Phu, like Adventure Vision Treks, as we offer the best experience and the best guide and porter along with the best hotels and teahouses to stay in, and make your trek memorable.
Yes, you can join a group trek to the Nar Phu Valley. We have some trekking groups for Nar Phu, and if you are solo, you can join them.
Look for a Nar Phu trekking package that includes all necessary permits, experienced guides, and comfortable accommodations in remote villages. It should also offer good support for acclimatization, meals, and reliable transportation to and from the trailhead.
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