Your Adventure is Around the Corner
Trip Code
AWTE-NT009
Destination
Nepal
Trekking Duration
12 Days
Grade
Altitude
5,322m
Activity
Trekking
Best Season
Sep-Dec,Feb-May
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transportation
Jeep
Region
Annapurna Region
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Group Size
2 - 20
The Nar Phu Valley Trek offers a genuine, breathtaking, and unique experience of Himalayan nature. Located between the popular Annapurna and Manaslu districts, Nar Phu is an incredibly underappreciated treasure. The 11-day trek presents trekkers with an exceptional chance to discover pristine valleys showcasing a blend of Himalayan landscapes and ancient Buddhist customs.
The trails of the Nar Phu Valley trek lead you into the unspoiled, quiet, and wild parts of Nar Phu Valley, regarded as one of the best places in the highlands to see the Himalayan peaks. With our thoughtfully crafted Nar Phu Valley Trek Package, you’ll be treated to amazing natural beauty along with a wealth of cultural experiences.
Trekking in the Nar Phu Valley will be gratifying for you because of its high peaks and passes, glaciers, yaks, alpine meadows, gompas, peaceful settlements, small valleys, gorgeous woods, and wonderful Tibetan culture.
The highest point we will reach on this 11-day Nar Phu Valley Trek is 5,416 m. Nar Phu Valley’s main attraction is that you can see Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), and more than 19 other snow-capped peaks in the Annapurna area. You just stroll through the amazing scenery, taking in the beautiful views, and learning about how people live there.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek route will lead you through diverse landscapes, from narrow canyons to high alpine meadows, and even challenge you with the Kang La Pass at an elevation of 5,320 meters. This trek to Nar Phu Valley is of moderate difficulty and suitable for participants with a good level of fitness and some prior trekking experience.
Your Nar Phu Valley trek starts as soon as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is both the starting point and the ending point of this trek. After Kathmandu, the route follows Besisahar. We will drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar on our private tourist transportation.
The next day, from Besisahar, you will begin your drive towards Koto. You will officially start trekking on the 4th day of your journey. On this day, you will trek to Meta from Koto. You will start getting glimpses of the Himalayas as you trek forward. From Meta, the route will follow Phu.
Your route will then follow the Himlung Himal base camp, where you will get more clear views of the Himalayas. After Himlung Himal base camp, your trekking route will lead to the village of Nar. To help you acclimate to the high altitude, we have added an extra acclimatization day in Nar on the 8th day of your journey.
The route will then take you to Nagwal, following the trails of Kang La Pass. On the 10th day of your trek to Nar Phu Valley, you will trek to Pisang and trace your route back to Besisahar. Your trek will end once you reach Kathmandu.
Tourists traveling to experience the unexplored attractions of Nar Phu Valley through Alpine Wonder Treks and Expeditions benefit from skilled local guides who guarantee safety and an enriching voyage. Through its extensive track record in Nepalese trekking organizations, the company delivers expertly designed itineraries together with individualized services and streamlined logistics to let their clients solely focus on their travels.
The team provides correct acclimatization while offering suitable accommodations throughout remote areas of Nar and Phu along with meaningful cultural experiences with the Tibetan-influenced local populations.
As a responsible tour operator, Alpine Wonder Treks places environmental conservation and local community support at the forefront of their operations. The organization adjusts their trekking schedule according to different demands so trekkers can appreciate various aspects of adventure combined with cultural insights and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Trekkers can approach the Nar Phu Valley expedition with peace of mind and comfort because this company focuses on safety, hospitality, and professionalism.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 1350m | |
| Start Point Airport | |
| End Point Kathmandu | |
| Mode of Transportation Private Transportation | |
| Driving Hour 20m | |
| Driving Distance 6km |
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the bustling city, preparing permits, and checking trekking gear. Overnight in Kathmandu.
| Accomodations Hotel in Kathmandu |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 2,620m | |
| Start Point Kathmandu | |
| End Point Koto |
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Koto, passing through lush green hills, terraced farms, and charming villages along the Marsyangdi River. The route follows the Prithvi Highway before turning toward Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
From here, a bumpy jeep ride takes you through picturesque landscapes and waterfalls, offering the first glimpses of the Himalayan ranges. Koto, a small settlement near Chame, is the gateway to the restricted Nar Phu Valley and provides a peaceful atmosphere for an overnight stay.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Guesthouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 6-7 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 3,560m | |
| Start Point Koto | |
| End Point Meta |
After an early morning permit check, the trek officially begins by crossing the suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. The trail winds through dense pine and rhododendron forests, following a deep gorge carved by the Nar Khola. The path includes several uphill and downhill sections, passing small wooden bridges and cascading waterfalls.
As you ascend, the landscape gradually changes, offering a mix of greenery and rugged mountain terrain. After a long but rewarding day, you reach Meta, a small plateau village with stone-built houses and stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Guesthouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 5 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 4,080m | |
| Start Point Meta | |
| End Point Phu Village |
The trail from Meta to Phu is a mesmerizing journey through barren landscapes, ancient chortens, and dramatic rock formations. Walking along the ridge, you pass several small settlements before reaching a narrow canyon leading to Phu Gate, the entrance to the hidden valley.
Upon arrival, the view opens up to a picturesque village with stone houses stacked along the hillside. Phu is a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement where locals engage in agriculture and herding. The remote and untouched beauty of this village makes it one of the highlights of the trek.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Teahouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 4,050m |
A day is set aside in Phu for acclimatization and exploration to adjust to the high altitude. You can visit the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, an important Buddhist site believed to be blessed by the renowned Lama Karma Sonam Rinpoche.
Strolling through the village, you’ll witness the daily lives of the locals, who still follow ancient Tibetan traditions. The breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and other peaks surround the valley, making this a perfect spot for photography and cultural immersion.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Teahouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 6-7 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 4,050m | |
| Start Point Phu | |
| End Point Nar Phedi |
Leaving Phu behind, the trail retraces back down the valley, following the rugged terrain along the Phu Khola. The journey offers a mix of ascents and descents, crossing suspension bridges and remote settlements.
As you descend, you’ll notice a gradual shift in the landscape, with more greenery appearing along the route. Nar Phedi is home to a small monastery where trekkers can stay overnight and experience the peaceful ambiance of Buddhist rituals performed by the resident monks.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Teahouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 4,200m | |
| Start Point Nar Phedi | |
| End Point Nar Village |
After a morning prayer session at the monastery, the trek continues with a steep ascent toward Nar Village. The trail passes through traditional Tibetan-style chortens and mani walls, showcasing the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of the region.
Nar is a beautiful settlement perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of surrounding peaks. Unlike Phu, Nar has a livelier atmosphere with more agricultural activities. The day ends with a warm welcome from the villagers and a chance to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Teahouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 7-8 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 5,240m | |
| Start Point Nar | |
| End Point Ngawal |
One of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek, this section involves crossing the high-altitude Kang La Pass (5,240 m). The ascent is steep and demanding, but the breathtaking views from the top make it worthwhile.
From the pass, you’ll witness a spectacular panorama of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and other towering mountains. After soaking in the views, the descent toward Ngawal is long and steep, passing through yak pastures and alpine landscapes. Ngawal, a beautiful village on the Annapurna Circuit route, offers a comfortable place to rest after the challenging hike.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Teahouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration 5 hours | |
| Highest Altitude 3250m | |
| Start Point Ngawal | |
| End Point Pisang |
Descending further, the trek follows a relatively easier trail toward Pisang, passing through terraced fields, forests, and small settlements. The route provides stunning views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and other majestic mountains.
Lower Pisang is a charming village with traditional houses and monasteries, making it an ideal place to relax and reflect on the journey through Nar Phu Valley. The drop in altitude also allows for better oxygen levels, making this part of the trek more comfortable.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Guesthouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 850m | |
| Mode of Transportation Jeep |
After completing the trekking portion, a jeep ride takes you from Pisang to Besisahar. The drive follows the winding roads along the Marsyangdi River, passing through forests, waterfalls, and scenic villages along the way.
This journey offers a chance to appreciate the changing landscapes, from the high-altitude alpine region to the subtropical hills of Nepal. Besisahar is a bustling town and serves as a major gateway to the Annapurna region.
| Meals B,L,D | |
| Accomodations Guesthouse |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 1,350m | |
| Start Point Besisahar | |
| End Point Kathmandu | |
| Driving Hour 6-7 hours |
The final leg of the journey involves a comfortable drive back to Kathmandu, following the same scenic highway. The drive offers beautiful countryside views, with rivers, hills, and traditional villages along the way.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or simply rest after the long adventure in the Himalayas.
| Meals B,L | |
| Accomodations Hotel in kathmandu |
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude 1,324m |
After completing an unforgettable trekking adventure, it’s time to say goodbye to Nepal. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure or can choose to extend your stay for further exploration.
Accommodations:
Travelers can use basic teahouses combined with lodges for accommodations on the Nar Phu Valley Trek but will find improved facilities in Koto and Ngawal. The mountain hospitality of Nar Phu Valley presents visitors with basic lodging in local family-run establishments throughout Meta Phu and Nar.
Each room offers twin beds with blankets for people visiting but a sleeping bag becomes essential during cold winter conditions, particularly at higher elevations. Nar Phedi provides trekkers with the exceptional opportunity to explore Buddhist monastery life by staying within its premises and enjoying its peaceful religious atmosphere.
Food:
During the journey, the local dishes of Nepali and Tibetan cuisine combine with simple international choices that include pasta, pancakes and eggs for meals. A traditional dal bhat serving (rice with lentils along with vegetables) acts as the essential trekking meal because it supplies essential nutrition with enough energy to continue hiking.
Trekkers visiting Phu and Nar should enjoy the regional specialties, which include tsampa (barley flour porridge) Tibetan bread along with yak cheese. Eating at higher altitudes becomes challenging for two reasons: both food availability decreases in remote areas and the cost rises because transportation remains demanding. For extended hikes, it makes sense to bring additional fuel through energy bar foods along with nuts and chocolates.
Trekking to Nar Phu Valley requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which costs USD 100 for the first 7 days (Sept–Nov) or USD 75 (Dec–Aug), with additional daily charges. Since the trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is also needed, costing NPR 3,000 (USD 23) for foreigners and NPR 1,000 (USD 8) for SAARC nationals.
A TIMS card is not required as the RAP covers necessary documentation. Permits must be obtained through a registered trekking agency, and solo trekking is not allowed. Carrying original permits is essential, as they are checked at multiple points along the trek.
The best seasons for the Nar Phu Valley Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and the skies are clear. Spring offers blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures, and stunning mountain views, making it a great time for trekking.
Autumn is the most popular season, with dry trails, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility of peaks like Annapurna and Himlung Himal. Winter (December to February) brings heavy snowfall, making high passes like Kang La difficult to cross, while monsoon (June to August) sees heavy rainfall and landslides, making trekking challenging.
Yes, a licensed guide is required as the Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area, and solo trekking is not allowed.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude, rugged terrain, and the difficult crossing of Kang La Pass (5,240 m).
Yes, it’s recommended to bring a sleeping bag as some teahouses and lodges do not provide adequate bedding at higher altitudes.
Winter trekking (December to February) is possible, but conditions can be harsh with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
You must apply for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
Yes, the trek is generally safe with proper preparation, a guide, and acclimatization. However, altitude sickness and weather-related challenges should be taken seriously.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and visibility is clear.
No, there are no ATMs along the route, so it’s essential to bring enough cash for the entire trek.
Meals primarily consist of Nepali and Tibetan dishes like dal bhat, noodle soups, and Tibetan bread, with some international options available.
The Kang La Pass is a challenging part of the trek, requiring a long and steep ascent. It’s crucial to be well-prepared and acclimatized before crossing it.
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Expertise spanning more than a decade, we are a Nepalese local trekking agency offering unparalleled treks, tours, & peak expeditions in the landscapes. View all blogs
