Nar Phu Valley Trek – 11-Day Remote Himalayan Adventure
5(49)
Detailed Itinerary for Nar Phu Valley Trek
Your Journey, Step by Step
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Your Nar Phu Valley trek begins as soon as you land in Kathmandu, the lively capital city of Nepal. Our representative welcomes you with a warm smile and brings you to your comfortable hotel. Rest, you are at liberty to indulge in some discovery of the nearby colorful streets, temples, and bazaars lying before you to be discovered, and incense and spices wafting through the air.
In the night, your experienced guide shall welcome you for an adrenaline-pumping pre-trek briefing. You’ll chart the adventure over a delicious traditional Nepali dinner and sort out all your questions. The anticipation is growing as you’re going to begin the adventure of a lifetime in the hidden Nar Phu Valley! Sweet dreams tonight – beautiful mountains await you!
Highlights: Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our team will transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, enjoy exploring the lively streets and temples nearby. In the evening, meet your guide for a trek briefing over a traditional Nepali dinner before resting for the adventure ahead.
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft) to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430ft) – 8-9 hours
We will leave Kathmandu and utilize mountain scenic highway routes as we set out on our tour. Through the winding course of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, you will be mesmerized by rolling green landscapes of rice fields, picturesque villages, and teasing initial glimpses at distant snow-crowned peaks. Besisahar, gateway to Annapurna, is a place where we switch to the more rugged gear of a 4×4 drive for today’s bumpy ride.
Hold tight to your handlebars as the road becomes increasingly stunning! We ride across swaying suspension bridges high above the foaming Marsyangdi River, along roaring waterfalls, and along old Gurung and Tamang villages where we are welcomed in through waves of warm hands. Most stunning scenery unfolds around us with pine and rhododendron forests opening up to view as we continue to climb higher. By evening, we’re in the picturesque Dharapani, a village situated within the Annapurna Conservation Area – your first overnight at hill altitude and nicely positioned to acclimatize for the beginning of the trek.
Dharapani to Koto (2,600m / 8,530ft) – 5-6 hours
Saddle up your trekking boots – the day arrives when your trek begins officially. Saying goodbye to Dharapani in high spirits, trek along the course of the Marsyangdi River in its run through the valley. The trek goes along its gentle gradient through lovely pine, oak, and rhododendron forests with the aroma of nature in every spot where your eyes touch. Sights of Manaslu and Annapurna II enchant through the woods along the trail, their white snow summits glinting in morning sunlight.
We continue to walk through picturesque hill towns like Timang and Bagarchhap, where you get your first glimpse of Tibetan-style culture in brightly painted traditional houses and fluttering prayer flags. Timang (2,750m / 9,022ft) offers a spectacular view – just a breathtaking sweep of the entire Annapurna range! Having absorbed this natural beauty, we walk along the trail as it makes its gentle descent to Koto, a peaceful settlement with good views of Lamjung Himal and our first glimpse of the entrance to the secretive Nar Phu Valley.
Day Highlight: First glimpse of Tibetan culture and stunning views of the Annapurna range from Timang, before reaching Koto – the gateway to Nar Phu Valley.
Koto to Meta trek (3,560m / 11,680ft) – 7-8 hours
A day not to forget on the Nar Phu Expedition as we trek on the off-the-beaten Nepal trails and into the limited Nar Phu Valley with our precious permits. The thrill of entering a world that few visitors ever have the opportunity to experience! The path drops immediately into dense pine and fir forest, down the dramatic, narrow gorge of the Soti Khola river. The trail gets rougher as we climb higher, with cliffs on either side and the occasional wooden bridge over icy glacier-created streams.
As we climb, notice the desolate landscape transform – wooded land is replaced by rocky wasteland with fascinating rock formations sculpted by water and wind over centuries. We will pass through Chhacha, a small summer village where yak herders drive their yaks up to graze, before the last mile of driving to Meta. Strawled along the western extremity of a high plateau, Meta presents to you your pathway to merely staggering vistas of neighbouring giants, Kang Guru and Pisang Peak. The open Himalayan horizon at Meta makes this one of the most memorable days of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, rewarding trekkers with unmatched Himalayan vistas and solitude.
Day Highlight: Enter the restricted Nar Phu Valley, trek through dramatic gorges and forests, and arrive at Meta with breathtaking views of Kang Guru and Pisang Peak.
Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (4,080m)
Today’s trek from Meta to Phu Gaon takes us deeper into the untamed core of Nar Phu Valley. The trek continues along ever-more barren but somehow beautiful landscapes, crumbling Tibetan-style chortens and prayer-inscribed mani walls as the unobtrusive guardians of the trail. There are more miracles at every step as we cross over several suspension bridges high above the Phu River, the breathtaking cliffs, and breathtaking rock formations plunging down in giant canyons below.
Keep your camera close by as we continue to observe blue sheep grazing serenely over impossible mountain ridges, with golden eagles soaring overhead in the crystal mountain air. The valley gradually opens up as we approach Phu Gaon (Phu Village) and offers stunning views of rugged Himlung Himal (7,126m / 23,379ft) sparkling on the horizon. Arriving in Phu Gaon is traveling back in time – this remote Tibetan village with its medieval landscape, rock-hewn houses, and twisted cobblestone streets is hand in glove with the unforgiving mountain landscape. This evening, you’ll be camping in the shadow of the historic Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the area’s holiest religious sites.
Day Highlight: Cross thrilling suspension bridges and rugged canyons to reach the timeless Tibetan village of Phu Gaon, with stunning views of Himlung Himal.
Trek from Phu Gaon to Nar Village (4,110m / 13,484ft) – 6-7 hours
We leave the medieval village of Phu after breakfast, trekking amidst the untouched charm of this remote valley. Dawn light highlights the chiseled cliffs with dramatic shadows as we trek across suspension bridges and boulder pathways. Instead of retracing back to Meta, we’ll take a side trail for the trek from Phu Gaon to Nar Village, offering fresh vistas of these towering Himalayan giants.
Our path climbs in steep switchbacks up chortens and prayer walls covered with Buddhist mantras. We briefly visit Nar Phedi monastery, where monks welcome trekkers with smiles. As we keep climbing, the views of Pisang Peak, Kang Guru, and other glorious mountains get more glorious.
By late afternoon, we’ll have the final ridge reveal to us, Nar Village – larger than Phu but equally tradition-filled. Flat stone buildings cluster up in a group to insulate themselves from harsh mountain weather, hemmed in by green meadows where peacefully feeding yaks munch grass. We will be settling in at our lodgings after our challenging yet rewarding day trekking through the Nar Valley.
Day Highlight: Trek through rugged trails and visit Nar Phedi Monastery before reaching the traditional Nar Village, with sweeping views of Pisang Peak and Kang Guru.
Acclimatization Day in Nar Village
Wake to the gentle dance of prayer flags on the mountain breeze. The day is spent acclimatizing and becoming familiar with this off-the-tourist-track cultural gem. We break our fast and then visit the ancient hillside Tashi Lhakhang Monastery after breakfast, with views over the whole valley. Marvel at the colorful Buddhist murals, prayer wheels, and scenery that are little changed today from what they have been for centuries.
We’ll stroll for a while to a nearby observation point from which the breathtaking beauty of the higher Himalayas is revealed. Have your wildlife eyes open – Himalayan griffons are flying overhead, and if we are very fortunate, we can even spot the elusive snow leopard. By staying with the friendly Tibetan culture of Nar Village, you’ll pick up their way of living and their traditions.
Afternoon is spent exploring this vibrant cultural village and socializing with the villagers. Learn their fascinating way of life, unchanged for centuries. As evening falls, see the sun set behind the snow-capped mountains, the sky turning pink and gold – the perfect time to acclimatize physically as well as mentally for the high pass that awaits us in the next couple of days.
Trek from Nar to Ngawal (3,675m / 12,057ft) via Kang La Pass (5,240m / 17,192ft)
It’s our most exciting but hardest trekking day! We take an early breakfast, raring to go and ready ahead as we face the stubborn ascent of Kang La Pass. The trail goes up persistently on glacial moraine and desolate ground, step by step, to paradise. It is thinner air and back-breaking walking, but your guide’s energy and increasingly stunning views are all the motivation you’ll require to take you through.
Over the top of the Kang La Pass (5,240m / 17,192ft), the reward is one of the finest Himalayan vistas – Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak rise above as an ice and snow wall that seems so near you can almost stretch out and touch it. After enjoying the sight of the summit covered with prayer flags, we drop down to Ngawal, a quaint village on the Annapurna Circuit hike. The scenery is marvelous as you come down to more settled areas with better facilities than the remote villages of Phu and Nar. You stay overnight in comfort at Ngawal, basking in your good achievement of having crossed the difficult Kang La Pass.
Trek from Ngawal to Chame (2,670m / 8,760ft) – 5-6 hours
We come down from Ngawal to greener surroundings. The path passes through beautiful pine and rhododendron groves, a relief from the desolate landscape of the highland. You breathe in the mountain air as you walk on paths that have been connecting these hill villages for many centuries. The path is broken by rural villages, infusing the ambiance of rural Himalayan village life as the fields are tended by farmers and children play by the tracks.
The trek continues as we walk over solid suspension bridges across churning streams and along cascading waterfalls spilling down the mountain slope. Below, the Marsyangdi Valley is sheer heaven to the eye, tier upon tier of mountains as a photographer’s paradise backdrop. Late in the afternoon, we reach Chame, Manang’s bustling district headquarters. This cosmopolitan town is a small slice of heaven when compared to rural villages we’ve passed through, with hot showers, bakeries, and full-size shops. This evening, spoil yourselves a little with the relative luxury as you mark how far you’ve come, both physically and in experience.
Travel from Chame to Besisahar to Kathmandu – 8-9 hours
Breakfast, and farewell to the mountains as we send our transport down to civilization. The road winds down the lovely Marsyangdi Valley, and back again by the same road but with a different view this time. Looking out of the windows as the landscape dramatically opens out before us – alpine forest at first, then rolling hills of terraced agriculture, and the hum of civilization. Each bend and turn of the road provides a picture-postcard view of Nepalese scenery.
As we descend, the air grows warmer and thicker as we descend from altitude. We reach Kathmandu in the evening, the journey complete in a circle. To open the door of our hotel room is to open the door to another world, from the rugged beauty of Nar Phu. This is the farewell dinner, and memories of the trek are recollected along with new friends made along the way. The smog-filled streets of Kathmandu are far away from the veiled valleys that we have crossed, but the experience will be imprinted in your heart forever.
Depart from Kathmandu
Unwind over a laid-back breakfast at the hotel, perhaps swapping addresses with some fellow trekkers and old friends on the trek. Time for some final shopping in Thamel or a final wander around Kathmandu’s eccentric streets. Our staff will arrange your airport transfer at the right time for your flight.
As you return home, carry with you the inspiring memories of your Nar Phu Valley trekking – the breathtaking views, traditional ways, and individual accomplishments that have already made this trek so special. The Himalayas are an open home to the returnee, and we eagerly await another great trek across this mysterious rim of the world from you in the future.
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- Airport Transfers – Pick-up and drop from Kathmandu Airport in private car
- Accommodation – Three-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast and small trek en-route teahouses
- Meals – All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on your trek day, and also tea/coffee
- Transportation – Jeep drives between trailheads and Kathmandu by sharing Jeep and Return Jeep transport from Chame to Besisahar and back to Kathmandu
- Permits – All the necessary permits (Annapurna Conservation, Nar Phu Restricted Area, and TIMS card)
- Guide and Porters – English-speaking guide and porter to carry your luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Safety Equipment – Altitude pulse oximeter, oxygen, first aid kit, and altitude sickness medicine
- Taxes & Fees – Included government taxes
- International Flights – Your international flight to and from Nepal
- Travel Insurance – Ensure it includes high-altitude helicopter evacuation
- Personal Expenses – Snacks, beverages, Internet, and battery charging
- Tips – Porter and guide tips
Nar Phu Valley Trek Packing List
You need to prepare for your Nar Phu Valley Trek with this essential packing list. Stay safe, comfortable, and ready for high-altitude adventure in Nepal’s remote valleys.
Lightweight trekking shirts (quick-dry)
Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
Down jacket or fleece
Waterproof and windproof jacket
rekking pants and shorts
Warm hat and gloves
Sun hat and sunglasses
Socks (trekking + warm)
Comfortable trekking shoes
Backpack (30–40L for daily trekking)
Water bottles or hydration system
Headlamp with extra batteries
A camera or smartphone with extra batteries
Trekking map / GPS device
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF)
Moisturizer/hand cream
First-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, altitude sickness medicine)
Quick-dry towel
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Passport / ID
Trekking permits
Emergency contact numbers
Maps
Navigate Your Journey
Altitude Chart of Nar Phu Village Trek
Good to Know
Things to Remember
2. Trek Accommodation
Your lodging is all part of the adventure! You will have clean, hot shower, 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, but in the picturesque Nar and Phu villages, you’ll have the typical mountain life in simple teahouses. Enjoy basic rooms (generally shared), shared bathrooms, and hot showers for a few extra rupees – but believe us they’re worth it after a day’s hiking! The further up you climb, the more Spartan your accommodation will be, so bring a decent sleeping bag rated to -10°C in which to sleep soundly beneath starry Himalayan skies.
3. Meals and Eating Options
Your trekking food will be simple, straightforward, and just what your body is craving after working for mountain trails! Your standby companion will be the old faithful Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables) – “Dal Bhat power, 24 hour” the locals chant for a very good reason. You’ll be indulged in delicious Tibetan bread, momos (doughnuts) fresh from the heat, fried rice, noodles, and soothing Thukpa (noodle soup). Meat is not necessary but we recommend keeping to veggie since refrigeration is not much at high elevation. Hot drinks are readily available wherever you happen to be, perfect for warming hands up while enjoying stunning scenery. Remember the higher you ascend (such as you!), the more things cost so it’s always a good idea to have some energy bars and trail mix with you.
4. Trek Difficulty and Physical Conditioning
This moderately challenging trek will challenge you enough that the sense of victory will be amazing! Expect 5-7 hours of walking each day on trails that range from gentle tracks to steep, rocky trails. The biggest challenge? The climb of breathtaking Kang La Pass at 5,240m, where high altitude and steep inclines test you to the limit. Don’t worry – with a bit of creativity, beginners can tackle this trek! Train a month before your trip: get yourself used to taking long walks or treks, get those legs moving with squats and lunges, and perform your cardio by swimming or cycling. The reward for the effort? Looking down at the world with literally breathtaking views (although that could also be due to the altitude!).
5. Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits
Your tickets to this secret haven are two special permits: The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to Nar Phu Valley ($100 per person, first week, then $15 per day) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for $30 per person. Something that differs in this trek from most Nepali treks is that you can’t undertake this one independently – only registered trekking agents can get permits, so the region is blessedly unspoiled and untouristy. Bring photocopies of your passport and recent photos for processing. Consider these permit costs as your donation to the preservation of this lovely country and welfare of local inhabitants who welcome you to their mountain fairy-tale kingdom.
6. Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization
Your body will notice it when you exceed 3,000 meters – and it will complain a bit! Altitude sickness is infectious to any victim, however physically fit, and appears in the form of headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. What’s the secret to avoiding it? Take it easy and go slowly. Our carefully designed itinerary also includes rest days at Meta and Nar, where your body adapts to the reduced oxygen at a gradual level. Be extremely well hydrated (3-4 liters daily), don’t consume alcohol (miss the party this time!), and listen to your body. If it worsens, sole treatment is immediate descent. Carry Diamox as a precaution, if necessary, but best medicines are patience and respect for high altitude.
7. Packing List: The Essential Trekking Gear
Pack wisely and you’ll thank yourself step by step! Your equipment is: moisture-wicking base layers (no cotton!), down insulated jacket, waterproof outer layers, sturdy broken-in hiking boots, warm gloves, warm hat, and good quality socks. In terms of equipment, bring a comfortable 30-40L pack, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles (your knees will thank you!), good sunglasses, and a headlamp for reading menus in teahouses in the dark. Don’t leave behind some sunscreen (mountain sun is strong!), lip balm, limited toiletries, a limited first-aid kit, and water purification tablets. Electronics? Bring a power bank, extra camera batteries, and an international adapter so you’re charged when there’s the chance. Heed the trekker’s golden rule: every item more = weight on your back more!
8. Safety and Trekking Rules
Your trek should be enjoyable, not risky! Withdrawal from civilization in Nar Phu Valley requires led trek – you do not wish to be here alone, struggling to flail around. Bold Himalaya guides are first aid trained and ready for altitude sickness and have intimate knowledge of each trail and cutback. The small group trek offers perfect protection and perfect immersion, so you meet new individuals and ensure everybody arrives home in a single piece. Our guides monitor weather, trail, and your health in real time. Helicopter rescue in an emergency can be organized (make sure your insurance includes this!); the golden rule is simply to heed your guide’s instructions – they are your lifeline in the high Himalayas.
9. Electricity, Internet, and Communication
Now for the digital detox! Electricity will be available in most teahouses at a charge of $2-$5 for device charging. A good power bank is gold here! Internet signal is at best intermittent – you’ll have paid Wi-Fi at some of the lower altitude treks, but signal becomes increasingly intermittent as you ascend higher in Nar Phu Valley. Nepal Telecom (NTC) or Ncell SIMs will function at lower altitudes but don’t count on signal in remote valleys. Don’t fret about being completely cut off, though – Bold Himalaya does provide a daily safety report with guides. The payoff? Being removed from man-made civilization means you can fully engage with the stunning natural one you’re immersed in!
10. Travel Insurance: Mandatory Requirement
No joke – this is a requirement! Your insurance for this trek must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter rescue. Also, cover trip cancellation, theft, and accidental bodily injury. Confirm with your provider, prior to purchase, in writing, if their policy includes helicopter evacuation at high altitude – most general travel policies don’t! You will be required to provide insurance details in advance of your trek so that swift action can be taken if required. Consider good insurance as your behind-the-scenes security blanket so that you can worry less about what could go wrong and more about what’s important – the fantastic trek in one of Nepal’s most stunning secret valleys!
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
2. Do I require special permits?
Yes, we will organize your Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Permit for you.
3. What is the best time?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are best time with best weather and stunning mountain scenery.
4. How will be the accommodation?
Simple, welcoming mountain teahouses with bunks, a generous supply of a decent three-star Kathmandu hotel.
5. Will there be electricity and Wi-Fi?
There is power and Wi-Fi in a few teahouses at a small extra cost.
6. What do I bring with me?
Sleeping bag, hat, rain clothing, sun cream, trekking poles, and water purification tablets.
7. How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Go slowly, keep your body hydrated, and take your guide’s advice.
8. Are there ATMs on the trail?
No ATMs after besisahar- take plenty of Nepalese rupees with you.
9. Is the trek a beginner's?
More moderately challenging for the average walker due to remoteness and altitude considerations.
10. What wildlife might I have a chance of seeing?
Blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards (rarely seen), and a few of the Himalayan birds like Himalayan monals.
11. What if there is an emergency?
We have first aid kits with our guides, and helicopter evacuation is organized (under your travel insurance).
12. Can I customize my trek?
No problem, and we will incorporate all that into your own interests, physical capacity, and time constraints.
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