Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Nar Phu Valley Trek has only been open for exploration since 2002 and offers an extraordinarily pristine cultural and scenic experience that is all the more remarkable given its proximity to the famous and well-traveled Annapurna Circuit. One of Nepal’s true hidden valleys, its rugged landscapes and ancient villages bordering on Tibet have lain in peaceful solitude for years from the outside world, with relatively few trekkers making the journey to one of the last truly untouched regions in the Himalayas.
The trek begins properly at Besisahar and follows the stock route for the Annapurna Circuit through to Koto before branching away eastward towards Nar Phu Valley. The trail leads along the Nar Khola River and through a narrow gorge before arriving at the small settlement of Odar (which translates to ‘Cave’), a convenient point for a lunch stop at one of the newly constructed tea houses. From Odar the path heads out through thickets of pine, rhododendrons, and bamboo, with the soothing delights of a hot spring en route to bath in for a refreshing break. From there we head to the picturesque village of Meta and its impressive landscapes and view of the monastery at Nar Phedi in the distance.
The following day’s journey to Phu village offers some of the most memorable and unspoiled views on the trek. The trail passes below the daunting slopes of Kangaroo Himal and Chyakhu before winding on through the village of Kyang. Phu itself is a remarkable and impressive village that seems as much a bastion against the forces of time as the harsh Himalayan elements, with a known history that dates back to at least the 5th century. The structures are like building blocks set side by side and seemingly one on top of the other along the sloping hill at the heart of the village, creating the semblance of terraced fields of stone. Replete with the obligatory Mani walls, prayer wheels, and its fascinating monastery, the village is a treasure house of Tibetan culture frozen in time that intrigues and beguiles at every turn and stairway, particularly for photographers.
Phu also serves as a gateway to the mountain of Himlung (7,126 meters) and its base camp at an altitude of 4,920 meters. With a rest day set aside for Phu, the opportunity exists to either hike to the base camp and its impressive views and glacial surroundings or simply relax in Phu for the day and use the time to further explore the labyrinthine village and its many charms.
From Phu, the trail heads westward to Nar Phedi and its monastery for a fascinating overnight stay, and on the following day climbs steeply to the impressively sited village of Nar–yes, it’s confusing! The village offers more stunning views of the Himalayas, as well as the culturally rewarding experience of observing the local people engaged in a variety of activities unique to the area. The trek through the valley culminates with the climb up to Kang La Pass (5320 meters) and the steep and rocky descent to Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit Trail. The option exists to continue on the circuit up to and over Thorong La pass or head towards Mesokanto La as an alternative. Otherwise, the trek concludes by hiking back down the trail to Chame and the return drive to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Nar Phu Trek is undoubtedly one of the premier destinations in the Himalayas for those seeking a glimpse into a region of raw beauty and Tibetan culture that's a throwback to a distant past, one that even Tibet itself has long since forgotten about. Nepal Trekking Experts has the experience and the personnel to make it happen just drop us a line and discuss the various options with our staff to explore this fascinating valley.
There are many more trekking routes in Nepal which are still very less people know about them, such as Manaslu Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Lower Dolpo Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, and so on.
Nar Phu Cultural Trek Difficulty
The Nar Phu Cultural Trek is a challenging journey that combines rugged terrain, high altitudes, and remote landscapes. This trek takes you to altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters, with the highest point being Kang La Pass (5,315 meters). These steep ascents and descents, coupled with narrow and rocky trails, demand a good level of fitness and mental resilience. Certain sections of the trail, especially around Kang La Pass, can be physically demanding due to snow and icy conditions, making it essential to tread carefully. Moving on, the basic teahouse accommodations and simple meals add to the ruggedness of the experience.
Best Time To Trek In Nar And Phu Area
The Nar Phu Valley Adventure takes you to a maximum altitude of 5,320 meters / 17,454 feet at the Kang La Pass. Often the weather starts to get unpredictable above 2000 meters varying as per the seasons. One of the ideal seasons for this journey is Spring, as it is the season of rebirth that paints the whole Nar Phu Valley in vibrant colors. After February, as the winter chill starts to fade, Spring starts from March. During these months, you will experience pleasant surrounding with cool temperatures, beautiful scents in the air, lush greenery, and fully bloomed seasonal flowers.
Likewise, Autumn is yet another peak season with pinnacle beauty. As it is a post-monsoon season, it boasts clarity in the surroundings offering stable weather conditions. During this season, the valley has a picturesque landscape with clear blue skies and a crisp atmosphere. Additionally, since the monsoon clouds are cleared, it presents a cool and dry route eliminating any natural incidents.
While the Nar Phu Valley Adventure has its own favorable trekking season, different trekkers look for different experiences while on this journey. Your level of comfort and enjoyment is heavily determined by the season of the year and each season affects your experience on the trail.
Permits To Trek To Nar And Phu Valleys
When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. NTE manages all required permits on your behalf with your passport and visa copy. To enter into the Annapurna region and Nar Phu Valley, you will require two permits which can be obtained in Kathmandu before commencing your trek.
- The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) which costs 3000 Nepali Rupees per person.
- Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit that costs 75 USD per week per person in the low season (December to August) and 100 USD per week per person in the high season (September to November).
Booking And Payment With Nepal Trekking Experts
To book your trek with us, you have to send a deposit of 10% of the total cost of the trek. Please also forward a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and full flight details if and when available. For your convenience, you may also forward the deposit to us online through our website. It is completely safe, and as soon as you make it, you will get an automatic receipt in your inbox. The rest of the payment can be paid upon arrival.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us anytime. We are always ready to assist.