Nar Phu Trek

Less Explored Treks in Nepalratingbased on 2 reviews
  • Duration14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 5320 m.
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Best Season March to May and September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
2 - 3 paxUS$995
4 - 6 paxUS$945
7 - 10 paxUS$895
11 - 15 paxUS$845
16 - 20 paxUS$795
Nar Phu Trek Highlights
  • Superb vistas, diverse flora, and fauna, the isolated landscape along with a pristine Tibetan culture
  • Hike to Himlung Base Camp
  • Memorable visits to the highly unique villages of Nar and Phu
  • Kang La Pass
  • Overnight stay in the monastery

The Nar Phu 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 offers some of the most memorable and unspoiled views on the trek as the trail pass below the daunting slopes of Kangaru 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 (7126m) and its base camp at an altitude of 4920m. 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 (5360m) 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 of heading 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.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcome at the airport then transfer to your Hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Final trekking preparation then spends a day the way you prefer.

  • Max. Altitude:1300m/4265ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Pick up from your hotel and drive to Jagat, where we rest up for the overnight in preparation for the next day's trekking.

  • Max. Altitude:1860m/6102ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another reasonable day of hiking through a diverse landscape of farmland, river crossings, and numerous waterfalls. The pretty village of Tal (meaning Lake) gives us time to pause before finishing up for the day at Dharapani, one of the region's key trekking hubs.

  • Max. Altitude:2600m/8530ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The morning sees the trail climbs steadily through forested slopes towards Timang, one of the trek's scenic outlooks with fine views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. The day finishes at Koto, the gateway to Nar Phu where we check in with our permits at the local field office.

  • Max. Altitude:3560m/11680ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The real adventure begins as the trek leads into the restricted and rarely visited the valley of Nar Phu, a semi-arid region very similar geographically to Manang yet one with its own highly unique and largely untouched Tibetan culture. 
For those who have flexibility on holiday, we recommend having the first acclimatization day in Meta where you may discover the Kanggaru Base Camp if you are interested.

  • Max. Altitude:4080m/13386ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The day's stunning landscapes and secluded nature of the trail are only superseded by the magic of coming upon the medieval walled village of Phu at day's end, a cubist painting comes to the life of block-like homes and structures ringed around the core hill.

  • Max. Altitude:4080m/13386ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A rest day at Phu allows us to explore the heights and spectacular views on offer of Himlung Base Camp, with plenty of time left over in the afternoon to relax and wander the myriad laneways of Phu and bask in the genuine warmth, hospitality, and traditional culture of the local people.

  • Max. Altitude:3500m/11483ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek to Nar Phedi offers further opportunities to take in the unique landscape of the valley, while the village provides a fascinating opportunity to stay overnight in the nearby monastery.

  • Max. Altitude:4200m/13780ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Nar is almost as impressive as Phu in both size and scope, with a picture-perfect setting atop a hill that provides superb views of the Himalayas.

  • Max. Altitude:3660m/12008ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A day to savor, as well as a day to test one's resolve. The trail moves steadily away from Nar Village and climbs through the most remote area of the valley to Kang La and the streaming prayer flags that mark the apex of the trek. After pausing to celebrate the moment, take appropriate pictures, and admire the glorious views, we head over the pass to begin the steep descent to Ngawal, the village which marks our return to the standard route for the Annapurna Circuit.

  • Max. Altitude:2650m/8694ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A quick descent back down the Annapurna route brings us to Chame, the administrative center for the Manang region.

  • Max. Altitude:Kathmandu 1400m/4593ft, Pokhara 822m/2697ft..
  • Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

A local jeep takes us as far as Besisahar, after which we switch to another transportation for the journey to Kathmandu.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    Route MapDownload Map
    Nar Phu Trek map
    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complementary airport pick up and drop off
    • Complementary welcome dinner
    • Two-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included (twin share basis)
    • All necessary trekking permits such as Nar Phu special permit, Annapurna conservation area permit, TIMS card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • Fresh fruit each day if and when available
    • Complementary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, sleeping bag
    • Government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First-aid kit
    • Drive to Jagat from Kathmandu
    • Drive back to Kathmandu/Pokhara by bus/jeep
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax/VAT
    • Certificate of achievement if needed
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fee, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips to staff
    Dates & Availability
    Start:TuesdayAug 01, 2023
    End:MondayAug 14, 2023
    PriceUS$995
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:TuesdayAug 15, 2023
    End:MondayAug 28, 2023
    PriceUS$995
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:FridayAug 25, 2023
    End:ThursdaySep 07, 2023
    PriceUS$995
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

    Useful Information

    Kindly take permission while taking photos of locals

    Respect the local culture

    Proper trekking gears

    Take some snacks with you in case of if you got some kind of sickness or quick energy

    Take a wall side or safe side while passing donkeys on the way

    If you are in the landslide area please head up around and pass without delay

    Better to avoid alcohol or smoke above 3000 m.

    Drink more than 3 liters of water per day

    Water purification tablets or filter machine

    Be aware of altitude symptoms

    Minimum 2 trekkers require to obtain Nar Phu Valley special permits

    Extra Nepali Rupees just for unusual circumstances or extra snacks in tea houses

    Proper acclimatization is essential to hit the goal

    2Travelers' Reviews
    • logo
      rating star

      Amazing experience with Rajesh and Gautam

      for the second time I organized my holiday in Nepal with Nepaltrekkingexperts. Again, Rajesh provided fast and accurate answers to all questions about the trek but also regarding the necessary papers for arrival and departure the country, and the trek. thank you for all your help, Rajesh. together with Gautam, my porter-guide, I had an amazing trek discovering the beautyful and remote villages of Nar and Phu as well as the Nar Phu valley. Gautam managed all the business: getting the best room in the guesthouse, proper food and more. always a smile in his face and cheering me up. I learned once more a lot about abput Nepal, I even improved my nepalese a little bit. more im,portant, we had a lot of fun together, laughing a lot. Gautam, next time together again? no problem :-)

      A
      AntjeNov 24, 2021Netherlands
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Unbelievable Trekking Experience in the Nar Phu Valley!

      My partner and I just completed the Nar Phu Valley trek with Nepal Trekking Experts and we can say without a doubt that they helped make our trip the amazing experience that it was. Our only regret is that we didn't do a longer trek haha! From the very beginning of communication, Rajesh made sure that we were taken care of before we even got to Nepal, coordinating everything with us so that we would set when we arrived and after the trek was over. He made us feel extremely welcomed and made sure that we felt prepared before the trek began.

      We cannot say enough about our guide, Mohan and our porter, Gautam. They were absolutely phenomenal. The trek was not an easy one with long days and steep climbs but these guys took such good care of us and made every hiking day so much fun that we could forget about the difficulty. You spend a lot of time with your guide and porter on treks like this that are so remote so its important that you can have a good and fun time with them - and we definitely did! Aside from how much fun they were - Mohan was extremely professional and it was extremely obvious that he knew what he was doing. Also when my boyfriend started showing signs of altitude sickness, Mohan took care of the situation so that everyone would be safe, happy and set up for success in the days to follow - which we were! When we come back to Nepal one day we are definitely asking for Mohan and Gautam again :P

      K
      Katie StoverAug 07, 2020Netherlands
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