Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek is a hidden gem nestled behind the Himalayas awaiting adventure enthusiasts. Far from the bustling trails of popular treks in Nepal, this off-the-beaten-path destination offers an exquisite blend of raw natural beauty, ancient Tibetan culture, and an unparalleled sense of tranquility. Nar and Phu are two distinct valleys of the Annapurna region. The trail takes you to the wilderness, unexplored and isolated areas of Nar Phu Valley and is considered one of the finest locations for observing the Himalayan peaks in the highland.

The valley is gratifying and probably the world’s desired trekking destination due to its high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote settlements, narrow canyons, enchanting forests, impressive rock formations, yaks, alpine pastures, gompas, and exquisite Tibetan cultures all bundled together. On this 15 days journey, the maximum altitude we reach is 5320 m. The main charisma of Nar Phu Valley is that it offers you the mesmerizing views of Mt Manaslu (8163 m), Mt Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt Annapurna I (8091 m), and more than 19 snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna region. You simply trek on the amazing terrain overlooking the beautiful views and experiencing the local customs.

Trekkers are drawn to the alpine lifestyle because of its raw beauty, tribal people, and rich ancient heritage. The Highlanders' summer and winter villages, as well as their artistic grazing meadows, are the most unique features of our trip. 

As you set foot on the Nar Phu Valley trail, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Prepare to be mesmerized as you ascend your journey witnessing the changes in the atmosphere from lush green valleys to arid landscapes. In the lower region, you will walk through verdant forests, revealing cascading waterfalls, and exotic floras and as you venture onward, the upper region will present its deep gorges, dramatic cliffs, and rugged terrains that paint an ever-changing canvas enthralling every step of the way. Likewise, the distant sound of flowing rivers serenades your trek providing soothing background music as you explore deeper into this hidden paradise. 

This trekking package can be the best option if you have the appetite to venture into one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. The topography also has a strong resemblance to Tibet with trails that are still rugged. The beautiful villages adorned with Buddhist praying flags offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture and tradition of locals that have remained untouched by the passage of time. 

Hence, if you are searching for a less crowded trekking trail then there is no better option than Nar Phu Valley Trek. 

Note: If the travelers prefer to extend the trip and visit some of the must-visit destinations around the Nar Phu Valley then we are happy to customize an add-on for you at an additional cost. Since you are already in the region, it would be quite potential to include some other incredible destinations to make your trip much more fruitful. This option saves you time and cost that would be needed if you wish to travel to the destination next time. 

This extended option would include a visit to Thorong La Pass, the highest trekking pass in the world; as well as Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world. You would be passing the incredible Mesokanto Pass and ending the trek in Jomsom. This also is a route for the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. The travelers will have to plan an additional week for this extended trip.  

Nar Phu Trek Highlights

• Venture into the lesser explored areas of the Annapurna region
• Walk around Annapurna's eco-touristic destination
• Stunning view of Annapurna Range, Mt Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak.
• High Mountain passes Kang-La Pass (5,322 m).
• Tibetan settlements and stunning Buddhist Monasteries.
• Stay in old traditional villages with unaltered authenticity.
• Remarkable visit to the pristine villages of Nar and Phu
• Explore the Tibetan plateau which extends down into Nepal and witness Tibetan-derived culture
• Enjoy the enchanting colorful prayer stones as well as experience a unique monastery stay

Trek Route to Nar Phu Valley

The journey begins at Besisahar after a 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu. On the next day, you will be driving to Koto from Besisahar where you will start your trekking journey. The journey follows the route for the Annapurna Circuit to Koto before splitting eastward towards Nar Phu Valley. The trails then lead us to Meta through the steep terrains, dense pine forests, and the banks of Soti Khola. The following day you will engage in a soul-stirring hike towards Kyang, a beautiful village nestled beneath Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. 

After that, the travelers will move further to Phu Gaon. You will be trekking through Sinhenge Dharamsala, Upper Chaku leading to the Phu Gaon or village. Phu Gaon is a picturesque village where you will get to experience the unique culture and hospitality of the locals as well as relish in the tranquil nature. You will spend the next day here as well for acclimatization purposes. From Phu, the trail heads westward to Nar Phedi. 

The next day, you will climb uphill to Nar village where you will explore the ancient monasteries and surrounding. Further, you will engage in another highlight of the trip. A trek towards Ngawal through the famous, Kang La Pass. After spending the day in Ngawal, the trek continues further to Chame and then Besisahar the next day where you will end your journey filled with new experiences and lots of memories. 

Permits required for Nar Phu Valley Trek 

Since Nar Phu Valley is a restricted/protected area, it is mandatory for trekkers to travel with an authorized guide from a local authorized travel agency in Nepal. The permits required for the Nar Phu Valley trek are:-

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30.00 P/P

Restricted Area Permit

• During the off-season (December-August): USD 75.00 P/P for 1 week 
• During the season (September-November): USD 100.00 P/P for 1 week 

All of these permits will be obtained by us before your arrival. 

Please note that permit costs are a matter to change and it might differ from time to time so kindly contact us to find out up-to-date information. 

Difficulty level of Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate to fairly hard trek. The long day’s walk and steep altitude ascents make this a comparatively tough trek. Because of the limited accommodation choices along the route, the distances that must be traveled each day are inflexible. But we prepare our itinerary concerning proper altitude gain making it ideal for both novice and proficient hikers. It is important for travelers to engage in any sort of physical activity like jogging, walking, hiking, etc. before the trek to build stamina for a convenient trek. 

Best Season for Nar Phu Trek

Nar Phu Valley lies in the trans-Himalayan region making it a perfect trekking destination for Monsoon Trekking in Nepal. This region can be visited at any time of the year except for the winter months (December-February). During winter, the temperature here falls below freezing and this valley receives snowfall in hefty amounts so it is almost impossible to pass the high pass. 

During spring (March-May) the weather is very pleasant and the floras are in full bloom resulting in an enchanting trekking experience. Monsoon (June-August) is another best time to visit being a rain-shadow area. The region is unaffected by monsoon but landslides can obstruct road accessibility in the lower regions sometimes. So, we suggest that travelers keep a few extra casual days. 

Similarly, as autumn is post-monsoon in Nepal, the view is at its best. The mild weather, clear blue sky, fall hues, and sublime views seen along the way make autumn an ideal time to visit.