Nar Phu Valley Trek - 9 Days

Nar Phu Valley Trek – Explore the Remote Villages 

Nar Phu Valley Trek explores the lifestyle of hidden valley people, their typical cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes. It is a remote valley, mainly Nar and Phu, situated in the corner of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, site way from Koto Chame Village towards Meta.

Experience the culture of hidden gems in Nar Phu Valley; it is a 9-day trek. Kathmandu to Koto Chame, Meta, Kyang, Phu Village (Tashi Lhakhang) Monastery, (Satya Gompa) in Nar Phedi, Nar Village, and Kongla Pass (5320 m); then join the Annapurna Circuit Highway in Ngawal Village and drive back to Kathmandu along Besisahar, or the trek continues to the full circuit of Annapurna via Tilicho Lake.

The Nar and Phu villages are historical, typically cultural villages and religious sites. They are influenced by Tibetan culture, and their Buddhist religion and traditions are similar to Tibetan.

What are the significant sights to see in the Nar and Phu Village?

Nar and Phu villages are situated in a remote and high-altitude valley above 4000 m. The area is popular for historical Buddhist monasteries such as Tashi LhaKhang Monastery in Phu Village and Satya Gompa (Truth Monastery) in Nar Phedi. It has its own history and story for centuries.

The area is famous for cultivation in a high-altitude valley; they grow a lot of crops and vegetables. And they have yaks, goats, and sheep, its animals are friendly because they have open landscapes and easyness to pasturing them.

Route of Trekking in Nar and Phu Valley

Kathmandu to Dharapani by drive along Besisahar

On the first day, you will catch early in the morning a local bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar; it takes around 7 hours, and then immediately catch a local jeep to Dharapani, 2.5 hours.

It is such a wonderful drive along the Trishuli River side and then the Marshyangdi River side, and there's a stunning waterfall between Besisahar and Dharapani in Chyamche village called Bung and Actopus Jharna.

Dharapani is a nice village; it is the joining place of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the ending place. They have a well-managed, nice lodge.

Dharapani to Koto: Nice Walking

On the 2nd day, starting your beautiful trekking from Dharapani to Koto village, you pass a few villages such as Bagarchhap and Danaque, then ascend a couple of hours to Timang Hill. You can have lunch in Timang or Thanchok and then easily arrive at Koto Village. It is near Chame.

Enter Nar Phu Valley, as we say, the Hidden Valley

Koto to Meta: a nice walk but a bit of ascending

On Day 3, you are entering the hidden valley toward Nar and Phu villages. You are skipping the Annapurna Circuit highway, Koto to Meta; it takes 7 to 8 hours. There is a place for a lunch spot, but not many tea houses.

The trail is ok, but it zigzags and crosses a few suspension bridges and is mostly ascending because the altitude is 2600 to 3585 m. It is a nice trail, and Meta has a few well-managed lodges. It is such a nice place to stay overnight here.

Meta to Kyang: around 4 to 5 hours walk

Meta to Kyang is easygoing; it's gradual and easygoing with open views. It is not far, about 4 to 5 hours. You can arrive there at lunchtime. Before Kyang, a nice village called Chyakhu.

Some people can go directly to Phu, but if you have time, it's better to stay in Kyang and then the next day go to Phu. It will be relaxing, pacing slowly in a high-altitude valley. They have three lodges and a well-managed lodge.

Kyang to Phu Village, walking 3 hours.

It is a short and easy walk, but some parts are falling apart; you must be careful. You will arrive at lunchtime because it's only a 3- to 3.5-hour walk. After lunch, visit Phu Village and Tashila Khang Monastery.

Phu Village - Altitude Village

Phu Village is situated at 4050 m, known as the altitude village. It is a big village; they cultivate and keep some yaks and goats, as villagers are farmers. They have a huge and most popular monastery. They have traditional houses made of stone and mud using less wood. 

Tashi Lhakhang Monastery

Tashi Lhakhang Monastery is one of the historic and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries. It is associated with Phu Village. Historically, it was built by Karmapa / Kagyu tradition Budhist at 13th to 15th centuries. Lately renovated by Lama Karma Sonam Ringpoche.

It is near the Phu village; you must walk 25 minutes from your lodge. After lunch and refreshing yourself, you can visit there. Tashi Lakhang Monastery is one of the most historical and oldest monasteries. There are some monks living there; they do ceremonies every morning and evening, and they warmly welcome visitors.

It is such a wonderful monastery, situated on the hillside of Phu village. You will see some views of white snow mountains and the way to the Tibet border and Himlung Base Camp. After exploring the monastery and village, stay overnight at a nice lodge.

Visit Option: Himlung Himal Base Camp

Mount Himlung is one of the beautiful peaks; its altitude is 7126 m (23380 ft). It has become popular lately for climbers to expedition peaks above 8000 m.

If you like to touch the Himlung Base Camp (4920 m), we can take you there, but it is a day excursion. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to get to base camp and 2 hours to return. But the rewarding views are breathtaking; there are a few standing, attraction-worthy, snow-covered mountains.

So, if you like to visit the base camp of Himlung, we have the idea; the same 9-day itinerary can be possible. You must come directly from Meta to Phu and then, the next day, visit Himlung Base Camp. Whether you can make a plan for 10 days would be great.

Trek back to Nar Phedi Monastery of Truth (Satya Gompa).

Phu to Nar Phedi is easygoing, all the way gradually descending, but some parts are a bit ascending as well. You will arrive in 5 to 6 hours of walking at Nar Phedi, the true monastery.

You are staying in the huge and historical monastery; the monks will warmly welcome you. They manage well with lodging and food. It will be so nice to stay at a secret place with a field blessed by monks.

You can join them at ceremony time for meditation; they do it in the morning and late afternoon.

Trek to Nar Village, a Short Walk 

Nar Phedi is the bottom of Nar village, 3.5 to 4 hours walking. You can easily arrive there, but it is a couple of hours ascending and then an hour and a half gradual, easygoing. You will arrive there at lunchtime. 

You will arrive in the afternoon at lunchtime. After taking lunch, you can visit the monastery, and there is a small hill to hike; it will be great acclimatization to adjust to high altitude and better acclimatization.

Nar is also a nice and big village; most of its inhabitants are farmers. They grow some crops, and they also have yaks, donkeys, horses, and goats. It is a really nice village and a well-managed lodge.

Adventure High Pass – Kangla Pass (5320m)

The Nar Phu Valley Trek also has the Adventure High Pass, which is 5320 m, and the Long Pass. After the high passes, you are going to join the Annapurna Highway in Ngawal village.

Well, you must start your trek early in the morning around 5 to 6 am. Because it is a long way to go. The first couple of hours of walking are like a football ground but at high altitude, and you can’t run. Walk it smoothly.

Then, after more than a couple of hours, ascend to the pass of Kangla. It's beautiful past there; there is a small pond also. You will arrive there in 4 to 5 hours' walk.

Then, after passing an hour with a big drop step down, you must be careful because stones can fall. Then, the trail was going ok, but there was a huge drop down from 4200m Nar to Kangla (5320m) and then a drop to 3700m in Ngawal village. You will arrive easily and stay at such a beautiful lodge compared to the Nar Phu area.

Last Day - Ngawal to Kathmandu: Returning by Vehicle

It is your last day, as well as the plan of the 9-day Nar Phu Valley Trek. No need to walk on foot all the way by the vehicle. First, early in the morning, catch a local shared jeep to Besisahar. It takes around a 4.5- to 5-hour drive.

Then, you will catch a bus or micro-hiace from Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara. It takes another 6 to 7 hours. Besisahar to Pokhara is not long, only a 4.5-hour drive. You will arrive easily in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

A Tentative Itinerary of 9-Day Nar Phu Valley Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus and same-day transit to Dharapani.

Day 2: Trekking to Koto Chame (6 hours).

Day 3: Trekking to Meta (7 hours).

Day 4: Trekking to Kyang (4 to 5 hours).

Day 5: Trek to Phu Village and explore the typical village and Monastery.

Day 6: Trek to Nar Phedi, stay at the monastery in Satya Gompa. (6 hrs.)

Day 7: Trek to Nar Village, explore its typical culture and village. (3 hours).

Day 8: Adventure Journey to Kangla Pass (5320m), join the Annapurna Highway at Ngawal (8 hrs).

Day 9: Drive back to Besisahar and Kathmandu or Pokhara (10 hours).

It is only a 9-day Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary. If you have time and like to do the complete circuit of Annapurna via Tilicho Lake, a tentative itinerary is below; have a look at that.

Cost of Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek costs USD 775$ per person for a 9-day trip package. We require a minimum of 2 people in a group; if you are a single visitor, the cost will be slightly more. And Kathmandu Hotel is excluded. If you need, we can book it. 

The trek can extend the Annapurna Circuit along Tilicho Lake.

If you would like to do the full circuit of the Annapurna Circuit along Tilicho Lake, you must extend a week. We can span the program for 15 days from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Here is a day-to-day itinerary.

Day 01: Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar (7 + 5 hrs) drive.

Day 02: Enter Nar Phu Valley, Koto to Meta (7 to hrs.)

Day 03: Trek to Kyang (4 to 5 hrs.) Stay at the nice lodge.

Day 04: Trek to Phu Village (4050 m) (3 hrs) and explore the village and monastery.

Day 05: Trekking to Nar Phedi in Satya Gompa (6 to 7 hrs.)

Day 06: Trekking to Nar Village (4150 m) (3 to 4 hrs); explore the village.

Day 07: Kangla Pass (5320 m) (Walking 7 to 8 hrs.); join Ngawal.

Day 08: Trek to Manang (3500 m), walking (2.5 hrs).

Day 09: Fully resting and exploring the Manang Valley.

Day 10: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4250 m), walking (7 hrs)

Day 11: Visit Tremendous Lake Tilicho (4919 m) and back to the lodge and trek to Shree Kharka.

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka or Ledar (4200 m), walking (5 hrs).

Day 13: Trek to Thong High Camp (4850 m), walking (5 hrs).

Day 14: Thorong La Pass (5416 m), walking (7 to 8 hrs) to Muktinath.

Day 15: Muktinath to Pokhara (7 to 8 hrs' drive).

The Nar Phu Valley, Tilicho Lake, and Annapurna Circuit Trek cost is USD 1075$ per person and requires a minimum of two people in a group. We provide excellent services in a 15-day trip package. We have a nice program here. Click on the link: Nar Phu, Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Circuit.  

If you would like to skip Tilicho Lake, it will be a 13-day trip, and the cost will be 965$ each. We are flexible and customizable; feel free for trip customize plan. 

How about Lodging and food facilities in the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Nar Phu Valley is, we know, a remote valley and less developed area, but lately they have build well managed lodes, there are neat and clean rooms. And they provide hygienic, nice meals with warm hospitality. It's really good and upgraded.

Attractions: Mountain Views from Nar Phu and Manang Valley

You will see so many breathtaking white snow-capped mountain views from the picturesque Nar Phu and Manang Valley and the surrounding landscapes. Here are the names of magical peaks.

• Mt. Manaslu: 8163m (26782 ft)
• Annapurna II: 7937 m/26040 ft
• Annapurna III: 7555 m (24787 ft).
• Annapurna IV: 7545 m/24754 ft
• Tilicho Peak: 7134m (23405 ft)
• Gangapurna: 7455 m/24458 ft
• Lamjung Himal, 6983m, 22910ft
• Mt. Himlung: 7126 m/23380 ft
• Pisang Peak: 6091 m/9803 ft
• Kanguru Peak: 6200 m/20342 ft
• Chulu Peak: 6584m (21601 ft)

The mountain views, after Thorong La Pass, Via Kaligandaki Valley

• Mt. Dhaulagiri: 8167m (26795 ft)
• Annapurna I, 8091 m/26545 ft
• Nilgiri: 7061 m/23166 ft
• Tukuche Peak: 6920m (22704 ft)

What permits are required in the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Nar Phu Valley Trek requires a few trekking permits: a special permit for entry to Nar and Phu Valley, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS. Menioned it below.

• Nar Phu Valley Special Entry Permit - 100$
• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) - 3000 NRs.
• TIMS (Trekking Information Management System)2000 NRs.

We, Unique Nepal Adventure, issue it easily. We need your passport photocopy and passport-size photo before your arrival, and we make it ready when you arrive in Nepal.

When is the Best Time to Visit Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The best time to visit Nar Phu Valley Trek is in the autumn season, such as September, October, November, and December; another season is the spring season, such as March, April, and May. Those months are always clear, with good temperatures, good visibility, and fantastic, crystal-clear mountain views.

Winter and Monsoon seasons are also not bad; Winter is snowy and very freezing cold. We don’t recommend it in January and February. Monsoon is ok; you can trek, but most of the time it's raining, cloudy, and there's no clear visibility. We provide professional and experienced guides and make safe, successful, delightful, and very pleasant trips.

• Autumn Season: September, October, November, and December.
• Winter Season: Late December, January, and February.
• Spring Season: March, April, and May.
• Monsoon Season: June, July, and August.

Transportation to Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley trek requires using vehicles a few times vehicles as before starting your trek and after the end of the trek. Here are some points; please note them.

1. Kathmandu to Besisahar by local bus or micro-hitch.
2. Besisahar to Dharapani by local jeep.
3. After the end of Trekking, Ngawal to Besisahar by local jeep.
4. Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara by local bus or mini micro.

If you do the full circuit ot Annapurna via Tilicho Lake, your trek will end in Muktinath. Transportation will be likewise.

1. Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus and same day Besisahar to Koto by local jeep.
2. After the end of the trek from Muktinath or Jomsom to Pokhara by bus or flight option.
3. Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus or flight option.

Why Book With Us?

Team of Unique Nepal Adventure has organized so many groups in Nar Phu Valley. We are very professional and experienced in the area.

Our guides and porters are very well-trained because they have been there many times and are very knowledgeable about the trek, familiar with area locals and lodge people, the mountains, and the cultures. They provide excellent service, assist a lot, and make a successful and memorable trip.