The Nar Phu Valley trek is a recently opened trekking route that diverges from the popular Annapurna Circuit trail. It has maintained its reputation as an untouched and non-commercialized trek. Nar Phu is a hidden valley situated between two popular trekking regions: Annapurna and Manaslu. This region has not yet been affected by mass tourism, making it worth visiting before it becomes a commercial trekking trail. This trek rewards you with splendid mountain views, undisturbed religious sites, and the unique culture and lifestyle of the local people. Yak and sheep farming, trading, and harvesting medicinal herbs based on indigenous knowledge are major livelihood opportunities in the area.
The Kang La Pass (5,315m) of the Nar Phu Valley trek is an absolutely spectacular pass offering magnificent views of Annapurna I, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and many other astounding peaks. The Nar Phu Valley trek is equally challenging and rewarding for those keen on exploring remote villages and traditional ways of life.
The region is vastly different from the outside world and ensures pristine nature due to minimal human intervention. This trek offers the most authentic trekking experience in the remote Himalayas of Nepal. Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area and requires a Special Trekking Permit for all foreign travelers.
The Nar Phu Valley trek in Nepal is indeed a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering trekkers a blend of Himalayan culture and stunning landscapes.
1. Remote and Untouched Villages:
Nar and Phu villages provide a glimpse into traditional Tibetan culture, with ancient monasteries, chortens, and timeless customs. Travelers can eat authentic local cuisines and experience the innocent and charming local life.
2. Diverse Landscapes:
The trek features a mix of dramatic mountain scenery, beautiful forests, and alpine meadows. It takes you to a different world that everyone dreams of seeing.
3. Kang La Pass: T
he crossing of the Kang La Pass (5,320 meters) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including peaks like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Pisang, and Tilicho Peak.
4. Rich Wildlife:
The region is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including cordyceps, blue sheep, snow leopards, and Himalayan birds.
5. Cultural Experience:
Interaction with the local Tibetan-influenced communities provides a unique cultural experience, different from the more frequented trails in Nepal. Trekkers can visit monasteries such as Tashi Lhakhang in Phu, which holds significant historical and spiritual value. Authentic Tibetan Buddhist experiences can be gained following the challenging but rewarding Nar Phu Valley trekking trail. Trekkers can heal their pain by observing the scenic beauty and enjoying chanting in the monasteries.
6. Less Crowded Trails:
Unlike popular treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, the Nar Phu Valley trek sees fewer trekkers, offering a more serene and personal experience. This is due to its remoteness, recently opened trail, and requirement of a special trekking permit.
7. Flexible Accommodation:
This trek can be arranged either with lodge-based accommodation or camping. Both options are suitable for this trek, making it a perfect trip for those who love camping.
8Possibility to do a Longer Trek:
This trek can also be combined with the Annapurna Circuit trek or Manaslu Circuit trek for a longer adventurous journey. Contact us to ask for further information, including itinerary and cost
The best seasons for the Nar Phu trek are Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). These seasons are characterized by pleasant weather and clear visibility. However, this trek can also be arranged in Winter (December, January, and February).
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition organizes the Nar Phu Valley trek with both types of accommodation: lodges and camping according to interest and timeframe of travelers. Trekkers can feel safe and secure as the company ensures a hassle-free travel experience for every client.
After early morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about eight hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. From Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved road and from there to Bhulbule is graveled. Stay overnight in lodge.
Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. Follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m) and then climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. From here it is a few ups and downs before you reach Chamje. Stay overnight in lodge.
The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi river at which point cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m) where you will find hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path follows winding cliffs. You will pass through the small village of Karte (1900m.) and cross a suspension bridge as you approach the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.). Stay overnight in lodge.
You trek gradual ascent path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views you can enjoy are of Annapurna II, Manaslu range and beautiful views of forests on the way add another dimension to your trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and others. Their life style is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans. Stay overnight in lodge.
You cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola. The route takes you through some beautiful woods and past several small caves, and a pilgrims’ Dharmashala. After you emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the Dharmashala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. Stay overnight in lodge.
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings you finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. You pass by e scenic Kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you are likely to share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. Stay overnight in lodge.
Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank and past the “submarine” rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful Chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon and gorges, you reach the Phu gate. This ancient gate provides you with you first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old “dzong” and the remains of the two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu. Stay overnight in lodge.
You can have interaction with locals and explore up the wide valley systems above you. You might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hour’s walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat. Stay overnight in lodge.
You get back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your step back to Junam Kharka which is a lovely spot for camping. Stay overnight in lodge.
This day you trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below you sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. You finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo topped Chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old colorful and traditional Gompas and the snow peaks looming overhead. Stay overnight in lodge.
Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu. Stay overnight in lodge.
The Kang La is not a diffucult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass. The Kang La, at 5315m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and gradual down towards the end.
Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit (off the main Annapurna circuit), can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is so nice that you will take it easy and enjoy the views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of Chortens and prayer flags, and marks a meditation cave far up in the hills. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times. Stay overnight in lodge.
This day you walk through the leveled path along the bank of Marshyangdi River to reach Manang. On the way you pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. You can enjoy the views of Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes. Manang is a small town. Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail from Manang to Pisang following the upper route goes through deep valleys ensconsed by mountains all around. Once you leave Manang, the trail drops down to the tranquil Chindi Lake. High rocky cliffs festooned with pine trees and sparse settlements here and there provide you with perfect setting. Further ahead you will walk past the village sof Ngawal and Ghyaru providing an awesome views of Pisang Peak, Tilicho, Gangapurna and Annapurna II and III. Another 2 hours walk will reach you to Upper Pisang. Stay overnight in lodge.
Today you will set off for Dharapani by making a descent to around 2500m. The trail initially offers beautiful views of Annapurna and Manaslu ranges passing through the village of Chame. There is a huge waterfall near Chame. Further ahead the trail descends down to the Bhotia villages of Dhayaku and Bagarchap, the last stop before reaching Dharapani. Stay overnight in lodge.
You trek all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way, you walk through pleasant villages such as Taal is an attractive village with a pretty waterfall and you can enjoy the sight of lush green hills. Eventually, you come across Jagat is a stone village situated on a shelf, that juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Stay overnight in lodge.
It is a picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages on both sides of road.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Nepal , Nar Phu Trek 20 Days
