Nar Phu Valley Trek (5,240 meters) is a 11-day adventurous trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region, hidden between the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu trails. It is one of the most remote and culturally rich destinations in Nepal, preserving its ancient Tibetan culture, ancient villages with stunning landscapes, and a perfect trek for those seeking serenity, diverse cultural experiences, and Himalayan adventure away from the crowded routes.
Nestled between the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, Nar Phu Valley Trek (5,240 meters) is a new, adventurous, and culturally rich journey in the remote corner of the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek focuses on the twin villages of Nar and Phu, which were restricted to outsiders until 2002. As this is still a restricted area, visiting this area requires a special permit.
The trek begins in Koto, and takes you across dramatic canyons, ridges, and waterfalls, offering a breathtaking view of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho Peak. The most thrilling highlights include crossing the Kang La Pass (5,240 Meters), which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range, and the trail then leads down to Ngawal on the main Annapurna Circuit route. Alongside the stunning vistas, you can also enjoy the region's immersive cultural experiences. Each community along the trail flaunts unique features, from traditional stone houses to ancient monasteries. Regardless of the location, you will experience the warm hospitality of the local Tibetan and Gurung communities.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the most peaceful and less crowded trekking destinations in Nepal, blending Himalayan adventure with ancient Tibetan culture. This trek is suitable for travelers seeking a genuine Himalyan adventure, a unique cultural experience, and serenity amid the natural bewilderment.
Experience the best 11-day trek in Nar Phu Valley Trek with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours. Limited 2026/2027 slots are available. Book yours today!
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is Nepal’s most mesmerizing off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna region, offering rugged beauty and providing an exceptional blend of ancient Tibetan culture, making it perfect for trekkers seeking raw adventure far from the mainstream trails.
Here are the top reasons to trek to Nar Phu Valley:
Conquer the Challenging Kang La Pass: The Kang La Pass is the pinnacle of your 11-day Nepal Nar Phu Valley Trek. This pass, situated at 5,240 meters, is an incredible journey that demands both physical and mental strength. Despite the difficulty, conquering this challenging pass rewards you with a profound sense of accomplishment and 360-degree views of the greater Annapurna range, including Himlung Himal and Tilicho Peak.
Explore the Hidden Valleys of Nar and Phu: The Nar Phu Valley trek takes you to the restricted twin villages of Nar and Phu. Hidden from the outside world until recently, this journey lets you step back in time. Explore the ancient stone houses, intricate mani walls, and the spiritual heritage, including the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, of this Tibetan-Buddhist-inspired destination.
Unique Experiences in the Restricted Area: Opened to outsiders only in 2002, the Nar and Phu regions in Nepal remain restricted areas. These twin villages have maintained their pristine environment and cultural heritage for centuries. Here, you can experience the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, which has remained largely untouched by modernization. Observe the unique Bon religion and experience the traditional agrarian lifestyle of the local inhabitants as you explore from one community to another.
Panoramic Views of Himalayan Peaks: The Nepal Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate to difficult journey. Despite the demanding trails, each day offers you unique sights of the dramatic landscapes and the majestic Himalayan peaks. Along your journey, you can enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Himlung Himal from various viewpoints.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek provides you with unique sights and experiences every day. Your day begins early, around 6:00 AM, with the sight of the majestic Himalayas and the crisp mountain breeze. You will head for a hearty breakfast and prepare to leave for the diverse trails by 7:30 AM.
You will take on the challenging ascents and descents on the off-the-beaten-path trails of this secluded destination. Depending on your elevation, expect to pass through lush sub-tropical forests or traverse narrow gorges, alpine pastures, or rocky trails.
The trek breaks for lunch in a local teahouse/resthouse around noon. Take your time to rest and refuel with nourishing dal-bhat (rice and lentil soup) for the remainder of the day’s trek. The midday trek is usually shorter and gets you to your overnight destination by late afternoon or early evening.
Upon checking into your teahouse, you can explore the immediate surroundings if time permits. Or, you can directly head to the cozy communal dining and catch up with your fellow trekkers over a warm dinner. After dinner, your guide will provide a briefing on the following day’s trek. The briefing typically consists of the weather forecast, trail difficulty, and the acclimatization process.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek in Nepal is an incredible Himalayan adventure. The cost of this trek can differ from one traveler to another due to varying interests and preferences. Typically, our package prices cover transportation, all necessary permits, and an expert local guide. The package also comes with accommodation in a comfortable hotel/lodge with breakfast, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free journey.
Get a free quote for your 11-day Nar Phu Valley Trek. Call us now.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a carefully planned adventure across the Himalayas with all-inclusive logistical arrangements. However, we recognize that travelers' interests and preferences can change. To address your individual needs, we provide a fully tailor-made Nar Phu Valley Trek.
With our fully customized Nar Phu Valley Trekking option, you can include extra acclimatization days, adjust your hiking speed, upgrade your accommodation (where available) and transportation, or include additional destinations like the Tilicho Lake Trek.
Discuss your preferences with our travel experts, and together we will craft a fully tailored Nepal Nar Phu Valley trekking itinerary. Call us now!
Your Nar Phu Valley Trek begins upon landing in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Here, you will find our representatives who will greet you and assist you in transferring you to your hotel. In the evening, you will meet your guides for trek briefing.
From Kathmandu, you will board a local vehicle and head out on the long, winding highway trailing the Marshyangdi River. This journey takes you through the villages and terraced farms, giving you a glimpse of the rural Nepali lifestyle. As you enter deeper into the Annapurna region, you will experience a transition from blacktopped roads to off-road sections. After an 8-10 hour drive via Besisahar, you will reach the trailhead of Koto, the official entry point to the Nar Phu Valley.
Your journey from Koto takes you to the restricted areas of the Nar Phu Valley. The journey diverts away from the main Annapurna Circuit trail into steep and narrow sections. You will traverse dense pine forests, relishing the sights of cascading waterfalls and high ridges. Continue your journey, trailing the Soti Khola gorge to the remote Himalayan overnight destination of Meta.
As you leave Meta behind, you will enter a more arid and high-altitude area. Today’s trek gives you spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks, including the towering Himlung Himal. You will also encounter Tibetan Buddhist influences as you pass chortens and ancient monasteries, enjoying the magnificent views of scenic canyons as you enter the secluded village of Phu. Immerse yourself in the dramatic atmosphere of this traditional village featuring a collection of hillside stone houses.
Today is a crucial acclimatization day. Acclimatization while traveling to a higher-altitude region is essential as it allows your body to cope with the increasing elevations, significantly reducing the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness, also known as altitude sickness. As a part of this process, you will follow the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. This includes a hike to the higher elevation point of Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, one of the largest monasteries of the region, before returning to the village of Phu.
From the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa vantage point, you will find awe-inspiring views of Himlung Himal and the surrounding peaks. Soak in this tranquil experience before descending to your overnight destination in Phu Village.
Leaving the serene village of Phu behind, you will head to the Nar Village, connecting the two main villages of the Nar and Phu Valley. Your journey descends out of Phu and takes you across a long suspension bridge over the Lapcha River. From here, you will begin an ascent toward Nar.
You will reach the slightly larger Nar Village after a 7 to 8-hour hike. Characterized by chortens and mani walls, this village is also a seasonal stop for yak herders of the region. Spend the night preparing for the challenging crossing of the Kang La Pass.
Today’s trek is short but takes you to the base of the Kang La Pass. Also known as the Kang La Phedi, this shorter-duration trek prepares you for the demanding pass crossing the following day. This extra day is crucial for helping you conserve your energy and acclimatize at a higher elevation.
Prepare for the most challenging and rewarding section of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Your journey begins before dawn. With the help of flashlights, you will take on the difficult ascent over rugged terrain to the Kang La Pass summit (5,240 meters). This is the highest elevation of your 12-day trek. Upon conquering this demanding section, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the vast Himalayan landscapes. You can also enjoy uninterrupted views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
Soak in this incredible achievement and relish your surrounding views. After spending some time, you will continue a short and pleasant descent to the lower elevation village of Ngwal.
After a strenuous day, today’s trek is more relaxed. The descent allows your body to find some much-deserved rest as you take in the incredible views of the Himalyan landscapes from a different perspective.
Your journey from Ngwal to Pisang follows the main Annapurna Circuit route and passes through pine forests. Enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas, including the north side of Annapurna II, as you descend to Pisang.
From Pisang, you will board a local vehicle/jeep and descend to Besisahar, through the Marshyangdi River Valley. The drive takes you across major villages along the Annapurna Circuit like Chame and Jagat, before stopping at Besisahar for an overnight stay.
You will leave the serene rural Himalyan villages and head to the bustling capital of Kathmandu today. The journey retraces the winding highway, along the rambling Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. After a 6 to 7-hour drive, you will arrive in Kathmandu. Take some time to rest and unwind before heading out with your fellow trekkers for dinner and drinks to celebrate your incredible accomplishment.
Your 11-day Nar Phu Valley Trek in Nepal officially concludes today. Prepare to leave your hotel for the airport at least 3 hours ahead of your scheduled boarding time. A representative from Nature Lovers Treks and Tours will assist you in a smooth transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle.
Hire a strong helper and trek with ease—your porter carries up to 25 kg in total: 20 kg for you and 5 kg of their own.
Prefer a smoother start to your trek? Choose a private Jeep transfer from Kathmandu to Koto. It’s a comfortable and hassle-free way to begin your journey.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a remote location journey deep into the heart of the Annapurna region. Since this is a secluded trek, you need to plan your adventure based on the weather and climatic factors.
The best time for the Nepal Nar Phu Trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months are characterized by more stable weather conditions and better visibility. The temperatures are manageable with a slight chance of rainfall.
In spring, the post-winter months, you can expect a gradual rise in the mercury and daytime hours. The warm conditions and longer daytime hours make trekking in the Himalayas more manageable. In lower-elevation regions, you can hike and enjoy the sights of spring blossoms. However, there is still a slight chance of rainfall. You will need to plan your trek accordingly.
Likewise, autumn is known for crisp visibility. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Himalayan landscape and the icy giants along your way. As you climb to higher elevations, expect the temperatures to drop. Packing layered clothing is recommended to combat the harsh high-altitude conditions.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is classified as moderate to difficult. This journey takes you into the remote Annapurna region and requires you to tackle constant ascents and descents. You need to be in good physical fitness to complete this multi-day high-altitude trek in Nepal safely.
The trails are not technical, but the long walking hours and the challenging Kang La Pass (5,240 meters) make this trek demanding. Also, as this is a high-altitude trek, there is a risk of altitude sickness. We recommend walking at a comfortable pace and participating in the strategic acclimatization days to reduce the chances of altitude-related ailments.
The 11-day Nar Phu Trek is recommended for:
The Nar Phu valley is a demanding journey into the heart of the Annapurna region. Proper preparation is essential for a safe and memorable trek. Below is a list of gear and equipment you will need for the Nar Phu Valley Trek:
