Home » Nepal » Trekking in Nepal » Annapurna Region » Nar Phu Valley Trek
Located in Annapurna region, Nar Phu Valley Trek is an adventure trip that you can do within 11 days from and to Kathmandu. However, if you have more time for trekking and want to join another trekking along with it, you can do Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit Trekking.
We can do this trek with Annapurna Circuit Trekking within 16 Days. We have both 11 DAYS & 16 DAYS ITINERARY and cost with Annapurna Circuit as well as without Annpurna Circuit( Express Trekking to Nar and Phu Valley). Hence, our plan will be suitable for those who want to make longer trip as well as short trip.
During TREKKING TO NAR PHU VALLEY, you will get an opportunity to explore remote Tibetan Villages, narrow canyons, Chortens, Gompas, and EYE-CATCHING MOUNTAIN SCENERY. For those who are looking for Annapurna mountain views with an unspoiled trail, Trekking to Nar Phu Valley will be perfect choices.
TRIP FACTS:
| Trip Name : |
Nar Phu Valley Trekking |
| Maximum Altitude : |
5,315 meter ( 17,438 feet ) |
| Trip Duration : |
11 Days ( 16 Days with Annapurna Circuit) |
| Group Size : |
1 to 30 People |
| Best Time : |
Autumn and Fall |
| Difficulty Level : |
Adventure |
| Start / End Point : |
Kathmandu/Kathmandu |
| Activity : |
7 to 8 hrs walking(Approximate) |
| Nature of Trek : |
Teahouses/Lodge |
REVIEW OF TRAIL: Why Trekking to Nar Phu Valley?
Nar Phu Valley Trekking is one of the best-underrated trekking. As this trail is not crowded like other popular trekking routes, we can say it is the best route for nature lovers. Nonetheless, thrilling mountain views with adventure walking make this trip special.
During the TREKKING TO NAR Village as well as PHU village, you can see the Mani walls, Chortens, Snow-capped mountains, and stone-patched houses inspired culture in Nar Phu Valley that was isolated a few years ago. But now this trail is open and is waiting for you.
Nar Phu Trekking was opened in 2003 and is still underrated trekking in Annapurna. This trip offers amazing experience to the tourists. However, as expensive than the Annpaurna Circuit, limited number of tourists are visiting there. Because, in order to do this trekking, trekkers have to go with restricted areas trekking permit, and which cost 75 to 100 USD per week(depending on the season). Because of permits cost, Nar Phu Trek is still less demanded.
What are the Highlights of the trip?
- It’s an opportunity to explore ancient MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
- This trek offers a picturesque mountain view from every accommodation spot
- You can test the Tibetan Influenced culture and traditions
- Annapurna Mountain Range and Manaslu range will be visible on the route
- Dozen of beautiful waterfalls on the trail
BEST SHORT ITINERARY OF Nar Phu Valley Trekking
If you want to do only Nar Phu Valley Trekking, 8 to 11 days is enough. But if you want to continue Annapurna Circuit Trek after Nar Phu Visit, then it requires around 16 days.
We have BOTH ITINERARY with Annapurna Circuit and without Annapurna Circuit Trekking of Nar Phu Trip. On 11 Days plan, we drive to Jagat from Kathmandu and our trek begins from Jagat and ends in Chame. From Chame, we’ll drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Jagat by drive
On the first day of our trekking to Nar, we’ll drive to Jagat from Kathmandu. First, we will drive to Besisahar by Local Microbus and then Besisahar to Jagat by Shared Jeep.
- Teahouse at Jagat
- 8 to 9 hours drive
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 1,400m/4,593feet
Day 02 : Jagat to Dharapani
On the second day, we’ll move to Dharapani. Throughout the route, you’ll see eye-catching waterfalls and beautiful landscapes.
- Teahouse at Dharapani
- 6 hours walk
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 1,860m/6,102feet
Day 03 : Dharapani to Koto
On the 3rd day, we’ll reach the point from where we can leave the Annapurna Circuit trail. Because from Koto, we’ll follow the trail that goes Nar Phu Valley. On the way to Koto, we’ll pass beautiful villages such as Bagarchhap, Timang, and Thanchok. Nonetheless, from Timang, you can see Nadi Chuli Peak and Hiuchuli Peak. If weather permits we can even see Annapurna II before Koto Village.
- Teahouse at Koto
- 5 to 6 hours walk
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 2,600meter/8,530feet
Day 04: Koto to Meta
From today, we are entering restricted areas on Annapurna. Upon registering our restricted area permit at the Koto police check post, we’ll follow the banks of Soti Khola. On the way to Meta, we will see pine forests, and cascading waterfalls. From Meta, you’ll have impressive views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
Beyond Dharamsala, you’ll get likely Mustang geographically as it lies in Tibetan Plateau. However, it is a very less touched area than Mustang.
- Teahouse at Meta
- 7 to 8 hours drive
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 3,560meter/11,680feet
Day 05: Meta to Phu
Passing several suspension bridges, we reach the deserted fields, Chyaku. After some hours of climbing from Chayku, we reach a small pass from where we can see excellent views of Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak. On the way to Phu Village, we will see colorful Chorten, blue sheep, local houses, and farmlands. From Phu village, we can see splendid views of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks.
- Teahouse at Phu Village
- 6 to 7 hours walk
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 4,250meter/13,944feet)
Day 06: Acclimatization day( Side trip to Himlung Base Camp)
Before Kangla Pass, we should take a rest day. So today, we will stay in Phu Village for Acclimatization. However, it is recommended to make some side trips to get more acclimatized. That’s why we will hike to Himlung Base Camp(4,920m). It takes around 7 to 8 hours for Himlung Base Camp Hike from Phu Village.
- Teahouse at Phu Village
- 7 to 8 hours hike to Himlung Base Camp
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 4,250meter/13,944feet
Day 07: TREKKING to Nar Phedi
On the 7th day, it will be a short trek(3 to 4 hours) to Nar Phedi. At Nar Phedi, we will stay overnight at Monastery.
- Monastery, Nar Phedi
- 3 to 4 hours journey
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 3,490m/11,450ft
Day 08: Nar Phedi to Nar Village
From Nar Phedi, some tourists directly go to Ngwal via Kang La. But it is very hard in a single day to make Nar Phedi to Ngwal. That’s why to make it easy for tourists, BASE CAMP HIKE has a plan to stay at Nar Village before passing. Stay at Nar Village and prepare for Kang La.
- Teahouse at Nar Village
- 2 to 3 hours walk
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 4,100 meter/13,451feet
Day 09 : Nar to Kang La Pass(5,320m/17,455ft) then descend to Nagwal.
This is the most important day of the whole Nar Phu Valley Trekking. Because today we crossed the Kang La pass. In order to pass safely, it is recommended to start early in the morning. Around 5 to 6 hours ascending, we’ll reach Kang La(5,320m/17,455ft).
From Kang La, we’ll see amazing views of Annapurna II, IV, Gangpurna, Khangsar Khang, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak. 3 hours steep descend from Kang La, we’ll reach Ngwal village.
- Teahouse at Ngwal
- 8 to 9 hours walk
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 3,660 meter/12,008 feet
Day 10: Ngwal to Chame
Ngwal to Chame is easy walking because it’s descending. On the way to Chame, we’ll pass many Chorten. Nonetheless, we will have great Annapurna and other peaks from Ghyaru village. Six to seven hours walk from Ngwal, we will be in Chame.
- Teahouse at Chame
- 7 hours walk
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 2,670 meter/8,760 feet
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu/Pokhara
We will take a Jeep from Chame in order to go to Besisahar. And upon reaching Besisahar, we’ll transport to Kathmandu or Pokhara( As your wish) by Local Micro Bus.
- Hotel on your own booking
- 10 to 11 hours drive
- Breakfast, Lunch
- 1400 meter/ 4,593 feet
Can we extend or shorten Nar Phu Valley? There are 2 popular trekking trails that are interrelated with Nar Phu. To get to the main entry point of this trail, you should cross approx 25 percent of the Annapurna Circuit trek. After Kangla Pass you will be in Ngwal which is a popular trekking accommodation spot Around Annapurna Trek. From Ngwal you will have four options. They are:
1) Continue to Annapurna Circuit Trek
2) Continue to Tilicho Lake plus Annapurna Circuit
3) Back to Besisahar via Tilicho Lake
4) Trek to Tilicho and back to Besisahar
So according to your holiday time and interest, you can extend or shorten the Nar Phu trek.
How difficult is Nar Phu Valley Trek? High altitude walks over the weeks as well as steep ascents, and narrow Kang La Pass this trek is considered a challenging trek. Limited lodge on the far distance, it will be not flexible compared to the popular trail.
Mostly you should follow an itinerary to checkout from the trail at the mentioned time period. So for beginner trekkers, it will be hard whereas for those who have previous trekking experience it will be suitable.
Where is Nar Phu Valley Located? Nar Valley is located in the Annapurna region. Stunning mountain views, narrow canyons, Buddhist Gompa, the unique culture of local people and villager typical lifestyle is the primary attraction of Nar Phu.
Where is Kang la Pass? Kang La Pass is a mountain pass which is located in the Manang District of Nepal. The altitude of Kang La is 5,320m from sea level. This pass is more difficult than the Thorong La Annapurna Circuit.
Why Nar Phu Trek is less demanded Because of Permit fees, expensiveness, and adventure grading trek only limited people can offer Nar Phu Kang La Pass Trek.
Since our company has operated this trip before many times, you can ask questions about this trip. We Base Camp Hike is always ready to make your Nar Phu Trek itinerary according to your wish.
Is it Possible to Shorten Nar Phu Trekking? In fact, it is possible to make a short Nar Phu Trip.
To make the short trek to Nar Phu Valley, it’s required around 9 days. Among the 9 days, 1 day to get Koto from Kathmandu, 1 day to get Kathmandu from Pisang, and 7 days for Nar Phu Area. For those who have previous trekking experience in the Himalayas, it is possible to make a short journey to Nar Phu.
Is it possible for Solo Trekking? Regarding solo trek to Nar Phu, so far not been permitted. Because at least two participants are required to get restricted area permits. And in order to get Nar Phu Permit, you can’t apply individually. You should go through a registered trekking agency. Solo trekking to Nar Phu isn’t permitted by the Nepal government.
What types of Accommodation and meals we can get on this route? Since Nar Phu has recently opened a remote mountain route, the teahouse and their meals (food) are on the way to improvements. The Teahouse on this route is the basis as well as food items you will not get on the Annapurna Circuit trail. Point to be noted, in Nar Phedi, accommodation is in the Monastery for that night.
When is the best time to visit? Needless to Say, September to November is the best season to do Nar Phu Trek. Only mid-winter time we can not accomplish Kangla Pass. More often to say, during wintertime because of snow, it’s risky to walk on the narrow trail of the trek.
Though the rainy season it’s difficult to get to the entry point of the NVT trek due to landslides, after entering Nar Phu Area we can do this trek.
March to May is also a good season to explore Nar Valley.
How much does Nar Phu Trekking Permit Cost? Regarding permits for Nar Phu Valley Trek, it requires 3 permits. They are Annapurna Conservation Area Permits(ACAP), Tourist Information Management System(TIMS), and Restricted Areas Permits. ACAP and TIMS permit price remains the same throughout the year. But Restricted Areas permit price changes according to trekking seasons. September to November, it cost USD 100 per person for 1 week and beyond USD 15 per person per day.
Similarly, from December to August, it costs USD 75 per Per Week and beyond week USD 15 per person per day.
All in all, being a restricted area, a trekking permit to Nar Phu is cheaper than Upper Mustang.
