Nar Phu Valley Trek – 9 Days Itinerary

Nar Phu Valley is one of Nepal’s untouched areas is the remote and shadowy, deep inside the Annapurna range. It is in Manang, and its surrounding region are now known as the Nisyang Valley.

Nar and Phu villages came to the government’s attention only after they saw the washing down clothes flowing down the Nar Khola. Because of their curiosity, they discovered this mysterious trek.

In 2002, Nar Phu was opened to foreigners, allowing travellers to witness the unspoiled Himalayas, age-old Tibetan customs and exciting high-altitude experiences. It’s not only about exploring the land; it’s also about uncovering a hidden world.

You start your trek in Koto, which is just a short walk from Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district. The next part of the trail goes through a tightly curved ravine in the cliffs, ending at Meta, a small place that means “below” in the local language.

From above, Meta appears to serve as a level space that the Nar villagers use for farming various crops each season. After trekking deeper into the valley, trekkers walk over Mahendra Pul, a high-suspension bridge that connects Meta to Nar Phedi.

This is home to the well-known Sate Gompa, which was built by Karma Thilen Lama, who is said to have founded 108 monasteries in the Himalayas. This spiritual landmark is the source of the valley’s deep religious history.

As you go on, the Nar Phu village majesties come into view. These settlements are where you can see and experience ancient Tibetan customs.

During Baisakh and Asar, most people from Phu and surrounding villages go to high-altitude meadows such as Namgyal Kharka, Kicho Lek, Pisang Lek and Yak Kharka to collect Yarsagumba.

Many villages look deserted, as their women, children and older residents have moved to better-off towns such as Pokhara and Kathmandu.

In the local language, the Nar village is called Chuprung. It features closely packed mud homes and a gate built to keep animals from straying. When you step just outside the village, you may notice Jimmu (Himalayan onion) being grown, making the landscape more colourful.

The language known as the Nar-Phu dialect is spoken by both the Narten of Nar and the people of Phu. These villages maintain their way of life thanks to houses with stone foundations, colourful flags, and age-old traditions.

The Nar Phu Valley Nepal does not feature luxury and crowds. It benefits those who want a sense of quiet, deeper reflection, and spirituality. As you trek through narrow canyons, over snow-covered glaciers, and climb Kang La (5,320m), you’ll be close to nature and discover many spectacular landscapes.

A trek through the Nar Phu Valley gives travellers one of Nepal’s most rewarding experiences that no one will forget.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Facts

• District: Manang
• Trail Opened: 2003 A.D. (for foreign trekkers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trek Duration: 9 days
• Per Day Walk: 5-7 hours
• Beginning/Ending Point: Kathmandu, Nepal (1400 m)
• Trek Beginning Point: Koto, Manang (2600 m/8530 ft.)
• Trek Ending Point: Ngawal, Manang (3660 m/12007 ft.)
• Trek Distance: Approximately 70 km/43 miles
• Total Driving Hours: 20 hours
• Maximum Altitude: Kang La Pass (5320 m/17454.07 ft)
• Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Nar Phu Special Permit
• Mode of Transportation: Jeep or Bus to Koto
• Best Time to visit Nar Phu: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)

Top Highlights of Nar Phu Valley

• Nar and Phu are two separate medieval villages.
• Remote and less crowded trekking route, offering a peaceful experience away from mainstream trails.
• Stunning views of Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, and Tilicho Peak.
• Traditional Tibetan-influenced Nar and Phu villages with unique cultures and ancient monasteries.
• Ancient caves and hermitages used by monks for meditation.
• High-altitude desert landscapes combined with lush green valleys.
• Crossing the Kang La Pass (5,320 meters) with breathtaking panoramic mountain views.
• Rich biodiversity, including sightings of Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopards (rare).
• Opportunity to explore the sacred Phu Monastery, a spiritual centre for locals.
• Dramatic changes in landscape from alpine forests to barren rocky terrains.
• Authentic experience of the lifestyle of the Indigenous Nar and Phu people.
• Chance to visit the isolated village of Phu, known for its ancient architecture and preserved culture.
• Encounter traditional Tibetan prayer flags, mani stones, and chortens along the trail.
• Stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan peaks from high camps.
• Crystal-clear mountain streams and natural springs along the trek.
• Experience the fusion of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures in remote Himalayan settings.

History of Nar Phu Valley

The Nar Phu Valley owes its early history to Tibetan migrants. Many centuries ago, people from Tibet crossed the Himalayas to the valley, hoping to raise their cattle peacefully.

Because of Tibetan Buddhist settlers, that era’s culture, language, and architecture continue to shape the valley today.

Due to being far from civilisation and having difficult terrain, the place avoided outside influences for many years.

Chame residents noticed a group of oddly cut clothes flowing down the Nar Khola River, which led to the government’s discovery of Nar and Phu villages. As a result, an investigation revealed that people had built villages in the mountains.

Even though it had been in Nepal for several centuries, foreigners could not access the valley for sightseeing and trekking until 2002. Because people built in the valley late, it retained its actual character and kept its history and culture untouched.

Nar Phu Language

Only people in the remote Nar and Phu villages in upper Manang, Nepal, speak the Nar Phu language. Like the Tibetan-influenced dialects, it is a member of the Tibeto-Burman family.

Since only a very small number of individuals speak it natively, the Language Commission considers it a critically endangered language in Nepal.

In that same year, the commission placed Nar Phu among eight new minority languages in danger of becoming extinct, alongside the Rana Tharu, Chum Nubri and Poike languages.

The daily use of the Nar Phu language is declining as more young people migrate to cities and use Nepali and English instead. While old villagers care to use the dialect at home, younger people are more apt to use common languages at school and at work.

Culture and Wildlife in Nar Phu Trek

But the Nar Phu Circuit Trek is more than a treasure in culture. Tibetan influences among the people have kept traditions alive for centuries. Buddhism guides festivals, rituals, and daily life events; thus, it is a beautiful, spiritual valley. Colourful prayer flags, monasteries, and traditional homes portray this heritage.

Wildlife in the Nar Phu Valley is diverse and unique in its way. The number of species comprises Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and many birds. While trekking through lush forests of fir, coniferous, and alpine meadows, one rarely can witness rare species of wild animals.

A Typical Day on the Nar Phu Valley Trekking

A typical day on the Nar Phu Valley Trek begins early in the morning with breakfast at the lodge, often featuring local dishes. Trekkers usually hike for about six hours, although some days may extend to eight. Especially when crossing high passes like Kang La Pass.

Lunch is typically enjoyed on the trail, consisting of simple meals such as noodles or rice. It helps trekkers to refuel while immersing in the stunning natural surroundings. Nar Phu Village also includes opportunities for cultural experiences, such as attending evening prayers at monasteries and sharing meals with local villagers, enriching the journey.

Acclimatization days are included in the Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary, particularly after reaching higher altitudes like Phu, where trekkers can explore the village and nearby sites to adjust to the elevation and prevent altitude sickness.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, & Health  

Nar Phu Trek requires trekkers to be in good physical shape. Most days, your hike involves several hours on rough and uneven mountain trails. You’ll usually climb steeper areas and pass Kang La Pass, which stands over 5,320 meters above sea level. Having a fair level of fitness will allow you to go on the hike without undue exhaustion or injuries.

Working out with cardio movements such as hiking, jogging, or cycling just before your trip will benefit you when you are walking a lot. Keep in mind that the hike requires both physical power and stamina.

Being at a high altitude is an important consideration on this trek. Because Nar Phu Valley is so high, there is a real possibility of altitude sickness. You should move forward gradually, rest when needed, and keep your body hydrated.

Most Nar Phu trekking routes include a few days for your body to adapt to altitude. If you notice headaches, dizziness, or nausea, it may be a sign of altitude sickness.

Always travel with simple medications and discuss the effects of altitude with your doctor. Also, remember to pack a first aid kit for handling small emergency issues.

There are not many medical services available in the Nar Phu region, and there are no hospitals or clinics on the region. Getting out by helicopter is a choice during emergencies, but it costs a lot and is only possible in good weather. For this reason, it is vital to pay attention to your own health and prevent issues.

People who plan to hike at high altitudes should have emergency evacuation insurance. Having what you need to treat simple medical issues and packing your supplies properly is the duty of a responsible trekker.

Know More About Nar Phu Valley Trek Preparation

Nar Phu Valley Trek Cost

Nar Phu Valley Trek costs $995 per person, with essential services like permits, food, accommodations, and guides. It will cover everything listed in the trek list, which is already mentioned in our include/exclude section.

Himalayan Masters provide one of the best deal at this price with the best services. The Nar Phu Valley Trek package cost might fluctuate sometimes due to some unseen circumstances like extra days or some incidents.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit

Nepal’s government has kept Nar and Phu Valley a restricted region to preserve this place’s local culture and tradition. It would be best to have a specialized Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit in the Nar and Phu valleys. Your trekking agency in Nepal issues the Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permits.

The Nar Phu permit cost U$100 per week per person. If you stay longer, you must pay $10-$15 daily. Independent trekkers cannot issue the Nar Phu Valley permit- a licensed guide must accompany you.

Also, a team of two trekkers can only issue the Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit. Next, you have Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits.

Know More About Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits and Paperwork

Benefits of Trekking Nar Phu Village with Himalayan Masters

• Nar Phu Trek itinerary customization as per your preferences and needs.
• Get trek certificates after the successful trek completion.
• Online as well as offline trek briefing.
• 24/7 communication on different channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Viber.
• Best licensed local guides with huge knowledge about the routes.
• Promotes sustainable tourism and respects local environments.
• Easy booking process and straightforward.
• Competitive pricing with no hidden charges, great value for money.
• From permits, accommodation, meals, to airport pickups, everything is arranged for you.
• Positive feedback from past trekkers across platforms like TripAdvisor and Google.

Important Things to Remember for the Nar Phu Trek

• Take enough water and snacks along with you.
• Dress in layers as the weather changes.
• Respect the customs and traditions of the place.
• Carry Nar Phu Valley Trekking permits should always be with you.
• Take eco-friendly, biodegradable products.
• Pay respect to the trail signs and guides.
• Trek at a reasonable pace.
• Be prepared for altitude changes.

Best Places to Acclimatize during Nar Phu Trek

The Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary has one day acclimatization day where we have many options to visit. If we go as per our itinerary, we will hike up to the Himlung Himal Base Camp but there are many more places that we can explore during the optional rest day.

Tashi Lhakhang Gompa is another best option for the rest day. This monastery is really beautiful where you will explore with the guidance of nun. The monastery has prayer halls and library also.

The monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries. Tashi Gompa is a side trip to Milarepa’s Cave from Braga.

The Challenging Journey of Kang La Pass  

The Kang La Pass at an altitude of 5,320 meters provides one of the greatest and toughest challenges during a trek in the Nar Phu Valley. During this part of the adventure, you really sense the wild unrestrained beauty of the Himalayas. 

It usually takes hours to get to the top, so guides often start the ascent before sunrise in the freezing dark. At the highest point, you get one of the best views you see Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak up close and clear.  

More than being physical, crossing the pass is a great achievement and leaves you full of proud feelings. Because there is often strong wind and snow in this region, you need to stay prepared. 

When the summit is done, the path descends to Ngawal, where the Annapurna Circuit starts again. What makes Nar Phu Valley unique among Nepal’s trekking regions is this dramatic crossing. 

Nar Phu Valley Trek Distance 

The total distance of the Nar Phu Valley Trek varies slightly depending on the exact route and side trips, but it generally covers around 70 to 100 kilometers (43 to 60 miles).  

If you’re combining it with parts of the Annapurna Circuit, the distance can extend even more. The trek usually takes around 12 to 15 days, including rest days and acclimatization. 

Out of the total distance, approximately 65 to 75 km (40 to 47 miles) are pure trekking trails, where you walk through remote valleys, forests, and high passes.  

The rest of the distance includes rough roads suitable for jeeps and buses, especially in the Kathmandu to Koto and from Ngawal/Manang to Besisahar sections, which are usually covered by vehicle. 

The longest trekking day is usually the day when you cross Kang La Pass, which can take 8 to 10 hours of walking depending on your pace. The shortest day might be the exploration day around Phu or Nar, where you only walk for about 3 to 4 hours.  

Mountains Seen from Nar Phu Trek

The Nar Phu Valley trek offers breathtaking views of some of the highest and most iconic Himalayan peaks. As the Nar Phu Trek route moves through narrow gorges, open alpine valleys, and high passes, so, trekkers are treated to spectacular mountain panoramas.

Here are the major peaks you can see during the Nar Phu trek and the best viewpoints for each:

• Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft): Seen from Kang La Pass, especially on clear days
• Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft): Visible from Meta, Nar Phedi, Nar village, and Kang La Pass.
• Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft): Best seen from Phu village and near the monastery above Phu.
• Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,457 ft): Visible from Nar village and during the descent from Kang La Pass.
• Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,983 ft): Seen clearly while descending from Kang La Pass toward Ngawal.
• Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,405 ft): Seen from Kang La Pass and some high ridges near Nar.

9-day Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary Outline