Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate trail that doesn’t recount any form of luxury. However, the trail to Nar and Phu Villages is highly recommended for those who prefer a peaceful and quiet environment with very few trekkers, have a deep attachment to spiritualism, and are keen to explore the medieval lifestyle, culture, and tradition of Tibetan people.
The find-out of the Nar Phu Valley is very recent and was declared an isolated area of the Annapurna Region till 2002. However, the door to Nar-Phu Valley was opened for travelers in 2003 with strict restrictions for travelers to follow.
NAR PHU VALLEY TREK is a combination of two popular and prominent destinations of the Annapurna Region inhabited by the Tibetan origin. Those include NAR VILLAGE and PHU VILLAGE, and combined together make it a NAR and PHU VALLEY, and in short, it is popularly known as Nar-Phu Valley.
Nar Phu Valley trek is considered as one of the amazing trekking trails due to its stunning views, culture, and traditions of the people. Trekkers can experience its remoteness as fewer trekkers dare to trek. The majestic view of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan ranges provides a memorable experience.
Starting your trek from dense alpine forest, you will reach the bare Himalayas of Nar and Phu valley to take advantage of exploring the typical lifestyle of the local settlement hidden for generations.
The trek route to Nar Phu diverts an route from Koto of the Annapurna region into the remote North-East before descending towards either Koto or Ngawal Via Kang La Pass (5320M). However, trekkers will have an option to skip the Kang La Pass (5320M), if one wants to skip the high altitude and descend to Koto to end the trek.
Facts To Know About Nar Phu Valley Trek
Trekking Region: Annapurna
Trekking District: Manang
Beginning/Ending Point: Kathmandu
Trekking Duration: 9 Days
Trek Start: Koto
Trek End: Nagwal
Trek Distance: 70 km/43 Miles (approx.)
Per Day Hike: 6/7 Hours
Highest Overnight Lodge: Nar Village (4200M)
Highest Altitude: Kang La Pass (5320M)
Permits: ACAP/Restricted area permits
Mode of Transport: Jeep/Bus | Private/Sharing
Best Time: Spring/Autumn
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge/Gompa
Highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Gorgeous trek to the Hidden Valley of the Annapurna Region
- Explore the precious Nar and Phu Village together
- Pristine and low-crowded trail
- Easy and comfortable trek with an alternative option
- Explore the unique Tibetan culture and tradition
- Enjoy the Tibetan hospitality chorten, and age-old monasteries
- Typical Tibetan culture and the daily lifestyle will be an amazing experience
- Majestic Himalayan vista including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu
- Experience the Kang La Pass (5320M) with the stunning panoramic views
- Visit some of the majestic monasteries and spend time with the monks and nuns
- Stunning landscape and majestic view throughout the trek.
NAR PHU VALLEY TREK MAP
Nar Phu Trek Permits
Nar Phu Valley Trekking Trails falls under the restricted Area of the Annapurna Region boarding with the Autonomous region of Tibet. Thus, there are special restrictions for travelers with strict rules that have to be followed while trekking to the Nar Phu Valley of Nepal. This includes a minimum of two travelers to trek Nar Phu Valley accompanied by a registered trekking guide.
Trekkers will need to have a special permit from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, which can be obtained with a valid visa to Nepal, along with passport copy and this can only be procured through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
Apart from special permits, trekkers will also need to have the conservation permits of that particular region. Below are the Permits required for Nar Phu Valley Trek:
- Restricted Area Permits
- ACAP Permits
- TIMS Permits
Nar Phu Valley Trek Difficulty
Nar Phu is a moderate trek that passes through the well-managed trail, through the villages, farmland, and forest, and takes one to the highest altitude at Nar Village (4200M). Here, trekkers will have an option to descend through the Kang La Pass (5320M) towards Ngawal or back the same way to Koto, the starting point of the Trek.
However, the trail to Nar Phu Valley is considerably moderate and easy-going and is doable for all age groups. The best part of the Nar Phu Valley Trek in Nepal is its low-altitude overnight stay. The highest overnight stay during the entire trek will be at Phu Village (4080M) and Nar Village (4200M).
People mainly engaged in cultivation and raising domestic cattle like Yak, Sheep, etc. have very little access with the city life. They enjoy their preserved tradition and culture and enjoy their life with limitations.
Life in Nar and Phu Valley is harsh for city dwellers, but with very little, they have formed a habit of survival. They sell their woolen netted stuff, stored vegetables, fruits and medicinal herbs as they descend to the lower altitude during the winter to skip from harsh mountain life.
Nar Phu Trek Route
Nar Phu Valley Trek Route is a comparatively easy and comfortable hike in a pristine environment through nature and local villages. Here, the best part is that the trail to Nar Phu Valley is less crowded, but one can frequently meet locals on the trek.
Trekkers will encounter only few trekkers on the trail which makes one to explore more without being having the feeling of disturbance. Although Nar Phu Valley Trek doesn’t allow trekkers with much choices to follow when the talk about the diversity of the trek route occur.
Here, hikers will have one of the few options to follow regarding the route. This will be to follow via the same route both ways or via the Kang La Pass. Due to local settlement, route are perfect for trekkers, and one can enjoy throughout.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Distance
Nar Phu Trek Cost
The cost for Nar Phu Trek is determined by a couple of factors, those includes the customized itinerary encompassing the number of days for the trek and also the means of transport.
Due to the availability of drive-able road to the starting point of the Nar Phu Trekking trail, the number of days has consecutively decreased. However, here one will have an option to take a private transport or a shared local transport to the point. This can be done in both ways.
Further, the starting point of the trek remains the same for the Nar Phu Valley Trek; however, the ending point can be made either at Koto or Ngawal, depending upon trekkers' preference to cross over the KANG LA PASS (5320M).
These factors will determine the cost for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. However, the cost for Nar Phu Valley will start from USD 1100 Per Person, and this includes all the necessary permits, professional guide, meals, accommodation, and transport from/to Kathmandu/Pokhara.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: The Best from a Scenic Point of View
Nar Phu Trek has always remain a best destination from a scenic point of view. Here, trekkers can explore mesmerizing landscapes, the three highest mountains, Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, and numerous other Himalayas below 8000 Meters.
Apart from the mountains, the villages, farmland, vegetation, wildlife, etc., are the best that are seen. Old houses built from clay, caves, ancient monasteries etc are some of the frequently observed structures.
The view of the diverse landscape, lowland villages, and the panoramic Himalayan vista from the Kang La Pass will mesmerize trekkers.
Equipment List For Nar Phu Valley Trek
Proper essential equipment plays a vital role for comfort and safety during any trek, however, being overburdened with unnecessary stuff will lead to suffer. Further, trekkers has to select the necessary list according to the months and season of their trek.For details, please contact Discover Altitude Trek.
Below are some of the necessary items one needs for the Nar Phu Valley Trek:
- Sleeping Bag
- Duffle bag (for Porter)
- Day bag for very personal belongings
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover
- Thermal underclothes
- Undergarments
- Rain Pancho
- Down Jacket
- Sun Hat/Scaf
- Trekking Pants
- Mittens or wollen gloves
- Proper trekking shoes
- Extra pair of hiking shoes or sandals
- Socks
- Full sleeve t-shirt
- Quick Dry Towel
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sunglasses
- Sunscream
- Trekking Poles
- Water bottle (2 Liter)
- Water Purification Tablet/Water filter
- Basic First aid medical kit
- Toileteries
Nar Phu Valley Trek With Annapurna Circuit
Nar Phu Valley Trek, which lies in the Annapurna Region of Nepal, can be diverted towards Annapurna Circuit Trek with some additional days. The best part of the Nar Phu Trek is that this route starts and ends at the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
With the same permits but with additional days of exploration, trekkers can easily complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The route to the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be either divert towards through KOTO or Nagwal. This depends upon where one ends the Nar Phu Valley Nepal Trek.
Adjoining Nar Phu Valley Trek to Annapurna Circuit Trail will pass by Manang, a beautiful little town of the Manang District, and then towards the bare Himalayan range to reach the Throung Phedi for the last overnight camp before the Throung La Pass (5416M).
Finally, the trail will descend towards Muktinath and a short drive to Jomsom to take the next morning flight to Pokhara and end the trip to Kathmandu with both drive and flight options.
Joining Nar Phu Valley Trail with the Annapurna Circuit Trail will be one of the best experiences for travelers.
Joining NAR PHU VALLEY TREK with ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK will be another 5 Days additional, and this will make your trek a real adventure crossing the highest Thorung La Pass (5416M).
This will be the best experience to end the trek at the lower part of Mustang and then a scenic flight to Pokhara via the Kali Gandaki river gorge, the deepest in the world between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and end in either Pokhara | Kathmandu.
How to make Nar Phu valley a worth trek?
The best way to trek the Nar Phu Valley Trail is to follow both the popular villages (Nar and Phu) and then cross the Kang La Pass and descend to Ngawal. This will be one of the best experiences for any traveler.
However, if one is worried with the high altitude of Kang La Pass (5320M) then skipping the pass and descending the same route after the Nar and Phu Village will definitely be a possible option.
However, if you want to make Nar Phu a worth experience, then combining Nar and Phu villages will be the best.
How to customize Nar Phu Trek
Nar Phu Trek can be customized by travelers according to their fitness level and time-frame. Nar and Phu are two separate remote villages of the Annapurna Region and trekkers will have the option to do this in a more relaxing and comfortable way by customizing the Itinerary as per their demand.
Nar Phu Valley can be done in 3 Different ways according to the Time Frame.
A. Joining Nar and Phu Valley Together with Kang La Pass
B. Nar Valley and Kang La Pass
C. Phu Valley Trek
D.Nar Phu Valley Trek
E.Nar Valley Trek
F. Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek
G.Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit Trek
For details, cutomize itienary, please contact DISCOVER ALTITUDE TREK
Best Time to Trek Nar Phu Valley
Nar Phu Valley Trail can be trekked throughout the year, however, spring and autumn are regarded as the best times for Nar Phu Trek due to clear visibility of the mountains and landscape.
However, the monsoon brings scenic greenery and waterfalls during the trek and is doable as well. As the upper part of the Annapurna Region, including Nar Phu Valley falls under the rain shadow zone of Nepal, blocking the rain clouds by the Annapurna mountain range.
However, the lower part receives rainfall, and driving to/from the starting/ending point might be disrupted by the rain because the road from Beshi Sahar is off-road
drive. So, trekking during the monsoon requires a couple of additional days.
Food and Accommodation during Nar Phu Trek
Despite being a remote off-the-beaten trail, Nar Phu Valley Trek receives both national and international travelers, and this has made the local to maintain and organize tea houses and lodges to welcome trekkers and also to generate some income.
As the Nar Phu falls under the restricted area of the Annapurna Region, the flow of travelers is limited with strict restrictions for locals to build tea houses/lodge, limiting basic tea houses and lodges during the trek. However, trekkers will have the feeling of a family stay and the warm hospitality of the local people because lodges and tea houses are of a home-stay type run by the local people.
Each room will have two separate beds with a tick mattress and a pillow. However, rooms are basic but clean. Trekkers must not expect any form of Luxury amenities during the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
Trekkers will have option of choice when it comes to food. Popular Tibetan cuisine, Nepali Dal Bhat, MOMO, Chumminess, rolls, bread etc are some of the popular cuisines one can enjoy during the Nar Phu Trek. Locally grown vegetables are widely used in food and are healthy to try.
Nar Phu Valley Trek in Winter
Weather in the mountain are always unpredictable and we request our travelers to be packed as per the season of the year. Nar Phu Valley Trek is comparatively low altitude trek (Overnight), however, during the winter (December and January), the temperature in Nar and Phu villages will go below freezing point.
Those are the months, when most of the villagers descend to the lower altitude to skip the cold weather condition. However, during the Spring and Autumn season, weather are fine with sunny day and chill night.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Altitude
Nar Phu Valley is a moderate trek that is suitable for all age group. The trail to Nar and Phu mostly follows the well maintained villages trail and trekkers will be staying in villages every night.
The highest altitude for the overnight stay in the entire trek will be at two points, namely Phu Village (4080M) and Nar Village (4200M). However, crossing the Kang La Pass (5320M) will be the highest altitude of the entire trek.
Overall, Nar Phu Nepal Trek is a low-altitude and easy-going trek that starts from the low alpine forest to the bare Himalayas and finally descend towards the village at a lower altitude.
Detailed Itinerary of Nar Phu Valley Trek
DAY 1: Drive to KOT Via Beshi Sahar (2600M)
DAY 2: Trek to Meta (3560M)
DAY 3: Trek to Phu Village (4080M)
DAY 4: Exploration Day, Day Tour to Himlung Base Camp (4920M)
DAY 5: Trek to Nar Phedi/Gompa (3490M)
DAY 6: Trek to Nar Village (4200M)
DAY 7: Trek to Ngawal (3660M) VIA KANG LA PASS (5320M)
DAY 8: Drive to Beshi Sahar (760M)
DAY 9: Drive to Kathmandu (1350M)
Cost Information
Include
- Complementary international airport pick up and drop off
- Public Transport to KOTO from Kathmandu via Beshi Sahar
- Public Transport to Kathmandu from KOTO via Beshi Sahar (NOTE: Private Transport will be available with an additional cost)
- Restricted Area Permits
- ACAP Permits
- TIMS Permits
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Tea House/Lodge Accommodation during the Trek with an attached room on the basis of availability
- Meals during the Trek (Breakfast with a cup of Tea/Coffee, Lunch, and Dinner)
- First aid medical kit
- Oxi Meter to check your pulse rate
- Trekking Pole during the Trek
- Discover Altitude Trekking Cap
- Trip Achievement Certificate
- Government Tax and Service Charges
Exclude:
- Personal Expenses (Internet, Hot/Cold Driks, Bar Bills, Charging device, Hot Shower etc)
- Tips to your Guide
TRIP COST: USD 1095 Per Person
For booking or inquiry connect us at +977 9841161593 ( WhatsApp) or Email Us at info@discoveraltitude.com
Customize Trip | Book Trip
FAQs for Nar Phu Vallery Trek
Is Nar Phu Valley worth trekking?
Nar Phu Valley Nepal Trek is one of the finest off-the-beaten trekking trail in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.
This trail not only amazes travelers with the mesmerizing Scenic view of the Himalayas and landscaper but also take you close to the typical Tibetan culture and tradition of the local settlement.
Can we trek Nar Phu Valley without a Guide?
No, Nar Phu Valley Trek falls under the Restricted Area of Annapurna Region, thus, a registered Guide and a Special Permits is must for travelers to have.
Can we choose between Nar and Phu?
Yes, Nar and Phu are separate villages and combined together to make it Nar Phu Valley. Trekkers have the choice to select both or either one in between Nar and Phu Village.
Can we make Nar Phu a low-altitude trek?
Nar Phu Valley Trek can be made into a low altitude trek by skipping the Kang La Pass (5320M) and trekking only the Nar and Phu Villages.
Can we customize Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Yes, Nar Phu Valley Trek can be customized as per the interest of trekkers with multiple options- make it a short/longer trek, low/high altitude trek, joining with Annapurna Circuit Trek etc
Is Nar Phu Valley Trek doable for first-time trekkers?
Yes, Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate trek which is suitable for all age groups and first-time trekkers. This can be made into a lower altitude trek, skipping the Kang La Pass (5320M).
Can a senior citizen trek to Nar Phu Valley?
Yes, senior citizens and kids can also trek Nar Phu Valley Trek in a comfortable way, customizing the altitude gain and distance to cover.
Can we visit monasteries during Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Trekkers can visit monasteries and chortens during the Nar Phu Trek, which are regularly opened for travelers and also locals. Every morning and evening prayers are offered at the monastery by monks and nuns.
Is Nar Phu a safe trekking destination?
Yes, Nar Phu Valley Trek is a safe destination for trekkers. The area is mainly occupied by the Tibetan-origin people, and they are very welcoming and hospitable.
Can we make Nar Phu Valley a private trek?
Nar Phu Valley Trek can be done in a private way when the number of trekkers are not less than 2. This will be a comfortable and hassle-free trek.
