Nar Phu valley trekking region is situated to the northwest of Kathmandu which is hidden behind the Annapurna mountain range next to the Tibetan border in the Manang district.
Nar Phu valley is once known as the lost valley where lies one of the highest Himalayan settlements in Nepal namely “Nar village” at the altitude of 4180 meters above sea level and “Phu village” 4070 meters above sea level. The Kang La pass (5320m) is the highest point of Nar Phu trekking which allows access for Nar Phu valley to the Annapurna circuit trek.
Although Tibetologist David Snellgrove already visited this valley in 1950, Nar Phu valley remained as a hidden valley for a long time until 1960 during the reign of the late king of Nepal “Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev”. Ultimately the valley came to light in search of the “Khampa” (the Tibetan Rebel) as they were taking refuge and settling here.
Nar Phu valley is listed as one of the restricted areas in Nepal which remained as a forbidden valley for tourists until 2002.
Trekking to Nar Phu valley provides an opportunity to explore unspoiled Himalayan nature, ancient Buddhist villages, local people, and Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and tradition.
In addition, you can visit the ancient monastery called “Tashi Lakang monastery” which is believed to be about 1000 years old, and moreover, it is the last one among 108 sacred Himalayan monasteries built by Guru “Khetu Lopsang.” So, this monastery has significant importance, and pilgrims from far away come to pay homage every year.
Nar Phu Valley trekking is filled with Buddhist monasteries, monuments such as Chhortens, mani-walls, and stupas which well reflect the vibrant Buddhist culture of this place. This trek is also filled with Spectacular Trans-Himalayan high landscapes, rugged mountains, terrace-like fields, wild rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and lovely forests.
How to get to the trailhead of Nar Phu trekking?
To get to Nar Phu valley trekking trailhead we can drive taking the bus or private jeep to Beshisahar which takes about 5 hours to reach. Beshisahar is the district headquarter of Lamjung district and it’s a gateway to the popular Annapurna circuit trek. Then either trekking for 4 days or taking another around 5 hours jeep ride on the rough road takes you to “Koto” from where the trek to Nar Phu valley begins.
Nar Phu Valley trekking Route
The trek route for Nar Phu valley goes along the Annapurna circuit trek trail for a few days such as Jagat(1300m), Tal(1700m), Dharapani(1900m) for the first three nights. Then the trek goes to Koto(2640m) for another night before entering into the Nar Phu valley.
Koto is the place from where the trail branches off from the popular Annapurna circuit trek to Nar Phu valley. so, the Next day crossing the bridge over the Marshyangdi River, the trek continues to enter into the valley which gradually and eventually goes to Meta(3560m), Khyang(3740m), and Phu village(4070m) for other nights of the trek. The next day as part of an acclimatization day at Phu village, we take a detour to Tashilakhang monastery, a famous monastery in the region and in Nepal.
After this trek, the trail continues to Nar Phedi (3490m) and to Nar village(4180m) for another two nights before crossing over the Khang La pass (5320m). The long and adventurous day takes place the next day leaving from Nar and over the pass and descends to Ngawal where we catch back to the regular Annapurna circuit trek. Then the trek continues down to Chame, the headquarter of Manang district from where we take a drive to Besisahar before continuing to Kathmandu.
Or some trekkers can string the famous Annapurna circuit trek towards the upper Manang valley and over the Thorong La pass (5416m) and down to Mustang valley along the Kaligandaki River to add up more sights and excitement during the journey.
What are the required Nar Phu valley trekking Permits and fees?
You are required to obtain two kinds of permits for the Nar Phu valley trekking which are:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, costs 3000 Nepalese Rupees per head.
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP), as this area is declared as a restricted area, costs $100 USD for a week per head and $15 USD for additional each day. For further details regarding Nar-Phu Valley Trek Permit, Please click here
Note: Although our itinerary is just focused on Nar Phu valley trekking besides this, you also can combine the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Thorung-La pass. Please let us know if you want to customize this itinerary so, that our expert Package designer can help you with this based on your destination, requirement, and Budget.
