Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

Passing through the most isolated regions of Nepal
Yak hurdles around the trails of the Phu and Nar
Numerous mani walls and chortens around the path
Experience the astonishing view of Mt. Himlung and other mountain ranges from Phu village
Unique culture, language, and lifestyle of the people
Eye- catching view of the AnnapurnaⅡAnnapurnaⅢ AnnapurnaⅣ Ganga purna, Tilicho peak from Kang La Pass (5320 m)
Stunning view from Koto of Mt. Lanjung and Mt. Manaslu
Explore narrow and colorful George, the glacier of peaks, and monasteries

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a hidden gem of Annapurna, one of the un- touched and unspoiled region from outside world. It is the last standing remains of ancient forbidden kingdom of Tibet later found in Nepal. There are two villages popular in Annapurna region (Nar and Phu), which is also known as “The Little Tibet”. Nar Phu valley trek is a quite strenuous and most isolated region trek of Annapurna in Nepal. Nar (4150 m) is a big village before Kang La Pass (5320 m) and Phu (4250 m) is a village in front of Himlung Mountain. This trek is a mixed of unique, wild and visiting remote village of Nar Phu region, numerous yaks and yak pastures, magnificient view of mountain peaks, lean and colorful Georges, high and quite difficult Kang La Pass and the glacier peaks. This is less touristic trek rather than another trek of Annapurna. So, it is suitable for the trekker who seeks quite adventure and peaceful environment. You can also do the Annapurna circuit continuously. It’s a great opportunity after you do Kang La Pass. You can include Tilicho Lake as well.

Suitable season

Mainly, all the season is suitable for trekking in Nepal. But, spring and autum is the best season in terms of weather and view. Spring is a season of flower bloom and new leaf start to grow. The environment becomes green which give you fresh air and pleases your eyes. Similarly, autum is the festive season. One can enjoy the Nepalese way of celebrating festivals and its importance. Temperature is neither too hot nor cold which fits for trekking.

Permits required for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Simply, every Himalayas in Nepal is a protected area, with the popular name of the Himalayas and Nar Phu trek also comes under Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). All the trekkers trekking Nar Phu valley need three different permits.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
Special Trekking permits for Nar Phu valley trek.

Altitude Sickness

Normally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Here are some things you can do to prevent yourself from getting altitude sickness.

Stop and rest where you are
Do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours
Make sure you are drinking enough water
Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise
Eating foods and drinking fluids that contain carbs such as bread, pasta, fruits, milk, rice, and so on.

Travel Insurance

Any trek in Nepal, including the Nar Phu valley trekking, demands travel insurance. When buying travel insurance, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and other unexpected emergency. Additionally, you may also obtain the coverage of other activities like hiking, mountaineering, and adventure sports. It can offer you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unforeseen accident.

Guide and Porter

All the trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and to obtain TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal. Importantly, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable and reputable company that can provide you with a safe and technically competent guide and porter. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first aid kids.

Foods and lodging

Nepali Dal Bhat is a chief dish with organic and healthy fresh green vegetable curry. Tea shops and lodges provide meals, which are often a mix of Nepalese and western cursine. There are also vegetarian choices. You will enjoy the Variety of delicious foods during the trek.

The accommodation is modest, generally with twin beds in a shared room. There may be common rooms at some tea houses where you may rest and socialize with other trekkers.

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or want to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you create the perfect holiday plan. Contact us anytime!

Day 1

Drive from Kathmandu to Koto

The journey from Kathmandu to Koto is a scenic drive that takes about 8-9 hours, climbing from the bustling city streets to the tranquil mountain village of Koto at 2,700 meters. As you leave Kathmandu, you’ll witness a gradual shift from urban landscapes to verdant valleys and terraced hillsides. The road winds through riverside towns and along lush forests, with glimpses of the majestic Himalayan range in the distance. Koto marks the starting point of your Nar Phu Valley adventure, offering a quiet respite to acclimatize and prepare for the trails ahead.

Day 2

Trek from Koto to Meta

The trek from Koto to Meta is an exhilarating 6-7 hour journey, leading you deeper into the wild beauty of the Nar Phu Valley. The trail ascends through dense pine forests, crossing suspension bridges over crystal-clear rivers and passing by small cave shelters used by local herders. As you climb higher, the scenery opens up, revealing striking views of snow-capped peaks and rugged landscapes. At 3,560 meters, Meta welcomes you with its peaceful surroundings and panoramic mountain vistas, offering a well-deserved rest and a taste of the remote Himalayan lifestyle.

Day 3

Trek from Meta to Kyang

The trek from Meta to Kyang is a 6-7 hour journey into the heart of the Nar Phu Valley’s rugged wilderness. As you ascend to 4,080 meters, the landscape transforms into an otherworldly mix of high-altitude deserts and towering cliffs. The trail follows ancient pathways, passing by abandoned settlements and traditional yak pastures. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of surrounding peaks and the sheer cliffs of the valley. Kyang, a remote seasonal herding village, offers a unique insight into the timeless culture of the valley's inhabitants and a tranquil stop to recharge for the days ahead.

Day 4

Trek from Kyang to Phu Gaon

The trek from Kyang to Phu Gaon is a captivating 6-7 hour journey that takes you deeper into the remote reaches of Nar Phu Valley. As you make your way toward Phu Gaon, perched at 4,110 meters, the landscape shifts into dramatic, windswept cliffs and open valley floors dotted with mani stones and ancient chortens, offering glimpses of the region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Along the trail, you may encounter blue sheep grazing on rocky slopes and spot eagles soaring above. Arriving at Phu Gaon, you'll find a traditional Himalayan village filled with ancient monasteries and timeless culture, making it a highlight of the trek.

Day 5

Trek Back from Phu Gaon to Chyarko

The return trek from Phu Gaon to Chyarko takes around 6-7 hours and provides a chance to revisit the breathtaking landscapes of Nar Phu Valley from a new perspective. Descending from 4,110 meters to 3,850 meters, you’ll retrace your steps along ancient trails flanked by soaring cliffs, past colorful prayer flags and age-old chortens. As you pass through highland pastures and yak grazing grounds, take in the expansive valley views and reflect on the remote beauty and tranquility of the region. Kyang offers a familiar, peaceful resting spot to wind down after a rewarding day on the trail.

Day 6

Trek from Chyarko to Nar Phedi

The journey from Chyarko to Nar Phedi passes through untamed Himalayan scenery and picturesque paths dotted with old chortens and traditional stone walls. This route exposes hikers to the region's rich cultural heritage while providing breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Travelers frequently pause at the tranquil Nar Phedi Monastery as they descend into Nar Phedi to take in the tranquil surroundings and the monks' gracious hospitality. Despite being somewhat difficult, the hike this day offers you remarkable views of the natural world and peaceful spiritual surroundings.

Day 7

Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar

The trek from Nar Phedi to Nar is an exciting 6-7 hour journey through the rugged and remote beauty of Nar Phu Valley. As you ascend to 4,344 meters, the trail takes you along rocky paths, past grazing yaks, and through windswept landscapes framed by towering peaks. The route is adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze and chortens that hint at the region’s deep spiritual roots. Arriving in Nar, you’ll discover a traditional village rich in Tibetan culture, with stone-built houses and a warm, welcoming atmosphere—an ideal place to rest and immerse yourself in the Himalayan highlands.

Day 8

Acclimatization and exploration of Nar

Spending a day acclimatizing and exploring Nar at 4,250 meters is essential for adjusting to the altitude and offers a fascinating glimpse into local Tibetan culture. Nestled amidst stunning mountain views, Nar is a village steeped in ancient traditions, with narrow stone alleys, prayer wheels, and beautifully adorned chortens. Take time to visit the village’s centuries-old monastery and interact with friendly locals, gaining insight into their daily lives and customs. As you acclimate, you can explore nearby ridges for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the valley below, making it a day filled with cultural and natural discovery.

Day 9

Trek from Nar to Nawal (3675m) via Kang-La Pass

The trek from Nar to Nawal via the challenging Kang-La Pass is a thrilling 7-9 hour adventure that rewards you with some of the most spectacular views in the Himalayas. Starting from Nar, you’ll ascend steep trails to reach the Kang-La Pass at 5,306 meters, a high point that offers jaw-dropping panoramas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and other towering peaks. The crossing is both demanding and exhilarating, as the thin air and rugged terrain test your endurance. After savoring the views, you’ll descend into the lush valleys below, eventually reaching Nawal at 3,675 meters, a charming village where you can relax and reflect on the day’s unforgettable journey.

Day 10

Trek from Nawal to Manang

There are two routes that go from Nawal to Manang (3480m), but you can take either one as they both offer the best views. We will be leaving the lower route and traveling the upper route, which will lead us to Hume and Braga village, where we will see Tibetan-styled homes and a 600-year-old monastery. After a four to five hour walk from Pisang, we will arrive at the picturesque village of Manang, where we will spend the night at a tea house.

Day 11

Acclimatization day at Manang

We will be exploring the village of Manang and mingling with the locals for one more day. We'll be able to acclimate our bodies to the altitude by staying an extra day. You will be thrilled by the fantastic views of Gangapurna Lake and the Annapurna Mountains that you can see from here. In Manang, we'll spend the night at a tea house.

Day 12

Trek from Manang to Khangsar

The trek from Manang to Khangsar takes place amid the magnificent Annapurna range and through charming scenery that is peppered with historic villages. The trail offers breathtaking views of the tall Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks as it winds through terraced fields and crosses suspension bridges over thundering rivers. Known as the entryway to Tilicho Lake, Khangsar is a quaint community where you can observe traditional Tibetan-inspired architecture and culture. This comparatively short hike offers a combination of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it ideal for acclimatization.

Day 13

Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp

Trekking through breathtaking high-altitude scenery is part of the exciting journey from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp. With breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, the trail meanders through rocky terrain, past landslide-prone areas, and along winding paths. Ascending, the bleak yet impressive landscape gives way to the expansive Tilicho Base Camp, which is tucked away at the base of the majestic Tilicho Peak. While admiring the untamed splendor of the Himalayas, this is the ideal place to relax and get ready for the hike to Tilicho Lake. The journey of the day promises to be rewarding and challenging, resulting in memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 14

Trek back from Tilicho Base Camp to Shree Kharka

Trekking back to Shree Kharka from Tilicho Base Camp provides a revitalizing descent through the untamed splendor of the Annapurna region. As you retrace your steps along the winding trails, you'll pass landslide-prone areas and dramatic cliffs, all while being accompanied by expansive views of the mountains. After the adventure, Shree Kharka, a tranquil community encircled by lush greenery, offers a much-needed break. Take some time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and consider the magnificence of Tilicho's magnificent scenery as you travel. This hike is a voyage of self-discovery and retreat.

Day 15

Trek from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka

As you ascend to Yak Kharka, the picturesque trek from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka shifts from verdant surroundings to alpine meadows. Along with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Annapurna III and Gangapurna, the trail provides a chance to see yaks grazing in their natural environment. The fresh mountain air will energize you as you travel past charming villages and over tiny streams. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Annapurna region, Yak Kharka is a delightful high-altitude stop that is a great place to rest and acclimate. This easy hike offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and scenic beauty.

Day 16

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi/Thorong High Pass

The trek begins with a few gentle ups and downs after breakfast at the teahouse and ends at 4310 meters when it crosses a stream on a wooden bridge. The route heads to Thorong Phedi (the foot of the hill) via a narrow path across a high, unstable slope following a brief climb on a good trail to a teashop. It will be simpler tomorrow if you complete the journey to Thorang High Camp today if you are feeling well. Stay at the tea house for the night.

Day 17

Trek from Thorong la Phedi to Muktinath via Throng-La Pass

Another highlight of this trek is crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass, which is located at an astounding elevation of 5,416 meters/17,764 feet. To navigate the icy high-altitude trail, it is imperative to set out early. However, the breathtaking views of the mountains more than make up for the taxing hike along the difficult trail. By dusk, we arrive at Muktinath, a significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site. There is a Vishnu temple and a monastery close by, so we can take a stroll around the area.

Day 18

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

The walk to the Jomsom routes is not too difficult, but it can get tiresome in a strong wind. The trail quickly descends to the Eklai Bhatti before continuing to Jomsom via the Kali Gandaki. The Mustang district's administrative center is located in Jomsom. You will have the opportunity to visit the Mustang Eco Museum in the afternoon. Stay at the tea house for the night.

Day 19

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (Drive to Pokhara/Kathmandu)

Your guide will pick you up for breakfast this morning and drive you to the airport for a quick but picturesque flight to Pokhara, a lakeside city that is Nepal's second-most popular tourist destination after Kathmandu. Following refreshments, you'll go on guided valley sightseeing tours. Spend the night at the hotel.

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek Inclusions

What's included

Annapurna conservation area permit
Narphu valley special permit
1 Night Hotel in Pokhara
A highly Experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, government license holder Guide with all his salary, food, Drinks, accommodation, equipment, transport, and insurance
Strong, helpful, porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport & insurance, (one porter for two people & he will carry bag pack max 20-25kg)
3 meal a day , lunch , dinner , breakfast , and 3 coupe of tea or coffee a day during the trek
Sleeping bag and down jacket during the trek
All tax and company service charge
Kathmandu to Besisahar by Local bus and Besisahar to Koto by sharing Jeep
Pisang to Besisahar by sharing jeep and Besisahar to Kathmandu By Local Bus

Add-ons

What's not included

Fee of visa for Nepal
Personal expenses for bar and beverages bills , bottle of water , desserts , extra porters, shower, laundry or any other program which are not mentioned by the company
Airfare to come Nepal or return back to your own country
If you want to stay for extra nights in a certain destination
Travel insurance for health and evacuation
Tips which may be provided by you to our guides, porters or anyone during the trip