Nar Phu Valley Trek

Trip Fact:
  • Duration 10 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • DestinationNepal
  • Max Altitude5315 m / 17438 ft
  • AccommodationTes house ( lodges/guest house)
  • MealsDaily meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Trip Start/EndKathmandu
  • Group Size2-40 pax
  • Best SeasonFebruary, March, April, May, September, October and November are the best months.

Introduction to the Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek lies on the Northern Annapurna region, near the Tibetan plateau in Manang, is a trekker's paradise. Peaceful trekking route, panoramic landscapes, centuries-old Khampa culture, and wholesome adventure make the Nar Phu Valley Trek an ideal trek in Nepal.

Moreover, it's the least trekked destination, making it a beautiful off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal. Hence, if you're looking for wholesome trekking other than Everest and Annapurna, a trek to Nar Phu Valley can be best.

The 10-day Nar Phu Valley Trekwith Kang La Pass starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. From Dharapani, you'll trek to Koto, Meta, Phu, Naar Village, and Ngawal via Kang La Pass. In between, you'll trek through rustling pine forests, along cascading Naar Khola, arid landslide regions, monasteries, chortens, gompas, ethnic people, and mountain panorama.

The days of walking are long, around 15-17 km each day. However, the serenity and elegance of Nar Phu Valley keep you motivated throughout the trek. Our recommendation for you: the Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2025 can be a beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime junket in the Himalayas.

Before you decide whether this trek is right for you or not, we've detailed some significant elements of the trek. What we've mentioned here is solely based on the experience of our trek leader who's been to Nar Phu Valley multiple times with our trekking groups.

Highlights to Look Forward to

  • Panoramic Annapurna (II, III, IV), Pisang Peak, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, Chulu (East, West, Central), Kangri Himal, and other mountains.
  • Trek to Kang La Pass at 5,420 meters, a beautiful and among the highest mountain pass.
  • Trek to two beautiful and oldest settlements, Naar and Phu Gaon.
  • Acclimatization for a day at Naar Village for adequate rest and preparations to cross Kang La.
  • Walk along the serene pine forest, rustling winds, arid landscapes, and cascading Naar Khola.
  • Wholesome 10 days adventure with Dream Heaven Adventure, guided by experienced trekking guide.
  • Expertly designed itinerary, trek logistics, and utmost safety.
  • Fixed departure dates are available for the 2025 season.

Awe-inspiring mountain panorama

If chasing mountains is your thing while trekking, Nar Phu Trek is an absolute fit for you. Encircled by Annapurna mountains from all sides, you'll never run out of mountain glimpses any day. The most beautiful thing is that you'll see some beautiful mountains right from the tea house's courtyard and window. It's that beautiful.

Chronologically, you'll start seeing mountains from Timang, en route to Koto. Two beautiful mountains, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal sit in your sight all day, from

Dharapani to Koto. From Koto, the mesmerizing glimpse of Lamjung Himal blows you off.

From Meta, you'll get a beautiful panorama of Kangri Himal and Pisang Peak.

Once you walk to Phu, you won't see the panorama of the mountains. However, you'll walk through the most striking landscape of withered humongous boulders, gorges, and serene trails. At Phu, if you climb to the viewpoint, you'll get a clear prospect of Himlung Himal.

From Naar, you'll get a close-range view of Pisang Peak.

Moreover, the Kang La top blesses you with a great mountain panorama. Annapurna (II-IV), Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu appear big, clear, and taller. You'll get awe-struck by the mountain panorama if the weather favors it.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Route- The most peaceful off-beat-path

If crowded trekking routes are not for you, the most peaceful off-beat Nar Phu Trek Route can be your to-trek route. Annapurna and Everest's routes are now getting overcrowded with each year passing. However, very few have heard about this trekker's paradise in the Annapurna region, the serene Nar Phu Valley.

Right after leaving Koto and crossing the suspension bridge over Marshyangdi, you'll get the vibe of what awaits in Nar Phu. The serenity embraces you with a cool breeze and chirps.

With the Himlung Himal expedition in Autumn, this route gets a bit busier. However, in Spring, the trekking route will be all yours. There won't be any trekkers en route, which allows you a peaceful walk all day. All you'll encounter on the trails are the mules and hear cascading rivers and rustling wind.

It feels like a walk in heaven on a peaceful trekking route to Nar and Phu. You'll feel like continuing walking even after getting tired of a 17 km walk. The lone stupas and chortens greet you peacefully. The mountains around you make you feel great and peaceful.

Kang-La Pass: An adventurous high Himalayan Pass

On the 8th day of the 10-day-long Nar Phu Valley Trek, you'll cross Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters above sea level. This altitude is the highest you'll reach on Nar Phu Trek. Just a reminder, crossing Kang La isn't easy. But with a proper mindset and a day of acclimatization at Naar, with our experienced trek guide, you'll cross it in no time.

Reaching Kang La top bestows with panoramic mountain panorama and a sense of accomplishment. The show shines bright, the sky seems deep blue, and the freezing wind gusts push you, but the wholesome adventure keeps your adrenaline atop.

Ancient Buddhism, Enriched Culture, and Tradition

Nar Phu Valley has a great history of Khampa warriors, traditional Buddhism, and unblemished Tibetan-influenced culture and tradition.

Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu Gaon is among the 108 prominent Buddhist monasteries in the world. Locals believe that it was built 230 years ago. The major rituals and functions in the village take place at this monastery. With its utmost significance, it's a popular place you'll visit on this trek.

During June and July, the locals here cultivate potatoes and barley. The entire Naar Valley becomes lively with greenery. The locals become busy harvesting in October, which is worth experiencing firsthand on your acclimatization at Naar village.

Also, they take part in several festivals associated with Buddhism. The local monasteries allow trekkers to visit gompas and monasteries during celebrations and rituals. Withered Khampa settlements, stone-built settlements, stupas, chortens, and prayer flags reflect the enriched culture of Nar Phu Valley.

Best Time for Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Nar Phu Valley Trekking is doable during Summer, Spring, and Autumn.

Autumn in Nar Phu sees Himlung Himal expedition groups, making it a busier time. The greenery, wild flower bloom, the farmlands full of wheat and potatoes, and liveliness make September and October the best time. The crystal clear weather in November is another beautiful month for this trek.

Spring months, from March to May are the best time in the year for this trek. Rain-free days, utmost visibility, snow-capped mountains, and warm temperature makes these months the best. Also, in the Spring months, not many trekkers trek to Nar and Phu, making it crowd-free.

In winter, the snow and freezing temperatures make most tea houses remain closed. People from Nar and Phu settle down in lower regions to escape the cold. Hence, trekking here in winter, from December to early March, is a waste.

September and October are warmer months with daytime temperatures around 7-8˚C. However, the temperature drops significantly in November. The temperature at Nar and Phu Villages averages around freezing even during the day. Not to mention, the nighttime temperature drops to -15˚C in November.

The temperature in Spring gets warmer as the month progresses. The daytime temperature in April and May rises to 8-10˚C. Similarly, the nighttime temperature also increases to -8˚C.

Trek Guides and Porters

We'll provide you with an experienced trekking guide and a trekking porter for Nar Phu Trek in Nepal. Based on the group size, the number of trek guides and porters may vary.

We'll provide you with a trekking guide who's trekked Nar Phu Valley several times. Also, our strong trek porters carry your backpack throughout the trek so you can walk comfortably.

We purchase travel insurance for our trek guides and porters. Also, we pay them as per industry standards.

Our trek guides and porters ensure your utmost safety and a wholesome trek experience.

Physical Fitness and Trek Preparations

Physical fitness is a must if you're considering Nar Phu Trekking in 2025. Although it's a moderately straightforward trek, it demands endurance. You've to walk 17-18 km each day, except for a 5 km distance between Naar Phedi and Naar.

Hence, endurance is a must for this trek. Although you'll get a trekking porter, walking alone with a lightweight backpack for long hours tires you. Furthermore, you must train out on cardio. Swimming, cycling, and running are best for cardio. Also, if possible, you must go on short day hikes before joining our fixed departure group.

Please start to train cardio and endurance for a few months before joining the trek.

Itinerary

Your 10-day Nar Phu Valley Trek begins with an 8-10 hour drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar. During this drive, you'll cover around 210 km.

You'll take a private vehicle (car/jeep) and drive from Kathmandu around 5 am. We'll send you the jeep to pick you up from the hotel.

You'll drive to Dumre along Prithvi Highway. The jeep then takes a right turn to Besisahar. It'll be a comfortable ride till Besisahar.

Upon reaching Besisahar, you'll stop at a restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, you'll take a shared jeep ride from Besisahar to Dharapani. It's a near-complete off-road drive to Dharapani with some scary road sections.

You'll stop at Chyamche waterfall for sightseeing. And from Chyamche, you'll drive to Jagat, Tall, and stop at Dharapani.

You'll settle in for overnight accommodation at a tea house in Dharapani.

  • Tea House
  • Lunch, Dinner
  • 1,860 meters

You'll start a 6-hour walk to Koto after breakfast at the tea house in Dharapani.

Leaving Dharapani, your trek guide verifies your ACAP Permit.

The route from Dharapani to Koto is straightforward as most sections you'll walk through are roads. Three hours of leaving Dharapani takes you to Timang where you'll stop for lunch.

After lunch, you'll trek another three hours to Koto. It's a beautiful walk along the pine forest with an elegant view of Lamjung Himal.

You'll settle in at the best available tea house in Koto.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 2,620 meters

After breakfast at a tea house, you'll leave Koto and enter Nar Phu Valley. First, your trek guide stops at the police check-post and verifies your restricted area permit. You'll then cross a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. The route past this bridge is fantastic to walk on.

You'll cross a suspension bridge over Naar Khola and climb to Chomcho Gufa. It takes two hours from the bridge to Chomcho Guga. Here, you'll stop for lunch.

After lunch, you'll resume the trek to Meta. Most sections past Chomcho Gufa are on a cliff-side over Naar Khola. You'll cross several suspension bridges and trek to Dharamshala. Past Dharamshala, you'll cross a landslide zone, cross a wooden bridge over a stream, and climb to Meta.

At the entrance of Meta is a police check-post where your trek guide again enters your restricted area permit.

You'll settle in at a tea house at Meta for overnight accommodation.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,560 meters

Walking from Meta to Phu Gaon is the easiest, longest, and most serene of the entire Nar Phu Trek. You'll trek 18 km comfortably in 7 hours as the trail is straightforward with no steep ascends.

You'll leave Meta after breakfast. Two hours from Meta takes you to Chyako. here, your trek guide verifies restricted area permits.

One hour further from Chyako takes you to Kyang where you'll stop for lunch.

Past Kyang, you'll walk along the trail, a few hundred meters above, on the cliff of Nar Khola. The trail is wide and well-maintained for a comfortable and secure walk.

You'll have to climb a steep section from Naar Khola to Phu Gate for 20 minutes. Past Phu Gate, the trail is straightforward.

You'll cross a suspension bridge to Phu and settle at a tea house for overnight accommodation.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,100 meters

After breakfast, you'll visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery and Phu Gaon.

After returning to the tea house, you'll prepare for a return trek to Naar Phedi. You'll retrace the same route to Kyang, and Chyako, and deviate to the right instead of trekking to Meta.
You'll stop for lunch at Chyako.

From Chyako, you’ll cross a suspension bridge, walk towards Meta, and cross Mahendra Bridge over Naar Khola and trek 30 minutes to Phedi Monastery.

You'll settle in at a tea house run by the monastery at Naar Phedi.   

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,490 meters

Naar Phedi to Naar is the shortest and uphill three-hour easy walk. You'll start walking around 8:30 am after breakfast.

You'll trek to the beautiful Naar gate with a panoramic view of Pisang Peak. From the first gate, the route is much easier and less steeper. You'll cross the second gate and enter Naar Village.
You'll walk along gompas and chortens before reaching Naar Village.

After reaching Naar, you'll check in at a tea house. You'll have lunch here.

You'll settle in at the same tea house for overnight accommodation.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,200 meters

Acclimatization at Naar Village. Sightseeing during the day.

Today, you'll stop at Naar for rest and acclimatization. It provides good rest and adaptation to altitude before crossing Kang La.

You'll visit local farmlands, monasteries, and beautiful alleys in the village.

You'll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the tea house. You'll also get wifi to communicate with your family back home. It'll be a good day of rest at Naar Village.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,200 meters

It'll be the longest and most tiring yet highly rewarding walk on the Nar Phu Trek.

You'll start the trek sharp at 4 am from Naar. You'll trek to Kang La Base Camp in two hours from Naar. Here, you'll rest before leaving for Kang La Top.

From the base camp, it takes three hours to reach Kang La top. After you cross a suspension bridge over a landslide region, the trail gets steeper. Also, the snowline from here makes the walk slow-paced and tiring.

After reaching Kang La, you'll stop for celebrations, photographs, feast snacks, and a packed lunch.

From Kang La top, you'll trek down to Ngawal which is a steep downhill walk. Watch out for rock falls and slippery trails. Ice spikes on boots are a must for descending.

You'll reach Ngawal in two hours from Kang La top. You'll settle in at a tea house for lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5,320 meters

After breakfast at Ngawal, you'll take a shared jeep ride to Besisahar. It's a complete off-road ride.
You'll stop for lunch at Dharapani.

You'll reach Besisahar after three hours of driving from Dharapani.

You'll settle in at a lodge at Besisahar.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 760 meters

You'll take a private car/jeep or microbus ride from Besisahar to Kathmandu. You'll have lunch en route to Kathmandu.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, you'll get a hotel transfer on a private vehicle.

With this, your 10 days on Nar Phu Valley Trek with Kang La Pass ends.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch
  • 4110m
Note

Nar Phu Valley Trek requires a minimum of 2 people. Allow us at least 1 full working day (excluding public holidays) for the special restricted area permit.

Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop off ( please request us with your flight detail)
  • 9 nights hotel in the mountain ( tea house)
  • 3 time meals (B/L/D) during the trek
  • An experienced and  professional trekking guide
  • Trekking porter ( 2 trekkers:1 porter)
  • ACAP permit fee
  • Restricted area (special) permit for the trek
  • All land transportation ( as per itinerary)
  • Government tax and service charge

Excludes

  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • All kind of personal expences
  • Tips for the staff ( tipping is expected)
  • Any others expenses

Good to Know

Transportation

Once you purchase Nar Phu Valley Trek with us, you'll get all transports included in the package. Reminder, you'll be taking all ground transport throughout this trek. Here's what you'll get from us:

  • Airport to hotel transfer on arrival and hotel to airport transfer on your departure.
  • Private vehicle Kathmandu to Besisahar and Besisahar to Kathmandu.
  • Shared jeep drive from Besisahar to Koto and Ngawal to Besisahar.

The package fee you pay us includes all the costs of the above-mentioned transportation. However, your personal preferences for transport may be subject to additional costs.

Meals During the Trek

Almost every tea house offers quality meals and the best accommodation for trekkers. Hence, you'll get the best available meals and accommodation facilities for 10 days of Nar Phu Valley Trek.

For the 10 day trek, we'll provide 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners, with one farewell dinner as complimentary.

Breakfast meals include pancakes, porridge, chapati, Tibetan bread, soups, omelets, butter, jam, honey, etc. Hot drinks during breakfast include Yak milk, coffee, ginger tea, lemon tea, hot chocolate, and black tea.

The lunch and dinner meal menu offers similar meal choices. However, you can opt for different meals. The go-to complete meal is Dal Bhat with lentil soup and cooked vegetables. Noodle soup, fried rice, chapati, Thenduk, and other meals are best for lunch and dinner.

Accommodation

Tea houses in Nar Phu Valley provide one of the best accommodation services. Every room is twin-sharing but is wider with more air space. The mattresses, pillows, and blankets they offer are neat. And you can ask for additional blankets for extra warmth.

The downside is that there aren't attached bathrooms in the tea houses past Koto. However, the common toilets they provide are clean with hand wash and adequate running water.

We recommend you carry a sleeping bag for extra warmth. Drinking water, Internet, Electricity, and Hot Shower. Every tea house offers safe drinking water for trekkers. If you ask for hot drinking water, they provide a thermos at Rs. 300-400.

If you wish to use wifi, you've to pay Rs. 300. At most tea houses, the rooms are equipped with power charging ports. Hence, you can use electricity for battery charge for free.

Hot showers are a bit expensive. If you wish to take a hot shower, you've to pay Rs. 500.

Please remember that the trek cost you pay to us doesn't include these amenities. Upon use of these, you've to pay. Hence, we request you to carry Nepali currency to use these services.

Nar Phu Trek Permits

Nar Phu Valley is in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Also, it is a Nepal government-restricted area. Hence, trekkers require an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Restricted Area Permit.

Upon booking Nar Phu Valley Trek with us, we'll get all the required permits for you. Also, the trek fee includes the cost of trek permits. In total, these permits cost USD 130 (December-August) and USD 150 (September-November).

ACAP values for a month. However, the restricted area is valid for 10 days. And if you fail to exit the restricted area within the timeframe, you'll have to pay an extra fee for the permit.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Difficulty

If you're a beginner and planning the Nar Phu Trek in 2025, you're planning it right. Although it sounds scary with Kang La Pass and the off-beat-path trek, it's doable for beginners. However, you've to walk for longer hours each day. Also, you've to walk around 17-18 km each day. If you can walk this distance, you can trek Nar Phu Valley.

For experienced trekkers, Nar Phu Trek offers an exquisite walking experience. Those with little high-altitude trek experience find this trek easy.

Apart from the steep ascent of Meta, Naar, and Kang La Pass, other sections are straightforward. The trekking routes are best, they're road-like wide.

Being guided by an experienced trekking guide from us, you'll have a wonderful walking experience on this trek. We recommend you maintain proper physical fitness for this trek.

Altitude Sickness During the Trek

Trekking with our experienced trek guide ensures that you'll be free from altitude sickness on the trek. We've designed our trek itinerary in a way that trekkers don't get altitude sickness. We start walking from Dharapani, which is a low-altitude region. And in the following days, you'll gain altitude gradually.

However, the mountain terrain is unpredictable. You may end up getting altitude sickness.

Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite are the common symptoms of altitude sickness. These symptoms often grow into serious issues like HAPE and HACE. Hence, once you feel uncomfortable with these symptoms, you must immediately report to your trek guide.

There are ways of dodging altitude sickness. Proper rehydration, windproof layers, adequate meals, and slow-paced walking are best for escaping altitude sickness. With these practices, your chance of getting altitude sickness is reduced significantly.

International Travel Insurance

You must purchase and bring your international travel insurance for Nar Phu Valley Trek with Kang La Pass.

Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area. Hence, getting a helicopter for rescue without travel insurance is almost impossible. Being a government-restricted area, the helicopter companies charge evacuation fees of more than USD 10000. Hence, if you have travel insurance that covers a helicopter evacuation, you'll get on-time helicopter rescue if needed. And your insurance company bears the evacuation cost.

Moreover, travel insurance covers the hospitalization costs of injuries and medication. It also covers the loss and damage of personal stuff and trek gears.

Please note that we don't purchase travel insurance for you. Also, the trek cost doesn't include the insurance fee. We recommend you purchase travel insurance right after booking the trek with us. And if you fail to provide us with a copy of your travel insurance, we hold every right to exclude you from our fixed departure groups and cancel the booking.

Safety and Security During the Trek

With our experienced trekking guide, you'll be safe throughout the trek. During minor injuries, you'll get first aid right away. You'll get helicopter evacuation on-time during emergencies. Moreover, we'll provide you with a trek porter to carry your backpack most safely.

Nar Phu Trek Etiquette

Nar Phu Valley is a Buddhist region. All locals here practice Buddhism. Hence, while trekking here, you must respect every norm of the religion. You mustn't perform any activities that go against the culture and religion of the ethnicity living here.

You mustn't harm animals or go against people from the Nar Phu Valley. Moreover, you mustn't cause any harm to monasteries, chortens, and monuments. You mustn't enter the Kitchen room without permission of the owner.

Hence, to learn more about and maintain trek etiquette, you must seek help from your trek guide.

Price Per PersonUS $970US $1150
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