About Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Nar and Phu Valley Trekking is trek to remote villages off of the main Annapurna Circuit Trek. The area is restricted to regular travel and requires special permits. This Nar Phu Valley Trek journey really takes trekkers off the beaten path and offers cultural interaction and insights that cannot be found on the busier and more commercialized routes. The route travels through the beautiful landscape that is stark and will be unforgettable. This trek is ideal for adventure seekers looking for something unique and is usually combined with the Annapurna Circuit Trek or it can be done on its own.

The highland valleys of these isolated villages are surrounded by the snowy Himalayan peaks. To the north is the border of Tibet. Many residents in this area have arrived from Tibet and have cultural ties with Tibet and their customs and traditions adhere to a Buddhist way of life in the tranquil mountains. Along these strikingly desolate trails are mani prayer stones, prayer flags, monasteries and other icons of Buddhist faith.

These remote trails were only opened to trekkers in 2002. A relative handful of tourists make a visit each season to the untouched villages of Nar and Phu with a timeless lifestyle. Along with arid terrain, the mountain views of the soaring Himalaya include Annapurna (8,091 mt , 26,545 ft) world’s 10th highest peak, Dhaulagiri (8,167 mt ,26,7795 ft) 7th highest, and Manaslu (8,163 mt , 26,781 ft) eighth highest, and many more including sacred Machhapuchhre (6,993 mt , 22,943 ft) also known as Fishtail Peak. In the steep hills around Nar and Phu Valley, Yarsagumba, a famous fungus is harvested and commands a very high price and is especially relished by the Chinese.

This Nar Phu Valley Trekking begins after a scenic drive and follows the Annapurna Circuit Trek along the breathtaking Marsyangdi River Valley. These trails are part of an ancient trade route between Tibet and Nepal. We branch away from the main Annapurna Circuit route at a village called Koto. We then ascend up an isolated valley to our otherworldly destinations of Nar and Phu villages. The picturesque villages will be a highlight among many highlights and attractions on this adventurous trek to a hidden corner of the Himalaya.

The Nar Phu Valley Trek used to be a camping journey but being flexible with lodging and flooding it can be done as tea house trekking as well. High Camp Adventure will arrange a crew of porters to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

There is a lot to explore in the area and it can be easily combined with the Annapurna Circuit if you have the time and interest and would like to extend your journey to this area.

Please Note: Our Nar Phu Valley Trek has set departure dates from both Pokhara and Kathmandu and this Nar Phu Valley Trekking can be personalized to accommodate your specific wishes and timetable.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Trek preparation day (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1,430 mt.). Driving 8-9 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 4Chamje to Dharapani (1,860 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 5Dharapani to Koto (2,600 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 6Koto to Meta (3,560 mt.). Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 7Meta to Phu (4,080 mt.). Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 8Rest day for acclimatization and exploration. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 9Phu to Nar (4,110 mt.) via Phu Pass (5,050 mt.) & Nar Pass (5,400 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 10Rest day for acclimatization and preparation. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 11Nar to Ngawal (3,660 mt.) via Kang-La Pass (5,306 mt.). Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 12Ngawal to Manang (3,540 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 13Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 mt.). Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 14Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,450 mt.). Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 15Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3,800 mt.) via Thorang-La (5,416 mt.). Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 16Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 17Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara . Flight 30 min. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 18Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 19Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Explore Detail ItineraryTrip MapPrint Pdf

What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Three nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfasts included).
  • One night accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Pokhara (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation as per the itinerary.
  • Tea-house lodging during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport, insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Equipment (Sleeping bag, Down jacket, Walking poles).
  • Conservation Area and National Park entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, bar bills, drinks, and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Shower fees at lodges, fees for recharging electronic equipment, and personal expenses along the trail.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness, and et cetera.
Departure note

Please take a look at our fixed departure dates for this trek. If they do not fit with your schedule, then please let us arrange an itinerary that is more suitable to you and your requirements.

Useful Information

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen the 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share a room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the camping trek. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst farewell dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking Crew

An experienced and licensed Guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment in service. In a teahouse trek, generally, one porter is provided for every two clients who carry between 15 to 20 kg. However, on a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipment such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipment, fuel, and all consumable goods has to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you don't' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking uphill and downhill in a day carrying a personal day pack. Some days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Nar Phu Valley Trek is high altitude trek which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Some time mental aspect also plays a vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise a few weeks prior to the trip is better but technical skill is not required for this trek. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy the good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Nar Phu Valley Trek. Where normally days are sunny, the temperature is perfect, the sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view. It is not recommended to do this trek in Winter (December to February) as there could be a heavy snowfall at any time.

Ground Transportation

Highway in Nepal is safe, however, sometimes transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, High Camp Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.