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Nar Phu Valley Trekking Itinerary with cost details 2025/2026

  • Duration 19
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at kathmandu
  • Meals Tea House
  • Accommodation
  • Max. Altitude 5320m
  • Activity Trekking,hikking and climbing
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 1+
  • Best Season spring and Autumn
Highlights
  • Exotic hidden villages “Nar and Phu”
  • Many ancient monasteries and chortens
  • Crossing the Kang La Pass with magnificent views of the Annapurna.
  • Encounter with snow leopards and blue sheep
  • High trekking pass of Thorong -La pass (5416m)
  • Visit Muktinath, the god of salvation of both Buddhists and Hindus
  • High snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements
  • Enjoy great views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
  • Experience a part of the Tibetan plateau that extends down into Nepal
  • Witness a Tibetan-derived culture, with unique and colorful prayer stones

Nar Phu Valley Trekking Itinerary with cost details 2025/2026 Overview

Nar Phu valley trek is one of the most exciting Himalayan wildernesses which offers a rare opportunity to explore wild and unspoiled valleys which has its unique features, a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture. The Nar Phu Valley Trek combines remote villages of Nar Phu, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, Yaks Monasteries, Kang La Pass and unique Himalayan cultures. Nar Phu Valley is located in the north of Annapurna, which is barely touched by the modern world. Nar Phu Valley trek takes you to the magnificent panoramic view of Annapurna massifs, high snow peaks along with ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. The trek allows you to explore medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, breathtaking mountains view and great alpine scenerie.

Starting Nar Phu Valley Trek from Kathmandu which offers you a scenic mountain drive to Jagat from where we will officially start the trek. Nar Phu Valley trek follows the popular trek routes of Annapurna Circuit Trail. This long drive passes through Kang La Pass and gives us a great view of Annapurna Circuit and sense of content ment. Kang La Pass Valley offers you wonderful high snow peaks then we heads towards the west over the Thorong  La Pass and continue downward to lower Mustang before moving on ward to Jomsom . Finally, we will flight back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu and end the trek.

 

 

 

Day to Day Itinerary
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Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu.
Transfer to your hotel in Thamel or another tourist area.
Rest and recover from your flight. If time allows, you can explore the area or visit some of the famous temples like Swayambhunath or Boudhanath.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Spend the day organizing your trekking permits and gear.
You can visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) office to collect your permits.
Use the afternoon to explore some cultural landmarks like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Durbar Square.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Early morning departure from Kathmandu to Besisahar (6-8 hours by private jeep or tourist bus).
  • Besisahar is the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit and marks the gateway to Nar Phu Valley.
  • You can enjoy beautiful views of the Manaslu range along the drive.
  • Overnight stay in Besisahar.

Morning drive (about 4-5 hours) from Besisahar to Koto, a small village located near the entrance of the Nar Phu Valley.
You’ll drive on a rugged road and cross several suspension bridges.
On the way, you can see views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, and other peaks.
Overnight stay in Koto.

Start your trek from Koto and head toward Dharmashala.
The trail follows the Phu Khola River through dense forests and traditional villages.
It’s a gradual climb and takes about 5-6 hours.
Along the way, you may come across Buddhist shrines and Chortens.
Overnight stay in Dharmashala.

From Dharmashala, head to Phu Village, the heart of Nar Phu Valley.
The trail is steep and rocky but offers stunning views of Larkya Peak and Himalchuli.
The trek takes around 5-6 hours.
Phu is a beautiful, remote village where you can observe the traditional Tibetan culture.
Overnight stay in Phu Village.

Spend a day in Phu for acclimatization.
You can explore the village, visit the Phu Monastery, and interact with the local Tibetan communities.
There are several side treks you can do, including a hike to the Phu Village Ridge for panoramic views.
Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness, as you will be heading higher soon.
Overnight stay in Phu Village.

After your acclimatization day, trek to Nar Village.
The trail ascends through rugged terrain with excellent views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna.
This trek takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Nar is a fascinating village with its unique Tibetan architecture and culture.
Overnight stay in Nar Village.

Spend another acclimatization day in Nar.

  • You can explore the village, visit the Nar Monastery, and enjoy the surrounding views.
  • There are great opportunities for hiking to nearby ridges for more spectacular views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks.
  • This day allows your body to adapt to the increasing altitude.
  • Overnight stay in Nar Village.

Leave Nar Village and head toward Kang La Base Camp.
The trail ascends gradually and offers views of Himalayan peaks.
The trek takes around 4-5 hours to reach base camp, where you will stay overnight in tents or a basic guesthouse.
Prepare for the upcoming Kang La Pass crossing.
Overnight at Kang La Base Camp.

Early morning, cross the Kang La Pass (5,320m/17,454ft), one of the highest points of the trek.
The views from the top are breathtaking, with 360-degree views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, Ganga Purna, and the Dhaulagiri ranges.
After descending, you’ll reach Ngawal, a village on the Annapurna Circuit. The descent can take 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay in Ngawal

A short trek from Ngawal to Manang, which is a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit.
The trek takes around 3-4 hours.
Manang is a larger village with good facilities, and it’s a great place to rest and acclimatize further before heading to higher altitudes.
Overnight stay in Manang.

From Manang, trek to Yak Kharka via Letdar.

  • This trek takes approximately 4-5 hours and gives you more time to get used to the altitude.
  • The trail offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges.
  • Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

  • Continue your trek towards Thorong Phedi, which is the last stop before crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft).
  • This section takes 3-4 hours.
  • Thorong Phedi is a popular stop for trekkers before attempting the pass.
  • Overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.

  • An early start to cross Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
  • The climb to the pass is steep but manageable for seasoned trekkers. The summit offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
  • After descending, head to Muktinath (5-7 hours), a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Overnight stay in Muktinath.

  • Trek downhill from Muktinath to Jomsom, a larger town in the Mustang region, taking about 5-6 hours.
  • Jomsom is a popular place for trekkers to rest, and you’ll find several teahouses and guesthouses.
  • You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your final evening in the mountains.
  • Overnight stay in Jomsom.

  • Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (20-25 minutes), a scenic flight over the Himalayas.
  • After arriving in Pokhara, you can relax and explore the lakeside city.
  • Take a bus or private transport back to Kathmandu (6-7 hours).
  • Arrive in Kathmandu and enjoy your final night in the city.
Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • 2-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
  • Tea house accommodation during the Nar Phu Valley Trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners with Nepal Guides Teams Member
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flight (Jomsom-Pokhara) or By Bus to Jomsom to Beni -Pokhara depan on weather condition in Jomsom
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  •  Guide and Porter costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • Nepal Planet Treks and Expedition ’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (Annapurna conservation Permit, Nar Phu Valley Special Permit , TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader Nepal Planet Treks and Expedition )
  • All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
  • Nepalese visa fee
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s)
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from beginning March to May and from frist -September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

The Nar Phu Valley Trek  organized by Nepal guide info team  is an increasingly popular trekking route in Nepal that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Located in the Annapurna region, it leads trekkers to the remote Nar Phu Valley, a region that was only opened to trekkers in 2003, meaning it retains an off-the-beaten-path charm.

For trekkers planning the Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2025/2026, here’s a detailed guide on everything you need to know more info via Nepal Guide Info team

  1. Region Overview

Location: Nar Phu Valley is situated in the northern part of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). It is tucked away behind the Annapurna massif, on the border with Tibet (China).

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, the trek involves some steep ascents, high altitudes, and rugged terrain. Acclimatization is crucial due to the altitude, which can exceed 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) at the highest point (Kang La Pass).

Cultural Experience: This trek offers an opportunity to explore the traditional Tibetan culture of the valley, visit ancient monasteries, and interact with the people who live there.

  1. Best Time to Trek

Autumn (September to November): This is the peak season with clear skies, stable weather, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s the most popular time for trekking.

Spring (March to May): Another good time to trek, as the temperatures are moderate, and you can witness blooming rhododendron forests.

Winter (December to February): Not recommended due to snow and freezing temperatures, which can make trails treacherous.

Monsoon (June to August): Not ideal due to heavy rainfall, which may cause landslides and difficult trail conditions.

  1. Permits & Regulations

Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area, so trekkers need to obtain a special Nar Phu Valley Permit, in addition to the regular Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Note: The RAP can only be issued to trekkers traveling with a licensed guide and must be arranged through a trekking agency. You cannot trek independently in this region.

Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card is also necessary.

Permit Fees: The cost of permits can vary, and it’s important to check with your trekking agency for the most up-to-date fees.

  1. Duration of the Trek

The trek typically lasts 12-16 days, depending on the itinerary and whether side trips are added.

Key Stops: The common route includes Kathmandu → Besisahar → Koto → Nar → Phu → Kang La Pass → Manang → Besisahar → Kathmandu.

You may want to add extra days for acclimatization, especially if trekking to the high Kang La Pass.

  1. Highlights of the Trek

Nar Phu Valley: The highlight of the trek itself. The valley is home to ancient Tibetan villages, Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful landscapes that are less traveled than other regions of Nepal.

Kang La Pass: One of the major challenges of the trek, but reaching the top offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.

Tibetan Culture: The villages in Nar Phu Valley have a strong Tibetan influence, with their unique customs, architecture, and religious practices.

Lapis Lazuli Blue Lakes: On the way to the Kang La Pass, you’ll pass by pristine alpine lakes.

Beautiful Villages: Villages like Koto, Nar, and Phu provide an insight into the remote mountain lifestyle, with their traditional stone houses and monasteries.

Buddhist Monasteries & Chortens: There are numerous monasteries and ancient religious sites, such as the Phu Monastery, where you can learn about Buddhist culture.

  1. Accommodation & Meals

Teahouses: In most villages, you’ll stay in basic teahouses or guesthouses, which provide essential services like food and accommodation. In more remote areas, the accommodation may be quite basic, with shared rooms and common toilets.

Camping: As you go further into the valley, camping may be required, and you can either bring your own camping gear or hire local porters to carry it.

Food: Meals will mostly consist of typical trekking food such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, and chapati. In some villages, you may find more Tibetan-style dishes such as thukpa (noodle soup) and yak cheese.

Water: It’s recommended to bring a water purification system (e.g., iodine tablets, water filter) since water sources along the route may not always be safe.

  1. Physical Fitness & Health Considerations

Fitness Level: While not as difficult as some of the high-altitude treks like the Everest or Manaslu Circuit, the Nar Phu Valley trek still requires a good level of fitness due to the long days of hiking and some steep ascents.

Altitude Sickness: The trek reaches over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) at Kang La Pass, so acclimatization is essential. Gradual ascent, rest days, and hydration are key to avoiding altitude sickness.

Health Precautions: Carry a basic first-aid kit with necessary medications. Be sure to consult a doctor before the trek to check for any vaccinations and health advice.

  1. Transportation

Kathmandu to Besisahar: The trek usually starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which can take 6-8 hours by bus or jeep.

Besisahar to Koto: After Besisahar, you will take a jeep ride to Koto (starting point of the Nar Phu Valley trek), which is about 3-4 hours.

Return from Besisahar to Kathmandu: After completing the trek, you will return to Besisahar and then drive back to Kathmandu.

  1. Packing List

Clothing: Layered clothing, including a light jacket, waterproof jacket, and warm outerwear (down jacket). It’s essential to pack for varying weather conditions, especially at higher altitudes.

Footwear: A pair of durable and comfortable trekking boots with good ankle support, as well as a pair of sandals or camp shoes.

Sleeping Bag: A 4-season sleeping bag for cold nights, especially at higher altitudes.

Trekking Poles: Helpful for balancing on uneven or rocky terrain, particularly at higher altitudes.

Water Bottle & Water Purification System: A reusable water bottle along with purification tablets or a water filter.

First-Aid Kit: Include altitude sickness medicine, personal medications, antiseptics, and plasters.

  1. Local Culture & Etiquette

Respect Local Traditions: The people of Nar Phu Valley follow Tibetan Buddhism, so be respectful when visiting monasteries, stupas, or sacred sites. Always ask before taking photos of people or sacred objects.

Dress Modestly: As in many parts of Nepal, dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Interaction with Locals: People in the valley are friendly and will appreciate any interest in their culture and way of life. Offering a small donation to a monastery or helping with local projects is always appreciated.

  1. Guides & Porters

It is mandatory to trek with a licensed guide for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Hiring a guide not only ensures you adhere to the necessary regulations but also helps you navigate the complex trails.

A porter is also recommended to carry your gear, especially if you’re trekking with a lot of equipment. They will make the trek more enjoyable and manageable.

  1. Safety & Emergency Services

Emergency Evacuation: In the case of emergencies, helicopters can be called for evacuation, but it can be expensive, so having insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation is crucial.

There are limited medical facilities on the trail, so carry a good first-aid kit and be prepared for self-care in remote areas.

Conclusion:

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a stunning adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. If you’re looking for a trek that offers both natural beauty and cultural exploration while avoiding the crowds found on other popular routes, this is an excellent choice. Be sure to plan ahead, get the right permits, and properly prepare for the challenges that come with high-altitude trekking.

Happy trekking in 2025/2026! by Nepal Guide Info Team ( Nepal Planet Treks and Expedition )

What our travelers says Client Reviews Write a review
  • TripAdvisor

    Amazing trekking through the Nar Phu Valley trek with Nepal Guide info team

    We had an amazing time trekking through the Nar Phu Valley trek, thanks all to our guide, Jiban Tamang, and his team Nepal Guide Info (Nepal Planet Treks).

    From the beginning to the end of our trip, they showed us just how skilled they were at leading us through the trails. And you could tell they really loved being out in nature.

    Here’s why we are highly recommend them:
    – They really cared about keeping us safe. I liked how they paid attention to every little thing, so we could have fun without stressing about safety.

    – Jiban was always easy to talk to. He listened to our questions and gave us helpful advice to make our trek even better.

    I’d definitely go trekking with them again in the future, and I think anyone who wants an amazing outdoor adventure should try their services.

    Thanks, Jiban and the team, for such an unforgettable

    Amazing trekking through the Nar Phu Valley trek with Nepal Guide info team
    Lynn Marrie,January 27, 2025,Spanish
  • TripAdvisor

    Nar Phu Valley Trek Excellent Experience with Sanjib team

    My girlfriend and I had a 2 week window for a trek in early July of 2024. We had limited options due to the Monsoon season and short window on the ground. We expressed our ambitions to NJ (Nepal Planet Treks Managing Director) and He was a pleasure to work with. Very consultative and knowledgeable. NJ recommended a 9 day trek in the Nar Phu valley which was remote, beautiful, and in the rain shadow of Annapurna.

    Our experience was excellent from the moment we arrive at the Kathmandu airport. NJ arranged transportation, a hotel in the city, and all logistics for our trek.

    Our guide Sanjib was tremendous as well. Very knowledgeable, kind, and experienced. The Nar Phu valley is remote, not well travelled by tourists, and city of Phu felt like a historic site out of a National Geographic magazine rich with Tibetan history and culture. We saw incredible mountain escapes, raging rivers, and multiple Tibetan monasteries.

    Disclaimer: Trekking routes outside of the standard Annapurna Circuit/ Everest base camp/ Manaslu Circuit area are remote and can be rigorous at times. Do your homework on the route prior to arrival. Understand what you are committing to and be flexible with variables outside of your control.

    Thank you for an incredible experience Sanjib and NJ! We will be back.

    Nar Phu Valley Trek Excellent Experience with Sanjib team
    Armen Sarkisyan ,January 26, 2025,Cyprus
FAQs
  • The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a remote and less-traveled trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek takes you through the stunning Nar and Phu valleys, offering a glimpse into the traditional Tibetan culture and breathtaking mountain scenery.

  • The Nar Phu Valley Trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days to complete, including arrival and departure days. The actual duration may vary depending on the itinerary and side trips taken along the way.

  • The best time to undertake the Nar Phu Valley Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the best weather and visibility for trekking.

  • The Nar Phu Valley Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. While the trek does not involve high altitudes like some other treks in Nepal, it still requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina due to the length of the trek and the rugged terrain.

  • To undertake the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Nar and Phu Restricted Area Permit. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or through your trekking agency.

  • Accommodation during the Nar Phu Valley Trek is typically in tea houses or lodges along the route. These are basic but comfortable, with shared rooms and common dining areas. It’s advisable to bring a sleeping bag for added comfort.

  • The tea houses along the trekking route offer a variety of meals, including local and international dishes. The food is freshly prepared, but it’s advisable to stick to vegetarian options and avoid meat to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

  • Altitude sickness is less of a concern on the Nar Phu Valley Trek compared to treks that reach higher altitudes. However, it’s still important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.

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