Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek

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Duration18 Days
Trip GradeChallenging
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5416 M
Group Size1-12
StartsKathmandu/Pokhara
EndsPokhara/Kathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking/Hiking
Best TimeMarch to May & Sep to Dec

Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the shortest and best remote treks in Nepal. This trek leads you to the hidden valley of Manang district. This valley is named after the two Bhotia Villages: Naar and Phu respectively.

These serene villages are the important settlement areas of the Naar Phu Khola Valley. These hidden villages are close to the Tibetan Plateau. Although geographically in Nepalese territory, they have a high influence on Tibetan culture and language.

Despite not much far from the Annapurna region, it is less visited by international trekkers. Lack of publicity and poor infrastructure development are the main reasons behind this.

This trans-Himalayan valley is a must-visit place while you are in Nepal and desire to reach a hidden place. This is a perfect paradigm of unspoiled nature and culture untouched by any negative effects of modernity.

Although it is far from modern technology, it has a great prospectus for tourism. By realizing this fact, the Nepal Government opened the Nar Phu Valley Trek for international trekkers only in 2003.

Nar Phu Valley Trek gives an experience of Tibetan Buddhist customs, costumes, and culture in its genuine form. The most striking feature of this trek is that you can find a different variety of dialects.

This trans-Himalayan valley is populated by around 800 Bhotia people. They speak a language that is different from the rest of the other parts. The local dialect is called ‘Naar Phu’ or ‘Narpa’ which is a variation of the Sino-Tibetan language.

Naar Phu Valley trek rewards you with the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. Apart from Annapurna (8,091m), you will see Himlung Himal (7,125m), Gangapurna Peak (7,455m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m).

How Difficult Is Nar Phu Trek

Nar  Phu Valley trek difficulty is determined on the fact whether you cross Kang La Pass (5,306m) or not. If you add this high pass, it becomes a more challenging trek. But, if you avoid this pass, it becomes a moderate type of trekking in Nepal.

The highest places to reach are Phu Village (4,050m) and Naar Village (4,100m). Although the trails are remote, there is not any high pass in this itinerary.

You have to walk for about 5 hours every day along the steep uphill and downhill trails. While going up you gain a certain altitude day by day as well.

The increase in gradual height also adds up to the difficulty is altitude sickness. Nevertheless, you can get rid of this health hazard if you follow a few safety measures.

Walking slowly, having enough water, and sleeping by taking hygienic food minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Moreover, avoiding cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption also helps you avoid this problem.

You can also keep the First Aid Kit box in your backpack. Finally, as soon as you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness like tiredness or shortness of breath, you must tell the team leader.

Best Season for Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek can be done at all times of the year although it may be challenging in some seasons. During the Monsoon season (June-August), the trails in the lower altitude get muddy and slippery due to heavy rainfall. In the winter season (December-February), the higher altitude may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best seasons for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. In these seasons, the days are fine with the clear skies. Therefore you can have enchanting views of the landscapes and the glittering mountains.

If you travel to this region in spring, the rhododendron flowers embellish the entire region. On the other side, if you trek this hidden valley in autumn, you can taste the organic fruits. Thus, we highly recommend you to arrange as per your comfort.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Map

You begin the Nar Phu Valley trek after visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. You drive up to Beshisahar in a private jeep or a local bus and then up to Koto via an off-road.

Then, the journey continues ahead toward Meta, Phu Village, and Naar Village. You spend one day in each of Phu and Nar villages to explore the natural and cultural beauties of the villages.

The next day, you reach Koto and spend a night over there. The following morning, you catch a private jeep or a local bus to arrive in Kathmandu via Beshisahar. You can start the trekking right from Beshisahar as well but it becomes a little longer duration.

Outline Itinerary of Nar Phu Trek

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft), then transfer to the hotel

Day 02: Drive to Koto (2,600m/ -10 Hours

Day 03: Trek to Meta (3,560m/ -5 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Phu (4,050m/13,287ft)  - 7 Hours

Day 05: Acclimatization Day

Day 06: Trek to Nar Phedi (3,490m/ -6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Nar (4,100m/13,451ft) -4 Hours

Day 08: Acclimatization Day

Day 09: Trek to Koto – 5 Hours

Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu via Beshisahar

Day 11: Final Departure

Some of the alternative treks of Nar Phu Valley Trek are Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek, etc.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

On the arrival day, reception at the Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel. Briefing about Naar Phu Valley trek itinerary in the evening by the team leader.

After breakfast, roadway trip to Besisahar in a private jeep via Dumre, a small town below Bandipur , the Queen of the Hills. From Besisahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit Trek, off-road travel up to Koto.

Leaving Annapurna Circuit region, moving forward to the hidden valley of the Naar Phu Khola region. Naar Phu Valley restricted area permit is checked here at Koto as it is the entrance.

Crossing the Marsyangdi River, move along the dense forests and some natural caves on the way. Enjoy the view of the Himalayas until reaching Meta.

Follow the rocky trails having chortens towards Naar and Phu villages. Crossing the Naar Phedi Monastery and enjoying the amazing view of the old dzongs and their ruins.

You will be welcomed by numerous Buddhist shrines decorated by the prayer flags and wheels. Phu is one of the two major villages of this hidden valley occupied by the Bhotia people having Tibetan origin.

This acclimatization day is not only for enjoying the unspoiled nature but typical culture as well. You will find most of the people busy in spinning yak and sheep wool to make the handcrafted garments.

Take a side trip to Tashi Lhakhang Monastery a few kilometres away from the village. Talk with Lama Karma Sonam Rinpoche to know more about the history of Tibetan Buddhism in this remote area.

The best part of this rest day is that you can learn some dictions of their dialect. You know, they have a different language called ‘Naar Phu’ or ‘Narpa’.

If you love more challenge, you can also hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,900m). Himlung Himal (7,125m) is a newly opened trekking peak for the adventure lovers. The view of the Naar Phu Valley and the snowcapped peaks around is incredible from here!

Begin the trip after breakfast towards Naar Phedi that has a famous Tibetan Buddhist Gompa. Nar Phedi Monastery provides food and accommodation services to the trekkers to this region.

The monks and the nuns of this gompa prepare food to serve the guests but you don’t have to pay any amount directly. However, there is a donation box in which you can drop the amount of your desire.

You can participate in the usual prayer of the monastery around 5:00 pm. It really ensures a certain kind of peace of mind!

Walking through the windy path, you pass by the colourfully chortens and mani walls. Despite its proximity from Annapurna Circuit trekking, Naar Phu Valley is least frequented. Lack of promotion from the concerned authorities is the first reason behind it.

Between the two hamlets, Naar Village is more engaging than Phu Villages. People of this village are in touch with the modern technology like radio and television.

They are more conscious about the benefits of tourism industry. Therefore, they have been running teahouses to assist the trekkers with basic food and accommodation. In addition, they are earning their livelihood from the income generated via teahouses.

In fact,  Nar Village acclimatization day is designed to enable you to cross Kang La Pass (5,306m) that connects this valley with Manang. But, according to this itinerary, you won’t go across this pass.

So, you will spend the  time by exploring the natural and cultural wonders of this mystic village located in the trans-Himalayan region. Hike to a little high altitude to have a mesmerizing sight of Chulu East, Pisang Peak and Kang Guru.

These are some of the trekking peaks of Nepal, which are climbed by thousands of climbing enthusiasts every year. You can also talk with the people who are kind-hearted and helpful to the guests.

Talking to them is the best way to get firsthand knowledge about their lifestyle, culture and tradition then and now. You can also learn some important words of their native language as well.

After breakfast, descend through some seasonal settlement areas of Upper and Lower Chyaku until Meta. Then, you walk across dense forests of rhododendron and pine forests, small Himalayan streams and natural waterfalls.

Following the gurgling flow of the Naar Phu Khola, you arrive in Koto after nearly 5 hours. Koto is the same place from where you started your trekking to Naar Phu Valley.

Although you can add one more day in the itinerary by trekking up to Besisahar, you will drive in a private jeep right from Koto. You will drive past Timang and Dharapani villages to arrive in the gateway to Annapurna region trekking.

After you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. After becoming fresh, you can go for shopping or spend the entire day by relaxing. In the evening, we invite you for farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel.

It is the last day of Naar Phu Valley trek itinerary for 11 days. Thus, the crewmember of the company escorts you up to the airport to meet your flight schedule.

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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport pick-up and drop off service ,
  • Trekking Guide and Trekking porter (Two participant=1 porter =Maximum 25 kg of luggage )
  • Breakfast,accommodation during the trekking and Kathmandu following itinerary
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks if required,
  • Trekking permit of National park,
  • TIMS(Trekking Information Management System )
  • Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program in typical Traditional Nepali resturant
Excluded
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch dinner Drinks, beverages, hot shower,
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for Guide and porter (trekking staff)
  • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (without itinerary )
FAQs

Nar Phu Valley trek is a restricted area trekking in Nepal. It is located in the northern region of Manang district. Opened in 2003 for international trekkers, you need take a special trekking permit from the concerned authority.

Before the development of the teahouses, it used to be a camping trekking Nonetheless, you can book a camping trekking to Nar Phu Valley but it costs more than teahouse camping.

Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the shortest restricted areas trekking in Nepal. There are many reasons for you to book this trek. Firstly, it is the best remote trek located in Manang district closer to the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Despite its geographic location in Nepal, it has cultural affinity to that of the Tibetan Plateau.

You walk through the lush forests inhabited by diverse animals and birds. Similarly, you visit the ethnic cultural villages around the Marsyangdi River banks surrounded by the sparkling Himalayan scenery.

The lifestyle, occupation, customs and costumes of Nepalese traditional villages having Tibetan Buddhist influence give you a different experience. Many ancient monasteries located in the stopovers and nearby the trekking trail are the other features that remind you the wonderful Disneyland of the Himalayas.

Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary ranges from 7 days to a complete month depending upon different factors. The itinerary depends upon the destination, trekking duration per day, acclimatization day, the time you have, and so on.

If you want to cross a high pass Kang La Pass (5,306m), it becomes a little longer. You can also extend this trek to connect to the Annapurna region trekking as well. To customize this trekking package, visit our website

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a remote, and less explored trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you through the beautiful Nar and Phu valleys, offering stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences.

The duration of the Nar Phu Valley Trek can vary depending on the itinerary and trekking pace. Generally, it takes around 10 to 15 days to complete the trek

Yes, a special permit is required to enter and trek in the Nar Phu Valley. You will need both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit. These permits can be obtained through authorized trekking agencies in Nepal.

The best time to trek in the Nar Phu Valley is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves walking on rugged trails, crossing high passes, and gaining significant altitude. Prior trekking experience and a good level of physical fitness are recommended

Yes, there are basic tea houses and lodges available along the Nar Phu Valley Trek route. However, the infrastructure is relatively limited compared to more popular trekking routes. It's advisable to carry some essential supplies and be prepared for basic accommodation and food facilities.

The Nar Phu Valley Trek offers a range of highlights, including breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, unique Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions, ancient monasteries, pristine forests, and the chance to experience the remote and untouched beauty of the Himalayas.

Yes, it is possible to combine the Nar Phu Valley Trek with other popular treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Tilicho Lake Trek. This allows trekkers to explore a wider range of landscapes and experience a longer and more diverse adventure.

While it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the Nar Phu Valley Trek, it is highly recommended, especially if you have limited trekking experience or are unfamiliar with the region. A guide can provide valuable assistance, ensure your safety, and help navigate the challenging terrain.

Some essential items to pack for the Nar Phu Valley Trek include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a good-quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and high-energy snacks. It's important to pack light but be prepared for varying weather conditions and altitude changes.

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