The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the most remote and secluded trekking trails in the Annapurna region that provides you with an authentic Himalayan wilderness experience. The valley is situated between famous trekking regions Manaslu and Annapurna, showering you with spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Tilicho, and several other peaks.

A real hidden treasure that not many have explored, the Nar Phu Valley Trek offers you a rare opportunity to explore the unexplored valleys and trails. Taking you through remote villages, narrow canyons, lush forests, rugged trails, ancient gompas, and monasteries, the trek is a rare mixture of nature with antique Tibetan Buddhist culture.

During this trek, you can get a deep insight into the ancient Tibetan culture and lifestyle as you traverse through isolated villages. Open for exploration only since 2002, the Nar Phu Valley trekking is a restricted trekking area presenting an exceptional voyage to some pristine wild villages of Nar and Phu.

With very few amount of trekkers compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal, the towns in the area have managed to stay untouched and unspoiled by modernization.

The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. From Besisahar the road takes a turn towards Koto. Koto is the official starting point of the trek from where the hike on foot starts. You'll then pass through villages like; Meta, Phu, Nar Phedi, and Nar before crossing the high pass Kang La.

After crossing the Kang La pass, which is the highest point of your trek at an elevation of 5240 m, you'll head to Ngawal. From Nagawal, the trek continues through village Pisang until you finally reach Besisahar and drive back to Kathmandu. An ideal wilderness for adventure-seekers, leading to some of the remotest ancient valleys of the country, the Nar Phu Valley trekking is a must-try in 2024/2025.

Major highlights of the Nar Phu Trekking in Nepal

Embark on an off-beaten trail of Nepal.
Explore ancient remote villages of the Annapurna region.
Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, etc.
Experience Tibetan-Buddhist culture and lifestyle.
Pass through antique gompas and monasteries.
Cross Kang La Pass at an elevation of 5240 m.

What can you expect on the Nar Phu Valley Trekking?

Nar Phu Valley trekking is a journey not many are familiar with, which can be regarded as one of the best off-the-beaten-path in Nepal. The trek offers you flawless cultural and natural diversity throughout the route.

You will circle one of the secret valleys that take you through its rough scenes and old towns bordering Tibet during this journey which have remained in serene isolation for quite a long time. With somewhat fewer travelers than other trails, this excursion is one of the pristine areas in the Himalayas that offers you an actual off-beat trekking experience.

Are you fit for the Nar Phu Valley Journey?

The Annapurna Nar Phu Valley trekking is a rewarding yet challenging adventure. It's suitable for trekkers with a good level of physical fitness and previous hiking experience.

If you're prepared for rugged terrains, long hours of walking, and crossing high passes, with the thrill of walking on the secluded trail then you'll find this trek fulfilling. However, ensure that you're ready for a demanding journey physically and mentally before embarking on the Nar Phu Valley adventure.

The Difficulty Level of the Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley trek is categorized as moderate to difficult in difficulty level. It's an adventurous journey, especially challenging due to its remote and rugged terrain, including crossing high passes.

This difficulty level requires physical fitness and prior hiking experience and is suitable for those seeking a rewarding challenge journey lasting over a week. The trail overall offers a unique and immersive experience in a remote setting while you should be prepared to walk for around 5-6 hours each day on rough terrain.

Acclimatization and Safety Precautions for the Nar Phu Trek

Acclimatization is crucial for the Nar Phu Valley trek due to its high altitude. To ensure safety and reduce the risk of altitude sickness, our itinerary includes rest days at certain points and also gradual ascents to reduce the chances of altitude sickness.

Moreover, we suggest that you have adequate hydration, and proper nutrition, and walk according to your pace which is very essential. Always listen to your guide's advice and inform them about any discomfort. It's recommended that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness.

How can you prepare for the Nar Phu trek?

Preparing for the Nar Phu trek requires physical and mental willingness. The first thing you should focus on is regular physical activities like cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking which can help improve your stamina. If possible, we suggest you go for short hikes and treks to get used to the altitude and walking.

Acclimatization is vital as well, so plan for gradual altitude gain. Pack essentials like warm clothing, sturdy trekking gear, and a good pair of hiking boots. You should also have some idea about the trail, the cultures of the local communities, and the symptoms of altitude sickness that will help you in having a more enjoyable trekking experience.

Mental preparation is essential too, as you'll encounter remote areas and challenging terrains. You should prepare yourself mentally for unexpected situations.

What a day looks like in the Annapurna Nar Phu Valley Trek?

A typical day on the Annapurna Nar Phu Valley trek begins with an early wake-up in serene surroundings. After a hearty breakfast, you'll start walking amidst stunning landscapes. The trail offers diverse scenery, from lush forests to barren highlands.

You'll pass through several traditional villages, interact with locals, and witness their way of life all along the route. There will be stops for rest and meals, and you will be having a meal at one of the teahouses or lodge along the route. After several hours of walking, you'll arrive at the day's destination in the afternoon. You will then spend the evening with relaxation, exploring, and enjoying a warm meal before resting for the next day's adventure.

Nar Phu Valley Trekking Trail: A Restricted Area

The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area, offering a unique and preserved experience. This means special permits are required to explore this region. The most frequent question we get asked a lot is, Can you Trek to Nar phu valley without a Guide? and Can you trek Nar Phu Valley Solo?

For this, the answer is No, as it is a restricted area, trekkers are not allowed to trek solo and need to have one companion along with a professional guide. This is to ensure that every trekkers complete the journey safely.

Nar Phu Valley Trekking Permits

You need to have two permits to embark on a journey to the Nar Phu Valley which is explained below;

The Restricted Area Permit: As Nar Phu Valley is one of the restricted areas of Nepal, you need to have this permit which not only allows you to explore this secluded area but also contributes to its conservation. The cost of this permit varies with the time of year. During the peak trekking season from September to November, its cost is USD 90 per person per week. If you're planning your adventure from December to August, the cost reduces to USD 75 per person per week.

The ACAP Permit: Another permit is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, which is compulsory while you are trekking inside the periphery of the Annapurna conservation area. The permit is designed to contribute to the preservation of the region's unique biodiversity and culture. The cost for this permit is NPR 2000 per person.

Maximum Altitude During the Nar Phu Valley Route

The highest point of the Nar Phu Valley trek is Kang La Pass, at an elevation of approximately 5,320 meters (17,450 feet). This pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a highlight of the trek.

As rewarding as it is, it can be challenging to ascend to this high-altitude pass. To make your journey easier we highly suggest you focus on your physical stamina and also familiarize yourself with trekking in challenging terrains along with some high altitudes.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Route Map

The Nar Phu Valley trek route takes you through the remote and captivating landscapes of the Annapurna region. Starting from Koto, the trek follows a trail that includes the villages of Meta, Phu, Nar, Kang La Pass, and Ngawal.

The route map offers a mix of challenging high passes, serene valleys, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain views. The trail eventually leads you back to Besisahar, completing the captivating circuit through the hidden gems of Nar Phu Valley. You will get to explore the secluded area of the region while also experiencing the ancient ethnic culture and lifestyle of the local communities.

12 Days Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary

Embarking on a captivating 12 days journey through the enchanting Nar Phu Valley is a culturally rich experience. Throughout the trail, you will traverse the rugged landscapes, ascend to picturesque villages and relish the mesmerizing vistas of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. You will also cross a high pass Kang La Pass during the trek.

Overall, our itinerary of 12 days is designed to provide all trekkers with the best experience, however, if you have anything that you would like to change on the itinerary or the route map then you can reach out to us as it is customizable.