True spirit of adventure since 1990
Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Duration
17 days
Max. Elevation
4200m
Group size
Min 1+
Level
DIFFICULT
Transportation
Public Bus / Jeep
Best Season
Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu. Lodge(Tea house) and Camping during the trek
Meals
3 Meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route
{ Kathmandu - Bhulbhule - Chamje - Dharapani - Koto - Dharmashala - Kayang - Phu Village - Junam - Nar Village - Kang La Pass - Ngwal - Manang - Pisang - Dharapani - Jagat - Kathmandu }

Highlights

Overview

Nar Phu Valley Trek was opened to the outside world in 2003. Still being a restricted area, trekkers have to obtain special permits to visit this area which is visited by very few tourists. The nature and culture of this area are in its pristine form, removed from the ugly effects of modernization. 
 
Nar and Phu are two villages together known as Nar Phu Valley. The valley lies on the bank of Marshyangdi River in Manang District. It inhabited by Tibetan inhabitants who obviously follow Tibetan lifestyle and Buddhist culture. 
 
Trekkers have to enter through Chame to reach Nar Phu and can come out to join the Annapurna Circuit in Mustang. In doing so trekkers will have to cross three highest passes, Kang La pass (5171m), Mesokanta (5315m)  and Thorong La Pass( 5416m). Nar Phu Valley trek is often preferred as the alternate choice for Annapurna Trek.
 
The Nar phu Valley trek offers spectacular views of Annapurna ranges including Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak along with monasteries, glaciers, canyons, rivers and lakes, forests and hills. Tashing Lakhang Gompa is an ancient monastery widely popular among Buddhist pilgrims of both Nepal and Tibet.  
 
Tilicho Lake located at (4919m.) is one of the highest freshwater lake in the world. The Lake is tucked in the Himalayas away from human civilization offering an unparalleled spiritual solicitude and peace. 
 
The best time to do Nar Phu Valley Trek is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November). This trek can be done over different durations depending on your interests, timeframe and budget.

Important Note

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in.

Trip Itinerary

After early morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about eight hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. From Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved road and from there to Bhulbule is graveled.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

840m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours.  Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. Follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m) and then climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. From here it is a few ups and downs before you reach Chamje.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

1410m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1960m) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi river at which point cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m) where you will find hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path follows winding cliffs. You will pass through the small village of Karte (1900m.) and cross a suspension bridge as you approach the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.). 

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

1960m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Dharapani to Koto takes about five hours. You trek gradual ascent path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views you can enjoy are of Annapurna II, Manaslu range and beautiful views of forests on the way add another dimension to your trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and others. Their life style is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

2610m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Koto to Dharmashala takes about six hours. You cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola. The route takes you through some beautiful woods and past several small caves, and a pilgrims’ Dharmashala. After you emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the Dharmashala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3300m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Dharmashala to Kayang takes about six and half hours.  A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings you finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. You pass by e scenic Kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you are likely to share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3560m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Kayang to Phu village. Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank and past the “submarine” rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful Chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon and gorges, you reach the Phu gate. This ancient gate provides you with you first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old “dzong” and the remains of the two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

4200m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Excursion around Phu valley. You can have interaction with locals and explore up the wide valley systems above you. You might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hour’s walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat.

Stay overnight in camp.

Max. altitude

4200m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Phu valley to Junam. You get back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your step back to Junam Kharka which is a lovely spot for camping.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3550m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Junam to Nar. This day you trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below you sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. You finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo topped Chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old colorful and traditional Gompas and the snow peaks looming overhead.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

4150m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Explore Nar village. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

4150m

Accomodation

Camp or Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Nar village to Ngwal after crossing Kang La pass. The Kang La is not a diffucult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and gradual down towards the end.

Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit (off the main Annapurna circuit), can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is so nice that you will take it easy and enjoy the views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of Chortens and prayer flags, and marks a meditation cave far up in the hills. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times.

Stay overnight in camp or lodge.

Max. altitude

3675m

Trek from Ngwal to Manang takes about three hours. This day you walk through the leveled path along the bank of Marshyangdi River to reach Manang. On the way you pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. You can enjoy the views of Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes. Manang is a small town.

Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

3519m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Manang to Pisang takes about 6 hours. The trail from Manang to Pisang following the upper route goes through deep valleys ensconsed by mountains all around.  Once you leave Manang, the trail drops down to the tranquil Chindi Lake. High rocky cliffs festooned with pine trees and sparse settlements here and there provide you with perfect setting. Further ahead you will walk past the village sof Ngawal and Ghyaru providing an awesome views of Pisang Peak, Tilicho, Gangapurna and Annapurna II and III. Another 2 hours walk will reach you to Upper Pisang.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

3200m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Pisang to Dharapani takes about 7 hours. Stay overnight in lodge. Today you will set off for Dharapani by making a descent to around 2500m. The trail initially offers beautiful views of Annapurna and Manaslu ranges passing through the village of Chame. There is a huge waterfall near Chame. Further ahead the trail descends down to the Bhotia villages of Dhayaku and Bagarchap, the last stop before reaching Dharapani.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Max. altitude

1960m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1800m) takes about six hours. You trek all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way, you walk through pleasant villages such as Taal is an attractive village with a pretty waterfall and you can enjoy the sight of lush green hills. Eventually, you come across Jagat is a stone village situated on a shelf, that juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley.

Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

1800m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu takes about eight hours. It is a picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages on both sides of road.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast
Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
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Elevation Chart

Includes

    • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
    • One trekking guide (if there are 10 or more participants, we will provide 2 trekking guides)
    • One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
    • Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
    • Trekking equipment: Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags and trekking poles
    • Special trekking permit for Nar and Phu
    • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area (ACAP)
    • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
    • All land transportation: - Kathmandu to Bhulbhule and Jagat to Kathmandu by regular public bus/jeep
    • Insurance and equipment for all guides and porters
    • First aid kit
    • Tax, VAT and our service charge
    • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
    • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenirs

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips for involved staffs
    • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Equipment List

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff  

Sun-worn Items

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries), 

Liquid/Snacks

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials

First Aid Kit

Optional

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal