Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Annapurna

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Hiace & Local bus

  • Duration

    15 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Strenuous

  • Altitude

    5320 m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-Nov

  • Start/End Point

    Jagat/Besisahar

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Annapurna Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Hiace & Local bus
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
15 Days Strenuous 5320 m March-May & Sept-Nov Jagat/Besisahar

Trip Overview

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an extraordinary journey into a restricted, high-altitude sanctuary tucked between the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Branching off from the classic Annapurna Circuit at Koto, the trail leads through narrow river gorges, carved cliffside paths, and dramatic canyons into a hidden region that was closed to outsiders for centuries.

The landscape transitions dramatically from lush forest canyons along the Phu Khola to a raw, wind-swept Himalayan plateau reminiscent of Tibet. At the heart of the journey are the medieval stone-walled villages of Nar and Phu. Perched high on alpine terraces, these isolated settlements preserve centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions, ancient monasteries like Tashi Lhakhang, sacred chortens, and an enduring mountain way of life centered around yak herding.

The ultimate physical climax of the trek is crossing the formidable Kang La Pass (5,320 m). Reaching the top of the pass rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Himlung Himal. Descending down to the village of Ngawal in the Manang Valley, the trail rejoins the main routes before returning toward Pokhara and Kathmandu. Combining wilderness exploration, rugged mountain passes, and untouched Tibetan heritage, the Nar Phu Valley Trek offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path adventure for experienced Himalayan trekkers.

Trip Highlights

  • Journey into the restricted, high-altitude sanctuary of the Nar Phu region, tucked behind the Annapurna Massif.
  • Conquer the formidable Kang La Pass (5,320 m) for breathtaking, 360-degree panoramas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
  • Walk through deep narrow river gorges, carved cliffside paths, and dramatic high-altitude canyons.
  • Explore the ancient, stone-walled Tibetan fortress villages of Nar and Phu, preserved almost unchanged for centuries.
  • Visit historic Buddhist landmarks, including the 800-year-old Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu and the peaceful monastic institute at Nar Phedi.
  • Take an adventurous side trip toward Himlung Himal Base Camp through raw, glaciated mountain terrain.
  • Experience an authentic off-the-beaten-path wilderness trek on quiet trails far from major tourist crowds.
  • Cross high alpine pastures grazed by yak herds under the shadows of dramatic peaks like Himlung Himal and Kanguru.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest after your flight or take a walk around Thamel to get oriented.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through route details, checking your gear list, and sorting out necessary trekking permits (ACAP and Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit). If you need any final personal items or clothing layers, you will have plenty of time during the day in Thamel. In the evening, you can pack your duffel bag and rest before the journey begins.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Driving time: 8 to 9 hours
  • We leave Kathmandu early in the morning on a private vehicle, taking a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Besisahar. From Besisahar, we switch to a four-wheel-drive vehicle and continue along the winding mountain road parallel to the Marshyangdi River until we reach the riverbank village of Jagat.
  • Overnight stay in Jagat.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • We begin our trek following the Marshyangdi River trail, passing through Chamje and entering the Manang district at Tal. The path leads across suspension bridges and alongside river gorges until we reach Dharapani.
  • Overnight stay in Dharapani.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Today’s trail climbs steadily through pine and fir forests, passing through Timang and Chame. As we approach Koto, we get magnificent views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Koto serves as the official entry gateway to the restricted Nar Phu region.
  • Overnight stay in Koto.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Leaving the main Annapurna Circuit path, we enter the restricted Nar Phu valley. The trail leads through deep pine forests, across dramatic suspension bridges over the Nar Khola, past cascading waterfalls, and up steep carved cliffside paths until the valley opens up to the windswept pasture settlement of Meta.
  • Overnight stay in Meta.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Today’s trail passes through dramatic canyon scenery, ancient stone chortens, and deserted Tibetan settlement ruins like Jhunbeni. As we gain altitude, the landscape transforms into a high-altitude plateau, leading us into the remote, walled medieval village of Phu.
  • Overnight stay in Phu Village.

  • Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours total
  • A major highlight and essential acclimatization day. We set off early along the glacial valley of the Pangri Glacier toward Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,850 m). Standing at the foot of Himlung Himal (7,126 m), surrounded by vast moraines, high peaks, and glaciers, offers an unforgettable alpine experience before we return to Phu Village for the evening.
  • Overnight stay in Phu Village.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • We retrace our steps back down the valley, leaving Phu behind and following the trail through deep river canyons down to Nar Phedi. We stay at the peaceful Nar Phedi Monastery, where you can observe monastic life and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs.
  • Overnight stay in Nar Phedi.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • A winding uphill hike leads out of Nar Phedi gorge, crossing a suspension bridge and passing long lines of colorful Mani walls and chortens until we reach the ancient stone-terraced fortress village of Nar. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest and explore the village square.
  • Overnight stay in Nar Village.

  • Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
  • Our toughest and most rewarding trekking day. We start well before dawn, ascending a steep trail toward the summit of Kang La Pass (5,320 m). The top rewards us with stunning, uninterrupted panoramas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. We then make a long descent down into Ngawal village.
  • Overnight stay in Ngawal.

  • Driving time: 6 to 7 hours
  • We board our four-wheel-drive private vehicle at Ngawal / Humde and drive down through the Manang Valley road, passing Chame and Dharapani along the scenic Marshyangdi River valley down to Besisahar.
  • Overnight stay in Besisahar.

  • Driving time: 5 to 6 hours
  • After breakfast in Besisahar, we transfer to our comfortable private vehicle for the drive along the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you check in to your hotel with the evening free to rest or stroll around Thamel.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A dedicated day to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, our guide and private driver take you to visit iconic heritage spots, including Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 15-day Nar Phu Valley trekking adventure in Nepal. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • One night hotel accommodation in Besisahar on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • All accommodation during the trek in handpicked teahouses and local lodges.
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, along with a cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • Fresh seasonal fruit provided after dinner during the trek (if and when available).
  • All overland ground transportation between Kathmandu, Besisahar, Jagat, Ngawal/Humde, Besisahar, and Kathmandu as per the itinerary by private 4WD vehicle.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card, and Nar Phu Restricted Area Special Permit.
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and local porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • Complete staff insurance, daily wages, meals, accommodations, equipment, and transportation for all trekking staff.
  • Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites by private vehicle.
  • Complimentary use of an Earth Matter Treks duffel bag for the trek duration.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Besisahar.
  • Entrance ticket fees for heritage sites, monuments, and temples during the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (including mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking above 5,000 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation).
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral/bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees on the trail.
  • Personal trekking equipment and gear (e.g., down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, hiking boots).
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.
  • Extra accommodation or transport due to unforeseen circumstances or road conditions.

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