The Nar Phu valley trek provides an exceptional route for travelers to uncover hidden valleys and immerse themselves in the remote Himalayan experience. Situated between the popular Annapurna & Manaslu Regions, the Nar-phu valley is a concealed treasure positioned to the north of Annapurna.
Similarly, The Nar and Phu valleys, ancient Himalayan landscapes, have recently become accessible to tourists. The Nepal government has designated this trekking route in Nepal as a restricted area so require special permits for entry. The journey across Nar Phu Valley encompasses traversing numerous high mountain passes, charming villages, dense forests, ancient monasteries, mountain meadows. Striking rock formations, and narrow ravines leading to the isolated Nar and Phu villages near the Tibetan border. The local culture and language bear resemblance to Tibet, as the area shares high Himalayan passes with Tibet. The expedition rewards trekkers with awe-inspiring panoramas of towering peaks including Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m). These are the snow-clad peaks of the Annapurna region.
Likewise, 13 days Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary embarks from Kathmandu, initially driving to Besisahar and further to Chamje. The trail then follows the traditional Annapurna circuit path until Koto. From there, it diverges from the Marshyangdi River to explore the remote Nar Phu valley, tracing the course of the Naar Khola. Travelers will find the remote Upper Manang district, passing Tibetan chortens & prayer stones, venturing into deep canyons and gorges.
The Nar and Phu valleys comprise distant, untouched, and captivating settlements of the Tibetan Buddhist realm. Pilgrims from all over the globe come to the Phu Valley to visit the renowned Tashi Lha Khang monastery. While spending ample time in these vivid, timeless communities, travelers also encounter the elevated valleys above Phu. The journey involves crossing the Kang La (5315m) pass, transitioning from Nar to Ngwal, and eventually rejoining the Annapurna circuit trail and then driving back to Besisahar.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later in the evening, we will have a pre-departure meeting regarding the details of your trip.
We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and then drive you to Besisahar before arriving in Bhulbhule. The Prithvi Highway leads us westward during the picturesque drive. We follow the Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers as we go and pass numerous charming villages that dot the countryside. Mount Manaslu and the Annapurna Mountain ranges may be seen in the distance. After registering for a permit at the checkpoint, we take off road drive to Chamje following the Marsyangdi River passing through charming villages and terraced fields.
We embark on our first day of trek. We leave the road and embark on a hiking trail that opens out in front of us, choosing the less traveled route. The majority of the trail today is upward. Following the Marsyangdi River’s path closely and climbing steeply from Tal Village, we enter the Manang Region. As we leave Tal, we climb by fields of potatoes, rice, and barley. The difficult trail then passes through the forested hamlet of Karte before we reach Dharapani. Enroute we’ll get a close-up view of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal (7,925m), and other peaks. Dharapani is the meeting point of Annapurna Circuit Trail and Manaslu Circuit Trail.
Our path winds through a tapestry of lush forests decorated with pine, oak, fir, and maple trees as we continue our walk from Dharapani along the banks of the Marshyangdi River. On the way, we get to see breathtaking vistas of the Manaslu and Annapurna peaks. Before we reach Koto, our path takes us past historic Tibetan settlements such as Bagarchap, Danakyu, Timang, Thanchowk. Koto is the gateway to Nar Phu Valley.
After registering our permit to enter the restricted area at the check post, we trek away from the famous Annapurna Circuit Trail. After crossing Marshyangdi Khola, we trek through pine forest along the Naar Khola and over rocky terrain. En route to Meta we can see caves and canyons, semi arid region geographically similar to Manang, big waterfall, big Chhorten, snow capped mountains such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
The path gently ascends and descends as it leads to Phu village. Following the course of the Phu khola, we journey to Phu. Along the route, we encounter exquisite Buddhist chortens, and the scenery includes breathtaking gorges, canyons, and the remains of forts resembling those in Tibetan architecture. Pisang Peak and Annapurna II come into view during our trek. After crossing a suspension bridge, we arrive at the entrance gate of the Phu valley, just before reaching Phu itself. We also take the opportunity to explore the ancient Tashi Lhakhang monastery.
Today, our main focus is on resting and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. In order to make the most of this day, we have two options available. The first option is to immerse ourselves in the village and its surroundings, delving into the unique culture, natural variety, and religious customs of the Lama, Gurung, and Ghale ethnic groups that inhabit in this Lost Valley. This presents an opportunity to understand how these villagers sustain themselves through activities like agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal migrations in such a secluded and hidden valley.
Alternatively, for those seeking challenge, there’s the option of embarking on a 4 to 5-hour hike up to the Himlung Himal Base Camp. This trek will take us through a glacial valley and offer a more physically demanding experience.
Retracing along our path to Nar Phedi presents additional chances to appreciate the distinct scenery of the valley. Furthermore, the village gives an intriguing option to spend the night at the nearby monastery, adding to the experience.
The hike today is quite easy. Begin by ascending from Nar Phedi and following a meandering trail that leads up a hill towards Nar. Along the route, you will encounter an entrance gate to Nar Valley and a row of beautifully adorned chortens with bamboo tops, as you make your way into the historic Nar village.
Today will be our second acclimatization day. Perched atop a hill, Nar village offers magnificent vistas of the Himalayas. In order to stay engaged and energetic, we will go on a village tour to immerse ourselves in the local culture and way of life.
Today will be a long day, so we will wake up before dawn and proceed towards the Kang La Pass. This pass leads back onto the well-known Annapurna Circuit. Although it is not a challenging pass, the impact of the altitude might make the day exhausting. Our path will take us through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and grazing grounds for yaks. Reaching the summit of the pass, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
The descent from the pass begins steeply and leads to Ngawal. Ngawal is one of the picturesque village on the upper Pisang route of the renowned Annapurna Circuit and is notably distinct from the ancient villages we’ve recently explored.
After breakfast, our trip continues from Nawal to Pisang, going through forests and a number of settlements with mountain views. After some refreshment, we bid farewell to the mountains and take an off-road four-wheel drive back to Besisahar passing through numerous villages, forest, and apple orchards, offering a diverse and scenic passage.
You can choose to go to Pokhara city or we can drive back to Kathmandu.
