Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 days

Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 days


Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you to the most exotic abandoned villages, Nar and Phu. The villages are squeezed between the two popular trekking regions, Annapurna and Manaslu. With the presence of ethnic Tibetan culture in this isolated place, this 12 days itinerary also provides you one of the best scenic trekking experiences along with the exciting plunge into the magnificent sight of snowcapped mountains.

Nar Phu valley trekking trails are less-traveled routes, despite being adjacent to famous Annapurna trekking routes. The flow of fewer travelers is why it has been untouched by the outer influence still now. It is a blend of all that a Himalayan region can offer within a short period of only 12 days. The experience of observing the mountains, gorges, lakes, livestock, daily lifestyle of the Tibet origin locals, and Buddhist culture is a full-fledged Himalayan package.

Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary allocates one day for sightseeing in four UNESCO world heritage sites. Your trek journey then begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar- the usual trailhead of the Annapurna region trek and soon deviates away from the busy trek paths to discover the lost villages of Nar and Phu.

After reaching Besisahar, you take a four-wheeler ride on the rugged road to arrive at Koto. Walking past the gorges and suspension bridges, you get to visit the Tibetan monasteries and observe the Tibetan lifestyle. The snowcapped mountains, rivers, and forests are undoubtedly your companion throughout the journey.

The final days of the trek lead you to pass through the Kang La Pass- one of the highest passes in the world. After this, you descend to Ngawal village in the Annapurna Circuit trail, followed by a drive back to Besisahar. Finally, return to Kathmandu marks the end of your journey to Nar Phu valley. 

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.

Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

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Trip Highlights

  • Stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu valley; Swayambhunath- the monkey temple, Pashupatinath- the Lord Shiva shrine, Boudhanath Stupa- a religious Buddhist site and Patan Durbar Square
  • Trek into the villages of Nar Phu valley; the hidden gem of Nepal only a few travelers have explored until now
  • Enjoy the view of gigantic mountains like Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang
  • Observe the Tibetan lifestyle along with many Buddhist representations like colorful prayer flags, monasteries, and Chortens
  • Discover the ancient fortresses, their remains and visit Tashi Lakhang Monastery- the last monastery built in the Nar Phu Valley
  • Pass through Kang La Pass (5,320m), one of the highest passes in the world, and take pleasure in the picturesque view of Nar Phu Valley

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel
Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek preparation
Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Koto (2,600m/8,528ft) - 9 to 10 hours drive
Day 4 Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m/11,677ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek
Day 5 Trek from Meta to Phu Goan (4,080m/13,383ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek
Day 6 Acclimatization day in Phu (4,080m/13,383ft)
Day 7 Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi (3490 m/ 11,450ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 8 Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,110m/13,481ft) - 2 to 3 hours trek
Day 9 Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal (3,660m/12,005ft/3-4 hrs) via the Kang La Pass (5,320m/17,450ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek
Day 10 Trek from Ngawal to Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft/2-3 hrs) and drive to Besisahar - 3 to 4 hours trek and 6 to 7 hours drive
Day 11 Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 6 to 7 hours drive
Day 12 Departure from Kathmandu

Route Map

Nar Phu Valley Trek Route Map Nar Phu Valley Trek Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel

From the sky above Kathmandu- the capital city of Nepal, you get wonderful views of the mountain ranges, green hills, and terraced farms. Upon completing the customs, our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. After hotel check-in and taking a rest for a while, you can stroll around the hotel street or take a rest for the day.

Thamel itself is a colorful market with various unique products like local arts and crafts shops and traditional thangka paintings. Thamel is also occupied with many restaurants serving Nepali and other cuisines if you wish to go on a food hunt.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek preparation

Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square - one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley

After breakfast, you head out for sightseeing in the UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley. Firstly, you visit a religious Buddhist monument, Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the monkey temple. Swayambhunath stands on a hilltop that provides a panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and Patan.

Then you head to Pashupatinath- the holiest Hindu Shrine located in the Bagmati riverbank. Though you do not get to enter the main temple, you can walk around and observe the temple surrounding. Again you move towards Boudhanath Stupa- one of the famous Buddhist monuments. The incense’s aroma and Tibetan music playing around the Stupa make Boudhanath environment peaceful.

Your last sightseeing is at Patan Durbar Square-a medieval royal square. The 16th-century heritage is full of temples, architectural pieces, courtyards, and numerous idols. The art and crafts made during the Malla regime are truly mesmerizing.

After you are done with the Kathmandu exploration, your trek guide will help you with the trek preparation, which includes a detailed discussion about the whole trek. The guide will brief you about trekking trail conditions, expected weather conditions during that particular time, and necessary equipment/ gears. You can also put forward any doubts or queries if you have any. And most importantly, you can buy or rent the gears in Thamel shops if you may have missed bringing any.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Koto (2,600m/8,528ft) - 9 to 10 hours drive

Koto Village Koto Village, Mustang

Your day will kick off in the morning, followed by an enjoyable drive of about 5 to 6 hours to arrive at Besisahar. From Besisahar, your journey again continues through the rocky path in a four-wheeler. Although this rugged drive may not be very pleasant, the surrounding scenic views are worth the ride.

This rugged path aligning with the old Annapurna Circuit trek route offers an incredible view of the waterfalls and gorges flowing down the green hills. As you drive past the villages like Bhulbhule, Chamcha, Dharapani, Danakya, Bagarchha, and Thanchok, you will notice a magnificent sight of Mount Manaslu Annapurna II, Lamjung, and many other snowcapped mountains.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Koto. 

Day 4
Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m/11,677ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek

Start the day early in the morning as you have quite a long and adventurous day today. Crossing the bridge, you head on to the least visited valley through beautiful forests above the Phu River. Unlike other Annapurna Circuit areas, the trail contains many small caves and Dharmasalas (religious shelters), untouched from the outer world.

The arrival of a narrow canyon then marks the starting of the trail that follows below a waterfall, whereby the density of trees gradually reduces. The last walk of the day requires you to ascend through a steep hill that provides you a closer view of the snow peaks; Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Finally, you arrive at Meta residing in a large open plain land that rewards beautiful unobstructed scenery.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Meta.

Day 5
Trek from Meta to Phu Goan (4,080m/13,383ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek

Today is an excellent opportunity to observe the Tibetan origin people's diverse cultures, nature, and daily lives. Heading away from Meta, unique and colorful Tibetan chortens begin to appear for which Nar and Phu are very famous. Walking along the suspension bridge, you arrive at the dry fields in Chyakhu. Climbing upwards from there guides you to a small pass from where a magnificent view of the Annapurna appears nearer.

Reaching Kyang, you will have a chance to observe a splendid view of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. Again, continue to walk on a rocky path passing through the Phu River, where some camps may be present. Through these trails, you can view the three villages, the old Tibetan-style fortress, and the remains of two ruined fortresses located strategically on the topmost plateau in front of the village.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Phu Goan.

Day 6
Acclimatization day in Phu (4,080m/13,383ft)

Phu Village The famous Phu Goan (Phu Village) in Manang

Today is the day to spend plenty of time in Phu village and experience the Tibetan culture and religion. Sitting beside the villagers while they grind the mustard seeds to extract oil and while they spin the sheep wool would be an exciting activity to do. Also, walking a short distance with the locals as they hover around their blue sheep for grazing could be interesting.

You may hike up to Himlung Himal base camp through the glacial valley to watch the closest view of Himlung. Today, you also visit the antique Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, and a heritage enlisted as one of the top 108 monasteries in the world. This monastery is believed to be the last monastery built in Narphu valley by Karmapa Rinpoche. The mesmerizing scene with perfect natural light and blue sky visible from the village is outstanding, especially for the photographers.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Phu.

Day 7
Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi (3490 m/ 11,450ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

Today, walk back from Phu village on the same trail for few hours, followed by a downward path through a small gorge at Phu Khola. Crossing many streams and suspension bridges ascend to Yughat, a small village decorated with mani stones, Buddhist chortens, and shrines. From Yughat, you continue to walk through the Lapche River Gorge along with flora and fauna of the surrounding. 

Reaching Nar Phedi, a Tibetan monastery residing on flat land, is the only thing you will see here. As there are no lodges at this place, you will stay at the monastic school for the night, which almost serves as a guesthouse does. You can spend your time watching or helping the friendly nuns while they prepare your dinner. In the evening, you can also be a part of their evening religious rituals.

Overnight a monastery in Nar Phedi.

Day 8
Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,110m/13,481ft) - 2 to 3 hours trek

Today will be a relaxing day as you do not have to walk long hours. You walk past a winding path with many colorful Buddhist stupas and chortens with bamboo tops. Though Nar is a unique village nearby the very popular Annapurna trek trail, the village is least visited and is blessed with a picturesque sight of Pisang Peak and some more neighboring peaks.

Nar and Phu look similar due to their geographical features and climate; Nar is smaller and livelier than Phu. Therefore, here you have more time and a chance to observe the daily lifestyle of the locals. You get to encounter many women weaving wool fabric to make rugs and blankets. You can spend the evening enjoying nature’s beauty and capturing some sunset photos for memory.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Nar Village.

Day 9
Trek from Nar Village to Ngawal (3,660m/12,005ft/3-4 hrs) via the Kang La Pass (5,320m/17,450ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek


Be prepared for an adventurous trek today and climb upwards, leaving behind Nar village to arrive at Kang La Pass. But the sturdy day is all worth it to view the scenic landscape from the Kang La Pass. The pass offers a remarkable view of ranges like Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Tilicho peak and surrounding peaks, Hunde Airport, and Marsyangdi Valley.

Savoring all the beauty from the top of the pass, you descend to Ngwal along with many gorgeous scenes of the Buddhist prayer flags, small chortens. Far away in the hills, you will notice the meditation caves, yak pastures, and religious shelters that look tiny but beautiful. As you keep walking downwards for about two hours, you finally reach Nwagal, where you rest for the day.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Ngawal.

Day 10
Trek from Ngawal to Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft/2-3 hrs) and drive to Besisahar - 3 to 4 hours trek and 6 to 7 hours drive

Pisang - View from Pisang - Annpurna II

Enjoy the last few hours of the walk today as you head towards Pisang from Ngawal village. The trail is wide and comfortable that allows an easy walk. The more you descend, the more the weather gets hotter than also rewards more greenery. When you are about to enter Pisang, lovely lakes will welcome and provide you ample photo opportunities.

After lunch in Pisang, you drive to Besisahar by jeep, where you will spend your night.  

Overnight at a hotel in Besisahar.

Day 11
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 6 to 7 hours drive

The scenic drive to Kathmandu rewards you the view of lush green forests, rivers, agricultural lands, villages, and hills. Once you arrive at the hotel in Kathmandu, you can spend your leisure time self-exploring the nearby markets and getting some souvenirs as a Nepal memory. Many visitors prefer to enjoy a beer and live music sessions in the nearby bars in the evening. 

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport Tribhuvan International Airport

Today is the day you bid goodbye to Nepal. Make the best out of your last moments in Nepal; enjoy a tasty breakfast, walk around Thamel streets once again and do some quick souvenir shopping. Our representative will escort you to the airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight. And then you fly back to your home with all the good times you had in Nepal engraved in your heart.

Third Rock Adventures will be more than happy to make any customization in this itinerary as per your need. It is possible to extend this Nar Phu Valley Trek to Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho lake trek, or any other possible destinations to the trip. We also hope to be your partner in your future Nepal trips.



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99%
Based on 7 reviews


Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Lila Robinson
flagsGermany
Jan 21, 2024

Best Best Best

This trek with Third Rock Adventure was an absolute delight. The pristine beauty of Nar and Phu valleys, expertly guided by Rishi, made for an unforgettable experience. Special thanks to Naba, the founder, for his passion and dedication and the lively Thamel dal bhat party, the perfect end to an incredible journey. Highly recommended!
Good Value,Best and Selected Tours,
Yes
Dominic Reynolds
flagsUnited States of America
Jan 21, 2024

Best Ever Trek

Naba, the founder of Third Rock Adventure, demonstrated unparalleled dedication to ensuring the success and enjoyment of our trek. His knowledge of the region, commitment to responsible tourism, and passion for adventure shone through, creating an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie among the group. The trek itself was a mesmerizing exploration of remote villages, ancient monasteries, and panoramic mountain views. The well-planned itinerary allowed for acclimatization, making the adventure both challenging and rewarding. A unique highlight of the trip was the beer and dal bhat party in Thamel, hosted at one of Naba's hotels. This convivial gathering provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the completion of the trek with fellow trekkers, sharing stories and laughter in a festive atmosphere. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Naba and the entire Third Rock Adventure team for curating a trek that seamlessly blended adventure, cultural immersion, and hospitality. This Nar Phu Valley Trek stands as a testament to their commitment to providing extraordinary experiences in the heart of the Himalayas. I highly recommend this trek to anyone seeking a profound and unforgettable journey in Nepal.
Best Destination,
Yes
Eoghan Hale
flagsIreland
Apr 19, 2021

Perfect Narphu trek with Third Rock Adventures

Never seen such a perfect trip organization with other company I have worked with in previous days ! We did a 12 days trek during the Spring season, and we were blessed with wonderful weather! Deepak, who is our main guide is extremely hospitable and took care of our needs instantly. The entire transport arrangement and activities included in the itinerary were done efficiently. Our guide had a wealth of experience for this particular trek as he was from the same region and the porters were very friendly.
Ladislav Boran
flagsSlovakia
Apr 14, 2021

Narphu valley trek

Our idea got real meaning after we met Third Rock Adventures and team. Real profesionals with Excellent service. Our guide ánd porter very friendly and helping. We recommend their service and the company. Thank you.
Reece Wasley
flagsUnited Kingdom
Sep 27, 2020

Fascinated by the landscape of Nar Phu

Nar Phu Valley has been fantastic surprise for me. Fantastic landscapes and hidden gem villages of Nepal. What an adventure! I enjoyed every day trekking with the wonderful Third Rock team, specially our guide Bimal and porter Rupesh. The guide was very knowledgeable and fun and the guest house where we stopped are run by very kind and friendly person serving great food cooked like times ago! From the moment i have landed in Katmandu I felt immediately like a friend and not a customers. The services and everyday activities were organized so perfect without any glitches. Thanks to all team members. I would strongly recommend this agency.
Óscar Pomales
flagsSpain
Sep 16, 2020

A remote trekking trip to Nar Phu valley

Third Rock Adventures offered a fascinating landscape trip to Nar Phu Valley behind the Annapurna Himal. Nar Phu Valley Trekking was in Nepal’s remote and beautiful, virgin region in Annapurna. Nar Phu is situated in northeast valley near Chame. Nar and Phu are different village in the valley. I enjoyed all those treks and views of the trip. Highly recommended. Thank you entire team for such an amazing travel experience of my life!
Joaquin Pérez
flagsSpain
Sep 14, 2020

We did Nar Phu trek, wild and virgin

We are glad and Happy to do this Nar-phu Valley Trek with Third Rock Adventures, we are stunned by the views of Himalayas and nature in a whole. The people of this region where very much warm hearted and kind, they greeted us with their warm gesture of kindness along the whole trail. We enjoyed this trek very much with the company of our guide Gadul, and we would like thank him very much for taking care of us along the whole trek with his experience of guiding in this region and he elaborated us about the history of this region Nar phu Valley with great interest and we came to know that the most of the people are Buddhist and we saw many monuments of stupa's and gumba's along the way. We get chance to explore the unique culture, nature ,people, tradition, and history of this region. We want to thank Third Rock team and guide for organizing this trek and taking care of us throughout he trip.
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