Nar Phu Valley Trek takes us through 11-day trekking to the hidden Nar and Phu villages. From this trek, you’ll get to explore the untouched valleys in Nepal far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Begin this Nar Phu Valley Trek with a long drive to the headquarters of the Lamjung district, Besisahar. Keep on the drive through the Prithvi Highway past the villages of Bhulbhule, Tal, Dharapani, Timang, and Thanchok to arrive at the village of Koto. The next day our trek sees us walking along the Soti Khola via the rhododendron and pine forest to make it to Dharamsala. From there, an easy hike will see us at the Meta Village.
On our fourth day, we’ll officially enter the Nar and Phu valleys with our entry to the Phu village. During our hike today, we’ll come across three ancient forts. While at Phu, explore the Tahsi Lakhang Monastery and enjoy the beautiful views of the Manaslu and Himlung peaks. Descend back to Meta village before making our way up to the Nar Phedi. Ascend to the hidden valley of Nar.
The Nar village offers extraordinary views of the Annapurna and Pisang peaks. While here, we might also see the nearly extinct bearded vulture, Lammergeier. The next day, we’ll hike through yak pastures to get to Kang La Phedi, and from there, it’s a steep ascent to Kang La Pass. While at the top, enjoy landscape views of the Annapurna, Pisang, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri peaks. Hike downhill to Ngawal and Pisang before returning to Besisahar and off to Kathmandu.
This trail is a moderately difficult trek on the off-beaten Trails. This Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the most popular hidden valley treks in Nepal even more than the Khopra Danda Trek or the Tsum Valley Trek.
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Nar Phu Valley Trek is a scenic and tranquil trekking experience. Walking through the off-the-beaten path of the Annapurna region is thrilling and adventurous. The route was opened in 2003 and remains one of the less crowded trekking routes. Trekkers will get an opportunity to trek through the forests of rhododendron to alpine meadows.
Similarly, it also provides panoramic views of mountains like Annapurna, Gangapurna, Himlung, Manaslu, and other surrounding peaks. Since the route goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you can witness diverse flora and fauna during the trek. You can get the opportunity to encounter wildlife like Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and numerous bird species.
There is a strong influence of Tibetan culture in Nar Phu Valley. The local ethnic groups living in the region are referred to as Narphuwal or Narphu people. They have their unique culture, traditions, and languages. Trekkers can witness traditional houses with Tibetan architecture decorated with intricate woodwork and carvings. Likewise, you can witness ancient monasteries, gompas, and stupas along the trek route.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is an excellent way of experiencing the region’s culture, traditions, local customs, and local cuisines. The locals of the region wear their traditional clothing often. So, you can get a glimpse of their traditional clothing, intricate jewelry, unique headgear, handicrafts, and more. You can also buy the local handicrafts for souvenirs.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a blend of nature and cultural experience. Since it is a less-commercialized trek destination, trekkers can experience the untouched nature and local culture. It is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of the Annapurna region.
Once you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, make your way to your hotel to freshen up. Meet with your reps to plan further about the upcoming trek. Once the meeting is over, the company guide will tell you about the things you can do in Kathmandu during your free time.
Today we prepare for the trek and check the last-minute checklist for trekking gears and if needed shopping around Themel. After lunch visit Kathmandu UNESCO world heritage sites, Kathmandu Durbar Squire, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa. Overnight at Hotel.
Start off with a long drive through the Prithvi Highway to the headquarter of Lamjung district, Besisahar. From there, we’ll drive past the villages of Bhulbhule, Tal, Dharapani, Timang, and Thanchok to get to the village of Koto. Enjoy the ride as you’ll get to see some natural wonders along the way. Overnight in Koto.
Today, we’ll hike along the Soti Khola via rhododendron and pine forest to first arrive at Dharamsala. After lunch, our trek will continue through forests uphill to get to the Meta village. With this, we’ve entered the Nar and Phu valley. Enjoy the views of the Annapurna and Lamjung peaks along the trail.
Hike uphill along the forested trail to get to the Phu Valley. Prior to getting to Phu, we’ll come across three ancient forts, one of which is still standing while the other two are nothing but rubble. Explore the Tashi Lakhang Gompa, which is dedicated to Lama Karma Sonam Rinpoche. This monastery is also taken as one of the 108 greatest Buddhist monasteries. Get breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Himlung during our trek.
An easy trek ends the day! Hike downhill back to Meta but, find an intersection in-between to Nar Phedi. During your free time here, explore the Nar Phedi monastery.
Leave Nar Phedi and Lapche rivers behind to hike uphill to get to the hidden valley of Nar, which sits at the foothill of Pisang Peak (6091m). During your time here at Nar, explore the old Buddhist monasteries and mani walls. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to see the nearly extinct Lammergeier (bearded vulture). Enjoy the sunset over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Pisang, Himlung, and Kanguru peaks. Overnight at a local tea house in Nar.
Start off the day with an early trek through yak pastures to get to Kang La Phedi. From there, ascent on a steep trail to arrive at Kang La Pass, which sits at a height of 5320 meters. While here, enjoy the landscape views of the Annapurna, Pisang, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri peaks. Hike downhill to get to Ngawal for an overnight stay.
An easy hike downhill will take us to the village of Pisang. From there, it’s a short drive back to the village of Besisahar. Overnight in Besisahar.
Get back on the road on a long drive to Kathmandu. The drive will take around 5-6 hours. Freshen up and roam around the city during your free time.
11 days of our traveling journey come to an end today. Depart to your hometown or off to your next destination.
There are four seasons in Nepal i.e., spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best time for Nar Phu Valley Trek. The summer season (June to August) coincides with monsoon and the winter season (December to February) brings heavy snowfall at higher elevations.
Spring is the pre-monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is warm and pleasant. Moreover, it is the season of flowers so trekkers can get some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The landscapes are vibrant and colorful as the forests of rhododendrons are in full bloom. There is occasional rainfall but the sky is clear. You can get stunning mountain views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, and many more.
The summer season brings rainfall which makes the trail at the lower region of Nar Phu Valley muddy and slippery. There is also the danger of landslides. The higher region of the Nar Phu Valley is relatively dry. But trekking to the region during summer is not recommended.
The autumn season is also festive in Nepal. Because it is a post-monsoon season, the rain washes away most of the dust and pollution. Therefore, you can enjoy the views and scenery the best during autumn. The climate and temperature are the most favorable. Furthermore, the weather is crisp with clear skies. During late autumn, the temperature slowly starts to get colder.
Winter is another unfavorable time for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The region is covered with thick layers of snow. It makes trekking to Nar Phu challenging. The trail also becomes slippery. The temperature can get significantly low. The accommodations along the Nar Phu Valley route may close or reduce services during winter. The visibility is also limited due to snowfall. Moreover, there is a risk of avalanches. Overall, trekking to Natr Phu Valley during winter is not recommended.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you into the remote areas of the Annapurna Region. Despite it being a less-traveled destination, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is safe for trekkers. However, choose the right time for trekking and prepare proper equipment. During the rainy season and mid-winter, the trail can become unsafe due to heavy rainfall and snowfall.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is moderately difficult and requires basic fitness for trekkers. The trail conditions at higher elevations can get rugged and rocky. Similarly, trekkers have to be prepared to walk 5 to 6 hours on average during the trek. You have to be prepared to ascend and descend on varied terrains as well as cross several rivers on suspension bridges.
The Nar Phu Valley has been classified as a restricted area by the government of Nepal. Therefore, you need to get a restricted permit for the trek. Similarly, you are also required to take the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
The Kang La Pass is a high mountain pass that is also the highest point of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. It sits at an elevation of 5,322 meters and is located in the Manag District. Similarly, it lies between the Nar Valley to the east and Upper Manag Valley to the west.
There are tea houses and lodges available for accommodations along the Nar Phu Valley trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities and usually have shared rooms, bathrooms, and communal dining spaces. These tea houses and lodges provide beds, blankets, and simple meals. The amenities are also limited. So, do not expect to find luxury accommodations during the Nar Phu Valley Trek.