Nar Phu Valley Trek Highlights

• ​Explore Hidden Restricted Valleys: Discover pristine Tibetan villages untouched by modern tourism.
• ​Cross Kang La Pass (5,320m): Soak in spectacular panoramas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
• ​Visit Century-Old Monasteries: Tour the historic Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu Village.
• ​Authentic Cultural Immersion: Experience traditional Bhotia-Tibetan culture, mani walls, and ancient chortens.
• ​Stay at Nar Phedi Monastery: Experience unique monastery accommodation and local hospitality.
• ​Avoid the Crowds: Enjoy a peaceful, solitude-filled trekking experience far from busy main trails.

​Standard 13-Day Nar Phu Valley Itinerary

​Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

​Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), our team will transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, attend a detailed trek briefing covering route logistics, permit documentation, and equipment checks. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.

​Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,860m) via Besisahar

• ​Drive Duration: 7–8 hours | Elevation Gain: +460m Drive along the scenic Marsyangdi River valley through Besisahar, the Lamjung district headquarters. Transfer to a 4WD jeep and follow the river gorge up to Dharapani, where the Annapurna Circuit trek officially begins. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 3: Trek Dharapani to Koto (2,600m)

• ​Trek Duration: 5–6 hours | Elevation Gain: +740m Follow the Annapurna Circuit trail through pine forests, passing small villages and crossing suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. Arrive at Koto, the official checkpoint for entry into the restricted Nar Phu Valley. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 4: Trek Koto to Meta (3,560m)

• ​Trek Duration: 6–7 hours | Elevation Gain: +960m Leave the main circuit trail and enter the Nar Phu restricted zone. Walk along the narrow gorge of the Nar Khola river through dramatic rock formations and pine forests before ascending into the semi-arid rain-shadow valley of Meta. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 5: Trek Meta to Kyang (3,820m)

• ​Trek Duration: 4–5 hours | Elevation Gain: +260m Trek through desolate, barren landscapes decorated with juniper scrubs, mani walls, and ancient chortens. Kyang is a seasonal settlement used by local yak herders, providing excellent acclimatization and views of Pisang Peak. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 6: Trek Kyang to Phu Village (4,080m)

• ​Trek Duration: 5–6 hours | Elevation Gain: +260m Follow the river canyon past ruined ancient fortresses (Dzongs) and cross a suspension bridge over the Phu Khola to reach Phu Village. The medieval stone village appears dramatically beneath towering peaks and is anchored by the ancient Tashi Lhakhang Monastery. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 7: Acclimatization & Rest Day in Phu Village (4,080m)

• ​Rest & Exploration Day Essential acclimatization day before moving to higher altitudes. Explore Phu village, visit the 900-year-old Tashi Lhakhang Monastery for morning prayers, hike to nearby meditation caves, and experience authentic local Bhotia culture. Overnight in Phu Village.

​Day 8: Trek Phu Village to Nar Phedi (3,490m)

• ​Trek Duration: 5–6 hours | Elevation Loss: -590m Retrace your steps down the valley from Phu toward Nar Phedi. Cross a high suspension bridge over a deep gorge to reach the peaceful Nar Phedi Monastery, where you can stay and observe the daily life of resident nuns. Overnight in Monastery Guesthouse / Teahouse.

​Day 9: Trek Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,110m)

• ​Trek Duration: 3–4 hours | Elevation Gain: +620m A short but steady climb winding up through terraced barley fields and traditional chortens leads to Nar Village. Explore this stone-built settlement, its active monasteries, and local agricultural courtyards. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 10: Cross Kang La Pass (5,320m) to Ngawal (3,650m)

• ​Trek Duration: 8–9 hours | Elevation Gain: +1,210m / Loss: -1,670m Start before dawn (3:00–4:00 AM) for the challenging climb to Kang La Pass (5,320m). Upon reaching the prayer flag-adorned summit, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Descend steeply to Ngawal village on the main Annapurna Circuit trail. Overnight in a teahouse.

​Day 11: Trek Ngawal to Chame (2,670m)

• ​Trek Duration: 5–6 hours | Elevation Loss: -980m Follow the established Annapurna Circuit trail through pine and rhododendron forests, passing Upper Pisang and descending toward Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. Overnight in a teahouse. 

• Day 12: Drive Chame to Kathmandu via Besisahar

  • ​Drive Duration: 9–10 hours | Elevation Loss: -1,270m Board a 4WD jeep from Chame to Besisahar, then transfer to private transportation or a vehicle returning to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu by evening and celebrate your successful trek. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel. 

​Day 13: Final Departure

​Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your international departure flight.

​Trip Inclusions & Exclusions

​What is Included:

• ​Transfers: Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle in Kathmandu.
• ​Transportation: Kathmandu to besisahar  private car besisahar to Dharapani local jeep and Chame to Besisahar by sharing 4WD jeep and Besisahar to kathmandu private car.
• ​Permits: Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
• ​Accommodation: Hotel stay in Kathmandu (with breakfast); teahouses during the trek.
• ​Meals: Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trekking duration.
• ​Guide & Porters: Government-licensed experienced trekking guide and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
• ​Staff Cover: Full wages, insurance, meals, accommodation, and transportation for all local crew.
• ​Safety Equipment: First aid kit and pulse oximeter.

​What is Excluded:

• ​International flight tickets and Nepal Entry Visa fees.
• ​Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,500m and emergency helicopter evacuation).
• ​Personal expenses (WiFi, hot showers, device charging, bottled mineral water, snacks).
• ​Personal trekking equipment.
• ​Tips for guide and porters.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​Do I need a special permit for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

​Yes, because Nar Phu is a protected border region near Tibet, trekkers require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued through a registered Nepal trekking agency, along with an ACAP Permit. Solo trekking is not permitted; a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide is legally required.

​How difficult is the Kang La Pass crossing?

​Crossing Kang La Pass (5,320m) is the most challenging day of the trek due to high altitude, long duration (8–9 hours), and steep ascents/descents. Prior high-altitude trekking experience and good cardiovascular fitness are strongly recommended.

​What is the accommodation like in Nar Phu?

​Accommodations in Nar Phu are traditional, authentic teahouses and monastery guesthouses. While basic compared to the main Annapurna Circuit, they provide warm dining rooms, local Tibetan meals, and comfortable bedding.

​When is the best time to trek Nar Phu Valley?

​The best seasons are Autumn (September to November) for clear skies and pleasant temperatures, and Spring (March to May) for blooming wild flora and stable weather. Because it falls partly in the rain-shadow area, trekking in early monsoon is also possible.