USD 950
890
Nar Phu Valley Short Trek 9 Days Itinerary & Cost for 2025/2026
The Nar Phu Valley Trek offers a deeply immersive experience, blending adventure, culture, and nature. You’ll trek through remote villages, staying with locals and witnessing traditional Tibetan life, untouched by modernity. The journey takes you through rugged landscapes, with breathtaking mountain views and the thrill of crossing high passes like Kang La. The valley’s solitude and quiet beauty make it a perfect escape from the crowds. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient monasteries, colorful prayer stones, and the possibility of spotting rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, all while exploring a region rich in history and culture.
Trip at a Glance
-
Country: Nepal
-
Trip grade: Moderate
-
Destination: Manang Region
-
Activities: Trek, Sight Seeing
-
Accommodation: Hotels, Lodges, Tents
-
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
.png)
Transportation: Private Vehicle/Bus
-
Maximum altitude: 5320
-
Group size: 2-19
-
Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
-
.png)
Best Season: Sept - Nov and Mar - May
Key Highlights
- Explore the remote Himalayan ranges of Nepal and the adjacent Tibetan border.
- Stay in local people's homes and experience the century’s old untouched culture of Gumba.
- Experience an exciting drive over Kang La Pass (5,320m) with breathtaking views.
- Experience panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Kangar Himal.
- You might get a chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered snow leopard.
- Experience the culture of Tibetan origin with colorful prayer stones, chortens and monasteries.
- A perfect trip to get away from the crowds and groups of hikers.
Benefits of Nar Phu Valley Trek with Best Heritage Tours
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Online Travel Briefing after booking confirmation
- Diverse communication options available (email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- 24/7 phone contact +977-9851149197/+9779810043046
- Simple payment system.
- Free airport transfer on arrival/departure to hotel by private vehicle
- Oximeter and other medical kits for monitoring blood oxygen at high altitudes for early detection of altitude sickness
- Sleeping bag and down jacket if you don't have one.
- Travel bag for porters
- Free excess baggage check at Best Heritage Tours store during the trek
Trip Overview
Just beyond the north face of Annapurna, in the Trans-Himalayan range, the Nar Phu Valley trek is a surprisingly short one. The Nar Phu Valley short trek offers a blend of sceneric views of nature, adventure, and cultural experience. Key features of the trek include impressive mountains, thrilling passes, glaciers, ancient remote villages, deep valleys with large rivers, beautiful forests, unique rock formations, herds of yaks and wild goats, Gombas, and the unique medieval Tibetan culture that has been passed down from the Tibetan people who became their ancestors. In 2003, Nar Phu Valley was officially opened to trekkers with a teahouse and private lodging concept. As this is a trek in a restricted area, you will need to obtain a special trekking permit from an accredited trekking agency. The trek begins in Koto village, diverging from the main path of Nepal's famous Annapurna Circuit, which leads to Chame, the capital of Manang, and further. The trail follows the seldom-hikered Nar Hora and then crosses the Marsyangdi River at Koto before entering the Nar Phu Valley Hikers quickly leave the busy trail and enter the peaceful Nar Phu Valley.
The path meanders through the forest, passing through narrow paths with occasional mountain views. The colorful Tibetan chortens, monasteries, prayer stones, rock art, and expansive meadows in Dharmashala make the journey worthwhile. We continue through Meta, Chaku and Kang to the Nar-Phu valley, where the remains of destroyed buildings recall the memories of the 1960s Khampa revolution of Tibetan rebels. From Phu village there are various detour options, including Tashi Kaling Gunba, Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,920m) and the sacred Damodar Kunda trail. In good conditions, well-prepared trekkers can go directly from Phu to Nar village, tackling the challenging route that includes Phu Pass (5,050m) and Nar Pass (5,400m).
After returning to Meta village, we visit Kangar Himal Base Camp (4,500m) before continuing to Nar Pedi and Nar village, and reaching Kang La Pass (5,320m). Kan La Pass offers 360-degree views of the Annapurna and Chulu ranges, Himlung Himal (7,176 m), Kangal Himal (6,981 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Finally, the Kan La Pass short trek ends at Chame on the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit via Ngawal (3,675 m), from where you will return to Besisahar and continue to your destination. You can now drive a jeep directly from Ngawal to Besisahar. The journey takes about 10 hours.
A quick trip to Nar Phu Valley offers a chance to enjoy the rich culture and mountaineering of Nepal. This trek is affordable compared to other areas closer to Nepal. This 9-day Teahouse Trek is designed for hikers on a budget who want to see the high Himalayan Mountains quickly. Want to hit the beaten path of Nepal during the best season without getting caught up in hordes of other tourists? In this case, your key spots will be Nar Phu Valley, Short Tak, and Kangra Pass. Best Heritage Tour is happy to help you organize your trip at any time of the year and will provide you with expert local guides and porters. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for this trek. Nar Phu Valley is ideally visited during the monsoon season, as it is located in a rain-shadow region behind the Himalayas.
Itinerary
Our hiking guide will arrive at your hotel at 6:00 am and will take you to the bus station using private vehicle. Then drive to Besisahar (185 km). The trip will last around 5-6 hours along a beautiful route. During the ride, you will see stunning sights of snow-covered mountains, lush hills, rivers, and local villages. Then again drive by jeep or local bus for 4-5 hours from Besisahar to Chame via Nagdi, Bulbuhle, Sange, Chamche, Tohru, Dharapani, Bagarcha, Danakya, Timang, Tangchok and Koto for 66.5 km (2670 m). Timang (2720m) offers spectacular views of Manaslu, Annapurna II and other majestic peaks. From here the road continues through pine forests to Tangchok and finally to Koto. This location is close to Chame, the main town in the Manang district. It offers amazing sceneric views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal, as well as two small hot springs. Overnight stay at a teahouse.
Today, we explore a new path on the Annapurna Circuit. A long and fairly difficult day awaits us today. We pass through the checkpoint, traverse the bridge leading into the Nar Phu valley, and stroll through the beautiful forests situated above the Phu Khola River. The trail passes through beautiful forest, past several small refuges (caves) and pilgrim shelters ("dharmasalas"). Approaching a narrow canyon, the trail passes under a wide waterfall just before the Dharmasala, from where the forest thins out. We spend the night in a teahouse in Meta.
After breakfast, we climb a picturesque small river valley, one of the most beautiful walks in the Himalayas. This will eventually bring us to the highland meadows, the winter settlement of Nar. The landscape resembles the Sierra Nevada: white rocks, scrub and juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick red and orange bushes, crumbling slate, white sandy roads and gnarled trees. The trail then passes through the semi-settled settlements of Meta, Junam and Chaco.
The "Khampas" from Tibet sometimes take refuge in their settlements. At the top right is a huge glacier dropping directly onto the highland pastures. After many more climbs and descents we reach today's Kayan campsite, where grass dries in clumps on the roofs and prayer flags flutter in the wind. The path then runs along the river bank for a while, where we can see unique and colorful chortens, Buddhist temples and the distinctive landscapes that Nar and Phu are truly famous for. The hike then continues through picturesque canyon landscapes and gorges, where the monolithic "Leaning Tower of Pisa" guards the steep path up to Phu Gate. From this gate, called Phupigyal Kwe, you get your first view of Phu's three villages. You can also view the ruins of the old "dzong" (fortress) and two other fortresses, all now in decay but strikingly located on the plain in front of Phu. Overnight in tented camp. Trekking time 8-9 hours.
Walk around to explore Phu village. A unique culture has been preserved here, where people still make a living in traditional ways. Interact with locals and explore the vast valleys that stretch above. Engage with the villagers as they dedicate their day to spinning yak and sheep wool, engaging in conversation, grinding mustard seeds into a paste and oil, and participating in the various activities that characterize daily life in a Tibetan village. For photographers, the light here is fantastic and the skies are a deep blue. You might even spot a few blue sheep in the nearby hills. It is also famous for its centuries-old monasteries and forts. As you wander through the villages, you might be invited into someone's home for an authentic Tibetan salted butter tea or maybe a cup of local "rakshi".
After breakfast, return to the river through Phu Gate. From there, follow the same route back to Junam Kharka, a beautiful campsite. In 2008, we camped with some Phu residents (all women except one) who were on their way back to Phu with a load of planks from the forest. That night, in the smoke-filled shelter, was filled with Tibetan and Manangi songs, along with distinctive Tibetan laughter. We spend the night at Nar Pedi.
Below us are the Gyalbu Khumbu and Satte Gompa, both built in 1650, now vacant. Today, they house four ancient, colorful, traditional monasteries, with the snow-capped mountains towering above. Eventually, we arrive at Nar Gate, located at the hill's peak. There, the sight of beautifully painted chortens covered with bamboo awaits us. We set up camp after 3-4 hours of hiking.
Today is an adventurous day heading to Kan La Pass (5315m). This in itself is not very challenging but if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is high, it can be a long and difficult day. Kan La Pass offers a spectacular view of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and the mountains surrounding Tilicho, Malsindi Valley and Hundle Airport. The trail is slightly downhill and offers plenty of beautiful views of Ngawal, where you can see rare chortens and a collection of prayer flags. You will see a sign for the Meditation Cave high up in the hills on the Upper Pisang Route of the Annapurna Circuit, which takes just 2 hours from the pass. We will end the camping portion of the hike here and head to our guesthouse for the night.
Following breakfast, the path gradually descends alongside the Marsyangdi River, leading to the village of Pisang. You will have great views of the mountains throughout the day's hike. We will spend the night in Chame (2670 m), which serves as the administrative center of the Manang district.
After breakfast, drive by jeep or bus to Besisahar via Koto, Thangchok and Timang villages. The road to Besisahar is bumpy. The return journey to Kathmandu typically requires approximately 5 to 6 hours from Besisahar.
What is included?
- Free ferry service to and from the airport, including all transport between the airport and hotel.
- Permits for ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), Nar Phu Valley Exclusion Zone, and TIMS (Trekker Information System) maps.
- All ground transportation during the trip.
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Koto with all porters and guides to Besisahar Kathmandu in a local bus or comfortable minibus.
- 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be provided during the trek. Soft and comfortable private accommodation. Double beds are shared throughout the mountain and toilets are shared.
- Experienced English speaking guides are nationally qualified and provide food, accommodation, salary, insurance and equipment.
- One porter that can carry up to 20-25 kg for two people. On top of that, food, accommodation, salary, insurance and transportation are all included.
- Sherpa (assistant guide) if group size is more than 10 people. Besides that, food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment.
- Tour guide and porter insurance for your comfortable journey.
- Trekking map for Annapurna trip for your group.
- Extra snacks during the hike (cookies, fresh fruits).
- Travel first aid kit including oximeter to measure oxygen and pulse rate at high altitude.
- Welcome and farewell programs.
- Tourist service charges, VAT, government taxes and public fees, if necessary.
What is not included?
- All kinds of cold and hot drinks, including drinking water, tea, coffee, chocolate, cookies, desserts, telephone, laundry, hot showers.
- Travel insurance and evacuation of customers (mandatory).
- In this case, a chartered helicopter or chartered aircraft will be used if the flight is canceled.
- Tips to guides and porters.
- Meals and accommodation will be in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- Personal expenses like shopping, souvenirs and gifts, personal climbing equipment etc.
- Optional tours and sightseeing if extended.
- International flight tickets, airport departure tax, visa fees.
- Anything other than the above (travel expenses) is included in the service.
- Visa fee: You can easily get a visa when you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Route Map
FAQ's
While Nepali is the primary language, most staff members in lodges speak English, and some may even speak other languages. Communication should not be an issue for international tourists.
It’s advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including hepatitis A and typhoid. Talk to your doctor about the vaccinations you need for Nepal.
The majority of international flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, which is located in Kathmandu. From this location, travelers can connect to Lukla to commence their trekking journey.
You typically need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a passport-sized photo. Payment can be made in cash or via card at the airport.
Yes, tourist visas are eligible for extension at the Department of Immigration located in Kathmandu. Ensure you have a valid reason and required documents for the extension.
If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal beyond your visa’s initial duration, you can do so by applying at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Extensions are available for a maximum of 30 days, and it’s recommended to apply before your current visa expires. Best Heritage Tour can help you with the extension process if required during your Australian Camp Trek.
Equipment
Things you will need for hiking
- Boots
- Micro spikes
- Sandals
- Spheres
- Warm hat
- Sunscreen hat
- Waterproof jacket
- Pants
- Fleece pants
- Warm shocks
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag
- Down jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Water bottle
Medicine
For colds, coughs, sprains, fevers, food intolerances, Dynamaxing, bandages, etc.
Trip Info
Useful information
- It's worth getting just a few things you have at home. Make a note of list before you leave. The following insights will help make your tour more enjoyable and memorable.
- Read the travel warnings, research before you travel, and get local advice when you arrive.
- Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and find out the details of the visa application process.
- Estimate your budget and planned vacation duration and choose the appropriate destination.
- Before leaving home, write down a travel checklist and prepare accordingly.
- Let friends and family know the details of your trip and travel plans.
- Make copies of important documents as backups in case you lose the originals.
- Buy a travel guide and learn about Nepal (culture, customs, politics, population, geography, weather, festivals, religion, rules and regulations).
- Take out insurance that covers all medical and emergency evacuation expenses abroad.
- It's good to know at least some Nepali when traveling in Nepal.
- Book your trip, accommodation and local guides in advance, especially during peak season.
- For debit and credit cards, check with your bank about fees and destinations. Get your bank's emergency number if you run into any problems.
- See a doctor and get a health report and take any medications or vaccinations accordingly.
- As the local laws and regulations are also applicable to the Visitors, make sure to follow local laws and regulations.
- Be aware of local customs, traditions and practices as your own behavior may be perceived as inappropriate, hostile or even illegal.
- Never step over someone's legs or pull up on their leg when they are trying to pass you.
- Do not touch people with your feet or point your feet in another direction as feet are considered/viewed as the most unclean part of the body in the Nepalese Culture.
- Take off your shoes when entering a house, kitchen, temple or monastery.
- It is very polite to receive and pass with your right hand, but even more so to support your right elbow with your left hand.
- If you are not sure how to behave in a certain situation, be discreet, do not shout and maintain your dignity.
- When visiting a shrine, it is best not to touch offerings or people.
- Beef is forbidden by both Hindus and Buddhists. Female animals are not killed for food.
- Entry into the inner sanctum of a temple or pagoda may be prohibited.
- You may want to take snapshots of temples, pagodas and monuments. Photography of temples, pagodas and monuments is usually permitted, but it is advisable to ask permission before using a camera.
For more information, contact Best Heritage Tours.