Are you looking for something different and adventurous? If so, you should choose the Nar Phu Valley Trek package provided by High Route Adventure. This newly opened trekking route takes place on the northern side of the Annapurna Himalayas and takes you to the recently discovered region of the Nar-Phu Valley.
Trek through virgin trails, off the beaten path deep into an untouched Himalayan wilderness. The Nar-Phu Valley trekking follows the Annapurna Circuit up until forking off north towards Meta.
With this amazing trek in Nepal, you’ll not only get to see some fantastic Himalayan mountain ranges but also a lot of Tibetan-Buddhist culture. From stupas and monasteries to small gompas, the Nar-Phu Valley trek holds nothing back!
Furthermore, this incredible trek in the Annapurna region is combinable with other trekking routes such as The Manaslu Circuit trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilichio Lake. If you’re up for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure with High Route Adventure, then book today the Nar-Phu Valley trek of 18 days and discover the best of the Annapurna Himalayas!
Nar and Phu are two villages situated near the Tibet border. They abound with culture, tradition, and heritage with a glimpse of pristine living. Their stone villages and peaceful environs are reminiscent of walking through centuries.
The trek path has fantastic views of several of the highest mountains, like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Himlung Himal. The white-topped giants dominate the path along the trek, with each of the viewpoints being a photographer’s delight. The crystal clear sky and elevated viewpoints are the gift of unforgettable mountain scenery.
One of the highlights of the hike is crossing the Kang La Pass with its 360-degree views of the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks. The hard work is well worth it for the scenery, though it is demanding.
On this 18-day Nar Phu Valley trek, you will visit Muktinath temple, which is famous as a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. You can explore 108 water spouts and eternal flame in this one of the highest-altitude temples in the world(3,800 meters).
Also, there are ancient monasteries like Tashi Lhakhang, over 300 years old, of immense religious importance and adorned with century-old flags, wheels, and paintings of all colours. To be able to experience all of it is an added richness to the experience of trekking with all of that serene cultural ambience.
Locals of Nar and Phu have adopted the traditions of the Tibetan followers for centuries now. Their speech, apparel, food, and culture all depict the dominant influence of Tibetans. The actual culture of the Himalayas is experienced firsthand through treks in this place.
Nar Phu Valley is off the tourist track for large tour groups, and therefore, it is one of Nepal’s hidden treasures. The trails are peaceful, with solitude and quiet all along the trek. The treks are perfect for those who desire an unspoiled Himalayan experience.
The trek takes you through lush forests, narrow canyons, high alpine meadows, and dry mountain terrain. The diversity of scenery means new things are always on the horizon every day. Rivers, waterfalls, and enormous cliffs are along the way through it.
As part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trail is populated with scarce floras such as Himalayan birds and blue sheep. Your luck could enable you to spot the scarce snow leopard as well. The wildflowers and floras with immense diversity bring colour and vibrancy to the trek.
So how to get to the Nar-Phu Valley? This trek in Nepal starts officially from Chyamche (Chamje) (1,430m/4,692ft) after a 9-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu, and hikes largely on the same trail as Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The trail heads more north to Koto (2,600m/8,530ft) and Meta (3,560m/11,680ft) from where we start to enter the Nar-Phu Valley heading further upstream. Divided into two sections, first, we reach Phu Goan (4,080m/13,386ft) (Goan meaning village in Nepali) afterward we head for Nar village (4,110m/13,484ft) and ultimately we head to Ngawel (3,660m/12,008ft) via the Kang-La Pass (5,306m/17,408ft).
From here there are two options available to end the Nar-Phu Valley trek. One is the shorter version which takes you from Ngawel to Pisang and to Besisahar from where we can drive back to Kathmandu.
The other is a more classical and longer version, and that is to head back on the Annapurna Circuit trail and continue to Manang, from where we can head to and cross the Thorang-La Pass (5,416m/17,764ft) (one of the world’s highest mountain passes) to reach Muktinath and Jomsom.
See some of the highest mountains in Nepal such as; Mt. Machhapuchhare (Mt.Fishtail) 6,999m/22,963ft, the Annapurna massif, Mt. Dhaulagiri range, Mt Manaslu 8,163m/26,781ft, Mt. Tilicho 7,134m/23,406ft, and Mt. Lamjung 6,983m/22,910ft during the Nar-Phu Valley trek!
From Jomsom, we can take a morning flight to Pokhara, and ultimately drive back to Kathmandu to end the Nar-Phu Valley trek. High Route Adventure follows the classical trekking route which you can find in our itinerary just below.
Duration: To participate in the Nar Phu Valley trek, trekkers must have at least 16 days of vacation to complete the trek.
Age requirement: No age restriction( best for above 16 years)
Experience: Best for the experienced trekker who has done high-altitude treks previously. Nar Phu Trek is not for the first time trekkers. Beginner trekkers can join only with proper planning and preparation.
Fitness Criteria: Participants must be able to walk for an average of 6-7 hours daily.
Health conditions: Trekkers should be physically fit and healthy and have no previous record of AMS. If you have a serious underlying health condition, you should avoid this Nar Phu Trek.
Travel insurance: Due to the challenging difficulty level and remote destination, trekkers must have health and travel insurance.
What to expect: Nar Phu Valley Trek is not a luxury trek. Trekkers need to stay in a basic tea house with minimal facilities for lodging and food.
Nar Phu weather: Moderate during the daytime and cold at night at high altitudes.
Season | Timeframe | Daytime Temp | Nighttime Temp | Conditions & Notes |
Spring | March – May | 10 °C–20 °C | –5 °C to –10 °C (higher altitudes) | Clear skies, rhododendron blooms, occasional rain. |
Monsoon | June – August | 15 °C–20 °C | ~0 °C to 5 °C | Wet, humid, slippery trails; scenic greenery. |
Autumn | September – November | 10 °C–15 °C | –5 °C to –12 °C | Stable weather, clear mountain views, festive season. |
Winter | December – February | 5 °C–10 °C | –15 °C to –20 °C | Very cold, snow-covered passes, limited accommodation. |
Ask any Nepali guide about the sweet time for a trek, and spring usually comes up first. In Nar Phu Valley, the days arrive soft and inviting, skies stretch wide open, and clusters of rhododendrons turn the trail into an accidental art exhibit. A camera is almost redundant, yet everyone takes one anyway.
You can expect:
Autumn is the peak trekking season in Nepal, and for good reason. After the monsoon rains have cleared, the air becomes crisp, providing some of the clearest mountain views you can imagine. The weather is stable, making it another ideal time to visit Nar Phu Valley.
You’ll enjoy:
Note: Autumn and Monsoon are considered off-season for trekking to Nar Phu Valley due to challenging weather and temperature conditions. For your safety and comfort, we suggest you avoid trekking in the autumn and monsoon seasons.
Here’s a table for the Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit with cost details:
Permit Type | Cost (Per Person) | Notes |
Restricted Area Permit | USD 100 per week (September to November) | High season rate; additional USD 15 per day for extra days. |
USD 75 per week (December to August) | Low season rate; additional USD 10 per day for extra days. | |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | USD 30 | Required for all trekkers; valid for multiple entries. |
TIMS Card | USD 20 (Group trekkers) / USD 10 (Individual trekkers) | Trekkers’ Information Management System card; mandatory for all trekkers. |
Note: High Route Adventure will arrange all this Nar Phu Trek Permit for you when you book with us. Also, the cost of the permit will be included in the trekking package.
• Pick up and meet & greet at the airport
• Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu
• Overnight stay at your hotel
Traveler’s note: The airport is just a few minutes away from Thamel, the main touristic area of Kathmandu, where most of the hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants are located. Try out the Nepalese MoMo, a traditional dumpling and a staple of Nepalese Cuisine!
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Pick up by our tour guide
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Swayambunath Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, Boudhanath Buddhist Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Drop of back at your hotel
• Detailed trip briefing and preparation
• Overnight at your hotel
Traveler’s note: Did you know the Thamel is filled with trekking gear and backpacker shops? Here you can buy or rent some last-minute trekking gear for your trip!
• Hotel Breakfast and check out
• Drive with a local bus to Beshisahar
• Transfer to a more comfortable jeep
• Jeep ride to Chyamche (Chamje)
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that from the Kundi you can see some of the first views of the Manaslu Mountain Range, just south of Mt Manaslu you can see the Ngadi Himal 7,871m/25,824ft and the Himalchuli 7,893m/25,896ft. A bit to the left you get to see the Lamjung Himal 6,983m/22,910ft. Near Chyamche (Chamje) we get to see one of the longest waterfalls stretching about 202m/663ft!
• Breakfast and departure
• Start today’s trek by crossing the suspension bridge
• Follow the trail passing various villages
• A bit further ahead is Dharapani
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
• Breakfast and departure
• Follow the trail into the pine forest
• Trek to Bagarchhap village
• Continue to Timing
• Head on to Latamarang
• Reach at Koto
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Today Mt. Manaslu 8,163m/26,781ft the world’s 8th highest mountain comes in view!
• Breakfast and departure
• Today after breakfast we check our permits
• Follow the Seti Khola riverbank
• Pass by Dharmasala
• Trek up a Tibetan plateau to reach Meta Village
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
• Breakfast and departure
• The trek today leads along rivers and across suspension bridges
• Head to Kyang village
• Continue along the Phu Khola River
• Reach at Phu Goan
• Explore around Phu Gaon
• Hike up to the Takshi Lhakang Monastery
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse
• Breakfast and departure
• Start by heading to the Mahendra Pul bridge
• Cross the high suspension bridge over the Lapche River
• Continue along the trail to Nar by passing various stupas
• Reach at Nar
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
• Breakfast
• Explore around Nar village
• Witness the culture and lifestyles of the locals
• Acclimatization hike to get used to the upcoming altitudes
• Evening preparation for crossing the Kang-La Pass
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
• Early breakfast and departure
• Climb up the Kang-La Pass
• Enjoy the incredible views from ontop the pass
• Head down to Ngawel
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
• Breakfast and departure
• Head for Paugh village
• Climb slightly uphill to Mungli
• Continue on to reach Manang
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Today you’ll get to see incredible views of the Annapurna Mountain Range!
• Breakfast and departure
• Continue through Manang village by crossing a stream
• Head towards Tenki village and climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley
• Follow the Jarsang Khola
• Head by a small village called Ghunsa
• Reach at Yak Kharka
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that Ghunsa Village is a cluster of mud rooftop buildings made in an ancient style of local architecture! Today you’ll get to see yaks grazing in the meadows with some horses.
• Breakfast and departure
• Trek uphill towards Thorang Phedi
• Pass Ledar village and ascend furthermore
• Traverse through towering cliffs to reach Thorang Phedi
• Explore around Thorang Phedi
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Today you can enjoy the views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan among others
• Breakfast and departure
• Head up to the Thorang La pass, one of the highest passes in the world
• Cross the mountain pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath)
• The trail becomes more barren and the landscape becomes more of a Wild West
• Continue on the downhill to Muktinath
• Arrival in Muktinath
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that the Thorang-La Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the world! Muktinath famous for its Temple with 108 water sprouts is said to have a healing and cleansing effect to all who take a dip in its holy water. This pilgrimage site is visited a whole year long by both Hindus and Buddhists.
• Breakfast
• Visit the Muktinath temple with its 108 water sprouts
• Start to trek by descending downwards
• Head to the Kali Gandaki River to reach Kagbeni
• Follow the Kali Gandaki river southwards to reach Jomsom
• Dinner and overnight stay at the teahouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that Kagbeni and Jomsom are famous for their apple orchards, depending on the season you’ll get to see these apple trees in full bloom!
• Breakfast and check out
• A morning flight takes us to Pokhara
• Hotel transfer
• Enjoy the amazing sights and activities in Pokhara
• Overnight stay at the hotel
Traveler’s note: While in this package there are no activities in Pokhara included, High Route Adventure is more than happy to arrange some for you, such as bungee jumping, paragliding, ultra-light flying, boating on Phewa Lake or a city sightseeing tour! Just request us during your booking.
• Breakfast and check out
• Transfer to the tourist bus park
• Drive via tourist bus back to Kathmandu
• Hotel check-in
• Review of your trip
• A complimentary farewell and thank you dinner is planned with a culture show
• Overnight stay at your hotel
Traveler’s note: It is also possible to fly back to Kathmandu, this will give you more time to spend back in Kathmandu as the flight just takes 25min, compared to the 6-hour bus ride.
• Hotel breakfast and checkout
• Transfer to the international airport approx. 3 hours before your departure
• High Route Adventure hopes that you enjoyed the Nar-Phu Valley trek and to see you soon for your next Himalayan adventure
For those who are experienced and want to make the Nar Phu Valley Trek more adventurous, you can add Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake trek with this Nar Phu trek. It will take around 18-22 days to complete the combined Annapurna Circuit Nar Phu trek. You can contact our tour operator for the cost and itinerary.
Experienced trekkers can also choose to combine the Nar Phu Valley Trek with the Manaslu Circuit Trek for a longer and more adventurous journey. Adding the Manaslu Circuit to the Nar Phu itinerary extends the trek to about 22 to 25 days in total. This option is perfect for those looking to explore two of Nepal’s most remote and stunning trekking regions in one trip.
The average trek in the Nar Phu Valley takes 10 to 14 days to complete. You trek 80 to 120 km (50 to 75 miles), and while the distance may not be perhaps so intimidating other than the challenging landscapes and steep heights, 5-7 hour days of walking are typical on most days in the form of inclines or declines.
The routes of this trek aren't correctly maintained. You'll be facing rocky roads, crossing rivers, steep ascends, and even some narrow paths along cliff sides. No technical mountaineering is needed, but the unevenness of the path challenges your sense of balance and leg strength.
Added to this, the Nar Phu Valley routes involve trekking in uncertain weather conditions, i.e., monsoon or winter months. Loose rocks and snow may also be a part of your experience.
One of the most challenging aspects of the Nar Phu Valley trekking trail is the altitude. The trek ascends to altitudes of over 5,000 meters, where there's a much lower level of oxygen in the air. Altitude sickness will be a very real risk even for experienced hikers. You'll need acclimatization days and will have to go up slowly to give your body time to acclimate.
Here's a quick look at key altitude points during the trek:
Fatigue, headache, nausea, and disturbance in sleep are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness will propel you off the trek if acclimatization fails.
The trek to the Nar Phu Valley will be strenuous. You will need previous trekking experience as a prerequisite. Experience from high-altitude hikes like Langtang Trek or Mardi Himal Trek will be beneficial. You will need to train hard if you are a first-time trekker at these altitudes.
The trek tests you:
It's by no means an impossible task, but fitness will make it a great deal nicer.
There isn't much infrastructure in the Nar Phu Valley trek, unlike popular treks such as the Annapurna base camp trek and Everest base camp trek. There are basic teahouses and lodges in the villages in between, but nothing fancy. You will have shared bedrooms with no heating and simple food. Running water will be cold, and charging electricity for equipment may or may not be an option. Pre-booked accommodation, meals, and provisions will make the expedition run smoothly.
The trek to Nar Phu encounters high elevation (over 5,000 meters), and hence altitude sickness is a significant risk factor. Symptoms include such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and exhaustion. Proper acclimatization must be ensured for a safe and comfortable trek.
Acclimatization Tips:
There is no direct flight option to reach the starting point of the trek, so road transportation is the only option. You will take a local bus to reach Besisahar and then take a private Jeep to Chamje. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach, depending upon the road and traffic conditions.
You will complete your trek in Jomsom, fly to Pokhara on a Domestic flight, and take a tourist bus to reach Kathmandu. There is no direct flight from Jomsom to Kathmandu. If you want to take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you need to add extra cost.
Note: The flight price is the tentative cost for the actual cost. You can visit the airline website and know the real time price. The flight price remains high during the peak trekking season, so it's best to book the flight ticket in advance.
When you book the Nar Phu Valley trek with High Route Adventure, we will arrange the accommodation for you. Nar Phu Valley trek is a tea house trek, and this trek is not a luxury trek. You can expect simple, basic, yet comfortable accommodation while you are on a trek. Here is what you can expect on Nar Phu Valley Trek accommodation:
Rooms: There will be a cozy room, and inside the room, there will be a twin bed.
There will be no AC or heating floor and luxury furniture inside the Nar Phu Valley tea house. Tea house owner will provide you with a warm blanket, bedsheet and pillow.
Toilets: Don't expect western style toilets. Almost all the tea houses will be simple squat types of toilets.
There will be no restaurant at the high altitude, so you will need to depend on the food that is available at the tea house during the Nar Phu Valley trek. This tea house uses the local product to make a delicious meal for you. You can expect a simple menu, which is often Nepali Dish, and a few international dishes made in Nepali style.
Let's see the typical dish that you can expect on the Nar Phu Valley tea house:
Breakfast: Hot porridge (oats, millet, or tsampa, roasted barley flour), Tibetan bread or chapati, often served with honey or jam, Pancakes (plain or flavoured), French Toast, or hash browns, Cold cereals like corn flakes or muesli, served with milk, Toast or dry biscuits alongside tea or coffee
Lunch and dinner: Dal Bhat Tarkari Set( Veg and non-veg option), Thukpa, Momo, Fried rice or noodles, Vegetable curry with rice or chapati, Occasional yak or yak‑meat stew, Pasta or spaghetti dishes, pizza, or baked items
Drinks: Milk tea, black tea, ginger-lemon tea and herbal teas, Tibetan butter tea, Coffee (instant or brewed) and hot chocolate, Boiled or bottled water, international and local beverage
Snacks: energy bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate
ATM: There is no ATM in the Nar Phu Valley, so make sure to bring local cash(Nepali rupees) with you. You can exchange foreign currency from Thamel, and carrying around USD 200 will be enough for the trek.
Hot Shower: You can get hot shower facilities at lower altitudes, but this service will not be available at higher altitudes. To use the hot shower, you need to pay some extra cost, like USD 2-3.
Electricity: There are electricity facilities, but to charge your electronic device, the tea house will charge you around USD 1-3 per hour. To reduce the extra cost, you can use the power bank.
Drinking water: To drink, you will buy a water bottle and carry it with you during the trek. You can also refill hot water from the tea house, but for the hot water, they will charge you some cost, like 1 dollar.
Wifi: Most of the tea houses where you will stay during the Nar Phu Valley trek will provide you with Wifi facilities. To connect to the WIFI, you need to pay around USD 1-3 per day.
Communication: For the emergency situation your trekking guide will carry a satellite phone. But for the normal phone call you can use the local sim(NCELL or NTC). You can buy the sim easily from the airport or from the authorized dealer in Thamel. With the help of the SIm, you can use the mobile internet during the trek.
Trekking in a remote region is a difficult task, and to make your trip comfortable and memorable, High Route Adventure will provide you with a team of guides, an Assistance guide, and a porter.
Experienced Guides: Our local guides know the Nar Phu region from the inside out.
Certified Team: All our staff are trained in first aid and altitude safety.
Personalized Service: We offer flexible itineraries based on your pace.
Porter Support: Our strong and friendly porters carry your load with care.
Cultural Insights: Learn about the hidden Tibetan culture of Nar and Phu.
Responsible Travel: We promote eco-friendly trekking and support local communities.
24/7 Support: From start to finish, we're here to help at every step.
Booking: You can book the Nar Phu Valley trek for 2026 and 2027 in advance. To make a booking, you need to make an advance payment of 20% of the total cost of the Nar Phu Valley Package.
Payment: You can make an online payment or use various methods of payment like bank transfers, credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), cash, bank deposit, Western Union, or MoneyGram.
Cancellation: If you need to cancel the Nar Phu Valley trek, once you make a booking, there will be no refund for the advance payment.
Planning your Nar Phu Valley Trek? Packing smart is the key to enjoying this remote and beautiful journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Here's the best packing list to help you stay warm, safe, and comfortable during the trek.