Annapurna Region
NarPhuValleyTrek
Overview
About This Trek
The Nar Phu Valley is one of Nepal's best-kept secrets — a restricted side valley branching north off the Annapurna Circuit into a remote, culturally Tibetan landscape that few trekkers ever see. Tucked between the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, the twin villages of Nar (4,110m) and Phu (4,080m) sit in a high-altitude desert of eroded cliffs, ancient monasteries, and wind-scoured pastures that feels closer to Tibet than Nepal.
The trek typically begins from the Annapurna Circuit trail near Koto, climbing steeply into the restricted Nar Phu valley through dense forest before emerging into an arid, open landscape dominated by towering peaks. Phu village, perched on a rocky outcrop above the Phu Khola, is home to a small community of ethnically Tibetan people who maintain centuries-old Buddhist traditions. The monastery above the village commands views across the valley to Himlung Himal (7,126m) and the peaks along the Tibetan border.
The trek can be completed as a standalone loop or combined with the Annapurna Circuit. The optional crossing of Kang La pass (5,320m) connects the Nar valley directly to the Manang valley, creating a spectacular high-altitude route that rivals any pass crossing in Nepal. The restricted area permit keeps visitor numbers low, preserving the valley's extraordinary remoteness and cultural authenticity.
Trek Highlights
- Restricted area with very few trekkers
- Ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages of Nar and Phu
- Kang La pass crossing (5,320m)
- Views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and Pisang Peak
- Dramatic arid canyon and desert landscapes
- Combinable with the Annapurna Circuit
Day by Day
SampleItinerary
Every itinerary is customised to your pace and fitness. This is a typical schedule — Deu adjusts based on conditions and your preferences.
Day 1
Pokhara to Chame
Drive along the Marsyangdi river valley to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Prepare permits and supplies.
Altitude: 2,670m
Day 2
Chame to Koto, trek to Meta
Short drive to Koto, then branch north off the Annapurna Circuit into the Nar Phu valley. Trek through forest to the seasonal settlement of Meta.
Altitude: 3,560m
Day 3
Meta to Phu
Continue up the Phu Khola valley as the landscape turns arid. Pass through a dramatic narrow gorge before the valley opens to reveal Phu village on its rocky perch.
Altitude: 4,080m
Day 4
Exploration day in Phu
Visit the clifftop monastery, explore the village, and hike to viewpoints with panoramic views of Himlung Himal and the surrounding peaks. Essential acclimatisation day.
Altitude: 4,080m
Day 5
Phu to Nar
Trek south through the upper valley, crossing the Phu Khola and climbing over a ridge to reach the village of Nar in a broad, wind-swept basin.
Altitude: 4,110m
Day 6
Exploration day in Nar
Visit Nar's monastery, walk through barley fields, and hike to the Nar viewpoint for views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Kang La pass.
Altitude: 4,110m
Day 7
Nar to Kang La Base Camp
Trek south up the valley toward Kang La. Camp or stay in basic shelter at the base of the pass. Early sleep for the pre-dawn crossing.
Altitude: 4,850m
Day 8
Kang La crossing to Manang
Alpine start for the Kang La pass (5,320m). Steep climb through scree and snow, then long descent through alpine meadows and yak pastures to Manang.
Altitude: 3,540m
Day 9
Manang rest day
Rest and recovery in Manang after the pass crossing. Explore the village, visit the monastery, or take a short acclimatisation hike.
Altitude: 3,540m
Day 10
Manang to Chame, drive to Pokhara
Trek or jeep down the Marsyangdi valley to Chame, then drive back to Pokhara.
Altitude: 2,670m
The Landscape
Terrain
The approach from Koto follows the Nar Khola through dense pine and rhododendron forest before opening into a narrow, arid gorge. Above 3,500m, the terrain becomes dry and windswept with sparse scrub vegetation, eroded rock formations in shades of grey and ochre, and wide gravel riverbeds. The villages sit on rocky terraces above the river. The Kang La crossing involves steep moraine, loose scree, and potentially snow-covered terrain at the pass. The descent to Manang drops through alpine meadows and yak pastures.
The People
Culture
Nar and Phu are ethnically Tibetan communities with deep Buddhist roots. Both villages have ancient gompas (monasteries) with painted interiors, prayer flags stretching across the valley, and mani walls bearing carved mantras. Daily life revolves around yak herding, barley farming, and Buddhist practice. The villagers speak a Tibetan dialect and maintain traditions that have largely disappeared from more accessible parts of Nepal. Phu village's cliffside monastery is one of the most dramatic settings for any Buddhist temple in the Himalayas. The annual Duk Chu festival features masked dances and religious ceremonies.
Before You Go
PracticalInformation
Permits Required
- Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit — USD 100 per person per week (Sep-Nov), USD 75 (Dec-Aug)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
- TIMS Card — NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
Guide Fees
- Guide — €40 per day
- Porter — €30 per day
Deu arranges all permits before your arrival. Permit costs are in addition to guide fees.
Packing Essentials
- Four-season sleeping bag (-15°C rating for Kang La base camp)
- Down jacket and full warm kit for the pass crossing
- Trekking poles (essential for scree and moraine on Kang La)
- Gaiters (snow possible on the pass)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (pre-dawn start on pass day)
- Sun protection (intense UV in the arid valley)
- Enough snacks for 2-3 days (limited supplies in Nar and Phu)
- Water purification (streams may be silty with glacial sediment)
When to Go
Best Season
September-November & March-May
October and November offer the clearest skies and most stable weather across Nepal, with excellent visibility and comfortable daytime temperatures. March to May is warmer with longer days and rhododendron blooms at lower altitudes, though afternoon clouds are more common. Deu can advise on the best timing for your specific trek and preferences.
Common Questions
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
How difficult is the Nar Phu Valley trek?
The trek is rated challenging, primarily due to the Kang La pass crossing at 5,320m. The villages of Nar and Phu sit above 4,000m, so several nights are spent at altitude. The approach through the gorge involves some narrow, exposed sections. With proper acclimatisation and an experienced guide, fit trekkers with some Himalayan experience will manage well.
Can I combine Nar Phu with the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes — this is the most popular option. The Nar Phu valley branches off the Circuit at Koto, and the Kang La pass deposits you in Manang, where you rejoin the Circuit trail. Adding Nar Phu extends the Annapurna Circuit by 5-7 days. Deu can design a combined itinerary based on your available time.
Do I need to be in a group for the permit?
The restricted area permit requires a minimum of two trekkers. Solo travellers can be paired with another trekker through Deu's network. The permit must be obtained through a registered trekking agency and cannot be arranged independently.
What is the accommodation like in Nar and Phu?
Very basic. Both villages have small, family-run lodges with simple rooms, shared toilets, and communal dining areas. Expect dal bhat and basic noodle dishes. There are no hot showers, limited electricity, and no WiFi. Kang La base camp has only a basic stone shelter. A good sleeping bag and a willingness to embrace simplicity are essential.
When is the best time to trek Nar Phu Valley?
October-November offers the clearest skies and most stable weather. March-May is warmer but can have afternoon cloud cover. The Kang La pass may be snow-blocked in winter (December-February) and is impassable during monsoon (June-August). September is possible but trails can be muddy from late monsoon rains.
How does Nar Phu compare to Upper Mustang?
Both are restricted areas with Tibetan culture and arid landscapes. Nar Phu is more physically demanding due to the Kang La pass, while Upper Mustang has no high passes. Upper Mustang has the historical walled city of Lo Manthang, while Nar Phu offers a more intimate, village-scale experience. Nar Phu is significantly cheaper (USD 100/week vs USD 500/10 days for Upper Mustang).
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