Nar Phu Valley Trek
A hidden restricted valley on the edge of the Annapurna Circuit
Duration
15 Days
Max Altitude
5,320 m / 17,454 ft (Kang La Pass)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
Minimum 2 trekkers (restricted area regulation)
Overview
Tucked into a narrow gorge off the main Annapurna Circuit trail, Nar and Phu were only opened to trekkers in 2003 and remain one of the least-visited restricted areas in Nepal. The valley's two villages — walled, medieval-looking settlements of flat-roofed stone houses — preserve a Tibetan Buddhist culture largely unchanged for centuries. The trek combines naturally with the Annapurna Circuit, entering via the Nar Phu gorge below Koto and rejoining the main circuit at Manang via the Kang La Pass (5,320 m).
Trip Highlights
- The walled villages of Nar and Phu, virtually unchanged for centuries
- One of Nepal's least-visited restricted trekking areas
- Dramatic narrow gorge approach unlike any other Annapurna trail
- Kang La Pass crossing back to the main Annapurna Circuit
- Ancient monasteries including Tashi Lhakhang Gompa
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Kathmandu to Koto
Long scenic drive via Besisahar into the Marsyangdi valley.
Day 2
Trek to Meta
Enter the Nar Phu gorge, climbing steeply to Meta (3,560 m).
Day 3
Trek to Phu village
Continue up the narrowing gorge to the walled village of Phu (4,080 m).
Day 4
Explore Phu village
Rest day visiting Tashi Lhakhang Gompa and the old fort ruins.
Day 5
Trek to Nar village
Descend and climb to the sister village of Nar (4,110 m).
Day 6
Acclimatization in Nar
Explore the village and nearby monasteries.
Day 7
Trek to Kang La Phedi
Climb to the base camp for the Kang La Pass.
Day 8
Cross Kang La to Ngawal
Cross Kang La Pass (5,320 m), rejoining the main Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal.
Day 9
Trek to Manang
Continue to Manang (3,540 m) on the main circuit trail.
Day 10
Trek to Yak Kharka
Begin the Thorong La approach.
Day 11
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Climb to High Camp for the pass crossing.
Day 12
Cross Thorong La to Muktinath
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath.
Day 13
Drive to Pokhara
Drive via Jomsom and the Kali Gandaki valley to Pokhara.
Day 14
Drive/fly to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu.
Day 15
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Cost Includes
- All ground transport
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All permits (Nar Phu RAP, ACAP)
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Nar Phu Valley Trek — FAQs
Yes — this is how we typically run it: entering the Nar Phu gorge from Koto, then rejoining the Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal via the Kang La Pass and continuing over Thorong La to Muktinath.
