| Trip Code: | NPU 31 |
| Trip Duration: | 18 days |
| Max. Altitude: | 5416 m |
| Grade: | Challenging |
| Program Type: | Trekking |
| Trek Start Point: | Beshisahar |
| Trek End Point: | Jomsom |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
| Meals: | Breakfast, lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee |
| Mode of Travel: | Adventures |
| Transportation: | Car / Flight |
| Minimum Pax: | 05 |
| Best season: | September/October and March/April |
Overviews: Nar-Phu Valley 16-days Trekking
Introduction
Nar-Phu Valley Trekking is a wonderful journey into the hidden valleys of the Nepal Himalaya. This trek takes travelers to the remote Nar and Phu villages, where ancient traditions, untouched culture, and high mountains meet together. It is often described as an off-the-beaten-path trekking destination, a place where travelers can see real wilderness, authentic lifestyles, and dramatic landscapes. The Nar-Phu region is full of rocky canyons, unique cliffs, Buddhist monasteries, and snow-covered peaks. Many trekkers call it a “hidden gem” because it is less crowded than other famous trails. Trekking in Nar-Phu Valley with a Nepal freelance guide is not only an adventure but also a cultural exploration. It gives the chance to walk through medieval villages, visit Buddhist chortens, cross high mountain passes, and enjoy amazing mountain views in peace.
About Nar-Phu Valley Trek
Nar-Phu Valley Trek is located in the Annapurna region, but it feels very different from the busy Annapurna Circuit. It was opened for foreign trekkers only in 2003, which makes it quite new compared to other trekking routes. Because it is a restricted area, travelers need a special trekking permit. The area is known for its Tibetan-influenced culture, stone-built houses, yak pastures, and dramatic landscapes. This trek combines adventure with cultural richness, where trekkers can see how the people of Nar and Phu live in harmony with nature. The trail also offers chances to climb high passes like Kang La (5,240 m), which connects Nar Valley with the Annapurna region.
Location of Nar-Phu Valley
Nar-Phu Valley lies in the Manang District of western Nepal. It is northeast of the Annapurna Circuit trail and close to the Tibetan border. The valley is surrounded by high Himalayan peaks like Annapurna II, Kangaru Himal, Himlung Himal, and Pisang Peak. The villages of Nar and Phu are set in deep valleys, far away from modern development. This makes the location peaceful and untouched. It is considered one of the most remote areas of the Annapurna region.
How to Go to Nar-Phu Valley
The journey to Nar-Phu Valley usually starts from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. From Kathmandu, trekkers travel by road to Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. A jeep ride can take trekkers further to Koto, which is the real entry point to Nar-Phu Valley. From Koto, trekkers need to register their permits at the checkpoint and then continue walking into the valley. The route passes through forests, gorges, suspension bridges, and rocky trails. The trek usually takes around 16 to 20 days depending on the itinerary.
People of Nar-Phu Valley
The people living in Nar and Phu are mainly of Tibetan origin. They follow a traditional lifestyle and speak their own local dialect similar to Tibetan. They are known as humble, friendly, and hardworking. Their lives are based on farming, yak herding, and trading. Because of the remote location, their culture has remained pure and untouched. The villagers wear traditional dress, follow age-old customs, and live in stone houses built close to each other for warmth and safety. Their lifestyle gives trekkers a chance to see how Himalayan communities survive in high-altitude conditions.
Accommodation in Nar-Phu Valley
Accommodation in Nar-Phu Valley is simple and basic. Trekkers usually stay in tea houses or lodges run by local families. The tea houses provide simple rooms with beds, blankets, and shared toilets. Some tea houses may not have electricity all the time, but solar power is often available for light and mobile charging. Food is served in dining rooms, where trekkers can eat traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables) or Tibetan-style dishes like noodles, momos, and tsampa porridge. In Nar and Phu villages, accommodation feels homely and cozy even though it is basic.
Religious Beliefs
The religion of Nar-Phu Valley is strongly connected to Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries, stupas, and prayer wheels are found along the trail. The people follow Buddhist festivals, rituals, and traditions. In Phu village, there is a famous Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, which is said to be one of the 108 monasteries built by the great Tibetan saint, Lama Guru Rinpoche. The villages are full of colorful prayer flags, mani walls (stone carvings with sacred prayers), and chortens. Religion plays a very important role in daily life, guiding the people with values of peace, kindness, and simplicity.
Lifestyle of the People
The lifestyle in Nar and Phu is simple, traditional, and based on survival in a harsh environment. People grow potatoes, barley, and buckwheat in their fields. They raise yaks, sheep, and goats for milk, meat, and wool. The villagers are skilled in weaving, handicrafts, and making traditional clothing. Because of the cold climate, they wear thick woolen dresses, boots, and hats. The lifestyle is community-based, where families and neighbors support each other. The pace of life is slow, peaceful, and deeply connected with nature and religion.
Flora and Fauna of Nar-Phu Valley
The Nar-Phu region is rich in biodiversity. Trekkers pass through pine forests, rhododendron trees, and alpine meadows. At lower altitudes, oak and juniper trees are common, while at higher elevations, the land is barren with only alpine shrubs. The area is also home to rare wildlife such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. Birds like the Himalayan griffon, snow pigeon, and pheasant are seen along the way. The variety of flora and fauna makes the trek more exciting for nature lovers.
Vegetation in Nar-Phu Valley
The vegetation changes with altitude. At the beginning of the trek, there are lush green forests of pine and fir. Moving higher, trekkers find alpine shrubs, juniper bushes, and medicinal plants. Near the villages of Nar and Phu, the land is dry, rocky, and barren. Only small crops like potatoes and barley grow in the fields. The vegetation is similar to the Tibetan plateau, which makes the landscape unique compared to other trekking areas in Nepal.
Atmosphere of Nar-Phu Valley
The atmosphere of Nar-Phu Valley is calm, spiritual, and untouched. Because the area is less visited, trekkers can enjoy silence and peaceful surroundings. The sound of river streams, wind, and prayer flags fluttering creates a magical environment. The high mountains, blue sky, and traditional villages give the valley a special charm. Many trekkers feel like they have gone back in time, as the valley still keeps its ancient traditions. The atmosphere is perfect for meditation, photography, and cultural exploration.
Popular Trekking Regions of Nepal
Nepal is famous for many trekking routes. The Everest region is the most popular for reaching Everest Base Camp. The Annapurna region offers trails like Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Ghorepani Poon Hill. The Langtang Valley is another well-known trekking area, close to Kathmandu. The Manaslu Circuit, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and Upper Mustang are also famous trekking trails. Among all these, Nar-Phu Valley stands out because of its remoteness and unique culture. It gives trekkers a different experience compared to the busy trails of Everest and Annapurna.
Camp Place Accommodation Conditions in Nar-Phu Valley
Every camp place in Nar-Phu Valley has basic accommodation facilities. From Koto, the first camp, tea houses provide simple meals and lodging. In Meta, accommodations are small but cozy. Phu village has several tea houses where trekkers can stay near the monastery. Nar village also has lodges that provide food and rest. On the way to Kang La Pass, trekkers may have to stay in very basic shelters or camp outside. Most places provide simple beds with blankets, but carrying a sleeping bag is recommended. Toilets are mostly shared, and hot showers are rare. Even with simple conditions, the warm hospitality of locals makes every camp feel welcoming.
Why Choose Nar-Phu Valley Trekking?
Nar-Phu Valley Trekking should be chosen by trekkers who want a unique, peaceful, and authentic Himalayan adventure. Unlike busy routes, this trek offers true wilderness, untouched culture, and fewer crowds. The combination of dramatic landscapes, Tibetan-style villages, Buddhist monasteries, and high mountain passes makes it unforgettable. Trekkers who are interested in culture, history, nature, and adventure will love this journey. Walking with a Nepal freelance guide makes the trek even more special, as local guides share knowledge about culture, religion, and lifestyle. Choosing Nar-Phu Valley means choosing originality, peace, and true Himalayan experience.
Nepal Freelance Guide and Company Services
Nepal freelance guide services give trekkers a personal, flexible, and affordable trekking experience. A freelance guide knows the trails, culture, and people very well. They help with permits, translation, and communication with local villagers. Trekking with a freelance guide also supports local employment directly. The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd., along with Nepal freelance guides, provides safe, reliable, and customized trekking services. They make sure that travelers enjoy every part of the Nar-Phu Valley journey without stress.
Conclusion
Nar-Phu Valley Trekking is a journey into hidden Himalayan valleys where time seems to stand still. It combines natural beauty, rich culture, high passes, and peaceful villages. From the forests of Koto to the stone houses of Nar and Phu, every step is full of discovery. The simple lifestyle, strong Buddhist faith, and warm hospitality of the people make the experience unforgettable. With basic accommodation but pure atmosphere, Nar-Phu Valley feels different from other trekking regions of Nepal. Choosing this trek means enjoying true adventure in a less-explored area. With Nepal freelance guide services and trusted companies like The Himalayan Realms Treks, travelers can feel safe, guided, and deeply connected to the mountains. Nar-Phu Valley is not just a trek—it is a journey of culture, spirituality, and natural wonders that will remain in memory forever.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft):- Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu transfer to the Hotel. After checking in and take a rest. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02:- Kathmandu to Jagat Drive (1100m/3608ft): 8-9 hours:-We begin our journey at early dawn as we have a long drive ahead of us. Start right after breakfast and leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. We see picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive we reach Jagat via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Stay overnight at Jagat in the teahouse.
Day 03:- Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours:-After breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Seattle. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach the steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Stay overnight at Dharapani tea house lodge.
Day 04:- Dharapani to Koto (2,610m/8,563ft): 5-6 hours:- After breakfast, we begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the whitewashed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timing. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally, we arrive in Koto village. Stay overnight in Koto at tea house.
Day 05:- Koto to Meta (3,560m/11,680ft): 7-8 hours:- After breakfast, we go to the police check post in the morning to register our restricted area permit than we trek through the Riverbank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally, we arrive at the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Stay overnight at Meta village in the teahouse lodge.
Day 06:- Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m/13,944ft): 7-8 hours:- After our breakfast in the morning we start our day pass through up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 4 hours of trek, we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived). We further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally, we reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Stay overnight in Phu Gaon at teahouse lodge.
Day 07:- Acclimatization at Phu Gaon:- Rest day for acclimatization. Today is our scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung, and Ghale in here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such a remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Stay overnight at Phu Gaon at same tea house.
Day 08:- Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110m/13,484ft): 6-7 hours:- After breakfast, we are continuing our trek the trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Stay overnight in Nar at teahouse lodge.
Day 09:- Acclimatization and preparation at Nar:- Today is a rest day for acclimatization. This is the second day our planned to take a rest for acclimatization. We spend the day taking a day hike nearby and explore Nar village and have a close look over the local culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the trek the next day. Stay overnight in Nar at same teahouse.
Day 10: Nar to Kang La Pass (5,322m/17,460ft) to Ngwal (3,660m/12,008ft): 7-8 hours:- After breakfast, we are beginning our trek continues Today is an adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla pass. From the pass, we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Nawal.
Day 11:- Nawal to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft): 4-5 hours:-From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of the Annapurna range. We then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang. Stay overnight in Manang at tea house lodge.
Day 12:- Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3-4 hours:-From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Stay overnight in yak kharka at tea house lodge.
Day 13:- Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,600m/15,092ft): 3-4 hours: – After breakfast, we are continuing our way to the foot of the pass, Throng high camp today. Thorong high camp is an only one teahouse and always busy catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors stay only low camp but a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for us. Stay overnight at tea house.
Day 14:- Thorong High Camp to Thorong La (5,416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft): 7-8 hours:- After early fast breakfast we continue our trek to crossing the difficult Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Stay overnight in Muktinath at Tea house lodge.
Day 15:- Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5-6 hours: – After breakfast, we begin descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge through the dry land. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which has typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom. Stay overnight in Jomsom at tea house lodge.
Day 16:- Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (827m/2,700ft): 30 min flight:-After breakfast we fly to Pokhara. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri range. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to the lakeside hotel. We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we relaxed walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while favorable the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat-ride in Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the attention-grabbing lakeside area. Stay overnight in Pokhara at Hotel.
Day 17:- Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft): 5-6 hours drive: After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to the hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening relaxed or perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping. Either way, we celebrate the successful completion. Stay overnight in Kathmandu at the same hotel.
Day 18:- Final departure from Nepal to your own destination: – Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Transfer to the international airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…
Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…
Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…
I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…
My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…
My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.
Dear valuable guest, I would like to inform all of you that the coming year 2020 is declared as “The year of Tourism”? Sep-15-2019