Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the most exciting in Nepal, as it enters a land that was closed to visitors until 2003. Truly an off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines high peaks and passes, remote villages, narrow canyons, amazing rock formations, and untouched Himalayan cultures. It’s a challenging but immensely rewarding route that’s ideal for experienced trekkers who want to avoid the busy trails elsewhere in the country and head into the real wilderness.

Highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek

Trek through an extremely remote area that was prohibited until 2003
Visit Tilicho Lake (4919m), the highest lake of its size in the world
Cross the challenging high passes of Khang La (5280m) and Mesokanto La (5089m)
Fantastic views of the Annapurna massif, Lamjung (6983m) and Manaslu (8163m)
Visit the lovely villages of Nar and Phu, with colorful Buddhist chortens

The Nar Phu Valley trek is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, meaning the landscape is much drier and more barren than at lower elevations to the south, and much more similar to Tibet. It is rarely visited, meaning the villages are simple and the landscape rugged. Traveling here is a perfect way to see how all Nepal once was, before the development of roads and modern conveniences.

The trails are rugged and at times are cut high into the sides of the cliff. There are also two very high passes to cross. The trek, in general, is quite challenging and best suited to experienced trekkers who are confident in the mountains.

The Route Followed

The journey starts in Besisahar, and drives the initial part of the old Annapurna Circuit route, as it was before the road was built. The trek itself begins inDharapani (1960m). Stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) will open up on the first day of trekking, as you steadily ascend.

The trekking trail leaves the secondary road as you head up the Nar Khola (river) Valley, which was previously off-limits to trekkers. This valley is sparsely populated, with the villages far less developed, and the valley gets narrower as you get deeper in.

The trail passes through pine forests and many beautiful waterfalls and towering rock faces as it continues to climb, all the way up to the village of Phu (4080m). Spend an acclimatization day here, where there are stunning views of the valley.

Continue on to Nar, the other main village in this area, which is a bit more lively than Phu. Push on to cross the Khang La (5280m). Crossing the pass will be a challenge at this altitude, and requires one of the longest walking days on the trek. After crossing the pass, descend down to Ngawal, significantly lower at 3670m.

Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit route at Manang, a heartland of Gurung culture, and then diverge again for the trip to Tilicho Lake. This has been called the most beautiful lake in Nepal, and it is one of the highest lakes in the world.

After Tilicho Lake, cross the Tilicho Pass and then descend steeply down to Yak Kharka (3510m) and Jomsom (2720m).

End the trek at Jomsom, from where you will fly to Pokhara.

Accommodation

While the accommodation options on the Annapurna Circuit section of this route are reasonably good, with basic but comfortable lodges, the Nar Phu Valley is much more remote and less developed. Lodges there are very basic, but there will even be a chance to stay in the monastery at Nar Phedi.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1365 meters).
Day 02: Sightseeing at Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Koto (2600 meters) via Besisahar and Dharapani.
Day 04: Trek to Dharmasala (3220 meters).
Day 05: Trek to Chaku (3772 meters).
Day 06: Trek to Phu (4050 meters).
Day 07: Side trip around Phu Valley or Himling Base Camp.
Day 08: Trek to Nar (4150 meters).
Day 09: Trek to Khang La Phedi (4530 meters).
Day 10: Cross Khang La (5320 meters) and trek to Ngawal (3670 meters).
Day 11: Trek to Chame 2670).
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 13: Departure.

Detail Itinenary

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu. (1365 meters).

Arrive at Kathmandu international airport, receive at the airport and transfer to Hotel stay overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 02

Sightseeing at Kathmandu.

A half day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included) Permits and trek preparation day at Kathmandu.

Day 03

Drive to Koto (2600 meters) via Besisahar and Dharapani.

After breakfast, a private vehicle (car/bus) will pick you at your hotel. We drive to Besisahar via the Prithvi Highway, following Trishuli River till Muglin and now continue to follow the Marsyangdi River valley. After Lunch in Besisahar continues to drive through the dirt road to Koto. The road at times passes through the settlements of the old Annapurna Circuit. It keeps following the Marshyangdi River for the whole day. This bumpy and exciting ride will take around 5 hours. Stay overnight at Teahouse.

Day 04

Trek to Dharmasala (3220 meters).

The trail leaves the road, enters a narrow valley, leaving crowded settlements behind, and heads for sparsely inhabited Nar Phu Valley. The trek crosses and leaves Marshyangdi River and starts to follow Phu River gradually climbing into the valley. The valley gets narrower and goes through pristine forests, as the valley grows wider with views starting to open up. The long day of climb finally ends at Dharmasala. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at tea house)

Day 05

Trek to Chaku (3772 meters).

Trek to Chaku is an interesting day as the trek passes through stunning waterfalls and towering rock faces. The day starts with a steep climb passes the village of Meta. The terrain is leveled all the way up to Junam and continues to be similar until the lower village of Chaku. The day ends with a final steep climb ending at the higher village of Chaku. (6 hours) (Overnight at tea house)

Day 06

Trek to Phu (4050 meters).

A steep drop kicks off the day and leads to the river. The trail stays on the riverbed for a while and then slowly starts to climb off the river. Another climb ends another long day at Phu. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at tea house)

Day 07

Side trip around Phu Valley or Himling Base Camp.

A short hike up to the village offers stunning views of the valley. Although a long and exhausting walk to Himlung Base Camp also remains a good alternative. (Overnight at tea house)

Day 08

Trek to Nar (4150 meters).

The trek retraces back to Chaku and passes the village. After crossing the bridge, the trail once again starts to climb and does so for the rest of the day. This is also one of the longer days of the trek. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at tea house)

Day 09

Trek to Khang La Phedi (4530 meters).

The day is a shorter one as the trek enters the higher elevations. Couple of hours climb ends the day at Khang La Phedi. A good rest is recommended as the trek now enters higher elevations. (3 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Day 10

Cross Khang La (5320 meters) and trek to Ngawal (3670 meters).

An early start to the day to cross the Khang La (5320 meters). The day starts with a climb that continues to get steeper and only ends at the top of the pass. A steep drop in a rocky moraine then on a screen leads to a new valley. The steep drop continues throughout the day and finally ends at the village of Ngawal. This is one of the longest and hardest days of the trek. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at tea house)

Day 11

Trek to Chame 2670).

Following the track back route of upper Annapurna Circuit via old village of Ghyaru and descend the narrow valley of Marsyangdi river valley lead us to Upper Pisang one of the traditional local village. Crossing the Marsyangdi River and follow the popular Annapurna Circuit trail finally lead us to Chame stay overnight at Lodge/ tea house.

Day 12

Drive back to Kathmandu.

After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu with Private Jeep, arrive in Kathmandu check in Hotel stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 13

Departure.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen about safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Digene	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache