Govt. Tourism License 3195/080/81
- Best Price Guarantee
- Secure Online Booking
- Flexible booking dates
- Owner operated company
- Decades of experience
- Dedicated sherpa team
- 100% success rate
- 5/5 ratings by travelers
Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trek 12 Days
- Best Discover the Nar and Phu valleys, two of Nepal’s most remote areas.
- Cross the magnificent Kang La Pass (5,320m) for breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and beyond.
- See ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries where renowned lamas still give blessings, like Tashi Lhakhang Gompa.
- Discover remote stone built settlements, rocky gorges, highland deserts, and alpine meadows.
- A panoramic view of the Annapurna II (7,937m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Chulu peaks, and Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
- In one of Nepal’s less commercialized areas, enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic communities of Tibetan descent.
- All permits, logistics, and safety are taken care of by the knowledgeable, local staff at Hill Sherpa Trekking.
Trip Overview
Nar Phu Valley Trek – 12 Days of Uninhibited Himalayan Nature and Culture with Hill Sherpa Trekking
Tucked away between the massifs of Annapurna and Manaslu giants lies a secret world that few trekkers reach. Nar and Phu’s sacred valleys. This 12 days journey takes us through the isolated highlands of northern Nepal, a harsh yet culturally intact terrain influenced by Tibetan ancestry, Buddhist monasteries from the Middle Ages, and the untamed splendor of the Himalayas.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is quieter, less crowded, and more spiritually rich than the well-traveled Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp routes. Mostly inhabited by Khampas (people of Tibetan descent), these valleys offer a glimpse into a way of life that has mostly eluded modernization. You will find ancient gompas, yak pastures, and timeless stone villages surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks. You will also cross exhilarating high passes like Kang La (5,320m). Away from the crazy crowd, this trek is perfect for travelers looking for an adventurous, immersive, and culturally fulfilling Himalayan experience.
Cultural Immersion Meets Himalayan Adventure
This journey is more than just climbing a mountain; it’s a profound cultural exchange. You’ll trace centuries old salt trade routes that Tibetan traders used to take, stop at monasteries that predate most Himalayan kingdoms, and walk the paths of pilgrims and explorers from the days of Hillary and Shipton.
From Koto’s lush pine woods and river canyons to Phu’s wild cliffs and prayer flag bedecked passes, every day reveals another aspect of Nepal’s geographical and spiritual riches.
Why Choose Hill Sherpa Trekking?
At Hill Sherpa Trekking, we’re regional experts with a deep affinity for the Himalayas. Our experienced staff ensures a safe, culturally respectful, and logistically impeccable experience. From permits to accommodations to local legend, we handle it all, so you can focus on what matters: your journey, your companions, and the moment.
With a rich cultural and historical heritage, the Nar Phu Valley is closer to Tibet’s border. Consequently, the valley is restricted, allowing only 400 visitors annually, in order to support border security, preserve the culture, and safeguard the delicate environment.
Ready to explore the Nar and Phu Hidden Valleys? Let us know your custom Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary. If you would like to extend your trip to Tilicho Lake, Manang, or even connect with the Annapurna Circuit, Hill Sherpa Trekking will organize it with passion and professionalism.
Nar Phu Valley Trek 12 Days Itinerary
01
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
With breathtaking views of the Himalayas, terraced fields, and enormous hills below, the flight to Kathmandu is unlike any other you have ever taken. The Hill Sherpa Trekking representative will meet you once your costumes are complete and take you to the hotel. And short brief for tomorrow’s activities.
Duration
20 drive to hotel
Max Altitude
1300 m
Meals
Excluded
Accommodation
3-Star Hotel 02
Day 02: Sightseeing and preparation
You will explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites for half of the second day. The Pashupatinath Temple, the largest Hindu temple and one that is regarded by both Hindus and Buddhists, will be your first stop.
Following that, you will have the opportunity to walk around the Boudhanath with pilgrims from all over the world and locals. You will also visit Swayambhunath, the tri-city of old Durbar Square, and its alleyways if you have the time.
In order to make final preparations for the Nar Phu Valley Trek starting the following day, be sure to meet your guide, and if something is missed in preparation for your next journey, then today, your activities at the end of the day.
Duration
4-5 hoursMax Altitude
1300 mMeals
BreakfastAccommodation
3-Star Hotel 03
Day 03: drive to Koto from Kathmandu
Today, you will travel by jeep to Kota, which is the entrance to the Nar Phu Valley. After passing through Besishar for lunch, you will continue along the road along the Trishuli River, which is home to a number of picturesque terraced farms and ordinary villages, as mountains like Ganesh and Manaslu watch over you.
You would have already departed from the main highway in Prithvi by now in order to arrive at the Besisahar, which transforms into a four-wheeler jeep as it passes Jagat.
The old Annapurna Circuit trekking trail is rocky and bumpy from here, making it an exciting and difficult experience for both drivers and passengers.
Duration
8-9 hoursMax Altitude
2600 m
Activity
drivingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 04
Day 04: Trek to Meta from Koto
Following a delicious breakfast, at Kota, you will have to register your trek with the help of the restricted area permits. You will then be allowed to trek further along the riverside of the Soti Khola by passing dense pine forests, chilly suspension bridges, steep waterfalls, and local habitations of the locals.
Then, ahead you will proceed to the path providing a wider vision of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal from Dharamsala, where the forests are starting to be less dense and the landscapes wider.
After a one-and-a-half-hour steep ascent, you will meet the Meta Villages on the Tibetan plateau, which have much better solo mountain views than you could ever imagine. Take a restful nap in Meta’s tea house.
Duration
7-8 hoursMax Altitude
3560 mActivity
TrekkingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 05
Day 05 : Trek to Phu from Meta
The path between Meta and Phu zigzags along the ridge with breathtaking views of some of the ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, which take an ascending and descending route.
Lastly, by walking over the suspension bridge, you will reach the Chyaku and see the other two neighboring villages. Upon your arrival, the route through Kyang rewards you with the celestial view of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II and then the trail follows along the Phu Khola may provide you with a unique opportunity to see the endangered blue sheep and pass through the Phu gate, which is carved out of wood.
You can experience the distinctive culture and traditions of the Tibetan people, who are still not urbanized, in the Phu Valley. When you enter the valley, you will not fail to visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery. Its overflow wraps its visitors with stunning view of some ranges of the Himalayas such as the Himlung Himal.
Duration
7-8 hoursMax Altitude
4080 mActivity
TrekkingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 06
Day 06: Explore day at phu
As it is advisable to divide an acclimatization day in Phu for a better physical adaptation in the high Himalayan region, you spend the day exploring the tiny but picturesque Phu Valley with its narrow streets and excellent monasteries.
You will be exhilarated to have witnessed the authentic Himalayan life when the locals engage in their routine work: spinning their yak and sheep wool, grinding mustard seeds into paste for oil, and other daily chores in which you can join.
And to add more value to this day, you can hike to the Himlung Himal Base Camp at 7,125 m through the glacial valley newly opened for climbing as you watch the herds of sheep climb up the cliffs in a 5 hours side trip.
Max Altitude
4080 mActivity
ExploreMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 07
Day 07: Trek to Nar Phedi from Phu
As it is advisable to divide an acclimatization day in Phu for a better physical adaptation in the high Himalayan region, you spend the day exploring the tiny but picturesque Phu Valley with its narrow streets and excellent monasteries.
You will be exhilarated to have witnessed the authentic Himalayan life when the locals engage in their routine work: spinning their yak and sheep wool, grinding mustard seeds into paste for oil, and other daily chores in which you can join.
And to add more value to this day, you can hike to the Himlung Himal Base Camp at 7,125 m through the glacial valley newly opened for climbing as you watch the herds of sheep climb up the cliffs in a 5 hours side trip.
The trail continues to veer off course as you start to return to the Nar Phedi monastery. After passing the villages of Kyang and Upper Chyako, your trekking route continues uphill toward the biggest settlements in the Nar Phu Valley. But you will spend the day at the Nar Phedi Moastery.
The rooms are tidy and the nuns are amiable. You might even take part in daily ceremonies at noon, which fill the monastery with a sacred atmosphere and the pleasant scent of fragrant incense. It’s a great day to give to the maintenance of the friendly and devout monastery and to learn from the esteemed monks of the monasteries.
Duration
5-6 hoursMax Altitude
3490 mActivity
TrekkingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 08
Day 08: Trek to Nar from Nar Pheedi
You have to cross two high passes today to get out of Nar Phedi. Nar and Phu. After that, it crosses the suspension bridge over the roaring rivers, including the Mahendra Pul, which is 5,050 meters high and another that is 5,400 meters high.
As you hike through rows of Chortens with artistically painted bamboo roofs, breathtaking views of Pisang, and other places, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the arid landscapes and yak pastures.
During the day, the village is typically bustling with chattering women who weave wool fabric for blankets and rugs. Located outside Nar village, the tourist teahouse serves both international and local buffets.
Duration
2-3 hoursMax Altitude
4410 mActivity
TrekkingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 09
Day 09: Trek to Ngawal via Kang-la Pass 5,220 m.
It’s a long walk today. In order to reach the Kang La Pass, you will start your journey before sunrise and ascend through the Temdenzon Khola lateral moraine, passing through yak pastures while taking in stunning vistas of Pisang Peak’s western flank.
After a 2 hours hike from Nar Village, which eventually descends at Ngawal for the night, the pass rewards you with the breathtaking beauty of Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna.
Compared to the ancient villages you just visited, it is undoubtedly very different. The menus are far more extensive, the lodges are larger, and most of them have phone and WiFi signals.
Duration
8-9 hoursMax Altitude
3600 mActivity
Trekking via high passMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 10
Day 10: Trek to Pisang village from Ngawal
The trek from Ngawal Village to Pisang Village in Nepal is a stunning section of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail descends through pine forests, rocky terrain, and small settlements with breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak, beginning at the traditional, high-altitude village of Ngawal (3,660m).
There are both upper and lower Pisang trail options along the route; the upper trail offers more breathtaking views of the mountains and cultural landmarks like monasteries. Pisang Village (3,300m), a charming location tucked away in the Marsyangdi Valley that blends Tibetan culture with scenic beauty, is where the trek comes to an end.
Duration
5-6 hoursMax Altitude
3300 mActivity
TrekkingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 11
Day 11: Drive to Besishar by jeep
It’s a rough but beautiful journey through the Annapurna region to take a local jeep from Pisang to Besisahar. The route passes waterfalls, deep gorges, traditional villages, and steep mountain roads. The drive offers breathtaking views and a quicker descent from the high Himalayas to the verdant valleys of Besisahar, despite being rough and daring.
Duration
8-9 hoursMax Altitude
2493 mActivity
drivingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Local Teahouse 12
Day 12: drive to Kathmandu from besishahar
Our amazing trek through the Nar Phu Valley comes to an end today. We take a local vehicle from Besisahar to Kathmandu, traveling through thriving villages, rivers, and verdant hills. The long but beautiful drive back to the city gives you time to think back on the past days’ cultural experiences and the amazing Himalayan adventure.
Duration
7-8 hoursMax Altitude
1300 mActivity
drivingMeals
BreakfastAccommodation
3-Star HotelIncludes & Excludes
What is included?
- Airport pick up / drop off ( by Private Car )
- Accommodation 3-star hotel twin sharing room ( 2 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast)
- Kathmandu to Koto by sharing a transportation Jeep
- Pisang to Besi Shahar by Local jeep, then drive to Kathmandu by Haice
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are chosen from the menu
- Accommodations, Tea-house twin sharing room
- Nar Phu Valley special permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Down jacket, duffel bag, sleeping bag, and trekking poles are provided by Hill Sherpa Trekking, but you will have to return them after the trek (if you need them)
- Government licensed holder, Good at speaking English, with good experience as a guide
- Staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, transport, and insurance
- One strong sherpa porter to carry your luggage, 1 porter for 2 trekkers
- The first aid kit of Hill Sherpa Trekking is carried by the Guide
- Water Purification Tablets for tap water
- Helicopter evacuation will be taken care of by your tour insurance in case of an Emergency
- All Government taxes, official fees & and ground transfer
- Oxy meter for pulse, level (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness
- Free sunblock Cap from Hill Sherpa Trekking
- Trip Certificate issued by Hill Sherpa Trekking
What is excluded?
- International flight tickets
- Nepal entry visa fee, visa obtained on arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu)
- Extra Kathmandu accommodation, food, and drinks (if staying an extra day)
- Your own personal medical & travel insurance,
- Dessert, sweet foods like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, and any kind of tea or coffee, during the trek.
- Excess baggage weight 10-15 kg max.
- Hot shower, Mobile, Camera, Power bank, any battery charging, Wi-Fi Internet,
- Kathmandu Sightseeing entrance fees ($ 25-30 USD per person), min group size 4.
- Personal first aid kit for travel.
- Tips for guide & porter. (Tipping is the most eagerly awaited after completing the trip.)
Note:
We also operate private trips.
Trip Information of Nar Phu Valley Trek 12 Days
Best season to trek the Nar Phu Valley?
Autumn and spring are still the ideal seasons to trek in Nepal via the Nar Phu valley, which is more popular for being among the best monsoon trekking destinations as it lies in the trans-Himalayan rain shadow zone.
In spring (March–May), Nar Phu valley is full of butterflies in the freshly flowered wildflowers along with the national flower, the rhododendron, and autumn offers the most favorable weather.
In summary, the Nar Phu Valley trek is possible all year round, with the exception of the winter months, when the valley experiences heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures make it nearly impossible to traverse the Kang La High Pass without specific equipment.
What treks which permits are needed to trek Nar Phu Valley?
The Nar Phu Valley Trekking is an off-the-beaten trek near the Tibetan border; therefore, two big trekking permits are needed to access the valley region. They are:
Restricted Area Permit: Nar Phu Valley is a restricted trekking region in Nepal. Thus, you will need a special permit to enter the region, which in the majority of the cases is managed by a registered trekking company or licensed guide from the government.
The restricted permit is acquired from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and usually costs USD 75 for the first week and USD 15 additional fees from the seven days from December to August. Even though the permit is for seven days, you will pay around 100 USD from September to November.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: As much as it is a closed area, Nar Phu Valley is also within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and needs an obligatory relative permit card to access the land.
The Permit is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and assists in funding rural valley development and their communities. It will cost you about USD 30 per person per entry for any number of days.
Trek Difficulty in Nar Phu Valley
The moderately challenging Nar Phu Valley trek is best suited for adventurous, physically fit, and somewhat experienced hikers. Altitude, location, and trail condition are some of the variables that affect the trek’s difficulty level. The Nar Phu Valley trek is regarded as a difficult trek to complete because it requires several long days of hiking through a steep ascent, including the crossing of the high mountain pass, Kang La, with limited options for food and lodging.
Do I Need a Guide for Nar Phu Valley?
In addition to the Nar Phu Valley being a protected area in the Annapurna region, getting trekking permits can be a very difficult and time-consuming process. A certified guide or tour and trekking agency can greatly assist with all the paperwork and the permits themselves.
There is a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) due to the trek’s rough trails, river crossings, and several challenging sections. Once more, the guides are helpful for safe and sound travel, including helping with medical emergencies like mountain sickness.
To trek the Nar Phu Valley and improve your overall trekking experience in Nepal, you must hire a guide.
Accommodation/food in the Nar Phu Valley?
Throughout the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will have a variety of accommodation and dining facilities that are usually simple and homely. But while you’re in Kathmandu, you can get a regular one with the Hill Sherpa Trekking & Expedition in 12 Days package of the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
At Nar Phedi, you will have the opportunity to reside within the local monastery, which gives you a natural experience of monks and locals’ daily routines. As you continue with trekking, it gets more restricted and simple as you travel to higher altitudes since this trail is not highly developed and exposed yet.
Overall, handle your expectations reasonably and utilize your time at teahouses and homestays properly to fully immerse yourself in the Himalayas.
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Hill Sherpa Trekking
One of the best ways to keep your health and broaden your knowledge is to go trekking in Nepal. In addition to Nepal’s natural blessings, the country is home to 142 castes, each with its own unique set of customs, values, culture, and dress.
Generally, with the finest climatic conditions on the planet, neither too hot nor too cold, the nation is embellished with the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), and seven other eight-thousanders. Trekking here is a difficult way to find Nepalese treasures you have never heard of or seen before.
The most frequent questions when organizing a trip to Nepal are. How and with whom? Don’t worry, just relax. For more than 20 years, Hill Sherpa Trekking & Expedition has been providing services for planning different types of trips, treks, and expeditions in the breathtaking nation of Nepal.
We are honored to be among the best and most trustworthy travel agency partners based in Thamel, the tourist paradise of Kathmandu, famous for your distinct crew that specializes in customizing trekking in our native land based on our client’s interest area and time constraint with no hidden cost policies, like the trek in the Nar Phu Valley.
In addition to the cost of transportation, permits, and guides required to trek in Nepal’s restricted area, we currently offer a 12 days Nar Phu Valley Trek that includes lodging, breakfasts, dinners, and lunches.
With our Sherpa born and bred in the Nepalese Himalayas, accumulating years of experience guiding the mountain terrain, we guarantee the trekkers and adventurers a successful trip to their desired destination, not just in the Nar Phu Valley but also in other areas that are suitable for trekking.
Call us today for an experience you will never forget in the Nepalese Himalayas.
Altitude Chart of Nar Phu Valley Trek 12 Days
Equipment List
General Information
- The company provides a feather sleeping bag, but it can be refunded after the trek.
- Feather down Jacket, but can be refunded after the trek.
- Hill Sherpa Trekking provides a duffle bag during the trek, but it can be refunded after the trek.
- Recommended mostly for morning and evening, the windproof and waterproof thin-layered jacket above 3450m.
- Recommended mostly for a Daypack bag 35-45 Ltr.
- Headlamp & extra batteries during the trek
Daily Use Essentials
- A Sun Black Cap & warm hat
- Sunglasses with 100% snow UV protection
- A muffle (full cover mask)
- Sunscreen (30+ to 60 SPF according to age)
- A pair of thin & warm gloves
- A pair of Trekking poles
- Water bottle & filter
- Water-purified tablets
- lips guard
Upper Body Essentials
- Warm and fleece hat
- A set of t-shirts
- Tops with heat
- Women’s sports bras
- Waterproof, fleece, and windproof jacket
All Lower Body
- waterproof trouser
- warmer & fleece trousers
- A pair of Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra comfortable sports pants
- A pair of sports shoes
- Thermal underwear
- A pair of waterproof proof comfortable trekking boots
- A pair of light sandals
- Some Thick (woolen) socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes
Personal Medical and First Aid Kits
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for AMS)
- Adhesive bandages and pocket masks
- Non-stick pad W/ Adhesive
- ibuprofen & paracetamol tablets IP
- Some Assorted adhesive bandages
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings, butterfly bandage
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Moves in case sprain in any body part
- pain-relief medication
- Sinex, & Eye Drops, etc.
- Gauze sponge
- Saline solution
(Note: first aid kits & medicine will be with our company’s guide along the trekking, but we recommend you carry your own personal first-aid kit)
Important Things
- passport-size photographs with the original passport copy
- Flight information (to pick you up & transfer to the hotel)
- personal medical and travel insurance
Extra Essential Things
- Energy gel or dry foods (that’s your choice)
- A power bank is most important for a backup device (if you have one)
- Camera, chargers, extra battery, memory card, etc.
- Most necessary for ladies’ essential items (if you are a lady)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Nar Phu Valley Trek?
The trek is 12 days of isolated Himalayan countryside with cultural and scenic highlights.
Is Nar Phu Valley trek difficult?
Yes, it’s moderately to demanding. You will be crossing high passes like Kang La (5,320m) and hiking long distances, best suited for experienced, fit trekkers.
Do I need permits?
Yes. You’ll need
- Restricted Area Permit (USD 75–100 depending on season)
- ACAP Permit (USD 30 per entry)
Can I trek independently?
No. Due to its protected status, a guide or trekking company with a license must be used.
When is the best time to go?
- Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) are best.
- The trek is also appropriate even during the monsoon season because it is located in a rain-shadowed area.
- Avoid winter due to heavy snowfall and temperatures below zero.
What is the accommodation like?
Basic teahouses, homestays, and monasteries in the valley. Basic but authentic. Kathmandu hotel options pre/post trek are available.
Is there any risk of altitude sickness?
Yes. The trek is well in excess of 5,000m, so acclimatization is required. Our guides have experience with altitude sickness.
How many trekkers visit Nar Phu Valley?
Entry is restricted to only 400 trekkers per year, making it a selective and less crowded trekking destination.
May I join this trek from alternate routes?
Yes! We can customize your trek to include Tilicho Lake, Manang, or even link to the Annapurna Circuit.
Why trek with Hill Sherpa Trekking?
We’re local insiders with over 20 years of experience, licensed guides, and no surprise fees. We handle all logistics so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Reviews on Nar Phu Valley Trek 12 Days
✖
Free Travel GuideGet Expert Guidance from Experienced Sherpas
