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Nar-Phu Valley Trek For 10 Days

Tour Info

trip code

EN-018

Starting Point/ End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/ Tea House

Max Altitude

5320 m

Duration

10 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Moderate

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Overview

Nar-Phu Valley Trek -10 days is a Himalayan adventure that is meant to be enjoyed by those who have a passion for wilderness and comfort of trekking. This trip is a combination of dramatic mountainous scenery, ancient culture, and exciting Alps routes into a single itinerary. From winding trails to spectacular mountain passes, each day presents a feeling of exploration in the quiet luxury and customized attention.It is ideal for individuals seeking something more than a normal trek as it combines authenticity serenity, adventure, enhanced with good planning, guidance of professionalism and a bit of luxury in the midst of the Himalayas.

Details

Nar-Phu Valley Trek is a unique destination to the tourists who would like to have an experience of a unique Himalayan Trek which is way beyond the usual trekking paths. This is a trip that will suit those who like exclusivity, untarnished scenery and a closer association with ancient mountain societies. Not on the beaten paths, it is a sophisticated feeling of escape, where silence, space and dramatic scenery make the atmosphere of a pure Himalayan luxury. The mountains, obscured valleys, medieval monasteries, and isolated settlements in the highlands all create an atmosphere that is simultaneously enigmatic and extremely peaceful.

The best thing about this journey is that it is an ideal mixture of adventure and sophistication. The difficult alpine routes and a hearty high pass fits the spirit of adventure, professional guidance and prudent acclimatization, together with individual facilities will guarantee comfort, safety, and tranquility during the trip. Every day offers visual splendor and cultural diversity, and you can stroll through sceneries the few tourists ever get the chance to see.

An option of Nar-Phu Valley Trek, is an option of a sophisticated journey to one of the last preserved areas of the Himalaya, where comfort is not the only luxury, but privacy, authenticity, and the right to enjoy a truly pristine, untouched world.

Highlights

  • Sole expedition into one of the most restricted yet least-visited Nepal Himalayan regions.

  • Real discovery of the ancient Tibetan-inspired villages, monasteries, and traditions that are centuries old.

  • Trekking on high altitudes with dramatic scenery and through remote valleys, narrow gorges and rugged alpine landscapes.

  • Controlled acclimatisation day to help in comfort, safety and an elegant trekking pace.

  • Traversing of the spectacular Kang-La Pass (5,306 m), which is one of the most rewarding high passes of the Annapurna region.

  • Stunning close-ups of the grand mountain ranges of the  Himalaya, glaciers, and high mountain deserts.

  • Trekking adventure led by an experienced guide with a customised service, which is a high-quality and well-provided experience.

  • Perfect combination of cultural enrichment, adventurous challenge and Himalayan opulence.

Itinerary

Day 01: Fly into Kathmandu and move to your hotel (1,400 m).

The first day will start with the arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, which is located at an altitude of around 1,400 meters above sea level. Once they land at Tribhuvan International Airport, it takes a short road trip to the city hotel. The ride is usually effortless and gives you time to look at the cityscapes of Kathmandu. The remaining time after the check-in is reserved to have rest time, light walks around the area, and to recover after travelling internationally. The hotel where the overnight stay will be made is a comfortable and premium-grade hotel, which is appropriate to relax and preparing before the trek.

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 6 km (airport to hotel)
  • Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meal: Dinner included

Day 02: Explore key temples and landmarks while making final trek preparations.

This day is dedicated to cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu and last minute preparations of the trek. Drives are made in short durations to see significant temples, heritage sites and major landmarks of the cities. Such visits offer some background on local history, religion and day-to-day life. There is also time to check trekking gear and make any final purchases, and do any necessary permit and paperwork. An elaborate briefing on the trek is carried out to discuss the route information, safety issues and logistics. Accommodation is provided at a comfortable, premium-quality hotel in Kathmandu for an overnight stay.

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 10 to 15 km (local travel)
  • Travel Hours: 3 to 4 hours total
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 03 : Drive from Kathmandu to Koto (2,700 m).

Road from Kathmandu to Koto passes through the Nepalese countryside, gradually ascending from the valley floor to higher altitudes. Path goes through the rural villages, terraced fields, and river valleys, and the natural landscape can be seen clearly on the way. Highway is consistently tarmac, with certain parts of the highway on a gravel and dirt surface. Meals, refreshments and short breaks are taken in between, and the drive becomes bearable. On reaching Koto, the evening will be taken off to get rest and prepare to begin the trek. Upon arrival in Koto, accommodation is arranged at a well-maintained, premium-standard teahouse, offering clean rooms and essential amenities with a touch of comfort suitable for high-altitude trekking. Evening time is reserved for rest and preparation for the start of the trek.

  • Max Elevation: 2,700 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 195 km
  • Travel Hours: 8 to 9 hours
  • Accommodation: Comfortable teahouse in Koto
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 04: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560 m).

This expedition starts at Koto, where there is a clearly marked path through forests, small villages, and open valleys. The road slowly climbs upwards, giving clear sights of the adjacent mountains and highland sceneries. The approximate time of walking is 67 hours with periodic stops where people can rest and have refreshments. On arrival of the Meta,which is the planned destination for the night with a nice lodge the night in a nice lodge where the rooms are clean and the amenities are basic, which is a kind of comfort that is befitting high-altitude trekking. The night is made casual to get rid of the strain of the day and ready to take the next part of the journey.

  • Max Elevation: 3,560 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 12 km
  • Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Comfortable lodge in Meta with premium-standard rooms
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 05: Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon (4,080 m).

Road between Meta and Phu Gaon passes through rugged terrain, with rough paths and remote scenery. On the journey, hikers pass through small towns and they may have a glimpse of the conventional ways of living of the local people. It can be estimated that walking will require around 6-7 hours with the inclusion of brief pauses to rest and have a glimpse of the surrounding scenery. On reaching Phu Gaon, the accommodation is provided in a well maintained lodge which has clean and comfortable rooms and a serene environment which is favourable to high altitude trekking. The night gives an opportunity to rest and acclimatise, and prepare for  the following day of trekking.

  • Max Elevation: 4,080 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 12 km
  • Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard lodge in Phu Gaon with comfortable rooms
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 06: Acclimatisation and explore Phu Gaon (4,250 m).

Day is spent on acclimatisation and sightseeing in Phu Gaon, a remote village in Nar Phu Valley. Visitors can stroll around the village, making short walks, witness the local life and explore the ancient monasteries. Speed is maintained at a low pace so that your body can acclimatise to the elevated altitude. Evening is spent resting and relaxing in a comfortable lodge that offers clean rooms with simple facilities, with a sense of comfort that is conducive to high-altitude accommodation. This enables an adequate rest and reorganisation of the next day's trekking.

  • Max Elevation: 4,250 m
  • Travel Distance: Variable, 3 to 5 km of short walks around the village
  • Travel Hours: Full day of exploration at an easy pace
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard lodge in Phu Gaon with comfortable rooms
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included 

Day 07: Trek from Phu Gaon to Nar (4,110 m).

Journey between the Phu Gaon and Nar is rugged and over open terrain highlands. Trail then slowly goes up and down and provides excellent sightseeing of other mountains and valleys. Time taken to walk is about 6-7 hours and rest and refreshments are taken on the way. On reaching Nar, they will be put up in a well-kept lodge where they will be offered comfortable rooms with basic facilities and a touch of luxury befitting high altitude trekking. Evening gives time to rest and get ready for the second step of the trip.

  • Max Elevation: 4,110 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 14 km
  • Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard lodge in Nar with comfortable rooms
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included 

Day 08: Trek from Nar to Nawal (3,675 m) via Kang‑La Pass (5,306 m).

Nar Nawal trail is a day-long trek that takes one across Kang-La Pass, which is one of the highest points of the trail, with an altitude of 5,306. The path is a steep climb to the pass after which it is a slow downhill to Nawal. Distance on foot should be 7-9 hours, including a rest period, acclimatization and lunch. The trail cuts across elevated terrain, open valleys, and rocky areas, and has broad sceneries of Himalayan mountains around it. On arrival at Nawal, you will stay at a well-kept lodge that has clean and comfortable rooms and other necessary facilities, which will offer some form of comfort befitting high-altitude trekking. The night is left to rest and recover.

  • Max Elevation: 5,306 m

  • Travel Distance: Approx. 16 km

  • Travel Hours: 7 to 9 hours

  • Accommodation: Premium-standard lodge in Nawal with comfortable rooms

  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Humde (~3,675 m) & drive to Besisahar (~820 m).

Day starts with a walk between Nawal and Humde that takes about 6–7 hours on down-ward paths and highland routes. Path is taken across wide valleys and small towns, slowly descending trekkers off the mountainous terrain. When you arrive at Humde, there is a road exchange which will lead to Besisahar, a lower altitude town which offers a more comfortable evening to the trek. Accommodation is made in a comfortable, well-maintained hotel in Besisahar with clean rooms and some touch of comfort to relax after the hard day. Evening will be time to take a rest and get ready to go back to Kathmandu.

  • Max Elevation: ~3,675 m
  • Travel Distance: Trek approx. 12 km; Drive approx. 90 km
  • Travel Hours: Trek 6 to 7 hours; Drive 3 to 4 hours
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard hotel in Besisahar with comfortable rooms
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,350 m).

The last day is a road transfer where Besisahar to Kathmandu is covered at a distance of about 67 hours. It is a path along major highways and through rivers, villages and terraced agricultural land, and it is slowly descending to Kathmandu Valley 1,350 m. The tour also consists of short meal and refreshments stops. On reaching Kathmandu, the rooms in a high-end hotel with room comfort and modern facilities are booked, which will be a calming end to the trek. The night gives one time to relax or to sightsee the city before leaving.

  • Max Elevation: 1,350 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 180 km
  • Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Premium-standard hotel in Kathmandu with comfortable rooms
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Trek Route

Nar Phu Valley Trek Route Map | Ever Nepal

Packing List for Nar-Phu Valley Trek

The trek in the Nar-Phu Valley leads the trekker through the remote Himalayan villages, steep passes, deep gorges and cold alpine environment. The trail goes through remote and high altitude areas, so proper trekking equipment is quite crucial for comfy and safe traveling.

Clothing

  • Thermal inner layers
  • Warm trekking shirts
  • Fleece jacket
  • Insulated down jacket
  • Waterproof outer jacket
  • Trekking pants
  • Thermal trousers
  • Additional clothes and socks

Head & Face Gear

  • Hat, a cap, or a beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • UV-protected sunglasses
  • Neck buff or scarf
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Headlamp (extra batteries)

Hand & Footwear

  • Warm gloves
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Strong trekking boots
  • Lightweight sandals
  • Wool hiking socks
  • Gaiters for dusty or snowy sections

Trekking Equipment

  • Trekking poles
  • Duffel bag
  • Small daypack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottle/hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Moisturizer
  • Quick-dry towel

Health & First Aid

  • Diamox for altitude sickness
  • Pain relief medicine
  • First aid kit
  • Blister treatment
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Personal medications

Additional Items

  • Power bank
  • Camera or phone
  • Charging cables
  • Snack and dry fruits
  • A rain cover for backpacks
  • Notebook or travel diary

Specific Gears for Women

Women should take certain necessities on their Nar-Phu Valley trek, to keep them comfortable and prepared throughout the walk. These are items which can be useful while on trek, as the walk goes through remote villages in the Himalayas and into high elevations with lesser facilities.

  • Undergarments
  • Sanitary pads
  • Sports bra
  • Travel-size shampoo
  • Skin care products (cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen)
  • Tampons
  • Fleece headband
  • Tight leggings

Documents

Here are some important documents a trekker should take along before embarking on the Nar-Phu Valley Trek. They are needed to gain access to the restricted areas, for trekking permits, and to identify during the journey.

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Nar and Phu villages are located in a restricted trekking area of Nepal, called a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Trekkers need to get a Restricted Area Permit from a registered trekking agency in Nepal. The permit fee is $100 per person for the first 7 days September, October, November and $75 per person December to August. Extra days may require additional fees.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): They are required to enter Annapurna region. It is available in the NEPAL TOURISTIS BOARD (NTB) office in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The fee is NPR 3,000 ($23) for foreign nationals, NPR 1000 for the citizens of SAARC and NPR 100 for the trekkers from Nepal.
  • Passport: If you are an international trekker, you have to bring your original passport that is valid for six months from the date of your arrival in Nepal.
  • Passport-Size Photos: A minimum of 2 to 4 photos in passport size is suggested for permit applications, and registration during the trek.
  • Travel Insurance: You should have travel insurance that covers high mountain trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation; as the trek is mainly conducted in isolated mountain areas with limited medical facilities.

What's included

  • Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) throughout the trek in the mountains.

  • A qualified, government-licensed, English-speaking Sherpa trekking guide to lead the experienced.

  • Professional Sherpa porters who have correct walking and safety gear (one porter per two trekkers), their wage, food, lodging, and insurance.

  • All expenses to the guide: salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.

  • All the necessary permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Permit, TIMS card and Nar Phu Valley Special Permit.

  • Trekking equipment including sleeping bag, down jacket, duffl bag and walking poles (returning after the trek except those that are personal).

  • Lodging in trekking lodges (tea houses) on the way, which are regularly maintained.

  • Transportation in the trek: Besisahar to Koto by shared jeep, Ngawal/Humde to Besisahar by shared jeep, and collective transport Kathmandu to Besisahar-Koto and back by local bus.

  • Additional help Group assistant, with 8 or more.

  • Free Sherpa trek certificate and T-shirt Sherpa expedition.

  • An oximeter to check oxygen and pulse rates on high altitude trekking.

  • An extensive first aid kit on the part of the guide.

  • Emergency rescue organisation (paying your travel insurance just in case).

  • Any government, local tax and official costs.

What's excluded

  • Entry visa fee in Nepal (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu): Nepal entry visa is available at 30 days, 30 days, and 90 days at 30 USD, 50 USD and 125 USD respectively.

  • Additional facilities and meals prior to the Nar-Phu Valley trek or after it.

  • Flight fares between Nepal and other countries.

  • Kathmandu outside trekking package hotel accommodation.

  • Personal costs in the form of shopping, hot showers, drinks (tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks), snacks, bottled water, Wi-Fi, battery recharge, heater charges, and other personal services.

  • Travel insurance is provided with high-altitude emergencies and rescue/evacuation of altitudes to 6,000 m.

  • Individual clothing, hiking equipment or material.

  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  • The other expenses that will be incurred are on the changes in the itinerary or time delays because of factors that the management cannot control like weather conditions, illness, government regulations, strikes, or personal physical conditions.

  • Tips to the guides and support staff (not obligatory based on the local practice).

  • Other expenses that are not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Nar-Phu Valley located?

Nar-Phu Valley is situated in the far north of the Annapurna region, next to the Tibetan border. It is the ancient land of Tibetan culture, stone villages, monasteries, and dramatic landscapes of Himalayan region.

How difficult is the Nar-Phu Valley Trek?

It is a moderately difficult trek due to the length of the walking days, it is at a high altitude, and it goes through remote mountain terrain. Steep ascents and stiles are present in some areas, particularly where passing over high passes such as Kang La Pass.

Why is a special permit required for this trek?

Nar-Phu is a restricted and protected area in Nepal. The government must issue a special permit to protect local culture and culture tourism, and to monitor visitors entering the region in the vicinity of the Tibetan border.

What is the best season for the trek?

The ideal time is in the spring or autumn as the weather is clearer and more predictable. These months are the best months in the mountains, where trekking is safer, easier and with more beautiful views than the winter or monsoon months.

Can beginners do the Nar-Phu Valley Trek?

The trek can be completed by beginners who have a good level of physical fitness, though some previous trekking experience is beneficial as it involves sections of high altitude and less-developed mountain trails that are less well serviced than popular trekking routes.

Is altitude sickness possible on this trek?

Yes, it is possible to get altitude sickness as it is a trip to high altitudes above 5,000 meters. Climbing properly, staying hydrated and taking it slow are crucial to mitigating risks to the body caused by altitude throughout the trip.

What kind of accommodation is available?

Mostly in basic teahouse and village lodges. While they are less sophisticated than in other parts of trekking, there are opportunities for meals, bedding and shelter for trekkers along the route.

Is a guide compulsory for this trek?

Yes, as Nar-Phu Valley is a restricted area, so trekkers must accompany a licensed guide. Trekking with an independent operator is not allowed in the area by the Government of Nepal.

What food is served during the trek?

Most teahouses serve dal bhat, noodles, soups, potatoes, rice dishes, tea, and Tibetan cuisine. In higher and remote villages the choices of food are more restricted and meals are generally warm and substantial.

What makes the Nar-Phu Valley Trek unique?

The trek is renowned for its pristine mountains, unique Tibetan culture, old monasteries and secluded villages which are less overrun than other trekking regions in Nepal. It provides trekking experience in the Himalayas; with peace and cultural richness.

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