31st Jan, 2023

Nar Phu Valley Trek in March, April, May 2025

Overview And Highlights

The arduous yet highly rewarding Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you to the least visited landscape in the Northern Annapurna region. Moreover, while trekking to Nar Phu Valley, you'll also hike on some parts of the Annapurna Circuit.The antiquated Tibetan culture, withered landscapes, tempting mountains, and surreal prospects have made this trek distinctive and captivating.

And in a nutshell, the hike to Nar Phu Valley is a trek to isolated and rugged valleys in the wonderland of Annapurna.Nar and Phu are two discrete remote settlements in Upper Mustang, a popular place for Annapurna Region Trekking. But, the remoteness and inaccessibility deem it a lost and least traversed landscape of the Himalayas. 

Nar Phu Valley Trekking started just in 2003 and is among the newly discovered trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. Since the territory is near Tibet, it remains a restricted region for foreign trekkers. Albeit, with a Restricted Area Permit issued by the Government of Nepal, you can hike here for limited days.

To put it differently, amidst crowded Annapurna region trekking, an off-the-beaten trek to Nar Phu Valley can be ideal. Even if it's graded as a challenging trek, with adequate preparations and our highly experienced trek guides, you'll have a wholesome Nar Phu Valley experience.

The following are among the few best elements that make your Nar Phu Valley Trekking in Annapurna Region stupendous.

1# Startling Annapurna and adjoining sierra

Annapurna region and adjacent regions are home to two 8,000 meters tall mountains, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. The world's 10th elevated mountain, Annapurna I, at 8,091 meters, appears much closer than the 7th highest Dhaulagiri, at 8,167 meters. Even so, these ultimate glimpses are enough to tranquil your soul, eyes, and heart.

Other elegant mountains of the Annapurna range, like Himlung Peak at 7,126 meters, Mt. Gangapurna at 7,455 meters, Mt. Nilgiri at 7,061 meters, and Tilicho summit at 7,134 meters, encircle the landscape around Upper Mustang, including Nar and Phu villages.

On Nar Phu Valley Trek, you'll be in the serenity of the paradise of these mountains. Whenever you hike up here, the elegance of the towering mountains remains intact throughout the year. And Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2023 can be your ultimate junket to the paradise of remote landscape in Upper Mustang.

2# Two High Himalayan Pass

Alongside the splendid panorama of mountains in the Annapurna range, crossing two highly rated High Passes is the ultimate endurance test and adventurous junket in the Nar Phu Valley hike.

After Everest Three High Passes Trek, the most High Himalayan Pass you'll conquer on a single trek is two, and it's while trekking to Nar Phu Valley.

Thorung La Pass, at 5,416 meters and Kang La Pass, at 5,306 meters, are two High Passes of this trek. Not to mention, Thorung La Pass is the most liked high Himalayan Pass by trekkers on Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Crossing these passes offers you an adventurous hike and the unmatched panorama of the Annapurna range. From Kang La Pass, you'll get conspicuous glimpses of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna.

Moreover, while trekking from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath on the 12th day of this trek, you'll climb Thorung La Pass. You'll see the mountains and peaks extending towards the Tibetan Plateau to the North from this Pass.

3# Centuries old monastery and temple

Nar and Phu are the home for the unblemished Buddhism and BonPo Religion, thanks for being an isolated region, even in 2023. The timeless religion, cultures, traditions, and livelihood here remains pious and free from contemporary touches. And as a trekker in this solitude region, you'll get the rare opportunity to witness these directly. 

The pre-eminent Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, amidst 108 prime monasteries in the world, lies in Nar Phu Valley. This epitome of the last noble work of Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche remains as it was. And there's nothing that beats the joy of viewing a 360-degree panorama from the standing of Tashi Lhakhang Monastery.

In addition, Muktinath, in Jomsom, is another sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Bon Po religious people. Furthermore, it is broadly praised as an ideal trekking destination in the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Built in the 19th century, Muktinath is among the world's highest-altitude seated temples, at 3,762 meters, in the lap of Thorung La Pass. And annually, more than 20 thousand trekkers and pilgrims scale this temple on foot.

4# Nar phu valley Standard Trek Itinerary

Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary begins as you drive from Kathmandu to Koto, at 2,610 meters, Meta at 3,560 meters, Phu at 4,250 meters, and Nar at 4,110 meters.

After acclimatization at Nar, the trek trail ascends to Kang-La pass at 5,306 meters. The trek route descends to Manang at 3m540 meters, Yak Kharka at 4,110 meters, Muktinath at 3,800 meters and Jomsom at 2,710 meters via Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.

5# Escape the crowd of Annapurna Circuit

For peaceful hikers, Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2025 can still be an ideal off-the-beaten Annapurna Region Trekking. With expensive restricted area permit costs and added trek difficulty, only experienced hikers hike to Nar and Phu. And also, those who could live for a week without apple pie and modern amenities prefer the solitude trails of this isolated wonderland in Northern Annapurna.

The super crowded Annapurna Circuit Trek and trek to Nar Phu Valley often overlap at certain places. Albeit you'll hike from Manang to Muktinath via Yak Kharka, Thorung Phedi, and Thorung La Pass on a crowded trail, the ultimate location, Nar Phu Valley, still offers a peaceful hike experience.

Instead, you'll hike along the cascading river banks, suspension bridges, green pasture lands, monasteries, humongous boulder faces, and two exceptional settlements, Nar and Phu. Whether it's farmers plowing their farmlands with yaks or the monks humming the mantras with hand held prayer wheels, you'll remain enclosed with tranquility.

6# Nar Phu Valley Trek- Highlights

  Trek and excursion around the Nar Phu Valley, a mesmerizing landscape yet a restricted area in the Northern Annapurna.

Hike to one of the prominent and acclaimed Buddhist Monasteries, Tasho Lhakhang, among 108 world's pronounced monasteries.

Firsthand witness of remnants of wrecked forts of Tibetan Khampa emigrants who once used to remain illegally in Nur Phu Valley.

Crossing two great Himalaya passes, Kang-La pass (5,322 meters) and Thorong La pass (5,416 meters).

The morning visit to the sacred Hindu and Buddhist temple, Muktinath, and bath on its venerated 108 waterspouts.

Scenic valleys of Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Kali Gandaki Rivers shore along with its deep gorges during hike and drive.

Relaxing hot spring bath at Tatopani and evening stroll in Lakeside, Pokhara.

Highly experienced trek guides, fluent in English and other languages, handpicked itineraries, well-structured trek logistics, and fixed departure ultimate Nar Phu Valley Trek with Adventure Nepal Eco Treks.

7# Nar Phu Valley Trek- Additional Information

Trek starts/ends

Out of many ways, our 13 days Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary is among the best. It starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Koto and ends with a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

On average, you'll trek for ten days for six hours and cover 10 km each day. You'll hike from Koto to Meta, Phu Gaon, Nar Village, Ngawal, Kang La Pass, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorung Phedi, Thorung La Pass, Muktinath, and Jomsom.

You'll take the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and another connecting flight to Kathmandu.

8# Complimentary airport/hotel pickup/drop

Every valued client who books Nar Phu Valley Trek with us gets free airport pickup and drop services.

Our diligent representative will pick you up from the airport to the hotel you'll stay in, Kathmandu. Also, on your departure, you'll get a complimentary airport transfer from the hotel on time.

9# Accommodation in Nar Phu Valley Nepal

You'll get 11 tea house-based accommodations in Nar Phu Valley Trek. The tea houses, often called lodges, are managed and run by the locals. On the trek, you'll get twin sharing rooms with attached bathrooms at most places except a few high-altitude places.

You'll have a comfortable and cozy overnight experience at the tea houses. You'll get thoroughly washed blankets, pillows, and warm mattresses. If you want to nap in your sleeping bag, we recommend carrying one.

You can accommodate any hotels in Kathmandu of your choice upon arrival and the before departure. Adventure Nepal Eco Treks will only cover the expense of your Kathmandu stay.

10# Meals in Nar Phu Valley Trekking

With us, you'll get 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners, including a farewell dinner in a Thakali restaurant in Kathmandu.

Throughout the trek, you'll get hygienic, healthy, fresh, and nutritious meals as possible. The tea house meal items on the menu at lower altitudes offer more varieties than that in high altitude places, but still, you'll have a handful of options to pick from.

The breakfast items you can expect on this trek are muesli, oatmeal, porridge, toast, omelet, butter, jam, honey, pancakes, pies, Tibetan bread, Chapati, and more. The drinks for breakfast include ginger lemon honey, black tea, milk tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and hot drinking water.

Lunch and dinner meals are often identical, and trekkers even love to eat the same dish twice a day. Dal Bhat with cooked vegetables and lentil soup, steaks, dumplings, pizza, burgers and fries, sandwiches, pasta, potato items, spaghetti, noodle soup and rice, and more.

You'll also get fruits and porridge or hot chocolate in dessert as a part of meals in Nar Phu Trek before bed at the tea houses.

Please note: Avoid eating meat and products from Koto to Jomsom throughout this trek. All the meat products get delivered from lower regions, and they deteriorate when they reach higher areas.

11# Drinking water

We request that you carry refillable water bottles for drinking water on Nar Phu Trek. With these, you can fill in water from running water taps en route. Also, you can frequently rehydrate with adequate water on the backpack.

At higher places, it'll be difficult to drink cold water. Hence, carrying a thermos for hot water would be a great hack. Tea houses provide a liter of hot drinking water for USD 2-3.

It would help to bring chlorine tablets and electrolyte solutions for regular drinking water. With these, you'll be on adequate body salts and can drink germs-free water.

12# Miscellaneous services

Internet, telephone, electricity, and hot water shower are miscellaneous services you need on your 13 days Nar Phu Valley Trek.The Internet may not work at higher altitudes, but at lower altitudes, you'll find decent bandwidth of internet services.

Telephone networks won't work at higher altitude places in this trek. However, you'll still get plenty of satellite or VHF phones for emergency contacts. Your trek guide will contact appropriate people during emergencies and other instances.

You'll have the option of electricity or solar-powered electricity at the tea houses throughout this trek. Tea houses offer electricity charging services for trekkers where they can charge mobile devices, power banks, camera batteries and much more.

You'll get a hot water shower at lower regions, but at higher altitudes, you'll get a bucket shower with heated water. Even if you smell sweaty, we recommend not to shower at higher altitudes as it becomes cold, and you may get pneumonia. Alternatively, you can use wet wipes to clean your underarms and other body parts to maintain cleanliness.

All these miscellaneous services can cost around USD 3-4. You'll have to pay these costs alone as the package doesn't cover these additional expenses.

13# Nar Phu Valley Trek Per mits

Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits are essential as it sits in the restricted area of the Annapurna region, near the Tibetan Plateau.

If you're looking for this trek, you must purchase two Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits, Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) and Restricted Area Permit(RAP).

A Nepal Government Licensed trekking guide is a must and has to be at least two trekkers in a group. Hence, trekkers are not allowed to hike here independently and must be in groups from Nepal Government Licensed local agencies like Adventure Nepal Eco Treks.

We'll manage these two permits for you, which are included in the package cost.

ACAP costs USD 30 annually, but RAP has two different costs. During a busy trek from September to November, in Autumn, the cost of RAP is USD 100 per individual for seven days. And for the rest of the months, the price remains USD 75 per individual for seven days.

After seven days, by any means, if you still trek inside a restricted area, you need to pay USD 10 each day. But, with our fixed departure Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary, you'll complete this trek on time.

15# Documents and paperworks

Throughout this trek, for various reasons, you must carry particular accurate government-issued documents. A valid original passport, passport-size photo, and valid visa are the essential documents.

These documents help you get trek permits and work as proof of identification.Additionally, proof of your International Travel Insurance is also a must.

16# Proof of International Travel Insurance Policy

We highly recommend our valued clients join Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2023 to bring a valid International Travel Insurance Policy. The policy must cover your medication costs, high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation to 6000 meters.

Nar Phu Trek is challenging and risky in some places. Furthermore, you'll cross two high Himalayan Passes, Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters and Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters. These areas are high-risk areas for altitude sickness, landslides, and avalanches.

Hence, with international travel insurance, you'll get every benefit during emergencies if such happens.

Please remember to email us your travel insurance policy after booking Nar Phu Valley Trek with us. With pre-information on your policy, we can manage helicopters right on time during fatal situations at high altitudes.

We don't buy or sell travel insurance for you, but we can recommend it upon request. And we recommend the best from our previous history of recommendations.

17# Altitude sickness, and prevention

Altitude sickness

If there's one thing you can't ignore while trekking in the mountains, it's high-altitude sickness. Nar Phu Valley Trek is a challenging grade trek with a high risk of altitude sickness. But, with proper care and preparations, you can escape mountain sickness and complete the hike without a single headache.

To most trekkers, high-altitude sickness appears after 3,500 meters. Phu and Nar villages are above 4,000 meters, Phu at 4,250 meters and Nar at 4,110 meters. Trekkers experience headaches and nausea as primary mountain sickness symptoms at such altitudes.

Furthermore, you'll cross Kang La Pass and Thorung La Pass, both above 5,300 meters. At this altitude, altitude sickness is widespread for trekkers.

18# Prevention measures

There are many ways of dodging altitude sickness, and rehydration is the most common. Drinking 100 ml of water every 30 minutes helps you rehydrate enough and escape altitude sickness. Also, eating adequate meals and resting overnight for 8 hours helps avoid altitude sickness.

Other measures include taking particular medicines like Diamox, a familiar drug among trekkers. With this medicine, the risk of getting altitude sickness is shallow.

Plus, preparations for the trek and some high-altitude trek experience help you to tackle altitude sickness symptoms.

19# Nar Phu Valley Trek Difficulty and Preparations

Trek to Nar Phu Valley is arduous and is highly rated as strenuous grade Annapurna region trekking. Sometimes, you'll have to hike along the cliff over the Phu River. And not to mention the thrilling wooden bridges over cascading Marshyangdi. And some days, you'll trek 15 kilometers for 8-9 hours on high-altitude terrain.

The crossing of Thorung La Pass and Kang La Pass on high-altitude terrain for multiple hours makes it a challenging trek.

Because of the difficulty, not everyone can hike effortlessly here. It's not an ideal trek for the first-time trekker who doesn't have any trek experience.

Physical fitness and a positive mental attitude can make a lot of difference in this trek. Cardio training and frequent short hikes develop your breathing skills. Other fitness training like jogging, running, and marathons help you remain fit for this trek.

Those with a history of respiratory and cardiac issues are kindly requested to inform us before booking this trip.

20# Acclimatization stops

You'll stop at Nar Village at 4,110 meters for acclimatization in Nar Phu Trek. It's an ideal spot to acclimate well before hiking high passes.With proper acclimatization, your body adapts well to altitude and keeps you safe from altitude sickness.

Our trek guides and tour manager handpick our Nar Phu Valley Trek Itineraries. To ensure maximum rest and minimum hiking hours each day, our Nar Phu Trek Itineraries only see you hiking five hours daily on average.

21# Trekker’s safety

We guarantee 100% safety and a successful Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2025. We employ the best field staff, our valued trek guides and porters to guide and assist you throughout the trek.

Your safety on the trek directly depends on the type of gear you use. Hence, we make sure your packs are appropriate for multiple day hikes. On top, our trek guide also carries equipment, first aid kits, and essential medications.

Everyone in the group must hike together and follow what your trek guide says. This way, no one gets lost in the trekking route or left behind.

It would be best to inform your trek guide immediately during emergencies and altitude sickness instances. If the situation worsens, your trek guide calls the helicopter for low-altitude transfer or even rescue to Kathmandu.

22# Trek guides and porters safety

Since Nar Phu Trek is a strenuous grade trek, you'll get a highly skilled and experienced trek guide for this trek. We often employ trek guides with years of expertise in similar terrain.

Our trek guides are Nepal Government Licensed Trekking Guides. They come with first aid knowledge, pinpoint decision-making, rescue operations, and rock climbing skills. Also, based on the group's language, we assigned the trek guides who could communicate in English or Spanish.

We assign one trek porter for two trekkers. Porters in trekking carry your backpack and often work as an assistant guide.

We practice industry-standard benefits, salary, programs, health insurance, and flooding—lodging and clothing to our trek guides and porters. For a successful trek, our field staff has to be happy. And to make them happy, we do every possible workout. And this ultimately benefits you making your trek experience wholesome.

23# Baggage and weight limits

You can put essential gear and personal stuff of your preference, but trek porters and airlines don't carry more than 15 kg for free.

Since we provide one trek porter for two trekkers, a porter's shared weight is 30 kg at most. And if your backpack weighs more than 15kg, you need to hire a trekking porter, which will be at your expense.

While flying from Jomsom to Pokhara and connecting flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you'll take an airline flight. The airlines also carry more than 15 kg of an individual, and for weight exceeding the limit, they charge the fare per their policy. You can maintain 5 kg on hand-carry and 10 kilograms on baggage.

Thus, make a list of essential things you'd need while trekking to make the weight right. And only put things you want to carry and will be used at high altitudes.

24# Trekking Gears

Trekking gears for Nar Phu Trek can differ for Autumn and Spring but remains almost similar. Despite the lower altitude, the higher altitude places remain cold throughout the year.

For head and feet, it's better to pack sunglasses, a woolen hat, a facemask, gloves, sunscreen, body wipes, socks, trekking boots, etc.

For the upper and lower body, you can include hiking shirts, sleeves, rain jackets, Windstopper, fleece jackets, down jackets, cotton pants, quick-drying hiking pants, underwear, etc.

Other essential trek gear for Nar Phu Valley Trek includes a decent backpack, thermos, water purification tablets, trekking poles, sleeping bag, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, drying towel etc.For gadgets, you can carry a mobile phone, camera, binoculars, GPS watch, etc.

Our trek guides carry first aid kits, but having some essential medicines and first aid kits on your own would be helpful.

25# Best Time

Although Nar and Phu Valley sit in the rain shadow area of Annapurna, trekking here is doable all year round. But, September and October in Autumn and March and April in Spring are highly recommended. These months are the heart of Spring and Autumn and open up the true colors of Nar Phu Valley.

Spring is when villagers here grow buckwheat and other stuff in their fields. And the farmland brings vibrant colors to the landscape, making it tempting. On top, the Annapurna range mountains, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and other scintillates with thick snow from winter.

The temperature stabilizes, weather becomes crisp, rain-free days and longer sun hours, favoring the peaceful hike. The daytime temperature in Spring averages 10-12 °C, and the nighttime temperature averages around -3 °C.

Autumn is when you can hike on the greenish landscapes of Manang and Mustang. You'll also experience the increased water flow in Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki.

Apart from weather and temperature, Autumn is also a festive time in Nepal, and you could also expect some festivals at Nar and Phu.

Autumn's temperature becomes slightly colder, with a daytime temperature of 8°C and a nighttime temperature of -6 °C. But late Autumn temperature drops even below.

26# Respect to local culture

Nar Phu Valley and the entire Annapurna region are Buddhism influenced areas. Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhism remain intact in Nar Phu Valley.

While trekking, you'll pass by countless chortens, prayer flags, mani wheels, and monasteries, including Tashi Lhakhang and Phu Phedi Monastery. The locals, their lifestyles, language, attire, and culture are elements to admire.

We request that you not harm any of these monuments or engage in a brawl with the locals. Instead, pass a smile to them; in return, you'll get a warm, welcoming gesture.

You'll also see monks in the monasteries doing their rituals. And show some admiration for them instead of mocking them.

A harmonious Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2023 can be a serene cultural junket to the Northern Annapurna region.

27# Eco Trekking

Environmental sustainability and support for the local community are what we've been practicing since our first trek. There's no denying that trekking in the Himalayas disrupts the ecosystem and changes the landscapes. Hence, to minimize this, we encourage every client joining our Nar Phu Trek in 2023 to contribute to making a zero carbon footprint.

You can collect the plastic water bottles and wrappers and dump them in the bins at different locations en route. Also, you can practice a peaceful hike by maintaining the noise low.

Our off-field contribution involves our engagement with various environmental organizations like Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) and other agencies. We support their initiatives regarding carbon emission minimization and local community support.

28# Tip for trek guides and porters

You have to give some tips as complimentary for the service they provide throughout the Nar and Phu Valley trek. You should tip at least USD 100 or 10% of the total hike cost you pay for us.

Trek guides and porters assist you through thick and thin during the trek. And they expect some admiration for their hard work in the end.

29# Trip extension

Please let us know beforehand if you want to extend your treks and tours in Nepal. We'd happily guide you to other destinations after you complete Nar Phu Trek in 2023. Trips like the Kathmandu Heritage Tour, Chitwan Wildlife Safari Tour, One day Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, and other exciting trips we offer can elevate your Nepal tour experience.

30# Want to customize the itinerary of your preference?

If you prefer something other than our handpicked itineraries, we welcome you to customize the Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary of your preference. We'll arrange the trek based on how you want it to be. However, upon customization, the cost of the hike may vary.

Benefits of booking Nar Phu Valley Trek with us

For Nar Phu Valley Trek in 2023, Adventure Nepal Eco Treks provides multilingual trekking guides with years of high-altitude trek expertise. Also, we cater itineraries based on your preference or use the industry standard trek itinerary for ultimate safety and work experience.

Affordable trek costs, well-organized logistics, use of the best available tea houses, 100% safety and security, and ultimate value treks with no hidden fees make us one of the best trek operators in Nepal.

And in 2023, we have fixed departures for Nar Phu Valley Trek in March, April, and May, which might fit your schedule.

Nar Phu Valley Trek- FAQs

Is there a Nar Phu Short Trek Itinerary?

You can hike to Nar and Phu and return to Kathmandu without hiking to Kang La Pass and Thorung La Pass. But you won't get any adventure.

With our 13 days Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary, you'll get the ultimate adventure in North Annapurna. You'll hike to Thorung La Pass, Kang La Pass, Muktinath, Jomsom, and Pokhara.

It is the best and short Nar Phu Trek Itinerary that offers a wholesome adventure to you.

Is Nar Phu Trek without a trek guide doable?

No. Nar Phu Trek without a trekking guide is not doable.

Nar Phu Valley sits in a restricted area in the Annapurna conservation area. But with a Restricted Area Permit, a group of two trekkers, and a trekking guide, you can trek here for days.

What is the average Nar Phu Valley Trek Cost?

Nar Phu Valley Trek Costs around USD 1000 per pax in a group of two. But, with more pax on our fixed departure trips, the cost can lower to USD 900.With further customisation, the cost of this trek can vary.

Where is Nar Phedi Monastery?

Nar Phedi Monastery sits at 3,490 metres which is 15 km away from Phu Gaon. You can even hike here from Nar during the acclimatisation stop.

It's an elegant Tibetan Buddhism Monastery with sharply painted colours like red, white, and golden.

Trekkers even stop at Nar Phedi Monastery, where the nuns serve overnight accommodation services and meals.

Is Nar Phu Trek difficult?

Yes. Trekking to Nar and Phu Valley is arduous. The hike through cliffs, over wooden bridges, crossing two high passes, and the risk of altitude sickness makes it a challenging trek.But, with adequate preparations and an experienced trekking guide, you can complete this hike.

4 Best trek Routes to Nar phu valley

Manaslu, Nar Phu valley, short Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Nar Phu Valley  Trek  with Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manaslu circuit with Nar Phu valley Trek.
Nar Phu Valley Trek.