Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit

Are you looking for a less-crowded trekking trail with stunning mountain views to explore Tibetan culture? The best choice is to embark on the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit. 

Trip at a Glance
Duration19 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
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DestinationNepal
Maximum Altitude5,416 m
AccommodationHotel/Tea House
Starts/EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeMarch to May and September to November

Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit is an unforgettable adventure holiday in the Himalayas. It combines the raw wilderness of the Nar Phu Valley with the iconic highlights of the Annapurna Circuit. This 19-day journey offers an incredible mix of dramatic landscapes and rich Tibetan-influenced culture. It includes high peaks and passes, epic rock formations, and rustic settlements.

This trek showcases Nepal’s diverse topography. It starts at 760 meters in Besisahar and reaches 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass. The surroundings starkly change from subtropical valleys to deep canyons and bare alpine terrains. 

A significant highlight of the Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is crossing two mountain passes. These two passes are over 5,000 meters: Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters and Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, respectively. Both summits offer stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. It also provides a spectacular view of Lamjung Hima and Tilicho Peak.

Although the terrain in the upper reaches is barren and desert-like, it is home to some of the most elusive wildlife and birds. If you’re lucky enough, you may see musk deer, blue sheep, pikas, and even the majestic snow leopard on this trek. Similarly, you can expect to see birds like blue whistling-thrushes, green-backed tits, and Himalayan griffons. You can also see Yellow-billed Choughs, Ruddy Shelducks, Chukars, and Himalayan Monals in the skies.

The first foreigners entered the restricted area of Nar Phu Valley in the early 1950s. The region was not accessible to trekkers until the early 2000s. Most parts of Nar Phu Valley are inhabited by descendants of Khampa warriors who migrated to this remote region from Tibet. It remains one of the last valleys in Nepal where the nomadic lifestyle continues to thrive.

Culturally, the valleys of Nar and Phu are utterly distinct from the rest of the country. The region breeds Tibetan-influenced traditions, offering a unique opportunity for remote lifestyle, cultural, and spiritual exploration. You’ll visit several ancient monasteries and temples along the route, including Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, Braga Gompa, and Muktinath Temple.

Additionally, you’ll spend a night inside the Nar Phedi Monastery, exploring its sacred grounds. You can interact with the nuns and immerse yourself in the monastery's spiritual practices.

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a strenuous adventure in the remote Himalayas. It is especially suitable for experienced trekkers and nature enthusiasts. If you want to explore less-travelled mountain routes, the Nar Phu Valley trek is the best in Nepal.

The Major Highlights of Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Cross two mountain passes over 5,000 meters—Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters and Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
  • Traverse across the rustic villages of the Nar Phu, Manang, and Mustang valleys and witness their unique lifestyle.
  • Behold the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Spend a night at the Nar Phedi Monastery, adding a cultural and spiritual touch to your adventure.
  • Visit the 600-year-old Braga Gompa, Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, and Muktinath Temple.
  • Acclimatization hike to Himlung Base Camp and Gangapurna Lake.
  • Trudge through one of Nepal’s least crowded trekking trails, connecting deeply with nature and enjoying its calmness.
  • Stroll around the streets of Pokhara and relax at the shore of Phewa Lake.

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Route Overview

The journey to Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with a scenic 9-hour drive from Kathmandu to Chamje. The following day, the walk from Chamje to Dharapani is relatively strenuous, with tons of steep staircases to climb. You’ll walk past a few teahouse settlements, including Tal and Khorte, to arrive at Dharapani.

The trail from Dharapani to Koto goes in and out of the main road under the shade of dense forest. Passing through villages like Bagarchhap and Timang, the trail offers a majestic view of Annapurna II and Mt. Manaslu.
The journey from Koto to Meta marks the gateway to the hidden land of Nar Phu Valley. Walking deep into the valley, you’ll encounter Tibetan-influenced settlements and centuries-old monasteries. You'll also experience a rustic mountain lifestyle and dramatic landscapes characterized by deep canyons and rock formations.

You’ll have the first acclimatization day of the trek at Phu village. You'll hike up to Himlung Base Camp as you prepare for the days ahead. It offers spectacular scenery of the surrounding peaks. After exploring Phu village, the route traverses towards Nar Phedi and continues towards the remote town of Nar.

Early the following day, you’ll cross the first mountain pass of the trek—Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters. Enjoy the stunning views of Annapurna II, Mt. Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak from the top. Upon descending from the pass, the trail reconnects with the classic Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal.

You’ll continue the journey around Annapurna. On your second acclimatization day at Manang, you'll visit the Gangapurna Glacier Lake. Then, the trek continues towards the upper section through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
Continuing along the steep and rugged trails, you’ll cross the second mountain pass of the trek—Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. The descent leads to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath, where you’ll catch a ride to the bustling town of Jomsom. 

The following day, you’ll catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. You’ll conclude the remarkable adventure of Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trek after returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara via a tourist bus.

Why Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nepal Gateway Trekking?

  • Nepal Gateway Trekking proudly stands as one of the leading companies in Nepal. We have operated the Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek for over a decade. Over the years, we have strategically refined the itinerary to provide our clients with the best mountain experience and cultural immersion. Every detail in our package has been thoughtfully planned to ensure our clients have an unforgettable holiday adventure while prioritizing their safety and convenience.
  • We provide all the necessary support and services at every point of the trek (from the moment you arrive at the airport until the final departure) to ensure a smooth and hassle-free holiday. The team will handle the logistics of the trek, design the itinerary, arrange transportation, and obtain necessary trekking permits for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek.
  • Nepal Gateway Trekking follows comprehensive safety standards throughout the trek, with advanced first-aid kits, stand-by emergency medical transport, strategically planned acclimatization days, and a well-paced itinerary. Our guide, porters, and on-field staff are trained in first aid, altitude sickness, and wilderness survival. Hence, they can provide critical first-aid treatment, assess emergency health conditions, and make informed decisions about evacuations.
  • We make accommodation reservations (in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trekking routes) months in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek. This initiative helps to guarantee rooms in the best hotels and teahouses along the route, avoiding last-minute issues and overcrowding, especially during peak trekking seasons. Our package includes 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a BB basis and local teahouse accommodation on the trek on a full-board basis.
  • We provide an English-speaking guide with over a decade of trekking experience in the Himalayas. Most of our guides come from the same regions where they lead treks. Therefore, they have an intimate knowledge of the area, ensuring better route navigation and insightful briefings about the trail conditions, flora and fauna, mountains, and local culture.
  • Nepal Gateway Trekking is fully committed to reducing the carbon footprint on mountains through responsible waste management and sustainable practices. Our guides, porters, and on-field staff are trained in responsible practices to follow “Leave No Trace” principles and reduce single-use plastics to protect the natural environment for future generations.
  • As a part of the package, get a free company t-shirt and duffle bag before the trek.
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