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Popular treks
Annapurna Base Camp Trek11 days · from $850Annapurna Circuit Trek16 days · from $1,150Everest Base Camp Trek14 days · from $1,000Langtang Valley Trek10 days · from $890By style
Quiet, off the beaten pathFewer trekkers, wild valleysTeahouse treksLodges every nightPrivate treksYour group, your dates
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EverestUp to 5,545 m
AnnapurnaUp to 5,416 m
ManasluUp to 5,106 m
LangtangUp to 4,984 m
KanchenjungaUp to 5,143 m
Nar PhuUp to 5,320 m
Pikey PeakUp to 4,065 m
Tamang Heritage TrailUp to 3,165 m2027/2028 season open · start on any date you choose
The Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you through the restricted area of the Annapurna Conservation Area in northern Nepal. The name of the valley comes from two of its popular villages: Nar Village and Phu Village.
Both of these villages and the whole valley are popular for their quieter and more rugged experience. The valley is also known for its remote villages, centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditional stone houses, high mountain meadows and passes, narrow gorges, and dramatic views of its surrounding peaks (Himlung, Pisang Peak, Kang Guru etc).
One of the highlights of the Nar Phu Valley trek is Kang La Pass (5,320 m / 17,454 ft). The pass provides an impressive crossing between Nar Phu Valley and the Annapurna Circuit side of the region. In our recommended itinerary, you cross Kang La Pass toward the end of the trek before descending to Ngawal.
However, crossing Kang La is not compulsory. If you prefer to avoid the pass, you can return from Nar Phu Valley by retracing the route you used to enter the valley. However, with proper acclimatization, adequate preparation, and no altitude-related health problems, I recommend crossing Kang La. It adds a challenging and rewarding high-altitude experience to the trek.
The Nar Phu Valley route can also be used as a part of your Annapurna Circuit Trail. We have made a separate itinerary and costing for the combined itinerary. This itinerary only includes the Nar Phu Valley trek package information and the overall trekking guide. Most of this trail falls under Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality of Nepal. The trek starts from Koto after driving from Kathmandu. You will walk along Nar Khola and Phu Khola (“khola” means “river” in the Nepali language). The trek route is:
Koto —> Odhar —> Meta —> Chyakhu —> Kyang —> Phu —> Tashi Lhakhang Monastery —> Himlung Base Camp / Guru Sangbo viewpoint —> Nar Phedi —> Nar Village —> Kang La Pass —> Ngawal
Fun Fact: I know the name “Meta” above sounds English because it is the English pronunciation of the Nepali word “Methang.” Many early foreign trekkers couldn’t pronounce the word “Methang”, so they wrote the village name as Meta in their collections. Now, almost all trekkers use the word Meta instead of Methang.
Below, I have included our recommended Nar Phu Valley 11-day itinerary, our trek package price, cost inclusions and exclusions, our pro tips, and a full guide and information you can read to know more about this trek and how you can prepare for it. If you still have any confusion, doubts, or questions, always feel free to send me a WhatsApp message or email, which is on our website. I will reply to you as soon as possible. Enjoy the guide, and we hope to see you in the Nar Phu Valley!
Verified route 2027/2028
Our heritage and roots
Born and raised in the mountains of Nepal, our founder grew up walking Himalayan trails with the elders of his village. That lifelong respect for the mountains became the foundation of Travel To Nepal.
Sujan SherpaFounder and lead trek director
Read our storyDirect local consultation
Message us on WhatsApp or send us an email. Either I or my team will personally answer your questions and make sure all your doubts are answered properly.
Trek milestones
A high, quiet pass with Annapurna II and Gangapurna in front of you on the way down to Ngawal.
An old fortress-like village at 4,080 m, with a free day to explore the monastery and the valley.
Prayer flags, chortens and herding families at 4,110 m, below the Kang La.
A narrow gorge with waterfalls and caves that opens into high pastures and summer camps.
The restricted-area rules keep numbers low, even in the busiest months.
Drier than most of Nepal, so even early summer can be a good time to go.
Trekker suitability guide
An honest checklist from our guides to help you decide if Nar Phu suits your goals.
Suitability checklist
Physical demands and fitness: 4 to 9 hours of walking a day, with a long pass day of 8–9 hours. Good fitness and stamina are needed.
Altitude and acclimatization: Several nights above 4,000 m and a 5,320 m pass. Best for trekkers who have been to altitude before.
Technical skill required: None, but the pass can have snow and ice, and some trail sections are narrow and rocky.
Trail comfort and accommodation: Simple lodges and village homestays. Rooms are cold and basic, and hot showers are rare.
Mental resilience: Be ready for remote valleys, cold nights and changing plans if weather closes the pass.
Medical conditions: With heart or lung conditions or severe asthma, speak to your doctor before booking.
Unsure about your fitness or readiness?Our lead trek director gives a free, no-obligation preparation check.
Step-by-step route
Thirteen days from Kathmandu into the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu and back. You drive to Besisahar and on by jeep to Koto, climb through the canyon to Meta and Phu, rest a day in Phu, walk to Nar, cross the Kang La to Ngawal and finish in Manang before driving back. Nights are in simple lodges and village homestays.
Airport pickup · Permits and gear check
Arrival · 1,400 m
Our team meets you at the airport. In the evening we check your gear and passport details for the restricted-area permit and talk you through the route.
Trishuli and Marsyangdi valleys
6–7 hrs drive · 760 m
A long drive west along the Trishuli river and up the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar, the gateway to Manang.
Up the Marsyangdi gorge · Waterfalls
6–7 hrs drive · 2,600 m
A bumpy but dramatic jeep ride up the Marsyangdi gorge past Chamje and Dharapani to Koto, where the Nar Phu trail begins and permits are checked.
Narrow gorge · Forest and waterfalls
6–7 hrs · 3,560 m
Cross the river at Koto and follow the narrow canyon through pine forest and past waterfalls, climbing steadily to the open plateau at Meta.
Chortens and herding camps · Phu Gate
6–7 hrs · 4,080 m
Pass the summer settlement of Kyang and rows of old chortens, then walk through the gate below Phu into the village perched above the river.
Tashi Lhakhang monastery · Village life
2–4 hrs walks · 4,080 m
A rest day to adjust to the height. Visit the Tashi Lhakhang monastery, walk through the old village and watch daily life with the herding families.
Back down the valley · Satek monastery
6–7 hrs · 3,490 m
Walk back down past Kyang and Meta, then drop to the river at Nar Phedi, where the night is spent near the Satek monastery.
Short climb · Afternoon in the village
3–4 hrs · 4,110 m
A steady climb past chortens and prayer walls to Nar. The afternoon is free to explore the village and prepare for the pass.
The high point of the trek · Annapurna II ahead
8–9 hrs · 5,320 m · High point
An early start up the long slope to the Kang La, with Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak ahead. A steep descent brings you to Ngawal on the upper Annapurna Circuit.
Upper Manang valley · Gangapurna lake
3–4 hrs · 3,540 m
An easy walk through Braga to Manang, with time in the afternoon to see the Gangapurna glacier lake or the old Braga monastery.
Down the Marsyangdi valley
7–8 hrs drive · 760 m
A long jeep ride back down the valley past Chame and Koto to Besisahar.
Free evening · Farewell dinner
6–7 hrs drive · 1,400 m
Drive back to Kathmandu. The evening is free for shopping and a farewell dinner with your team.
Tailor-made treks
Unlimited free changes until it is right
Want to match your own pace, fitness, group or holiday dates? Tell us what you have in mind and our Kathmandu team will change the route as many times as you need, until it is the Nar Phu Trek you want.
WhatsApp +977 980000000 · traveltonepal102@gmail.com · Reply usually within a few hours
Local expertise and safety first
Licensed guides who know the Manang valleys well, trained in wilderness first aid and experienced on the Kang La.
Annapurna local
WFR certified
Restricted-area trek leader
Samagaon, Gorkha
“On the Larkya La we start before dawn and turn back if the weather says so. That is how we come home.”
Full disclosure
Ground transport: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Koto and Manang – Besisahar – Kathmandu by jeep.
Licensed guide and porters: first-aid trained, insured and fairly paid; the restricted area needs a licensed guide.
Lodging: 10 nights in lodges and homestays and 3 hotel nights.
Permits: Nar Phu restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Safety gear: pulse oximeter and first-aid kit.
Airport transfers: arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
Meals on the trek: order freely from the menu (about $25–35 a day).
International airfare: flights to and from Kathmandu.
Travel insurance: required, with helicopter rescue cover to 5,500 m.
Nepal tourist visa: on arrival at the airport.
Lodge extras: hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi where they exist.
Trekker-first transparency
Freedom of choice and appetiteAppetite changes with altitude. Order what your body wants, from dal bhat to pasta, porridge or soup.
Direct support for teahouse familiesYou pay the lodges directly, so all food money stays with the local families who run them.
No package markupsAll-inclusive meal packages are often padded. Here you pay real menu prices for what you eat.
Dietary needs and allergiesVegetarian, vegan or gluten-free: order on the spot and get food made the way you need it.
Average daily food budget: plan on about $25–35 USD per day for hearty breakfasts, lunches, hot dinners and boiled drinking water or tea.
Trail pro tips
“Dal bhat power”: unlimited refills of rice, lentils and vegetable curry. The best fuel at altitude.
Simple menus: in Phu and Nar, food is mostly dal bhat, noodles, potatoes and Tibetan bread.
Stay hydrated: drink 3–4 litres a day (ginger-lemon-honey tea, garlic soup, boiled water).
Cash is king: there are no ATMs in the valley. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu.
Essential teahouse notes
Eat where you sleep: families cook for their guests, so breakfast and dinner are at your lodge or homestay.
Order early: order dinner in the afternoon; cooking on one stove takes time.
Small extras: charging and hot water cost extra and are not always available.
Acclimatization map
You sleep no higher than 4,110 m and only day hike to the high point.
Peak: 5,320 m
Route and GPS waypoints
Interactive map
Interactive Google map
Loading it connects to Google, which can see your IP address and may set cookies.
Kathmandu 1,400 mStart
Day 1Besisahar 760 m
Day 2Koto 2,600 m
Day 3Meta 3,560 m
Day 4Phu 4,080 m
Days 5–6Nar Phedi 3,490 m
Day 7Nar 4,110 m
Day 8Ngawal 5,320 mHigh point
Day 9Manang 3,540 m
Day 10Besisahar 760 m
Day 11Kathmandu 1,400 m
Day 12Interactive map by Google Maps. See our privacy policy for how Google handles your data.
Direct operator advantage
Local leadership, honest pricing and careful safety standards, straight from our Kathmandu team.
Licensed guides who grew up in the region they lead and know the teahouse families by name.
Everything included is listed before you book. Meals are paid on the trail at real menu prices.
Daily oxygen and pulse checks, a first-aid kit, and rescue coordinated from Kathmandu.
Every trek is private. Change the pace, days or route; we rewrite the plan for free.
You plan with our team directly, before, during and after your trek.
Weight limits, warm gear, insurance and fair pay for every person on your team.
Transparent pricing structure
Book directly with our Kathmandu team, with no middlemen. Every trek is private, so you choose your own start date.
| Group size | Per person | Your team | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $1,750 | Guide + porter · may need to join others for the permit | |
| 2 people | $1,590 | Guide + 1 porter | |
| Popular3–5 people | $1,450 | Lead guide + assistant + porters | |
| 6–10 people | $1,350 | Lead guide + 2 assistants + porters | |
| 11+ people | $1,260 | Full trekking team |
Official verification
Est. 2024 · Kathmandu
Nepal Department of Tourism registration certificateRegistration tourest registation · licensed trekking agency
The Travel To Nepal advantage
Why trekkers choose our locally led Annapurna treks.
Our trek leaders have walked these trails for years and know the teahouse families along the way.
Pulse oximeter readings morning and evening help catch altitude sickness early.
Fair wages, insurance, warm gear and strict weight limits for every porter.
Only your group, with personal pacing and quiet teahouse evenings.
Booking direct with a Nepali company means your money supports families along the trail.
Fast reply on WhatsApp
Direct local pricing, no middlemen. Fill this in and we open WhatsApp with your request already written.
Gear and essentials
Tested gear for the valley: nights well below freezing in Phu and Nar to warm days in the canyon.
Base layers: 2–3 merino or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Fleece mid-layer: a warm fleece or softshell.
Down jacket: rated to about −15 °C for nights above 4,000 m and the pass.
Waterproof shell: jacket and trousers for wind and snow on the Kang La.
Trekking boots: waterproof, broken in, with ankle support.
Camp shoes: light trainers or sandals for the lodge.
Socks: 4–5 pairs of warm trekking socks.
Microspikes and gaiters: for snow on the Kang La, especially early or late in the season.
Daypack (25–35 L): with a rain cover for layers, water and snacks.
Duffel bag: carried by your porter (max 15 kg).
Sleeping bag: comfort to −15 °C (you can rent one in Kathmandu).
Trekking poles and headlamp: for the pass descent and early starts.
Water purification: tablets or a UV pen, plus two 1 L bottles.
Medical kit: blister plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts.
Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, glacier sunglasses and lip balm.
Hygiene: wet wipes, hand sanitizer and a quick-dry towel.
Practical field knowledge
Essential insights from our local trek leaders.
Autumn (September to November): clear, stable weather for the pass and harvest time in the villages.
Spring (April to May): good once snow eases on the Kang La; cold nights in Phu and Nar.
*The valley is in the rain shadow, so summer is drier than most of Nepal, but the road to Koto can be hit by landslides. Winter is very cold and the pass often closes.
Permits: a Nar Phu restricted area permit plus the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Through an agency: the restricted permit is issued only through a registered agency, with a licensed guide.
Group rules: we confirm the current group rules for your dates when you book.
Rooms: simple rooms in lodges and family homes; bring a warm sleeping bag.
Food: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes and Tibetan bread, cooked by the family.
Hydration: drink 3–4 litres a day and treat your water; skip single-use plastic.
Rescue: our Kathmandu office coordinates helicopter evacuation with your insurer if it is ever needed.
On the trail: your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter and knows the safe places to land.
Insurance: travel insurance covering evacuation from above 5,000 m is required for every trekker.
The stone villages of Phu and Nar, the Tashi Lhakhang monastery, the canyon above Koto, the crossing of the Kang La (5,320 m) and very few other trekkers.
The Kang La at 5,320 m (17,454 ft) on day 9. The highest night is in Nar at 4,110 m.
September to November, then April and May. The valley lies in the rain shadow, so early summer is also possible, which is rare in Nepal.
A Nar Phu restricted area permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The restricted permit is issued only through a registered agency, with a licensed guide. We arrange both and confirm the current group rules when you book.
Not without a licensed guide, and the restricted permit may need more than one trekker. Tell us if you are travelling solo and we will confirm the options for your dates.
Our standard itinerary is 13 days from Kathmandu and back, with 8 days on the trail and a rest day in Phu.
Yes. From Manang you can continue over Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath. Allow about 16–18 days for both.
A rest day in Phu, a slow pace, oxygen and pulse checks twice a day, plenty of fluids, and turning back at once if serious symptoms appear.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter. If needed, our Kathmandu office arranges helicopter evacuation with your insurer.
Fast reply · local operator
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