Trip Duration
15 Days
Trip Difficulty
Difficult
Group Size
1-16
Max. Altitude
5,306m. /17,408 ft.
Accommodation
Hotel/ Lodge /Tea House
Activity per day
Trekking
Start/End
KathmanduTrip Overview
The Nar & Phu Trekking journey is one of the most remote and secluded trekking destinations on the planet. In general, not even the Nepalese people know much about this trek or have even heard of it. The majority are unaware of its existence since it is often overshadowed by the world-famous Annapurna Circuit Trek, the other Annapurna region treks, and the more popular nearby trekking destinations.
Thanks to its seclusiveness, the region has remained uninfluenced by modern culture and, most importantly, the global and Western culture. In recent times, the popular trekking destinations in Nepal have been modernized to a point that it does not really feel like you are experiencing a vastly different culture. But thankfully, this Nar & Phu Trekking experience is not one of them.
The pristine and vastly untouched nature of the Nar and Phu valley is the main attraction of this trek, along with the majestic scenes of the Annapurna region peaks. The highland meadows, the deep gorges, the high mountain passes, and the white giant peaks make up an unforgettable scene that you will remember for years to come.
While trekking the serene forested trails, you might even witness a couple of Himalayan wildlife in their natural habitat. The protected species in the Annapuran region do not really visit the trails of humans, but the chances are never zero.
The Nar & Phu Trekking journey is not an easy trekking destination; there are many difficult ascents, particularly the climb to the Kang La Pass, which reaches 5306 meters of altitude. The scene from the top is another scenic event that is hard to forget. However, despite the difficulty of the trek, it is a very worthy trek that offers a scenic treat and a glimpse into the local culture of the Gurung and Tamang communities. The majority of the locals there are ethnically Tibetan.
It was first opened to the mass public and international trekkers in 2003, before that, it was a highly restricted area where foreigners were not allowed, to make sure that the ancient culture of the region is preserved. In terms of trekking destinations, 2003 is not that old. This trek can also be integrated into the classic Annapurna Circuit trek since they both are located within the Annapurna region.
There are some more elements that you must know before you decide to go on this Nar & Phu Trekking journey. We have carefully crafted this detailed trek package to let you know the full experience and what to expect on this trip.
Highlights of Nar & Phu Trek
- Ascend the 5306-meter-high Kang La Pass for a 360-degree view of the entire surrounding area of the Marysnagdi Valley along with its peaks.
- View a bunch of peaks along the trail, including the entire Annapurna Himalayan range, Tilicho Peak, Damodar Himal range, Himalchuli, Himlung, and more.
- Go through narrow cliffside trails, deep gorges, high passes, and serene alpine forests all on this one trek.
- Visit the highly revered Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in the village of Phu.
- Hike to the Himlung Himal Base Camp as a part of acclimatization at Phu village.
Itinerary of Nar & Phu Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
A flight to Kathmandu is a great scenic trip on its own. You will be flying over the hills of Nepal with a wide view of the Himalayas in the distant north. After you arrive at the airport, you will be directed to the immigration section, where you are supposed to have your tourist visa approved. First, you have to fill out your tourist visa application form, which you get from the immigration desk.
Second, you must pay the visa fees at the adjacent bank counter, depending on the number of days you have indicated on your visa application. In general, there are three options: 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days, which will cost you $30, $50, and $125, respectively. For this Nar & Phu Trekking journey, you can take the cheapest option available, or the 30-day option if you want to explore more of Nepal after completing your Himalayan trekking adventure.
After paying your visa fees and filling out your visa application, you must present both the documents along with proof of residence, two passport-sized photos, proof of return tickets, and a passport (valid for a minimum of 6 more months). This process will take around an hour to finish.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Explore day in Kathmandu
Before starting the trek, we will go around the valley of Kathmandu to explore the historic sites within the valley. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the history of Nepal, the ancient architectural style that has made it to the present, and the culture that it has shaped. We will start the day with a delicious morning meal at the last night’s accommodation before heading out to our first historical site of the day.
Throughout the day, we will visit sites like Rani Pokhari, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, National Museum of Nepal, the town of Kritipur, Changu Narayan Temple, Patan Durbar Square, and more. Swayambhunath Stupa, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple are also on the list of sites we will visit.
Some of the sites, especially museums, require entry fees, which will be covered by the Nar & Phu Trek cost. However, this package does not cover your meals throughout the sightseeing day in Kathmandu, except breakfast. The souvenirs you might buy along the route, and any kind of expenses you might make, are not a part of the standard trek package.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani
Day 3 of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary is a long day of driving, as we travel over 200 km to get to the town of Dharapani. We will start the day at 1400 meters above sea level and end the day at 1860 meters, gaining 460 meters of elevation. This drive will essentially take a whole day, about 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic flow.
Leaving the valley of Kathmandu, we will head west and get to Naubise. From there, we will get on the Prithvi Highway to get to Mugling, our lunch stop. Along the way, you will see terrace farmlands on the slopes of hills beyond the Tirhsuli river. After lunch, we will continue the drive and get to Besisahar. This is where the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek starts.
From Besisahar, we will now travel over a rugged, gravel road alongside the Marsyangdi River. We will also change our ride from a comfy tourist bus to a compact 4WD Jeep for better traction and maneuverability. We will pass Jagat, a charming Gurung village, and the village of Tal to get to Dharapani.
Activity: Drive
Max. Altitude: 1860m./6,102ft. (Dharapani)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 04: Trek from Dharapani to Koto
Starting at 1860 meters above sea level, today’s Nar & Phu Trekking journey takes us to 2600 metres at Koto, gaining about 740 meters of elevation by the end of the day. The total distance that we have to cover stretches north of 15.5 km and requires 5 to 6 hours of trekking, including the breaks we take along the way.
Leaving Dharapani, we will first get to Danaque village, situated at 2210 meters above sea level. This section requires us to ascend a forested trail of fir and pine. This village is very charming and aesthetic with its traditional stone houses, red clay houses, and terrace farmlands.
From Danaque, we will head to Timang (2750 m), which calls for a steep ascent along the slopes of a hill. This climb offers a gorgeous scene of the Manaslu Himalayan range. Continuing the trek, we will arrive at Thanchok, located at 2660 meters of elevation. This is the last village we will rest at before reaching Koto.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2600m./8,530ft. (Koto)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 05: Trek from Koto to Meta
The 5th day of the Adventure Tansen’s Nar & Phu Trekking journey is a moderately difficult trekking day, as we have to cover over 14.5 km with an elevation gain of 960 meters. The day begins at 2600 meters, and by the end of the day, we will be standing at 3560 meters above sea level. We will be on the road for 6 to 7 hours today, making it one of the longest trekking days of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary.
Leaving Koto, we will arrive at a checkpoint where our Nar Phu Valley permit will be validated. Moving on, we will follow the Soti Khola upstream with fir and pine forests on our other side. We will be crossing multiple hanging or suspension bridges throughout the day. These bridges are an essential part of the highlands as they are the only road to remote Nar and Phu villages.
We will first reach Dharamsala after a slightly steep climb and continue to Meta over a rough, steep ascent. On the way, you will get to see the great Annapurna Himalayan range along with the Pisang Peak.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3560m./11,680ft. ( Meta)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 06: Trek from Meta to Phu village
Day 6 of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary requires about 6 hours of trekking as we have to cover 16.5 km, one of the longest daily distance of the Nar & Phu Trekking journey. This trek will take us from 3560 meters to 4250 meters above sea level, gaining about 690 meters of elevation throughout the day.
Moving on from Meta village, we will go down to a suspension bridge to cross the Nar River. This path eventually takes us to the village of Chyaku, a beautiful, remote village where we will rest a little. From there, we will arrive at Kyang, enjoying views of the Pisang Peak and the majority of the Annapurna Himalayan range. This village is a seasonal settlement that looks abandoned during the colder months.
Continuing the trek, the path turns steeper and narrower as we have to trek a cliffside trail all the way to Phu village. We will cross a couple of suspension bridges along the way and traverse a rocky trail. This is probably the hardest day of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary, but it is manageable, nonetheless.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4250m./13,944ft. (Phu village)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Phu
For our acclimatization hike, we can go on a 2-hour hike to the Himlung Himal Base Camp. The base camp is a great viewpoint that offers scenes of the surrounding peaks and the entire Phu valley. After we are back from the hike, we can visit the great Tashi Lakhang Monastery, one of the most highly revered Buddhist monasteries in the world. It is a 4km walk from Phu to get there.
Other than those options, you can engage with the locals, observe their daily duties, or explore the village. There are many interesting things for you to see in the village. We will end the one and only acclimatization day of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary at Phu.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 4250m./13,944ft. (Phu village)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 08: Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi
On the 8th day of the Nar & Phu Trekking journey, we will descend down to 3490 meters of altitude at Nar Phedi, from 4250 meters. This trek will lose us 760 meters of elevation, covers over 13 km, and takes 5 to 6 hours to complete.
Leaving the village of Phu, we will descend down to Kyang village, which we visited on the way up. After we reach Kyang, we will head straight down to Chyaku village, this is where we will take a different road to get to Nar Phedi. We will cross multiple suspension bridges, walk past chortens, and climb steep ascents to arrive at our destination of the day. This day is one of the most scenic trekking days of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3490m./11,450ft. ( Nar Phedi)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 09: Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar
Today, the Nar & Phu Trekking journey makes us ascend again. This time, we will reach the 4410-meter-high Nar village from 3490 meters at Nar Phedi. We will gain over 600 meters of altitude in just 3 to 4 hours, covering a total distance of only 5 km. This is, in fact, the shortest trekking distance of the entire Nar & Phu Trek itinerary.
We will start the day with a gentle ascent alongside terrace farmlands and alpine grasslands. This path leads us to the gate of the Nar Valley, which is decorated with Buddhist prayer flags to keep out the bad spirits. Moving on, we will walk past mani walls, and chortens to get to the Nar village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 44100m./144,685ft. ( Nar )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 10: Trek from Nar to Ngawal via the Kang La Pass (5,306 m)
Day 10 of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary is the longest and the hardest trekking day. First, we will ascend up the Kang La Pass, reaching 5306 meters of elevation, which gains us almost 1200 meters of altitude. Following that, we will descend to Ngawal, sitting at 3660 metres, which will lose us about 1650 meters of altitude. Overall, we will lose 450 meters of elevation by the end of the day.
In total, we will travel over 18 km, which will take us 8 to 9 hours to complete, making it the longest trekking day of the Nar & Phu Trekking journey. The trek starts with a gentle climb through meadows and grasslands that take us to Kang La Phedi, the foothills of Kang La Pass. We will rest there a little before beginning the challenging climb to the top of Kang La Pass. From the summit, we will enjoy a wide view of the Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna Peak.
Shortly after, we will begin the descent to Ngawal. The path is not difficult, but it is very strenuous on your knees since we have to go downhill for hours. The support of trekking poles is greatly recommended for this part.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 5306m./17,408ft. ( Kang La Pass)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 11: Trek from Ngawal to Pisang
Following the hardest day of the Nar & Phu Trekking journey, today will be a short and easy trek. The starting point of the trek is 3660 meters high, and by the end of the day, we will reach 3300 meters at Pisang, which is an elevation loss of 360 meters. We will only be on the road for about 3 to 4 hours, which spans over 10 km.
Leaving Ngawal, we will go over a gently descending trail to get us to Ghyaru village. From there, we will continue the trek to Upper Pisang, with scenes of the Annapurna range accompanying us. We will pass by a forest of pine and terrace farmlands to get to Upper Pisang. It is just a 45-minute walk from Upper Pisang to Lower Pisang, our destination of the day.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3300m./10,827ft. (Pisang)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 12: Trek from Pisang to Jagat
Today, we will lose even more elevation by the end of the day, as it is the last trekking day of the Nar & Phu Trek itinerary. We will lose approximately 2000 meters of altitude going from the 3300-meter-high village of Lower Pisang to 1300 meters at Jagat. First, we will go down a forest of pine to get to Dhukur Pokhari, which will be followed by a descent to Chame village. It is the major hub of trade in the Manang region of Nepal.
From Chame, we will follow the Marsyangdi River downhill to get to the village of Tal. Moving on, we will cross a forested trail with loose rocks to arrive at Dharapani. We will then pass by Chamje, Sattale, and more settlements before arriving at our ending point of the Nar & Phu Trekking journey.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2000m./6,562ft. (Jagat)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 13: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu
Today, we will drive back to Kathmandu from the end point of the trek, Jagat village. The distance between the two destinations is over 200 km, which will take us anywhere from 8 to 10 hours to complete. First, we will make our way down to Besisahar on a jeep. From there, we will get on a spacious bus that takes us to Kathmandu. The Adventure Tansen team will manage this change of vehicles and make sure that you get a good seat.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14: Leisure day in Kathmandu
This day is there to make up for any unforeseen circumstances that may make us lose a day of progress or prevent us from moving forward on our Nar & Phu Trekking journey. If everything goes right, which happens 99% of the time, you can use this day to rest, go shopping for souvenirs, memorabilia, and any other thing you feel like doing.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 15: Depart Kathmandu
Today is the final day of the trek, we genuinely hope you had a great time doing the Nar & Phu Trekking journey with Adventure Tansen. We will have a quick farewell program to set you off to your next destination and celebrate your successful Himalayan trek.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu )
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Trip Information
How does our trip start?
The Nar & Phu Trek starts with a great sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley. Before we begin the tour, we will introduce you to the drivers, guides, and porters who will accompany you for the entire journey. On this day, you will get to visit a bunch of historic and ancient sites within the valley and also learn a lot about the history behind each of the sites we visit.
The following day, we will leave the city of Kathmandu and take a bus to Besisahar. It will take us around 6 hours to get there. Once we reach Besisahar, we will change the vehicle and get on a jeep that takes us to Dharapani.
Difficulty
The most difficult thing about this trek is the climb to Kang La Pass, which takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. It is really a physically challenging ascent over rocky switchback trails and icy patches. In addition to that, there are a couple more ascents throughout the trek that are not as challenging, but definitely physically tiring sections. Other than that, the trail is easy and doable.
Best seasons
The best seasons for this Nar & Phu Trek are autumn and spring. During those seasons, the daytime temperature is very mild and perfect for trekking, the weather is generally clear for the most part, the visibility is great, and the clouds do not really interfere with our scenic rewards. On the flip side, winter and monsoon are deemed to be the worst seasons for going on this trek. Meanwhile, the summer season is an alternative to autumn and spring. It is not as great as those seasons, but the views are great despite the hot weather.
Altitude Sickness
This Nar & Phu Trek is one of the safest trekking destinations within Nepal. Although this trek takes you to a maximum elevation of 5306 meters, we will not be spending much time there. The majority of the trek will be under 4000 meters of altitude, which is pretty safe from the effects of altitude sickness. Even if you were to get altitude sickness, which is highly unlikely, you would only feel a slight headache or dizziness.
Accommodation, Food and Drink
Your trekking days will always end at a local tea house or lodge that offers basic accommodation and food options. Tea houses are an inseparable part of any Himalayan trekking adventure. However, during your stay in the city area, you can choose to stay in the top luxurious establishments as per your preference, or just stay at standard and comfortable arrangements that we have made for you.
There are not a lot of food options during the trekking days, as we will be visiting remote villages that are only connected to the outside world via a suspension bridge that sways when you walk on it. Getting ingredients and other goods to those villages is a tough job, to say the least. So, we recommend you try the local dishes as they will be available throughout the day, at any eateries along the way.
Transportation
Any type of transportation that is required by this itinerary will be provided, arranged, and covered by the Nar & Phu Trekking package. This includes your drive to the starting point of the trek, drive around the Kathmandu valley on a private vehicle during the sightseeing tour, and drive back to Kathmandu from Jagat at the end of the Nar & Phu Trek.
Permit
The local government requires trekkers to have the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Restricted Area Permit in order to trek around the region. The permit fees will be covered by the Nar & Phu Trekking package.
Trip preparation and fitness
To prepare for this Nar & Phu Trek, we recommend you focus on cardio exercise, run or walk for miles, build your stamina, and focus on your calf muscles since they are the most used muscle during this trek. There is nothing special that this trek requires you to do; you just have to make sure that you are focusing on cardio and endurance-building exercises.
Cost & Budget
Adventure Tansen’s Nar & Phu Trekking package will cost you USD ________ per person. This package will cover your daily accommodation expenses, three meals per day during the trekking days, breakfasts during your stay in the city area, all transportation required by the trek itinerary, permit fees, local taxes, and more.
Gadgets charging & Internet
Gadgets charging could be an issue in the Nar & Phu Trek, especially in the upper remote villages where hydro-electricity is barely available. Even if it is available, there are frequent power outages throughout the day, which force locals to rely on solar power, which is a limited resource they rely on to power their houses and establishments. Meanwhile, internet connectivity is not a possibility in the highlands, where even phone networks are not available.
Your Extra expenses
Expenses such as international flights, personal travel insurance, medical insurance, hot shower fee, WiFi fee, laundry fee, tips for the crew member, additional meals, emergency evacuation services, additional or upgraded accommodation, etc., are not a part of the Nar & Phu Trek package.
Things to Remember Before Nar & Phu Trekking
- Make sure that you do not rush to your daily destinations; always follow the pace of the Nar & Phu Trek guide.
- Acclimatization is very necessary; make sure that you follow all the preventive measures that are explained by the trek guide before the start of the journey.
- Mentally prepare yourself to live a few days without internet and unstable electricity availability.
- Always trek with a registered trekking agency since this trek takes you to a restricted region where solo travelers are not welcome.
- Make sure that your bag is packed with only the essential and important things; do not overpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Nar & Phu Trek is not a beginner-friendly journey. There are a lot of sections that a beginner simply can not pass.
Of course, there are a bunch of nearby villages that deserve a visit, or you can simply combine this trek with the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.
Yes, you should have a handful of purifying tabs on your bag since the spring water that locals drinks are not meant for every visitor.
