The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a trek to the remote villages of Nar and Phu situated in the northeast valley near Chame, Annapurna. It is one of Nepal’s most untouched and beautiful regions in the Annapurna. Nar Phu valley trek combines Tibetan culture, a high pass, Gorges, two of the Himalayas most picturesque medieval villages, and offers 7,000m peaks in a spectacular Tibetan encounter with the world’s rarest wilderness, past impressive chortens, herds of blue sheep, hotspring, and over one of the region’s highest term crossing passes at Kang La (5,322m). The Nar Phu Valley trek only opened in 2003 and remains a relatively little-travelled area.
Nar and Phu Villages were lost around 1960 at the advent of Khampas (Tibetan warriors) until 1975. Khampas made their actual presence from 1964 and lasted until they were driven out of Nepal entirely. They waged insurgency operations in Tibet after the Dalai Lama escaped to India. The valley was opened to foreigners with special permits from 2003. Since then, the lost village has been opened to the outside world. The Khampas were more powerful than the locals, so they dominated the villages. Actually, the valley was a secure place for them. Though it is in proximity to Lamjung in the south, for central administration, it is beyond their outlook. In many aspects, Manang dominated every aspect of Nar Phu, though at later stages, Lamjung exerted its influence as people of Nar Phu detested the superiority exhibited by Manang. That is also one reason for the isolation that isolated them from the rest and deprived them of the development benefits happening around them. They have not been able to get out of the social clutch and the valley that surrounds them.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek via Kang La Pass is an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Annapurna region, offering trekkers breathtaking views of high, white, glistening Himalayan peaks. This challenging trek requires a good level of physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.Â
As Nar Phu lies within a protected area, the Government of Nepal requires special permits to support conservation efforts, regulate tourist numbers, and manage the sensitive border region with Tibet. Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition can assist you in obtaining all the necessary permits, ensuring a smooth, responsible, and memorable trekking experience. For those seeking raw mountain wilderness, unique culture, and dramatic landscapes away from the crowded trails, the Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek is an exceptional choice.
Departure Location: Kathmandu
Return Location:Â Kathmandu
We complete our customs formalities at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there will be a representative from our company who will take you to your hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day resting. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by our company. Overnight in Kathmandu.Â
From Kathmandu valley, we will start our journey to a small but old town of Besisahar. The sight of hills as well as deteriorating rivers will keep us fascinated during the journey. The ride will be about seven to eight hours long. We will be spending the night in a local lodge after arriving at Besisahar.
Today we will drive to Koto, which will take around four to five hours. You can enjoy the spectacular mountain views of Annapurna II, Lumjung Himal, Manaslu, and other peaks along the way. The trail continues through pine forests till Latamarang, which takes about one and a half hours. Finally, we will reach Koto, a small village inhabited by Gurung communities.Â
After registering our restricted area permit at the police check post, we will travel along the banks of Soti Khola through wonderful pine forests, pass suspension bridges and cascading waterfalls and reach Dharamshala, which takes about five hours. From here, the woods become thinner, and the vistas get wider. We continued trekking for about one and a half hours through the forest, ascending steeply till Meta village on the Tibetan Plateau. The views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal look great from here. Overnight at a lodge.Â
Today’s trek leads you from the quiet settlement of Meta to the beautifully forested area of Kyang. The trail winds gently through serene rhododendron and oak forests, opening occasionally into clearings that offer lovely views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass small hamlets and terraced fields, providing a glimpse into traditional village life in the lower Annapurna region.
This section is moderately easy, making it an ideal day for recovery and acclimatization. The peaceful atmosphere and gradual elevation changes allow you to fully enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest. After about 3-4 hours of walking, you’ll arrive in Kyang, a tranquil stop with basic teahouse accommodation and rustic charm, perfect for resting, enjoying a warm meal, and preparing for the higher elevations ahead.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the mystical landscapes of the Nar Phu Valley as you journey from Kyang to the ancient village of Phu. The trail winds through a stark high-altitude desert of crumbling cliffs, sculpted rock formations, and wide riverbeds. Following the Phu Khola, you’ll cross a series of small wooden bridges and pass chortens and prayer cairns, marking entry into spiritually significant terrain. Although the path is relatively gentle, the increasing altitude and long distance make it a rewarding day, enhanced by mesmerizing mountain views.
After approximately 3-4 hours of trekking, Phu Village comes into view, dramatically perched on a ridge and framed by towering peaks and traditional stone houses. This remote, Tibetan-influenced settlement is one of the true highlights of the trek, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Himalayan culture largely untouched by modernization. Spend the rest of the day exploring Phu Monastery, interacting with residents, and acclimatizing in this serene high-altitude sanctuary.
Today is a well-deserved rest and acclimatization day in the remote and culturally rich village of Phu. This important pause allows your body to adapt to the high altitude before crossing higher passes such as Nar Pass and Kang La. Rather than remaining idle, you can take a short acclimatization hike to nearby viewpoints, where stunning panoramas of Himlung Himal, Pokharkan, and the surrounding Tibetan border peaks unfold.
Spend time wandering through Phu’s narrow stone alleys, interacting with residents, and learning about a traditional mountain lifestyle that has remained largely untouched by modernization. A visit to Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the oldest and most spiritually significant gompas in the region, is highly recommended. This day offers not only physical recovery but also a deeper immersion into the culture, architecture, and rhythms of Himalayan village life, while helping your body adjust to the thin mountain air.
Leaving behind the ancient stone dwellings of Phu, today’s journey leads you on a scenic descent along the Phu Khola. The trail winds through dry riverbeds, mani walls, and open highland meadows before branching off toward Nar Phedi, a peaceful spiritual stop located at the base of the climb to Nar Village.
Nar Phedi is not a typical village; it is home to a solitary nunnery where Buddhist nuns warmly welcome trekkers with simple vegetarian meals, prayer rituals, and humble lodging. This quiet and culturally rich stop offers an authentic glimpse into monastic life in the remote Himalaya and provides a serene atmosphere for rest and reflection before the ascent ahead.
After a peaceful night at the Nar Phedi nunnery, today’s trek leads you on a steady uphill climb to the culturally rich and visually striking village of Nar. The trail ascends gradually along open hillsides adorned with mani walls, chortens, and dry-stone enclosures, offering sweeping views of dramatic cliffs and the surrounding high Himalayan landscape.
As you approach Nar, rows of beautifully painted chortens and gate-like stone structures provide a grand and spiritual welcome. Perched at around 4,110 meters, Nar is larger and more vibrant than Phu, with clustered stone houses, narrow alleyways, and an active monastic life. This remarkable settlement offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic high-altitude Tibetan culture, seemingly untouched by time.
From near we ascend through the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola on a pleasant path that passes yak pastures with defined views of the west ridge of Pisang peak. We will trek to Jhombu Kharka, also known as Kang La Phedi, at the bottom of Kang La Pass. We will cross the Kang La Pass with a very steep ascent to the top, but it’s not too difficult. Our hike will take about 2 hours to cross the pass. From the top of the pass, we will be rewarded with the beautiful view of the Annapurna range and other peaks. Then three hours of steep descent until we reach Ngawal village, where we will stay overnight.Â
After breakfast, we walk all the way downhill to reach Upper Pisang, cross the Marshyangdi river bed, and reach Lower Pisang. During the route, we can visit a monastery in Upper Pisang. Go through the flat valley along the bank of the Marshyangdi River.Â
On the way, the trail leads past lush alpine meadows and beautiful mountain streams before reaching a magnificent lake on the outskirts of the village. From here, you are rewarded with a glorious view of Mount Pisang (6,091 m). In the evening, you can take a short stroll to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere. Overnight stay in Lower Pisang.
Today, we will drive all the way downhill to Besisahar. It’s about a 4-hour crazy drive to pass about 82 kilometres. During the drive, you will witness majestic landscapes, just awesome. The trail from Lower Pisang to Besisahar is bumpy, so it takes even more hours.Â
On this day, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The drive presents beautiful roadside settlements and gorgeous landscapes all the way to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to the hotel, and then you can rest or shop for souvenirs to mark the end of the adventurous journey. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Your adventure for this trip comes to an end today! We will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Complementaries
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
56 Days
Start – 2026-04-25
End – 2026-06-03
|
Booking Open | 1 – 12 PAX |
