Introduction of Nar Phu Valley Trekking
Loong Adventures presents Nar Phu Valley Trekking, one of the freshest and newest adventures around the hidden pockets of the Mid-West Himalayas.
Of all the Restricted areas in Nepal, Nar Phu Valley was opened to outside world from 2003 onwards. This newly opened region of Nar Phu Valley makes the adventure more exciting. All trekkers require a special permit to enter the former forbidden higher country of the Upper Manang district.
The adventure to Nar Phu involves an overland journey both ways, the best way to experience Nepal’s rural farm life. On completing the long and interesting drive from Kathmandu to Kodo Village at Manang. The real adventure begins upon leaving the main and popular route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek at Kodo.
The route follows through deep gorges and canyons covered in lush green vegetation and tree lines. As the trek progresses, following the Yak herders’ trail to reach an open, picturesque valley of Nar Phu. Enclosed by the spectacular scenery of massive snow-clad mountain ranges with close views of majestic Himlung Himal.
The view extends as far as the Damodar Himalaya of the Mustang areas, with the Annapurna Himalayan range of peaks towards the south. Slowly, the walk enters Shangri-La, the hidden village of Phu, a cluster of stone-built houses. Nar and Phu villages are similar to their Tibetan predecessor Heritages with a majestic Himlung Himal monastery and a beautiful Kyuchi waterfalls. Explore the village adorned with age-old traditions and cultures, and hike to the base of Himlung Himal.
The second phase of the adventure takes you to the Phu sisters’ village of Nar, quite similar to Phu but smaller. It is an exciting settlement around the far western corner of the valley, with amazing views of snow-capped peaks.
After a wonderful experience around Nar and Phu Villages, the trek continues to cross the highest point of the adventure. It is a steep and steady climb to Kang-La Pass, which separates Nar Phu from the lower Manang Valley. Slowly, the long descent reaches Ngawal, a lovely, isolated village.
From here to the windblown village of Pisang, where the main route of the Annapurna Circuit joins. Our adventurous walks conclude at Pisang, where we embark on an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu.
To conclude our great, marvelous experience on the Nar Phu Valley Trek with the wonderful services of the Vertex Holidays guide and staff.
Trip Highlights
- “Exciting overland journey, an opportunity to experience Nepal’s rural farm life.
- Dramatic changes in landscapes, climate, vegetation, and views of snow peaks.
- Journey from lower sub-tropical areas to cooler alpine mountainous regions.
- Adventure within the newly opened virgin and scenic valley of Nar Phu.
- Explore the hidden country from the deep river gorge to the picturesque valley.
- One of the last restricted areas in Nepal opened from 2003 onwards.
- Guaranteed Best Prices
- Secure & Simple Online Reservations
- Change Trip Dates Easily
- Discounts Available for Groups
Photo/Video Gallery
Nar Phu Valley Trekking
Bird
Nepal
Tea House view in Nepal
Itinerary of Nar Phu Valley Trekking
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
For Nar Phu Valley Trekking Arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, the Loong Adventures guide and staff receive the group with warm traditional greetings. Then, with a short transfer to your hotels in the heart of Kathmandu.
After checking into your rooms, our guide will brief you regarding the trek to Nar Phu Valley. Includes information on hotels, local lodges, food, and local culture. Dos and don’ts, enjoy the evening with a welcome group dinner.
Activity
Drive
Distance
7km
Max Altitude
1350m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Welcome Dinner
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay 2 In Kathmandu, a free day to obtain permits and options for sightseeing tour.
A free day in Kathmandu relieves you from the long flights.
On this day, one can book a tour around the world heritage sites within Kathmandu’s Old Durbar (palace) Square, and the ancient stupa of Swyambhunath. After the tour, head back to the hotel for preparations for the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
Activity
Tour, Self Activity
Distance
1 hrs
Max Altitude
1350m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay 3 Drive to Kodo 2,600 m via Bhesishar town 795 m from Kathmandu. A distance of 177 km/110 miles- 08-09 hrs.
Depart from the hotel for an exciting overland journey to Bhesishar and towards Kodo in Manang. The drive passes through farm villages and towns, then diverts from the Pokhara and Kathmandu highway. To reach Bhesishar, the headquarters town of Lamjung district. From here, the drive follows the Masrsyangdi River to Syange village, then winds up to Jagat and Chamje.
On reaching Tal Besi village, enter the Manang district and continue past Dharapani village. As the air gets cooler within the coniferous forest of pines and Rhododendron trees. The drive then ends at Kodo village, where the trekking route of Upper Manang and Nar Phu starts. At Kodo, check into a nice lodge for an overnight stop, arriving on time for late afternoon refreshment and dinner. Kodo is close to Chame, the headquarters town of Manang district, and on the famous Annapurna Circuit route.
Activity
Drive
Distance
177km
Max Altitude
2600m
Overnight Stay
KODO
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 4 Trek to Meta 3,560 m/11,678 ft., 6-7 hours.
From Kodo, our route heads north, leaving the Annapurna Circuit trail from Kodo village. The walk leads towards Nar and Phu Valley, and beyond the Annapurna Himalaya. It is also en route to the Tibet border and the Upper Mustang region.
The adventure continues around sheer mountain wilderness, with
chances of spotting some wildlife like blue sheep, snow leopard,
and other mountain animals.
The trek leads to a narrow river gorge amidst towering rocky cliffs covered in pines and rhododendron trees. The trek progresses, reaching open and nice pasture fields with a few huts of the Yak herder. The adventure continues following the Phu River upstream to Dharmasala, a small farm village for refreshing stops. After a short rest, walk further for an hour to Meta, a small farm village, for an overnight halt.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
8 km
Max Altitude
3560m
Overnight Stay
Meta
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 5 Trek to Kyang (3,740 m /12,267 ft.) - 06 hours.
From Meta, the morning leads north toward Phu village, heading toward a remote part of the Nepal Himalayas. The dramatic landscapes of the Phu region are similar to the Tibetan dry terrains. Finally, the day ends with reaching Kyang for an overnight stop after an exciting day. Kyang provides dozens of Tibetan-style houses and lodges, with an impressive Buddhist culture.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
7 km
Max Altitude
3740m
Overnight Stay
Kyang
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 6 Trek to Phu, 4,050 m/13,284 ft. -06 hrs.
Today’s adventure takes you to our first destination at Phu village, a morning walk follows Phu River upstream for some time. Then descends with a climb to enter a river gorge, as the climb continues to reach a wide glacial valley at Phu village
of strong Tibetan influence of the Buddhist religion.
Enjoy the rest of the day at Phu village, an amazing place to explore the impressive village activities. Time permitting, visit the old Tashi Khang, Samdu Choling Monastery, and the views of Kyuchi waterfalls. Phu Village has approx.
30 houses for 100 to 150 local inhabitants.
Activity
Trekking / walking
Distance
6 km
Max Altitude
4050m
Overnight Stay
Phu
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 7 At Phu for hike to Himlung Base Camp 4,900 m/ 16,076 ft. -07 hrs.
At Phu village for another overnight, have a day off from packing.
After breakfast and carrying a packed lunch, start the day hike to the Himlung base camp. The walk follows higher around the dry and windswept terrain.
A few hours of a good walk reach the base beneath the towering Himlung Himal. Enjoy the exciting, amazing views of the Midwest Himalayan peaks that surround the base camp. After a great time at Himlung Base Camp, a slow and steady hike brings you to Phu for an overnight halt.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
8 km
Max Altitude
4900m
Overnight Stay
Himlung Base Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 8 Trek to Nar Phedi 3, 545 m - 06 hrs.
From Phu village, the trail leads back on the same path for a few hours, descending to a narrow gorge at Phu Khola. From here, a slow climb to reach Yughat small village with Mani, chortens, and Buddhist shrines. Then, finally, reaching a flat field at Nar Phedi for an overnight stop.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
7 km
Max Altitude
3545m
Overnight Stay
Nar Phedi
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 9 Trek to Nar Gaon 4,206 m - 06 hrs.
The morning walk leads back to Phu Khola for a few hours to cross overa suspension bridge over Phu Khola. After crossing the bridge, a steep climb for a few hours to Nar village for lunch and overnight. Nar Gaon, in comparison to Phu, looks similar but smaller due to its remoteness, with high altitude and dry land. Afternoon is free to explore the lively village culture and farm activities of great heritage interest.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
8 km
Max Altitude
4206m
Overnight Stay
Nar Gaon
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 10 Trek to Kang La Base Camp 4,530 m - 06 hrs.
After Nar-Gaon walk leads to remote areas, away from human settlements, for a few hours. An interesting walk with short ups and downs towards rocky, arid surroundings. The route leads through several Yak herders’ shelters and grazing fields, and the trek follows west, crossing Temdenzong Khola.
Enjoy the walk amidst sheer mountain wilderness, surrounded by views of the snow-capped peaks. Then the trek ends for the day, reaching Kang La pass base for an overnight stop in a simple lodge. The rest of the afternoon, relax and enjoy the views, before the tough day of the adventure crossing over Kang-La Pass.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
6 km
Max Altitude
4530m
Overnight Stay
Tea House
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 11 Cross Kangla Pass 5, 322 m trek to Ngawal 3,650 m - 07 hrs.
Start the morning as early as possible, carrying a packed lunch, for a long day. To cross Kang-La, the highest point of the adventure at 5,322 meters high, the route leads to a steep climb. As the walk progresses for a few hours, overlooking stunning views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Far East Peak. Finally, the tough struggle reaches you on top of the pass, surrounded by spectacular views of the Annapurna massif range. Includes views of all Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal, and adjoining peaks of the Annapurna range.
After an exciting and scenic moment, the trail heads south downhill to Ngawal via Julu village. The walk leads closer to the lower scenic Manang Valley, then reaches an isolated settlement of Ngawal for an overnight stop. This small, remote village provides a few nice lodges with a warm, friendly environment.
Activity
Trekking
Distance
9km
Max Altitude
3650m
Overnight Stay
Nagwal
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 12 Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.
From Ngawal, our last day walk of the adventures, following the downhill dusty trail with excellent views of Chulu and Annapurna. After a few hours of a pleasant and scenic walk, reaching the main trail of Annapurna Circuit at windblown
Pisang Village. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge and good food, located close beneath Pisang Peak and Annapurna II and IV.
Activity
Ttrekking
Distance
7km
Max Altitude
3115m
Overnight Stay
Pisang
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
Tea HouseDay 13 Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (250 km)-11 hrs.
Enjoy the morning grand views of the Chulu range with majestic Pisang Peak, after a good breakfast at Pisang Village. Then board a 4WD Jeep or similar vehicle for an exciting drive towards kathmandu via Bhesishar Town. The drive follows winding downhills past Chame, Dharapani, and Tal Village, leaving the Manang area to enter Lamjung district. From Tal Besi, the drive leads towards Jagat and Chamje, then winding downhill to Syange. The drive then follows the Masrsyangdi River as you reach lower, warm sub-tropical farm areas. It is an exciting journey past Bulbule and Khudi Village to Bhesishar Town for lunch.
On the last day of the adventure, enjoy the interesting overland journey to Kathmandu. The afternoon drive follows a good road to Dumre Town, which connects the Kathmandu and Pokhara highways. Enjoy the drive on a busy road along the Trisuli River for some hours. Leaving behind the Trisuli River, then winding up towards the western rim of Kathmandu Valley. Enjoy the fabulous views of Kathmandu city as the drive heads towards the main city area.
On reaching the bustling Kathmandu city, transfer to your hotel after a great and interesting drive. Arriving by late evening for dinner and a good rest in the
comfort of a nice hotel room. The rest of the day is at leisure for individual activities and shopping for souvenirs.
Activity
Drive
Distance
250km
Max Altitude
1350m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay 14 International departure for homeward bound.
Last day in Nepal and Kathmandu, with time for your international flight.
Our guide and staff takes you from the hotel to the airport for your homeward bound. After an exciting experience on the Nar Phu valley Trek.
Activity
Drive
Distance
7 km
Overnight Stay
TIA Airport
Meals
Breakfast
If you are not happy with our itinerary, you can request for the modification as per your need
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- International Arrival and Departure transportation.
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Dharapani to Kathmandu (both ways)
- Accommodation facility at Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel or similar one with breakfast.
- Welcome dinner with authentic Nepali music and dance.
- Multi-tasking guide and Porter (1 Porter for 2 Pax) carry max 25Kg each.
- All required Permits and TIMS.
- Mountain room during trekking.
- Lodge or Tea houses during the trek
- Breakfast lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Insurance of guide and porters.
What's not Included?
- Personal expenses of member, shopping or buying souvenirs.
- Insurance of traveler.
- Any alcoholic beverage or soft drinks.
- Emergency Rescue (If needed)
- Any extra days are not included (other then itinerary)
- Tips for staff.
Trip Information of Nar Phu Valley Trekking
For Nar Phu Valley Trekking, all participants should be physically fit and in good health. All age groups can join from a maximum of 70 years old and a minimum age of 14 years. But it must be accompanied by parents or guardians, as well as for elderly persons.
Carry a valid passport and obtain the Nepal visa from your home country. If not, you can obtain it at Kathmandu International Airport, provided you have the necessary documents and present photos. The most important thing is taking care of your medical background.
Please ask Loong Adventures for information regarding the equipment for the trek. The company provides all logistical support; trekkers should bring their gear. Please check what is included and excluded in the trip cost.
For Nar Phu Valley trekking, although the altitude gains slowly, without difficulty of getting HAS (High Altitude Sickness). But all should be physically fit and in sound health. For a medical history and special dietary needs, please inform the guide. The company can make necessary arrangements ahead. All members need to obtain Travel and Medical Insurance in case of unfortunate incidents and accidents.
Sometimes, treks have to be rerouted to other safe destinations due to broken trails by avalanches or rock falls. This includes unfavorable and bad weather, which can obstruct the standard itinerary days.
If some members get seriously ill, they need immediate evacuation.
Using the fastest means of transportation, the Helicopter service is used to bring the patient to the nearest hospital.
In this condition, the trekker has to bear all the extra expenses as well as those
of the accompanying staff. It should be claimed from the insurance company for the extra expenses incurred. The company and medical doctors will provide a supporting letter to claim the reimbursement from your insurance.
Food and accommodation en route to Nar Phu Valley Trekking are simple and basic lodge rooms and food. From Kodo to Ngawal, trekkers have to spend an overnight in a basic room with common toilets and bathrooms.
This is due to the harsh terrain and cold arctic climate, where water pipelines freeze in the morning and at nights. However, the rooms are simple with a homely, cozy environment with traditional warm hospitality. Includes a large dining room heated by a potbellied stove fueled with Yak dry dung and wood.
The food is simple with a limited menu, breakfast with cereal, oats, porridge, and cornflakes. Followed by chapatti or Tibetan bread, can add jam, honey, or pickles. Eggs, either boiled or fried, and omelets. Tea and coffee, or drinking chocolate, where available. Lunch is simple: either Tibetan Bread, Noodle Soup with vegetables, or eggs. Fried veg noodles or with eggs can be ordered.
Including boiled or fried potatoes, the famous Nepali Dal Bhat. Boiled rice with lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, mild curry, and spices.
In Phu or Nar, Ngawal to Pisang village, trekkers can enjoy a hot shower at an extra cost. The lights are run either by local small Hydro energy or using Solar power, trekkers can charge their electronic items at an extra cost.
Nar Phu, located on the higher side of Upper Manang, was a forbidden country. It was opened to the outside world from 2003 onwards, but remains a restricted land. All visitors are required to obtain a Special Permit, RAP
(Restricted Area Permit) to enter Nar Phu Valley.
The RAP borders the main popular trekking trail of the Annapurna Circuit from Nar Phu at Kodo Village, close to Chame Town. Solo or individual trekkers are not allowed to trek; they must join a government-authorized trekking agency
like Loong Adventures.
The cost of the RAP is US$100 per person for a week’s duration. After a week, the costs will be US$15 per person a day.
Trekkers should be accompanied by a Government-registered guide, who includes the entrance fee of the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). Which cost US$30 per person.
The best times for Nar Phu Valley Trekking are late spring and autumn/fall. Spring begins in March and ends in May, and autumn begins in September and ends in November.
Springtime, with longer sunshine hours, is one of the best seasons for treks and various adventures. As well as for stunning views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, cold mornings, within the shade, and at night. Late afternoon can become overcast with snowfall at times.
Autumn begins in September and ends in November, one of the best times for treks. Most days are clear, offering pleasant views and walks.
But with shorter sunshine hours. It gets dark by 5 p.m. Most days are bright and clear with sunshine, and snowfall sometimes above 3,000 m. Cold mornings, and in the shade, the night times, but with clear starry nights.
Equipment List for Nar Phu Valley Trekking
- Under Garments. Hiking shorts. During late spring and early autumn.
- Lightweight cotton long pants. Thermal inner garment for winter.
- Fleece or wool pants (seasonal). Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants.
- Thin, lightweight inner socks. Thick, warm wool hiking socks.
- Hiking boots with spare laces.
- Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals).
- Gaiters for hiking in winter.
- Sun hat or scarf.
- Light balaclava or warm fleece head gear.
- Sun glasses and snow goggles with UV protection.
- Lightweight gloves.
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal).
- T-shirts, Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric).
- shell jacket. Down vest and/or jacket if not included in trip cost.
- Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc.)
- Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel. Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable).
- Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable). Deodorants.
- Nail clippers. Face and body moisturizer. Feminine hygiene products.
- Small mirror. Sun block during hot day, higher altitude with strong UV.
- Binoculars. Reading book.
- Trail Map/Guide book. Journal & Pen. Laptop.
- Pen and small notebooks.
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble.
- Wet wipes (baby wipes) Tissue /toilet roll. Anti-bacterial hands wash.
- Sleeping bag rated to zero DC (4 seasons down sleeping bags) if not included in the trip cost. Headlamp (e.g. Pletzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries.
- Trekking Bags/Duffel bag if not included in the trip cost.
- Basic First Aid Kit for personal use.
- Large plastic bags-for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches
- or10-15 liters/kgs capacity).
- Trekking Poles (optional).
- Water bottle (2) or cameo bag.
Reviews on Nar Phu Valley Trekking
Never imagined this adventure would be so wonderful, enjoyed the whole trek except for the long drives from Kathmandu to Kodo. It was interesting but quite a long road journey, but the trip was excellent.
Thanks to Vertex expert guide and staff including the porters they were brilliant and supportive.
Loong Adventures owner chiri and Guide Xiao long was great and very knowledgeable, showing the gems and treasures of Nepal. The guide and staff was informative of the local culture, geography, flora and fauna. This made the trek to Nar Phu more interesting and meaningful. I would like to trek another Himalayan destination in the near future with Loong Adventures.
Thanks to the whole team of for the wonderful trip.
The trek was more than I expected it was great and wonderful experience very peaceful Hidden Gems. Wish we had more days to enjoy more in the scenic and tranquil mountain wilderness around Nar Phu Valley. The only hardest was the drive from Kathmandu to Kodo, Manang. In future Loong should break the journey with an overnight stop at Upper Pisang it would be pleasant journey.
Anyway the trek was great and beautiful, very hard to describe in words, thanks to Loong Adventures and guide Shiva.
