Nar Phu Valley Trek – 10 Days
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Accommodation Teahouses & lodges; monastery lodging at Nar Phedi
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Duration 10
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Trip Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
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Activities Trekking, Hiking, Sightseeing & Cultural Exploration
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Best Time Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
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Max. Elevation 5,322 m
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Group Size Min-02 pax
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Transportation Car/Jeep
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Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD) during the trek
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Start/End Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Overview
Nar Phu is the kind of place most Annapurna trekkers never even hear about. Tucked into a restricted valley on the Tibetan border, it stayed closed to outside visitors until 2003, and it still feels that way — stone villages, working monasteries, and mountain life that hasn’t been reshaped by decades of trekking tourism. This 10-day route takes you into both Nar and Phu, over the demanding Kang La Pass (5,322m), and back down through Ngawal and Manang to the classic Annapurna Circuit, with Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Manaslu, and the Lamjung Himal range in view along the way.
Trip Facts
| Trip Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 10 Days |
| Region | Annapurna, Nepal |
| Trek Type | Restricted-area, high-altitude trek |
| Starting Point | Koto |
| Ending Point | Manang, then road journey to Kathmandu |
| Highest Point | Kang La Pass, approx. 5,322m |
| Trek Difficulty | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and lodges; monastery-run lodging at Nar Phedi |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek |
| Best Seasons | Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) |
| Permits | Restricted Area Permit (RAP) + Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
| Guide | Licensed trekking guide required |
An Important Note on Acclimatization
Before anything else, it’s worth being upfront about something: this 10-day version of the itinerary includes an acclimatization day at Phu (Day 4), but not a second one at Nar before the Kang La crossing. Several other current Nar Phu itineraries build in acclimatization days at both villages, which spreads the altitude gain more gradually before tackling a 5,322m pass. This 10-day route is still workable, especially for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience, but the progression from Nar Village (around 4,100m) straight to Kang La Pass on Day 7 is more demanding than a version with an extra rest day built in. If you’d prefer a steadier pace, ask about extending this to an 11 or 12-day itinerary with an additional acclimatization day at Nar — it’s a common adjustment, and it meaningfully lowers the physical demand of the trek’s hardest day.
Altitude and Acclimatization
| Location | Approx. Altitude |
|---|---|
| Koto | 2,600m |
| Meta | 3,560m |
| Phu Village | 4,080m |
| Nar Phedi | 3,500m |
| Nar Village | 4,100m |
| Kang La Pass | 5,322m |
| Ngawal | 3,660m |
| Manang | 3,540m |
These figures are broadly consistent with current route information, though exact elevations can vary slightly between sources.
Because this trek reaches above 5,000m, proper acclimatization matters throughout, not just on the designated rest day. Keep a steady pace rather than rushing, drink more water than feels necessary, tell your guide immediately if you notice headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue, and follow their judgment on pace or, if needed, turning back. None of that should feel like a failure — it’s exactly how a trek like this is meant to be managed.
How Difficult Is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?
This is a genuinely challenging high-altitude trek, and the difficulty comes from several factors stacking together:
- Trekking consistently above 4,000m for several days in a row
- Crossing Kang La Pass at approximately 5,322m
- Long trekking days, including one 8-9 hour push over the pass itself
- Steep, sustained ascents and descents, particularly around Kang La
- Genuinely remote terrain with limited facilities in the upper valleys
- Weather that can shift quickly and without much warning at altitude
- The acclimatization demands of a route that gains height quickly
A good level of cardiovascular fitness and some general trekking preparation are strongly recommended. Previous experience with multi-day trekking and time spent at high altitude will make this trek considerably more manageable, even though it isn’t a strict requirement to book.
Permits Required for the Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu is officially classified as a restricted area, and Nepal’s Department of Immigration requires two separate permits to enter:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): required for the Nar Phu section specifically. This permit can only be processed by a registered Nepali trekking agency on your behalf — it isn’t something you can apply for as an independent traveler. Fees are seasonal and set by current government rate; your agency will confirm the exact cost applicable at the time of your trek.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required for the wider Annapurna Conservation Area that this trek passes through. As with the RAP, the fee is set by current government regulation and is arranged as part of your booking.
Guide and TIMS
A licensed trekking guide is mandatory for this route — Nar Phu’s restricted status means solo trekking isn’t permitted here. As of March 2026, Nepal removed the previous rule requiring a minimum of two trekkers per group for restricted-area permits, so smaller groups and solo travelers with a guide can now book this trek. Separately, note that the Restricted Area Permit itself covers the registration function that TIMS normally provides on open routes, so a standalone TIMS card generally isn’t required for Nar Phu specifically — your agency will confirm exactly what applies to your trip.
What You’ll Actually See
Beyond the general “ancient villages and monasteries” description, here’s what this route specifically passes through:
- Phu Gaon — a walled village of stone houses built into the hillside, with Tibetan-influenced architecture throughout
- Tashi Lhakhang Gompa — an old monastery associated with Phu Village, still an active site of worship
- Nar Village — a distinct settlement from Phu, known for prayer flags, chortens, and traditional stone houses
- Nar Phedi monastery — the overnight stop between Nar and Phu, where accommodation is arranged through the monastery itself rather than a standard teahouse
- Kang La Pass — the trek’s high point, with views (weather permitting) of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Himlung Himal, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu peaks
- Mani walls and prayer flags throughout both valleys, marking trail junctions and village entrances
- Alpine and high-desert landscapes, shifting from narrow gorge forest near Koto to bare, wind-scoured terrain near the pass
Best Time for the Nar Phu Valley Trek
Spring (March-May): generally favorable trekking conditions, with clear mountain views often possible and warmer temperatures at lower elevations. Rhododendron forest lower down the valley adds color to the trek’s early days.
Autumn (September-November): generally the most stable weather of the year, with clearer mountain views and comfortable trekking conditions — the most popular season for this route.
Winter (December-February): colder overall, and snow at Kang La Pass and other high sections can make the crossing more difficult or occasionally impassable. Only recommended for well-prepared, experienced trekkers.
Monsoon (June-August): rain, cloud cover, and muddy trails can affect both the trekking and the road journey to and from Koto. Generally not recommended for this specific route.
Weather at this altitude is never fully predictable, so treat any season as offering generally favorable conditions rather than guaranteed clear skies.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu via Besisahar to Koto (2,600m) — 10-12 hrs
Day 2: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m) — 6-8 hrs
Day 3: Trek from Meta to Phu Village (4,080m) — 7-8 hrs
Day 4: Acclimatization and exploration in Phu Valley (4,080m) — 3-6 hrs
Day 5: Trek from Phu Village to Nar Phedi (3,500m) — 5-6 hrs
Day 6: Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,100m) — 3-4 hrs
Day 7: Cross Kang La Pass (5,322m), trek to Ngawal (3,660m) — 8-9 hrs
Day 8: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540m) — 3-4 hrs
Day 9: Drive from Manang to Besisahar (760m) — 6-7 hrs
Day 10: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,350m) — 6-7 hrs
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu via Besisahar to Koto (2,600m)
Riding time: 10-12 hrs | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
A long day on the road, following the route through Besisahar, the usual gateway to the Annapurna region, and on toward Koto through terraced hillsides, river valleys, and increasingly mountainous scenery. This is mostly a transit day, setting you up for the trek itself starting tomorrow.
Day 2: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m)
Walking time: 6-8 hrs | Elevation gain: approx. 2,600m to 3,560m | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
The trail leaves the main Annapurna Circuit route at Koto and follows the Nar Khola through a narrow, dramatic gorge and dense forest. As you climb, the landscape dries out and turns more alpine, passing several small settlements and striking rock formations before reaching Meta, a scenic village with a real sense of having left the busier trail behind.
Day 3: Trek from Meta to Phu Village (4,080m)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs | Elevation gain: approx. 3,560m to 4,080m | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
A longer day deeper into the valley, through increasingly rugged terrain — dramatic cliffs, bare hillsides, and distant snow peaks. Phu Village itself is a genuinely striking sight: a walled, Tibetan-influenced settlement built into the hillside, with mountain views and a real sense of the local Phu-pa culture that's shaped daily life here for generations.
Day 4: Acclimatization and Exploration in Phu Valley (4,080m)
3-6 hrs | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
This day allows your body to adjust to the altitude while giving you time to properly explore Phu Village and its surroundings. Wander the narrow stone-paved lanes, visit Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, and take in the traditional stone houses that make up the village. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints offer views of Himlung Himal and the surrounding peaks. This rest day matters — don't be tempted to skip it, since it's your only real acclimatization stop before the push toward Kang La later in the trek.
Day 5: Trek from Phu Village to Nar Phedi (3,500m)
Walking time: 5-6 hrs | Accommodation: monastery lodge/teahouse, depending on availability | Meals: B, L, D
Leaving Phu, you'll retrace part of the trail before branching off toward the Nar Valley, through rugged terrain with steadily changing views. Nar Phedi is a genuinely peaceful stop, built around its monastery — accommodation here is typically arranged through the monastery itself rather than a standard commercial teahouse, which gives the night a noticeably different atmosphere from the rest of the trek.
Day 6: Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,100m)
Walking time: 3-4 hrs | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
A shorter day, letting you gain altitude gradually ahead of the Kang La crossing. The trail climbs through alpine scenery to Nar Village, one of the more culturally distinctive settlements in the region — traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and chortens set against a genuinely striking mountain backdrop. The afternoon is a good time to explore the village and get properly rested before tomorrow's demanding day.
Day 7: Cross Kang La Pass (5,322m), trek to Ngawal (3,660m)
Walking time: 8-9 hrs | Elevation: approx. 4,100m up to 5,322m, then down to 3,660m | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
The hardest and most rewarding day of the trek. You'll leave Nar Village early for a gradual but demanding ascent to Kang La Pass — this isn't just a climb to 5,322m and a stop; once at the top, the descent on the other side is just as significant as the climb up. From the pass, expect views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu peaks, weather and visibility permitting. After taking it in, you'll descend toward the Marsyangdi side and continue down to Ngawal for the night.
Day 8: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540m) Walking time: 3-4 hrs | Accommodation: teahouse | Meals: B, L, D
A comparatively easy day through the scenic upper Marsyangdi valley, passing traditional villages, monasteries, mani walls, and cultivated fields, with mountain views the whole way. Manang is one of the larger settlements in the Annapurna region, and a good place to properly rest after yesterday's effort.
Day 9: Drive from Manang to Besisahar (760m) Driving time: 6-7 hrs | Accommodation: hotel | Meals: B, L, D
The trek itself is behind you now — today's a road journey following the Marsyangdi River back down through dramatic mountain valleys into lower-altitude terrain, arriving in Besisahar by evening.
Day 10: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,350m) Driving time: 6-7 hrs | Accommodation: none included | Meals: B
The final leg back to the capital, with the scenery shifting from Himalayan foothills to the Kathmandu Valley along the way. On arrival, the Nar Phu Valley Trek officially wraps up.
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Ground transportation according to the itinerary
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trek
- Meals listed in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner while trekking)
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Government taxes and service charges
- Basic first-aid support
- Guide and porter expenses, accommodation, meals, and insurance where applicable
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal trekking equipment
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
TripAdvisor Reviews
FAQs
Not really. This is a challenging, high-altitude restricted-area trek with a demanding pass crossing. Some prior multi-day trekking experience, ideally at altitude, makes a real difference to how manageable the trip feels.
It isn't a strict requirement, but it's genuinely helpful. If this would be your first time above 4,000m, consider asking about extending the itinerary with an additional acclimatization day.
No solo trekking without a guide — a licensed guide is mandatory due to the area's restricted status. As of March 2026, the previous two-person minimum group requirement was removed, so solo travelers can join with just a guide.
Permit fees are set by current Nepali government rate and can change with the season, so we don't publish a fixed figure here — your booking will include the exact, current cost of your Restricted Area Permit and ACAP.
Yes, in the form of teahouses, lodges, or in the case of Nar Phedi, monastery-run guest accommodation. Facilities become more basic the deeper into the valley you go.
Day 7, crossing Kang La Pass, by a significant margin — it's the longest day, the highest point, and involves the most sustained climbing and descending in one push.
Can this itinerary be extended?
Yes. Adding an acclimatization day at Nar Village before the Kang La crossing is a common adjustment, turning this into an 11 or 12-day trek with a notably gentler altitude progression.
