23 Sep 2023 Himalaya Trip
Nar Phu Valley Trek Overview
Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the adventurous trips through Nepal’s northwestern
region. The valley settled in the vicinity of Annapurna Conservation Area is secluded,
peaceful, and less crowded. Abundant biodiversity within the Annapurna
Conservation Area with affluent cultural homogeneity, and a semi-arid landscape
attracts everyone. The beautiful hidden villages of Nar and Phu lie in the Manang
district, where the lifestyle, culture, and festivals of Manangi Gurung natives are prime
attractions. Witness Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, and Mane Walls in this sacred
valley where Tibetan Bon Buddhism practitioners lived. Traversing the highest
Kangla Pass at an elevation of 5,320 m and getting a glimpse of stunning Annapurna
and Manaslu Himalayas views, and surrounding peaks are mesmerizing. The region is
not popular or abundant with all types of amenities and accommodation but the best
part of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is its rawness and unexplored natural sceneries.
Embark on an isolated valley and create remarkable memories to cherish for a
lifetime.
Prime Attractions of Nar Phu Village
Nar village
Nar is a beautiful remote village in the Manang district which lies at an elevation of 4150 m. This culturally rich village is secluded and nestled in the vicinity of Annapurna Conservation Area. The village is home to Tibetan ethnicities and boasts their diverse culture, tradition, and lifestyle. The route to this village is off-beat which was allowed for visitors only from 2003 AD. Buddhist Gompas, Mani walls, and the natural beauty of this village are major highlights.
Phu village
Phu Village which is also settled in the Annapurna Conservation Area is another off-beat yet attractive village of the Manang district. The Tibetan-Buddhism-influenced village lies at an elevation of 4050 m. The preserved culture, ancient monasteries, festivals, traditions, and lifestyle of Tibetan ethnicities residing here are top attractions of this village. The majestic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountains are breathtaking. Besides this, Buddhist rituals and festivals are not to be missed if you are here during the festive season. Immerse in their culture, and learn about their livings and lifestyle.
Kangla Pass
Kangla Pass (5320m), the highest point of the Nar Phu Valley trek is the prime attraction as well as highlights of this trek. Despite the challenging terrain, the trek to traverse this pass is adventurous and full of excitement. Ascend from the base of Kangla Phedi which is physically tiring but worth it due to the surrounding vistas, landscapes, and rare glimpses of wild animals. Upon reaching the top of Kangla Pass, forget all tiredness and get mesmerized by the spectacular Himalayan vistas such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and other peaks.
Geology and Biodiversity in Nar Phu region
Annapurna Conservation Area is geologically rich and encompasses biodiversity in the vicinity of towering snow-capped peaks. Traversing through the semi-arid landscape, and flowing rivers formed from glacial lakes, inhaling fresh air is a phenomenal experience. The traditional Manangi villages and the region’s diverse altitude range from 1500m to 5320m comprise diverse flora and fauna, including rare snow leopards, Himalayan Thars, and vibrant wildflowers.
Festivals and Cultural Practices in Nar Phu
The Nar Phu Valley region is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and hosts diverse festivals. The cultural practices in Nar Phu are diverse from that of Kathmandu Valley. Since the region predominantly boasts Buddhism, the culture and festivals here radiate originality. Lhosar is the prime festival in this region which marks the Tibetan New Year which falls in the month of February or March. Another vibrant festival is Yartung which features masculine arts depicting their ancient culture and its significance. The horse racing and archery competitions are fun parts of this festival. Attend these festivals if you visit during the festival months. Also, explore ancient Buddhist monasteries such as Tashi Lhakhang, Nar Phedi, etc. to immerse in their culture and better understanding.
Highlights of the trek
- Secluded, Peaceful, Less Crowded
- Affluent cultural homogeneity, and semi-arid landscape
- Abundant biodiversity within the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Traversing the highest Kangla Pass at an elevation of 5,320 m
- Stunning Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas views
- Beautiful Hidden Villages: Nar and Phu
- Manangi Gurung natives, their lifestyle, culture, and festival
- Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, Mane Walls
12 Days Nar Phu Valley Trek Map
12 Days Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar – Dharapani
Day 02: Trek Dharapani – Koto
Day 03: Trek Koto (Nar Phu entry point) – Meta
Day 04: Trek Meta – Kyang
Day 05: Trek Kyang – Phu village
Day 06: Phu village
Day 07: Trek Phu – Nar Phedi
Day 08: Trek Nar Phedi – Nar village
Day 09: Nar – The Highest Point Kang La Pass 5320m – Ngawal
Day 10: Trek Ngawal – Chame
Day 11: Drive Chame – Besishahar
Day 12: Drive Besishahar – Kathmandu
Trekking permit for Nar Phu Valley trek
a. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3000/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC nationals)
b. Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
NPR 2000/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC nationals)
NPR 500/person (Foreign Officials)
c. Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
From early September until November: USD 100 for the first 7 days, followed by
USD 15 per day thereafter.
From December until August: USD 75 for the initial 7 days, then USD 10 per day
afterward.
Best time to visit
Spring (March-May):
An ideal month due to its stable weather and temperature
offering clear views, beautiful landscapes, and comfortable trekking trails to trek on.
Autumn (September – November):
Less-crowded as compared to Spring and hence
peaceful offering warm temperatures and clear weather with awesome vistas.
Winter (December – February):
This is a challenging month due to the cold
temperature and unpredictable weather, and is only attempted by experienced or
adventure trekkers under our full guidance and support.
Summer (June – August):
Monsoon is experienced in Summer but for the Nar Phu
Valley trek it is ideal as this region lies in a rain shadow area. The comfortable
trekking trails with amazing scenery make this month worthy.
Note: We organize this trek throughout the year.
Preparation and fitness
Nar Phu Valley trek is very challenging as the maximum elevation gain during the trek
is 5320m. The region is remote with fewer facilities and demands long hours of
walking on uneven and rugged trails. Therefore, dedicated preparation and enduring
fitness are required. We therefore suggest doing cardio exercises, short hikes, and
endurance training at least 2 months before trekking.
Accommodation and Internet facilities
Nar Phu Valley Trek offers basic and limited teahouse stays with an option that
culminates with the concept of homestay and a modern hotel system. These are
usually wooden structures with several rooms built in them. A basic but comfortable
teahouse comes with a kitchen, dining, and a small confectionery shop. There is also a
log fire setting in the dining area to warm yourself at night. Basic services like a bed,
mattress, pillows, and quilts are provided. For using the internet, laundry, hot water,
and charging electronics pay an extra amount. As the region is remote, the internet
connection may not be stable.
Foods during the Nar Phu Valley Trek
Basic Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine are primarily served foods. A few Continental
dishes options are also there. Dal-Bhat is the main food which is a good energy source
for trekkers during the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Trekkers can also get additional dishes
like pasta, noodles, pies, or other delightful treats. Please inform us if there are any
special dietary requirements.
Drinking water
Drinking water during the Nar Phu Valley trek is either buying bottled water or paying
additional costs at lodges for boiled water. Always carry a water bottle for ease and
water purification kits for safety.
Mode of transportation
The transportation option for the Nar Phu Valley Trek is only via roadways. From
Kathmandu, take a tourist bus or Private Jeep (optional) which best fits you to
Besisahar. Then, on a public bus take a ride to Koto to commence the trek.
How hard is the Nar Phu Valley trek?
The highest elevation during the Nar Phu Valley Trek is Kangla Pass situated at 5320m. Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common in the mountains. Thus, there is a chance for trekkers to suffer from AMS. It is thus essential to take proper acclimatization rest to adapt to the altitude. The remoteness, less availability of teahouses, proper amenities, rugged trails, daily long hours of walking, and elevation
gain are some prime factors that make this trek hard and challenging. But, with proper planning and preparation, this Nar Phu Valley trek is achievable.
Equipment Check List:
- Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
- Hat (Warm), scarf and gloves
- Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.)
- Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
- Shorts and trousers or skirt
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
- Thermal underwear
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and long-sleeved shirts with a collar (long-sleeved – shirt is
- particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
- Laundry soap powder or bar
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip balm
- Polarizing sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
- Insect repellent (for lower elevation)
- Emergency kit including a whistle and waterproof matches or lighter
- Stuff sacks
- Earplugs
- Backpack
- Sleeping back and silk liner
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight), spare batteries and bulbs
- Duffle bag
- Gaiters
- Down jacket or down vest
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
- Altimeter
- GPS unit
- Binoculars
- Books and magazines
- Small duffle bag (to leave behind in Kathmandu
- Backpack cover (waterproof, slip-on)
- Trekking poles
- Quick-drying camp towel
- Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g., toilet items, cameras, film, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
- 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
- Personal medical supplies
- Optional: Reading materials, game items, notebook, rubber bands, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a small pillow or headrest (optional), Thermarest (an inflatable sleeping mat), a trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photographs, etc.
Conclusion
Due to its remoteness, the Nar Phu Valley trek in the Manang district is full of adventure and challenges. The raw natural beauty of this region is the prime highlight as it is less explored than the famous Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek. It is a new experience for the trekkers seeking different challenges boasting its naturalness and realness. The rich cultural experiences and spectacular landscapes and vistas ensure an unforgettable journey into these hidden Nar and Phu villages.
FAQs of Nar Phu Valley Trek
Is prior trekking experience necessary for the 12-day Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Yes, prior trekking experience is necessary for the 12-day Nar Phu Valley Trek as the
region is remote and the highest elevation reaches above 5320 meters which is very
challenging.
Is solo trekking in Nar Phu Valley allowed?
Nar Phu is a restricted area region, so solo trekking is not allowed.
Is there an age restriction for Nar Phu Valley trek?
No, there is no such age restriction for this trek but trekkers must be physically and
mentally sound as it is demanding.
Is Nar Phu Valley trek suitable for you?
Yes, this trek is suitable for you if you are willing to adapt to the altitude and have
good physical fitness.
