Narphu Valley Trek: Ultimate Guide to Nepal’s Hidden 12-Day Trek

Max. Elevation

6186 m

Accommodation

Hotel- Lodge- Tea house

Best Season

Spring - Autumn

Duration

12 days

Trip Grading

Technical Climbing

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast-Lunch- Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Departure Location

Nepal

Highlights

The Narphu Valley Trek is a 12-day adventure in Nepal’s remote Annapurna region, perfect for fit trekkers. Conquer Larkya Pass (5,150 m), stay in cozy tea houses, and immerse in Tibetan-influenced villages like Nar and Phu. Led by Best Trips Nepal, with porters carrying up to 15 kg, this trek requires special permits and endurance training. Use provided water purification tablets to stay eco-friendly. Book your Nepal trekking adventure today!

Remote and Secluded Villages: Explore the ancient, isolated villages of Nar and Phu, home to Tibetan-influenced communities with medieval lifestyles, offering a glimpse into untouched Himalayan culture
Kang La Pass (5,240m): Crossing the challenging Kang La Pass is a major highlight, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Himlung Himal, and surrounding peaks.
Stunning Mountain Views: Enjoy spectacular vistas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and other majestic peaks from various points along the trail
Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Visit ancient Tibetan Gompas (monasteries) like Samdu, Choling, and Tashi Monastery, and witness cultural practices such as prayer flag painting and prayer wheel spinning.
Diverse Landscapes: Trek through varied terrains, including narrow canyons, lush pine and bamboo forests, rocky paths, and semi-arid landscapes, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
Rich Biodiversity: Encounter diverse flora and fauna, including juniper bushes, pine forests, and potential wildlife sightings in the pristine, less-traveled valleys
Hidden Valleys: Experience the mystique of the hidden Nar and Phu valleys, restricted areas that preserve their cultural and natural heritage due to limited access.
Waterfalls and Rivers: Pass by cascading waterfalls and serene rivers, particularly while trekking through dense forests, adding to the scenic beauty of the journey.
Authentic Cultural Immersion: Observe local villagers engaged in traditional activities like carpentry, crop harvesting, and weaving, offering insight into their self-sustaining lifestyle.
Adventure and Challenge: Navigate adventurous trails, including steep and treacherous sections, making this trek ideal for those seeking a thrilling, less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit

Description

The Narphu Valley Trek, organized by Best Trips Nepal, is a 17-day, moderate-to-strenuous journey through the remote Annapurna region near the Tibet border, renowned for its preserved Tibetan culture and dramatic landscapes. This adventure features daily hikes of 6–7 hours, altitude gains of 400–1,350 meters, and the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,135 m), where snow may be present in late seasons (October–November). The trek offers cultural immersion in Nar and Phu villages, stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, and small group sizes (1–10 trekkers) for an authentic experience. Accommodations include twin-shared tea houses during the trek and Hotel Himalayan Suite or Sampada Garden in Kathmandu with air-conditioned rooms and Wi-Fi. Meals consist of breakfast (e.g., eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread), lunch, and dinner (e.g., soup, main course, fruit) with two cups of tea or coffee per meal; extra drinks are at your expense. Water purification tablets are provided to minimize plastic waste. Prepare with 4–6 hour weekend hikes and consult a doctor about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) prevention, such as Diamox. Expert guides ensure safety with medical kits and communication devices, and special restricted area permits are handled by Best Trips Nepal.

Day to Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,264 ft)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Best Trips Nepal representative greets you and transfers you to Hotel Himalayan Suite or Sampada Garden. Attend a welcome dinner featuring Nepali cuisine and receive a trek briefing. Stay overnight at the hotel with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and buffet breakfast. Meals include the welcome dinner.

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. Meet your guide for a gear check and permit processing for the restricted Narphu Valley. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. Meals include breakfast.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft)

Depart Kathmandu for a 6–7 hour drive to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, via the scenic Prithvi Highway, passing rivers and terraced fields. The journey covers approximately 180 km. Stay overnight in a local guesthouse. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4: Drive to Koto (2,600 m / 8,530 ft)

Continue by jeep from Besisahar to Koto, a 4–5 hour drive through rugged trails and villages like Chamje. Koto serves as the starting point for the Narphu Valley Trek, diverging from the Annapurna Circuit. Stay overnight in a twin-shared tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 5: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560 m / 11,680 ft)

Begin the trek with a 6–7 hour hike through pine forests and suspension bridges along the Nar Phu Khola, entering the restricted Narphu Valley. Reach Meta, a Tibetan-influenced village with stunning mountain views, gaining approximately 960 meters in altitude. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast (e.g., Tibetan bread, eggs), lunch, and dinner (e.g., soup, dal bhat).

Day 6: Trek from Meta to Phu Village (4,080 m / 13,385 ft)

Trek 6–7 hours through rugged terrain and narrow canyons to Phu Village, a remote settlement with ancient Tibetan monasteries and stone houses. Immerse in local culture and enjoy views of Annapurna peaks, gaining about 520 meters in altitude. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Phu Village

Rest and acclimatize to prevent AMS, exploring Phu’s monasteries and interacting with locals. Take short hikes to nearby viewpoints for Manaslu and Annapurna vistas. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 8: Trek from Phu to Nar Village (4,110 m / 13,484 ft)

Trek 6–7 hours across high plateaus and yak pastures to Nar Village, a cultural gem with vibrant Tibetan traditions and colorful prayer flags, gaining approximately 30 meters in altitude. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Nar Village

Acclimatize by exploring Nar’s monasteries and interacting with locals. Optional short hikes offer panoramic views of surrounding peaks. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 10: Trek from Nar to Ngawal (3,660 m / 12,008 ft)

Trek 6–7 hours, descending from Nar and rejoining the Annapurna Circuit route at Ngawal, with views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak, losing about 450 meters in altitude. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 11: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft)

Trek 5–6 hours to Manang, a bustling village on the Annapurna Circuit. Visit local monasteries and prepare for higher altitudes, with an optional side trip to Gangapurna Lake, losing about 120 meters in altitude. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 12: Acclimatization Day in Manang

Rest in Manang to acclimatize, exploring the village and visiting the Himalayan Rescue Association for an AMS talk. Optional short hikes to viewpoints are available. Stay overnight in a tea house. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Our team guides, porters, and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes

Accommodation in Kathmandu : Two nights at Hotel Himalayan Suite or Sampada Garden with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and buffet breakfast.

Accommodation During Trek : Twin-shared tea house accommodations for 14 nights in villages like Koto, Meta, Phu, Nar, Manang, and Bimthang.

Meals in Kathmandu : Welcome and farewell dinners featuring Nepali cuisine, plus buffet breakfasts at the hotel.

Meals During Trek : Three meals daily (breakfast: eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread; lunch: main course; dinner: soup, main course, fruit), including two cups of tea or coffee per meal.

Permits : Special restricted area permits for Narphu Valley and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), handled by Best Trips Nepal.

Transportation : Private vehicle transfers from Kathmandu to Besisahar, jeep from Besisahar to Koto, and return drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu.

Guides and Porters : Expert trekking guide with mountain medicine training, plus porters to carry luggage (typically 10–15 kg per trekker).

Safety Equipment : Medical kits, rescue gear, and radio/satellite communication devices carried by guides for emergencies.

Water Purification : Water purification tablets provided to minimize plastic waste, with guidance on using refillable bottles.

Environmental Responsibility : Small group sizes (1–10 trekkers) to minimize environmental and community impact.

Cost Excluded

International Flights : Airfare to and from Kathmandu, including airport taxes and visa fees.

Travel Insurance : Comprehensive travel and medical insurance, mandatory for trekking and covering high-altitude evacuation.

Personal Gear : Trekking equipment (e.g., boots, trekking poles, backpacks), though sleeping bags and down jackets are available for rent with a deposit.

Extra Meals and Drinks: : Additional tea, coffee, or other beverages beyond the two cups per meal, plus snacks or meals outside the itinerary.

Personal Expenses : Souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, internet usage (except hotel Wi-Fi), and other personal purchases.

Delays or Changes : Costs due to flight delays, roadblocks, weather, or itinerary changes beyond Best Trips Nepal’s control.

Trip Map

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Trip FAQ's

What is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a remote, off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal, combining visits to the isolated villages of Nar and Phu with stunning Himalayan views. It often includes parts of the Annapurna Circuit and high passes like Kang La (5,322m) or Thorong La. The trek is known for its rugged trails, unique Tibetan-influenced culture, and pristine landscapes.

How long is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The trek typically takes 9–15 days, depending on the itinerary : 9-day trek: Core Nar Phu Valley with one day to drive in and out. 12–15 days: Extended versions include Annapurna Circuit segments or additional acclimatization days. A standard itinerary starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar/Dharapani, trekking through Koto, Phu, Nar, and over Kang La Pass, ending with a drive back to Kathmandu

How difficult is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Altitude: Maximum elevation at Kang La Pass (5,322m), requiring acclimatization

Is a guide mandatory?

Yes, a licensed guide is required for the Nar Phu Valley Trek due to its restricted status. A guide ensures safety, navigation, and compliance with regulations. While some treks in Nepal allow independent hiking, Nar Phu does not. A porter is optional but recommended for carrying gear