Nar Phu Trek:Uncovering the Hidden Beauty of Nar and Phu Valleys

Overview

Nar Phu Trek is an extraordinary journey to one of the most remote areas in Nepal that lies close to Tibet. This off-the-beaten-path trek will take you on a memorable adventure to the heart of Nar and Phu Valleys, which were once forbidden to outsiders. This trek offers a unique mix of ancient Buddhist culture and raw Himalayas which are still unspoiled and isolated.

Nar Phu Trek Itinerary

1. day 1

   Arrival at the Kathmandu Airport

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   Highest Altitude	1324 m|4344 ft

   Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will escort you to your hotel in a comfortable car. You can choose to spend your time exploring the vibrant city of Kathmandu or simply relax and recuperate from the effects of your long flight to Nepal. In the evening, we will gather for a briefing session about the upcoming trek.

   • • Overnight stay at 3 star Hotel at Kathmandu
2. day 2

   Pokhara (820 m|2690 ft)/Kathmandu (1400 m|4594 ft) to Koto (2600 m | 8530 ft):

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   Driving Hours	4 -5 hrs from PKR | 5 - 6 hrs from KTM
   Highest Altitude	2600 m | 8530 ft

   Starting from Pokhara (820 m | 2690 ft): After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we start our adventure on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake. We leave Lakeside behind and go to Prithiv Chowk bus park, a short 15 -min drive. Only a couple of buses are available to Besisahar, and they usually run in the morning. 

   Once there, we hop on the bus headed for Besisahar, and the ride from Prithiv Chowk to Besisahar is scenic, taking about 4 hours to cover a distance of 105 km.

   Starting from Kathmandu (1400 m | 4594 ft): Early at 7:00 am, we catch an early bus at Balaju bus park bound for Besisahar. We witness the stunning mountain views and enjoy the company of the Trishuli River as we drive. This part of the journey is a real treat and lasts about 5 and a half hours, 180 km, via the Prithvi Highway.

   Whether you're beginning from Kathmandu or Pokhara, the route remains from Besisahar (760 m | 2494 ft). Once we reach Besisahar, it's time for a well-deserved lunch before we hop into a Jeep that'll take us to Koto village (2600 m | 8530 ft). This part of the trip offers some incredible sights of the Marsyangdi River, impressive cliffs with waterfalls, a cool drive-through tunnel, and even the power setups of the Marsyangdi River. This journey from Besisahar to Koto takes around 5.5 to 6 hours because the road is rough and off the beaten path. We'll wrap up the day with an overnight stay in Koto, preparing for our trek tomorrow.

   • • Overnight in Lodge at Koto
3. day 3

   Trek from Koto (2600 m|8530 ft) to Meta (3560 m|11680 ft):

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   Highest Altitude	3560 m | 11680 ft
   Trek Duration	7 - 8 hrs

   We have breakfast at the lodge here, enjoying the view of Manaslu, and the snowfall in the upper regions can be witnessed from here. We start our trek from Koto, and after about 40 min - 1 hrs of trek, we reach a suspension bridge. You will also witness donkeys during this trail. 

   The Nar Phu trek route takes you along the forest with pine trees and huge rocks along the trails. The Nar Phu River accompanies us throughout the trek, and we pass wooden bridges along the trails. 

   After 3 hours of trekking, we cross another suspension bridge, and the trail isn’t properly marked, so we need to trek with a really experienced guide. There are no water resources, so you need to carry your water. We ascend through the pine trees, and there is a unique route where we pass through a cave, and the cave blocks us from the waterfall above. After here, the route is all the way ascending to Meta.

   After about 7 - 8 hrs of trek, the 2nd day of the Nar Phu trek takes us to Meta, also known as Methang village. Overnight stay at Methang village.

   • • Overnight in Lodge.
   • • Includes Breakfast
4. day 4

   Trek form Meta (3560 m|11680 ft) to Phu (4110 m|13485 ft):

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   Highest Altitude	4080 m | 13382 ft
   Trek Duration	7 - 8 hrs

   Mountains mostly surround Meta on one side and hills on another side. There is an old Gompa here that is 100 years old, and some of the houses are so old that even locals don’t know the exact date when they were made. After breakfast, we leave for Phu; after trekking on a straight path for some time, we can see a signboard showing the separate way of Nar and Phu. After trekking for about 3 hrs, we reach Chakyu, where we have lunch. Chakyu has some ancient houses and rocky terrain; we can also see the clear mountain views while having lunch from here.

   We travel the ascending section after lunch and trek for about 1:30 hrs through the waterfall; we can see the Khayng Village. We briefly explore the Khang Village and trek towards the Phu village. The way is ascending, and chilly winds blow on this trail. 

   After trekking for about 7 - 8 hrs on the 3rd day of the Nar Phu Valley trek, we reach Phu. Overnight stay at Phu.

   • • Overnight in Lodge.
   • • Includes Breakfast
5. day 5

   Acclimatization at Phu (4110 m|13485 ft):

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   Highest Altitude	4110 m |13485 ft
   Trek Duration	2 - 3 hrs hiking

   On this day, we will acclimatize to the high elevation as we take a rest and explore the village of Phu. It is a hidden valley with some exclusive cultures and traditions. Ethnic groups like Gurung, Lama, and Ghale live here with agriculture and animal husbandry being their means of livelihood. There are traditional stone houses all over the village, and the Thashi & Sandu Choling Gompa are the must-visit places; we can also see a helipad in the Phu Valley.

   We stroll around the Phu Valley visiting Gompas and understanding the Tibetan Culture, we will also visit the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, which is regarded as one of the greatest monasteries in the world. Visiting the second oldest civilization offers a glimpse of traditional houses and cultural practices that go way back in history. The chances of snowfall in Phu Village are high, so you can enjoy the snow in Phu Valley's rocky, desert-like terrain. Overnight stay at Phu Village. 

   • • Overnight in Lodge.
   • • Includes Breakfast
6. day 6

   Trek from Phu village to Nar Phedi (3,490 m|11450 ft):

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   Highest Altitude	4110 m|13485 ft
   Trek Duration	6-7 hrs

   After breakfast, we trek toward Nar Phedi, descending mainly along the rocky terrains. 

   We trek to Khayang and then descend further to Chakyu. We have our lunch at Chakyu and then trek towards the Nar Phedi. The trek is along the ridges, and we pass the suspension bridges from where we can see the Nar Phu River flowing through two huge valleys, creating a vast dramatic gorge. 

   Moreover, we can see the Mani stones, with ancient Tibetan Writing, which shows people's unique culture in Tibetan regions. The chilly wind blows throughout the trek.

   After trekking for about 6 - 7 hrs on the 5th day of the Nar Phu Trek, we trek back from Phu to Nar Phedi. Overnight stay at Nar Phedi.

   • • Overnight in Lodge.
   • • Includes Breakfast
7. day 7

   Nar Phedi to Nar Valley (4110 m|13484 ft ) and acclimatization:

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   Highest Altitude	4110 m | 13484 ft
   Trek Duration	5 - 6 hrs

   After breakfast, we trek towards the Nar Valley from Nar Phedi on the 6th day of the Nar Phu trek. The way ascends in the rocky, windy path, along the traditional stairs at some sections. Three hills separate Nar Phedi from Nar, and we cross those hills after trekking for about 5 - 6 hrs. 

   The entrance gate of Nar Valley welcomes us as we cross the third hill, and we can see Tibetan writing carved into the wall, big enough to take a glimpse from afar. The Himalayas, such as Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and Manaslu, can be seen up close from here. Overnight stay at Nar Valley.

   • • Overnight in lodge.
   • • Includes Breakfast
8. day 8

   Nar to Ngawal (3650 m | 11975 ft) via Khangla Pass (5306 m | 17409 ft):

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   Highest Altitude	5306 m | 17409 ft
   Trek Duration	7-8 hrs

   We wake up early before sunrise, as today is the longest and most challenging trek day. The pass is a bit tough, and the altitude gets in your way, making it more challenging. We cross Kangla Phedi as we trek towards Kangla Pass. After trekking for a couple of hours, crossing some landslide-prone areas, and crossing over a bridge, we reach the top of Khangla Pass. The otherworldly views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu Peak, Lamjung Himal, and other unnamed peaks make this landscape unforgettable and engraved in your memory forever.

   After we forget about all our fatigue and tiredness, we trek downhill cautiously and carefully through the steep moraine for some time. After viewing Chulus waterfall, we trek ahead to the grassy path. After trekking for about 3 - 4 hrs from the top of the Kangla Pass, we reach Ngawal Village. Overnight stay in Ngawal.

   • • Overnight at lodge
   • • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. day 9

   Ngawal to Manang (3519 m | 11545 ft):

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   Highest Altitude	3519 m | 11545 ft
   Trek Duration	5 - 6 hrs

   After breakfast, we leave for Manang, and the trek is straight forward compared to our strenuous trek over the Kangla Pass. We descend during the first half of the trail and trek along motorable roads.  
   After about 4 hrs of trekking, we reach Braka and have lunch here at Braka. We can visit the famous Gompa, named Braga Gompa or Bhraka Gompa, which is around 900 years old. After having lunch, we trek towards Manang, and it only takes about 30 minutes for this trek. Manang is a beautiful Northern Nepal district with stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and ancient monasteries. The region is a popular trekking destination that attracts adventurers & nature enthusiasts alike and offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Overnight stay at Manang.

   • • Overnight stay at Hotel
   • • Includes Breakfast
10. day 10

    Drive from Manang to Besisahar (760 m | 2494 ft):

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    Driving Hours	6 - 7 hrs
    Highest Altitude	(3519 m | 11545 ft)

    We take an early Jeep and drive to Beshisahar, with scenic views of the Marsyangdi River, alpine trees, and wild animals like deer and wild rabbits. Moreover, lush greenery and apple garden in Barthang can be seen during this section. 

    The glimpse of the Himalayas, which you saw up close, still captivates you during the drive, and you will pass many villages such as Upper Pisang, Chame, Dharapani, and many more. We stop for lunch and take a break during the long drive. You can also experience the bumpy roads in the off roads of Nepal, and it also tries you like trekking. 

    After driving for about 6 - 7 hrs, we reach Besisahar. Overnight stay at Beshisahar.

    • • Overnight stay at a hotel
    • • Includes Breakfast
11. day 11

    Drive from Besisahar to Pokhara or Kathmandu: 

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    Driving Hours	4 -5 hrs to PKR | 5 - 6 hrs to KTM

    After breakfast, we drive from Besisahar to Pokhara early morning, at 7 am. The scenic drive from Besisahar takes you to Pokhara, with a massive sense of achievement and accomplishment for completing the Nar Phu Valley Trek. 

    After 4 - 5 hours of driving, we reach Pokhara, and North Nepal Trek will organize a farewell dinner on the last day of your Nar Phu trek.
    
    If you want to drive to Kathmandu it takes 5 - 6 hrs from Beshisahar, and North Nepal Trek will organize a farewell dinner on the last day of your Nar Phu trek.

• All meals, during the trek. You can choose dishes from the lodge menu which mostly includes options as follows:
  • Breakfast: Cereal, Porridge, rice pudding, egg dish with bread and toast, bread with jam and honey, Pancakes with jam and honey, with tea or coffee.
  • Lunch Items: Dal Bhat (mostly recommended), noodles soup, fried noodles, momo, spaghetti chapati, Spring roll, macron,  sizzlers, swiss rosti, pizza, veg curry with plain rice, Tibetan Momo, Thukpa, Thenthuk, french fry, fry potato, boil potato and much more.
  • Dinner: Mostly same as lunch items but may vary in some hotels.
  • Note: The menu also depends on the Teahouse or Hotel, so the food items may vary.
• Tea house/Lodge accommodation during the trek.
• Pokhara – Besisahar- Koto by public bus & sharing Jeep (depends on group size).
• Professional English speaking, Eco Trained trekking guide his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation, etc. 
• The company guarantees the rescue services in case of an emergency; please hand over your insurance policy copy to us.
• All the necessary paper works, special permit and ACAP  conservation entry permit (Trekking permit / TIMS card etc.)
• Sleeping Bag and Trekking poles (to be returned after trip completion).
• First Aid Medical Kit Box.
• Government taxes and VAT.