14 Days
4,150m
The Nar Phu Valley trek takes you across several high passes, picturesque villages, dense forests, ancient monasteries, and narrow canyons to remote Nar and Phu villages near Tibet. As the trek progresses, you will find yourself among the world's rare wilderness, past impressive chortens, and herds of blue sheep.
| Date | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 6th sep 2024 | annapurna region | Book Now |
The Nar Phu Valley Trek offers a rare chance to explore one of Nepal’s least-visited regions in West Nepal. With its untouched medieval Tibetan culture, scenic landscapes, and limited tourist footfall since opening to the public in 2003, this trek promises an exclusive and captivating experience.
Access to the Nar Phu Valley requires a special permit, obtainable through authorized trekking agencies, allowing a seven-day exploration into these pristine valleys.
Commencing from Koto, a small village marking the junction of the Annapurna circuit trail and the gateway to Nar Phu, the trek veers off the familiar path, traversing a narrow river valley north of the Annapurna range.
Several days are dedicated to acclimatization and exploration, immersing trekkers in subalpine forests, enigmatic valleys, and narrow river gorges amidst a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture. The region also boasts an increasing wildlife presence, including the elusive snow leopard occasionally sighted en route to Nar village.
The trek proceeds to a high camp at Kang La Phedi (4,530m) before a gradual ascent to Kang La pass (5,320m), offering breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna range and the Marshyangdi valley. On clear days, a panoramic 360-degree view unfolds, showcasing Kang La as the passage from the remote Nar/Phu Valley into the renowned Marshyangdi Valley. The steep descent then leads to Ngawal village (3,615m), integrating with the main Annapurna circuit trail.
Glimpses of towering peaks like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, and the North Face of the Annapurna Range await from the summit of Kang La.
The return journey involves a drive to Besisahar, a night’s stopover, followed by an 8-10 hour overland expedition on rugged roads back to Kathmandu.
Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Initiative Outdoor
Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu – Besisahar (820m), 7 hrs. Private Jeep Besisahar – Chamje (1,470m), approx. 2 hrs
Day 4: Trek Chamje – Dharapani (2,113m), approx. 7 hrs
Day 5: Trek Dharapani – Chame (2620m), approx. 7 hrs
Day 6: Trek Chame – Meta (3,230m), approx.7 hrs
Day 7: Trek Meta – Phu Village (4,050m), approx.7 hrs
Day 8: Exploration day – Phu Village and excursion to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m)
Day 9: Trek Phu Village – Nar Phedi (3,820m), approx. 6 hrs
Day 10: Trek Nar Phedi – Nar Village (4,150m), approx. 4 hrs
Day 11: Explore Nar Village and Gompa Monasteries
Day 12: Trek Nar Village – Ngawal (3,360m) via Kang La Pass (5,130m), approx. 10 hrs
Day 13: Trek Ngawal – Chame (2,620m), approx. 6-7 hrs
Day 14: Drive Chame – Besisahar, 5 hrs. Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu, approx. 6 hrs
Notes:
The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice
In order to obtain your Nar Phu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure
Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.
UPPER BODY LAYERS
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| T-Shirts – walking | 2 | We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton. |
| T-shirt – sleeping | 1 | This can be cotton |
| Base layers (ie thermal top) | 1 | Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry |
| Top insulating Layers | 1 | Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers |
| Fleece Vest | 1 | |
| Rain jacket | 1 | |
| Down Jacket | 1 |
LOWER BODY LAYERS
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear | Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them) | |
| T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear | 1 | |
| Trekking Trousers | 2 | Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good |
| Evening/sleeping trousers | 1(optional) | 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans. |
| Hiking Shorts | 1 | If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies |
| Rain Pants | 1 |
PACKS & BAGS
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Day pack | 1 | Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear |
| Sleeping bag with compression sack | 1 | Minimum 3 season |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Optional |
FOOTWEAR
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking boots | 1 | Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support |
| Socks | 3 | |
| Flip flops/Camp shoes | 1 | Lightweight for evening use |
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Water bottles | 2 | One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred |
| Water purification drops | 1 | Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus) |
| Lip Balm | 1 | With SPF factor |
| Sunscreen | 1 | We recommend SPF 30 or greater |
| Mosquito repellent | 1 | |
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | To include any prescribed medications |
| Sunglasses | 1 | |
| Bandana/Buff | 1 | Useful for a variety of purposes. |
| Flashlight /head torch | 1 | Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries |
| Travel towel | 1 | Lightweight and compact |
| Wash kit | Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible | |
| Instant Hand Sanitizer | 1 | Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean |
| Sun hat | 1 | |
| Warm hat | 1 | |
| Gloves | 1 | |
| Trekking poles | (Optional) | |
| Trekking snacks | Good selection available in KTM | |
| Camera | With charger &/or extra batteries | |
| Toilet paper & rubbish bag | ||
| Book/journal | ||
| Pack of cards/travel game | 1 | For evening entertainment |
| Passport photos | Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card | |
| Photocopies of all your important documents | ||
| A great sense of humor & a positive attitude | Essential – don’t come without it!! J |
This is a guideline only
Your trek cost includes:
Your trek cost does NOT include:
Am I too young or old?
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a Visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.
A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
For more information, visit the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our what to bring section.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travellers?
You are safe if you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much of a problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).
