No of people | Price per person |
---|---|
1 - 1 | $1,250 |
2 - 5 | $995 |
6 - 10 | $895 |
11 - 15 | $795 |
Local Licensed Guide
Kathmandu x2N, Mountain Teahouse x11N
Breakfast x12, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit and ACAP
Porters (1 porter per 2 person) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment.
All needed ground transfers as per the itinerary.
Photos from the Nar Phu Valley Trek
Explore Remote Tibetan Villages
Cross the Stunning Kang La Pass (5,240m)
Visit Ancient Buddhist Monasteries
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our friendly Places Nepal representative will be there to greet you. After settling into your hotel and attending the briefing, you'll have the evening to prepare for the breathtaking panoramas to come. From Kathmandu (weather permitting), you might catch distant glimpses of peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,227m / 23,711ft).
As you journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and then onwards to Dharapani, the landscape will transform, hinting at the giants ahead. While the direct mountain views might be limited on this travel day, you'll be building anticipation for the days to come when you'll be surrounded by the high peaks of the Annapurna region.
Today, the trek begins, and you'll get your first proper taste of the mountain scenery. As you trek from Dharapani to Koto, keep your eyes peeled for tantalizing glimpses of Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040ft) beginning to reveal itself. The surrounding hills will also offer views of smaller peaks and ridges that form the foothills of the major ranges.
As you venture deeper into the restricted area towards Meta, the mountain vistas will become more prominent. You'll be treated to increasingly clear views of Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040ft) dominating the skyline. Look out also for the impressive face of Lamjung Himal (6,983m / 22,909ft) starting to appear, showcasing its sharp, snow-capped summit.
The trek to Phu Valley will be a feast for the eyes, both culturally and scenically. As you approach Phu, you'll be surrounded by dramatic landscapes with views of Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040ft) and Lamjung Himal (6,983m / 22,909ft) from different angles. You might also catch glimpses of Himlung Himal (7,126m / 23,379ft) in the distance, hinting at the higher altitudes you'll explore.
This acclimatization day in Phu offers ample opportunity to soak in the mountain views. If you hike towards Himlung Himal Base Camp, you'll be rewarded with much closer views of Himlung Himal (7,126m / 23,379ft) and potentially other peaks in the surrounding ranges. Exploring the village itself will also provide different perspectives of Annapurna II and the valley carved by the mountains.
As you trek from Phu to Nar Phedi, you'll have further opportunities to admire the views of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks. The descent and subsequent trek will offer varying perspectives of the dramatic terrain and the high mountains that frame the valley.
The climb to Nar Village will be accompanied by impressive mountain views. As you ascend, you'll gain different vantage points of the surrounding peaks, including closer views of peaks within the Nar Phu region, although specific names might be less commonly known. The sheer scale of the landscape will be evident, with high ridges and snow-capped summits dominating the horizon.
From Nar Village, you'll be surrounded by the high peaks of the Nar Phu region. While the focus might be on cultural immersion, stepping outside the village will offer panoramic views of the valley and the imposing mountains that encircle it. You'll truly feel immersed in a high-altitude Himalayan environment.
This will be a day of unparalleled mountain vistas. From the summit of the Kang La Pass (5,240m / 17,191ft), you will be treated to breathtaking, panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks. Prepare to be awestruck by the sight of Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040ft), the majestic Gangapurna (7,455m / 24,458ft), and the striking Tilicho Peak (7,134m / 23,405ft). The views from the pass will be a highlight of the entire trek, showcasing the grandeur of the Annapurna range.
The descent from Ngawal will continue to offer stunning views, particularly in the initial stages towards Pisang. You'll have fantastic perspectives of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak from different angles. As you descend further towards Besisahar via jeep, the high peaks will gradually recede, but the memories of their grandeur will remain.
The drive back to Kathmandu will primarily be about transitioning back to the city. While you won't have the close-up mountain views of the trek, you can reminisce about the incredible peaks you've witnessed during your adventure.
As you depart from Kathmandu, take one last look at the horizon. With luck, you might catch a final glimpse of the distant Himalayan peaks, a reminder of the unforgettable journey you've completed.
⇀ Starts
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Arrive by 16:00 on Day 1
↼ Ends
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Any time on Day 13
The Nar Phu Valley Trek commences with a pre-trek meeting in Thamel, so please aim to arrive in Kathmandu no later than 4:00 PM (16:00) on Day 1 to attend the group briefing and welcome dinner.
We provide complimentary airport transfers for all participants, for both arrivals and departures, irrespective of your flight schedule. To ensure smooth arrangements, please provide us with your complete flight details in advance.
Optional Private Transportation: If you prefer private transportation for any part of this journey, please refer to our optional add-ons.
Here’s a complete guide to the meals and lodging provided throughout your trek—from city comforts in Kathmandu to teahouse hospitality in the Himalayas.
Before and after your trek, you'll stay in a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu, such as Hotel Yukhang or a similar standard property. This 2-night stay is included in your package.
During the trek, you'll stay in simple teahouses operated by local families. While basic, they offer a warm and authentic experience of the region.
Important Note: Please bring your own four-season sleeping bag for warmth and comfort, especially at higher elevations where temperatures drop significantly at night.
Eating well is essential for staying energized during long trekking days. While the food is simple, it’s freshly prepared and packed with nutrients to fuel your journey.
Your package includes:
You’re free to explore Kathmandu’s diverse food scene for other lunches and dinners—areas like Thamel are known for their variety of restaurants, from Nepali to international cuisine.
Lunches during your travel days to and from the trek start point are included. These are provided at roadside restaurants serving local meals.
For a 13-day Nar Phu Valley trek, we recommend bringing USD 400–500 in cash for all meals, personal expenses, tips, and extras. Bring Nepali rupees (exchangeable in Kathmandu before the trek). ATMs are not available on the trail.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is rated Challenging, mainly due to its high-altitude terrain, remote setting, and the crossing of Kang La Pass (5,306m). However, with Places Nepal Treks’ acclimatization-focused itinerary and strategic teahouse stops, it’s fully achievable for fit and prepared trekkers.
Expect 5–7 hours of trekking daily through rugged trails and isolated villages. The physical demands are real, but proper pacing and support make a big difference.
Fit beginners with strong motivation and pre-trek training
Experienced trekkers seeking a remote adventure
Photographers and cultural explorers looking for raw Himalayan beauty
We advise against this trek for those with serious health issues or limited hiking experience at altitude.
This trek requires mental resilience, a good level of fitness, and a sense of adventure—but it rewards you with unspoiled Tibetan-influenced villages, dramatic rock formations, and surreal views of the Annapurna and Damodar ranges.
Trekking in the Narphu Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich regions. Due to its high-altitude location and rugged terrain, understanding the weather patterns and choosing the right season is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
The ideal months to trek in the Narphu Valley are:
These periods offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, making them the most popular trekking seasons in Nepal.
Spring is a vibrant time in the Himalayas. The weather is mild, and the trails are surrounded by blooming rhododendrons and alpine flowers.
This season is excellent for trekkers looking for pleasant weather and lively natural surroundings.
Autumn is the most popular season for trekking in Nepal, thanks to its post-monsoon clarity and fresh air. The skies are typically crystal clear, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.
Autumn also coincides with major Nepali festivals, adding a unique cultural flavor to your journey.
Trekking in winter is possible, but it requires careful planning and proper gear due to freezing temperatures and the risk of snow blocking higher passes.
If you enjoy solitude and are well-prepared, winter can offer a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
Monsoon season is not recommended for the Narphu Valley Trek due to heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and poor visibility. While the region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, the approach roads and lower trails can still be affected by landslides or delays.
It’s best to avoid trekking during these months unless you have flexibility and prior experience with wet-weather treks.
If you're aiming for the best weather, reliable trails, and breathtaking Himalayan views, plan your trek for spring or autumn. These months give you the perfect balance of adventure and comfort in one of Nepal’s most untouched regions.
(Note: Breakfast included)
(This gives you flexibility in food choices and budgets.)
Trekking through Narphu Valley involves long walking days, steep ascents, and high altitudes. Preparing physically in advance will help you stay strong, reduce the risk of altitude sickness, and make the trek far more enjoyable.
Start your training about 6 to 8 weeks before your trek. Focus on cardio exercises like brisk walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. These activities help your heart and lungs handle the demands of high-altitude trekking. Try to train 4 to 5 days a week, aiming for sessions that last 30 minutes or more.
Since you’ll be walking for several hours daily on rugged mountain trails, strong legs are essential. Do exercises such as squats, lunges, and step-ups. Walking uphill, climbing stairs, or hiking with a light backpack will also prepare your muscles for the terrain.
A strong core supports your back and improves your balance—both important for walking on rocky and uneven trails. Include exercises like planks, leg raises, and yoga in your weekly routine. These will help you stay stable and avoid injury during the trek.
Practice walking or hiking with a loaded backpack (around 5–7 kg or 10–15 lbs). This helps your body adjust to carrying gear and ensures you’re comfortable with your trekking pack before heading into the mountains.
No amount of gym training can fully prepare you for high altitude, but being fit helps your body adapt more efficiently.
That’s why Places Nepal Treks designs each trek with a carefully integrated acclimatization-based itinerary, including gradual altitude gain and rest days where needed. Staying hydrated, eating well, and walking at a steady pace—combined with our expert planning—greatly reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
We’ll provide a 75-liter duffel bag for your trekking gear in Kathmandu—yours to keep. You can also rent a down jacket or four-season sleeping bag from us for USD 35 each. For rentals or questions, please contact us at least one month before your trek.
Note: Remove unnecessary packaging before your trip to minimize plastic waste on the trail. Be a responsible trekker and help us keep the mountains clean.
Don’t worry if you’re missing an item—Thamel in Kathmandu is a popular hub for trekkers and offers a wide range of trekking gear. You’ll find everything from high-end brands to budget alternatives. Prices can vary depending on quality, so choose wisely.
The Narphu Valley Trek offers a unique and immersive adventure in the heart of Nepal’s Annapurna region, away from the typical trekking crowds. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes you through remote villages, rich Tibetan culture, and jaw-dropping Himalayan landscapes.
As you journey into the restricted Narphu Valley, you’ll experience stunning views of towering peaks, deep valleys, ancient monasteries, and remote Tibetan Buddhist traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The Narphu Valley Trek combines a variety of experiences: from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to remote, high-altitude villages near the Tibetan border. The trek takes you through Dharapani, Koto, and into the stunning Nar Phu Valley with its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, you'll traverse high mountain passes, explore sacred monasteries, and immerse yourself in local Tibetan culture.
This trek includes both moderate and challenging sections, making it suitable for trekkers with good fitness and some high-altitude trekking experience. You'll ascend from the lower Annapurna foothills to the highlands of Nar and Phu, where you’ll feel a deep connection with nature and history.
During your trek, you’ll pass through several Tibetan Buddhist gompas (monasteries), with sacred prayers and relics, offering an insight into the local customs and religious practices. The Kang La Pass (5,240m/17,191ft) offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Expect to be surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, yaks grazing on alpine pastures, and traditional stone villages.
The trek is a gradual climb that gives you ample opportunities to acclimatize, ensuring that you can fully enjoy the dramatic vistas of mountains like Annapurna II (7,937m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m). The spiritual aspects of this trek are equally enriching, as you’ll visit ancient monasteries and interact with the friendly, devout locals who continue to preserve the Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
The trek is rich with Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Here are the major monasteries you will encounter:
Tashi Lhakhang Gompa (Phu Village)
History: Blessed by Guru Rinpoche, this Nyingma monastery is one of the sacred sites in the Himalayas, offering a glimpse into ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Experience: Beautiful murals and statues, vibrant prayer flags, and peaceful surroundings.
Samdu Choling Gompa (Nar Village)
History: A key spiritual center for the Nar villagers. Its association with the Nyingma tradition ties it to the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
Experience: Join the monks during their prayers and witness sacred Buddhist ceremonies.
Gyalbu Kyang Gompa (between Meta and Kyang)
History: Once an important religious site for Tibetan traders, this remote monastery tells the story of an old Himalayan trade route.
Experience: Explore its ancient relics, stone stupas, and faded murals.
Narphu Valley's culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and self-sufficient village life. The people of the valley maintain a traditional Tibetan lifestyle, living in harmony with nature, farming barley and grazing yaks. Buddhism permeates daily life, from prayer flags fluttering in the wind to the sound of mantras chanted at Gompas.
This trek allows you to experience the spirituality of the region through the monasteries and the locals who still practice ancient customs. Alongside the natural beauty, it’s an opportunity to witness a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Get in touch today to book your adventure, join a group, or customize your private trek to match your pace and passion.
Get in touch today to book your adventure, join a group, or customize your private trek to match your pace and passion.
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