Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off (Included)

From the moment you arrive in Nepal, Places Nepal Pvt. Ltd. has your logistics covered. We provide a complimentary airport pick-up service from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu to your hotel on arrival, and a return transfer for your international departure at the end of the trek. Look for our representative holding a Places Nepal placard at the terminal exit—your adventure begins the moment you land.

We recommend arriving at least one day prior to your trek to allow time for rest, trek preparation, and the pre-trek briefing at your hotel.

Getting to the Starting Point: Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430ft)

Your trek officially starts from Dharapani, a beautiful village in the Manang region. The journey takes a full day of travel from Kathmandu and involves both highway and mountain road travel.

Step 1: Local Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar

 We start early with a scenic local tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft). This 6–7 hour journey takes you along the Prithvi Highway, offering views of rivers, hills, and rural villages.

Step 2: Shared Jeep from Besisahar to Dharapani

 From Besisahar, we transfer to a shared 4WD jeep, which drives through rugged Himalayan terrain and remote villages like Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal. Expect bumpy roads, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes as we climb to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430ft) by late afternoon.

Transportation Upgrades Available:
 If you prefer more comfort or a private experience, we offer direct private jeep services from Kathmandu to Dharapani, eliminating transfer delays and providing extra flexibility for breaks and sightseeing.

Returning from Jomsom to Kathmandu

After completing the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit trek, your return journey begins from Jomsom (2,760m / 9,055ft) and ends back in Kathmandu. Here’s how we get you home:

Option 1: By Road (Included in Standard Package)

• Shared Jeep or Local Bus from Jomsom to Pokhara (830m / 2,723ft)

Early morning departure takes you through the majestic Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing Marpha, Tukuche, and Tatopani. Expect around 8–9 hours of scenic but rugged driving.

• Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,265ft)

 The following morning, enjoy a comfortable tourist bus ride back to the capital, a journey of 6–8 hours along rivers, hills, and small towns.

Option 2: Flight Upgrades (Optional)

• Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (20 mins)
• Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight (25 mins)

 For those with tighter schedules or seeking a smoother exit from the mountains, we offer domestic flight upgrades. Flights offer stunning aerial views but are weather-dependent—especially in Jomsom.

Customize Your Return:
 Let us know in advance if you'd like to detour to Kagbeni, Tatopani hot springs, or extend your stay in Pokhara. We’ll gladly help arrange everything.

Food During the Trek & in Cities

We ensure you're well-fed, nourished, and satisfied throughout your Himalayan journey—from the high passes of Nar Phu to the cultural comforts of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Food During the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek:

While trekking, all three daily meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—served at trusted mountain teahouses or local lodges. The meals are freshly prepared, warm, and filling, perfect for high-altitude adventure.

• Breakfast options include Tibetan bread, porridge, pancakes, boiled eggs, chapati, and tea or coffee—served before your day’s walk.
• Lunch is taken mid-day at scenic stopovers like Timang, Chyakhu, Gunsang, or Kagbeni. You’ll enjoy local staples such as dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, Sherpa stew, or Thakali sets.
• Dinner is served at your overnight lodge. Choose from dal bhat, momos, pasta, soups, thukpa, or even pizza and cinnamon rolls in larger towns like Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom.

Drinking Water: Filtered, boiled, and bottled water are available en route. We highly recommend bringing a refillable bottle with a water filter or purification tablets for sustainability and safety.

Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on most days. Please notify us of your preferences at the time of booking.

Food In Kathmandu & Pokhara:

• In Kathmandu, your stay includes a daily buffet breakfast, a welcome dinner on Day 1, and a farewell dinner on Day 16 at a cultural Nepali restaurant.
• Other lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included, giving you the chance to explore local cafés, bakeries, and international restaurants at your own pace.

Accommodation: From Monasteries to Mountain Teahouses

Throughout the trek, we provide a mix of comfortable hotels, authentic teahouses, and unique monastery stays—each offering a memorable glimpse into Nepal’s diverse terrain and cultures.

• In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you'll stay in 3-star boutique hotels with private rooms, attached bathrooms, hot showers, and WiFi. (Upgrade available to 4 or 5-star hotels upon request.)
• In the Nar Phu Valley (Meta, Phu, Nar, Nar Phedi), accommodations are more rustic but culturally immersive. Expect basic stone lodges and monastery guesthouses with clean bedding, shared toilets, and hearty hospitality. Staying in the Nar Phedi Monastery is often a spiritual highlight.
• On the Annapurna Circuit section, from Ngawal to Muktinath, lodges are more developed, offering warmer dining halls, better food variety, and sometimes en-suite bathrooms. Manang in particular has WiFi cafes, bakeries, and trekking shops.
• In Jomsom, you’ll enjoy a higher level of comfort with options for hot showers, Western toilets, attached rooms, and even small bars or bakeries.

Room Heating: Most teahouses provide a heated dining hall with a stove, but bedrooms are not heated. We provide a four-season sleeping bag to keep you warm at altitude.
Electricity & Charging: Available at most stops, though solar-powered in remote areas. Charging phones or batteries may cost extra. Bring a power bank or solar charger for convenience.

The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit is rated as a challenging high-altitude trek, best suited for trekkers with good physical fitness, previous multi-day trekking experience, and a strong sense of adventure. This journey combines two major trekking routes in Nepal—the remote, rugged Nar Phu Valley and the classic Annapurna Circuit, including two high passes above 5,000 meters.

Why It’s Considered Challenging:

• Long trekking days (5–9 hours daily) with steep ascents, descents, and rough trails, especially in the remote Nar Phu section.
• High-altitude passes:
  • Kang La Pass (5,320m / 17,454ft)
  • Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft)
• Crossing these passes requires stamina, mental resilience, and proper acclimatization.
• Remote terrain with basic accommodations in Meta, Phu, and Nar villages. Medical facilities are minimal in these areas.
• Weather dependency: Conditions at high passes can be unpredictable, with cold winds, snow, and fast-changing mountain weather.

Recommended For:

• Trekkers who’ve completed high-altitude routes before (like Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, or Langtang Valley).
• Physically active hikers who train regularly.
• Adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.

Not recommended for beginners or those with health concerns related to altitude unless accompanied by a personal guide and porter.

The weather on the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek varies dramatically based on altitude, season, and geography. You’ll experience everything from lush lower valleys to alpine deserts and glacial passes—all in a single journey.

Note: Always carry layers, including a down jacket, gloves, and windproof outerwear, especially for early morning pass crossings.

Major Trekking Challenges

This trek combines two high-altitude routes, making it physically and mentally demanding:

• High Altitude & Thin Air: You’ll sleep above 3,500m for several nights and cross two passes over 5,000m. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk without proper pacing and hydration.
• Remote Trails in Nar Phu: Limited rescue access, basic facilities, and isolated trails mean self-sufficiency and a strong guide team are essential.
• Unpredictable Weather: Snowstorms can occur even in peak season at higher passes. Trails may become slippery, icy, or blocked.
• Long Walking Days: Some stages, like the Kang La and Thorong La crossing days, involve 8–10 hours of trekking at high elevation.
• Limited Infrastructure: Accommodations in Nar, Phu, and Nar Phedi are basic. Shared toilets, limited showers, and minimal heating are the norm.

Travel Insurance Required: Make sure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation and high-altitude trekking above 5,000m.

Best Time to Trek: Nar Phu + Annapurna Circuit

Autumn (Mid-September to Early December)

• Clear skies, crisp air, stunning views of Annapurna, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guru.
• Cultural bonus: Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall in October.
• Ideal for crossing Kang La and Thorong La, with minimal risk of snow early in the season.

Spring (March to Early May)

• Blooming rhododendron forests, longer daylight hours, and gradual snowmelt at the passes.
• Perfect temperatures for trekking, especially in Nar Phu Valley, which remains dry and sunny.

Both seasons offer excellent conditions, but Autumn is slightly more reliable for high passes due to lower wind risk.

Physical Preparation: Build Strength, Endurance & Altitude Readiness

The Nar Phu Valley Trek combined with the Annapurna Circuit is a high-altitude, multi-pass trek that demands good cardiovascular fitness, strong legs, and mental stamina. You’ll be walking 5 to 9 hours per day on steep trails and crossing two high passes above 5,000 meters—Kang La Pass (5,320m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—so preparation is key.

Here’s how to physically prepare:

• Train at least 6–8 weeks in advance of your trek. Aim for 4–5 workout days per week.
• Focus on hiking, walking uphill with a weighted backpack (5–10 kg), stair climbing, and long-distance walks.
• Include cardio training like jogging, cycling, or swimming to strengthen your heart and lungs.
• Add leg-focused strength workouts (squats, lunges, step-ups) and core exercises (planks, crunches) to support backpack weight.
• Try 1–2 full-day hikes (5–7 hours) on weekends to simulate trekking days and break in your hiking boots.

If possible, do hikes at moderate altitude (above 2,000m) before the trek to get a feel for breathing in thinner air.

Mental, Gear & Altitude Preparation: Trek Smart, Not Just Hard

Preparation isn’t just physical. Mental readiness and having the right gear make all the difference in completing this adventurous journey successfully and safely.

Altitude Awareness:

Even fit trekkers can suffer from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Our itinerary includes gradual acclimatization days, but you should still prepare by:

• Learning AMS symptoms
• Drinking plenty of water (3–4L daily)
• Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills at altitude
• Considering Diamox (consult your doctor)

Mental Preparation:

• This is a remote, raw, and physically demanding trek. Be ready for:
• Basic accommodation (especially in Nar, Phu, and Nar Phedi)
• Long, sometimes uncomfortable walking days
• Limited access to electricity and hot showers

Having a flexible mindset, positive attitude, and team spirit will help you go further than just muscles alone.

Gear Preparation:

Test all your gear before the trek. Wear your boots, break in your backpack, and hike in your layers to see how your body responds. Don’t pack unnecessary luxury items—they’ll weigh you down.

Travel Insurance:

Make sure your insurance covers trekking above 5,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. This is mandatory for remote routes like Nar Phu Valley.

Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit - Trek Overview

The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit is a rare Himalayan journey that fuses raw adventure with deep cultural immersion. This off-the-beaten-path route takes you into the hidden Tibetan valleys of Nar and Phu, where medieval stone villages, ancient monasteries, and timeless Himalayan lifestyles await. After exploring the mystical Nar Phu region, the trail connects to the classic Annapurna Circuit, offering dramatic contrasts in landscape, infrastructure, and elevation.

From crossing two thrilling high passes—Kang La (5,320m) and Thorong La (5,416m)—to walking through pine forests, high alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and windswept desert valleys, this trek is for those who seek both solitude and awe. It showcases the best of Nepal: remote cultures, towering peaks like Annapurna II, Himlung, and Tilicho, and the transformational journey through the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath.

Route & Altitude Description

This 17-day trek begins in Kathmandu (1,400m) and gradually ascends through the Marsyangdi Valley to Dharapani (1,960m), Koto (2,610m), and the secluded villages of Nar (4,110m) and Phu (4,080m). The first half of the trail explores the restricted Nar Phu Valley, a high-altitude enclave tucked between the Annapurnas and the Tibetan plateau. The climb to Kang La Pass (5,320m) offers breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

After rejoining the Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal (3,660m), the route continues through Manang (3,540m), Yak Kharka (4,110m), and Thorong Phedi (4,600m) before ascending the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416m). From there, the trail descends to Muktinath (3,710m) and ends in Jomsom (2,760m), followed by a return to Pokhara and Kathmandu. This route covers a wide altitude range, requiring proper acclimatization and physical preparation.

Key Destinations & Cultural Highlights

The villages of Nar and Phu are the cultural crown jewels of this trek. Both are ancient Tibetan-style settlements where life has changed little in centuries. In Phu, trekkers can visit the historic Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche, and observe the rugged stone homes clinging to cliffs. Nar is more lively, with colorful prayer flags, chortens, and welcoming locals.

Other highlights include Braga Gompa near Manang, a 900-year-old Buddhist monastery perched on a hillside, and Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Crossing Kang La and Thorong La offers not just physical challenge but spiritual reward, with panoramic views and powerful moments of stillness above 5,000 meters.

People, Cultures & Mountain Life

The people of Nar and Phu are ethnic Tibetans who practice Tibetan Buddhism and retain strong cultural links to the high Himalayan plateau. Their livelihoods revolve around yak herding, barley farming, and seasonal trade. Life here is hard but dignified, with rich oral traditions, intricate rituals, and festivals that reflect Buddhist cosmology.

As you join the Annapurna Circuit, the cultural diversity expands. In Manang, you’ll meet Gurungs and Thakalis who have adapted to tourism while preserving their faith and customs. At higher altitudes, simplicity and survival shape daily life. Tea houses, gompas, and local hospitality form a thread that connects these remote communities to modern trekkers.

History of the Places and People

Nar and Phu were closed to outsiders until 2002, preserving their centuries-old architecture, language, and spiritual traditions. Oral histories trace their lineage back to ancient Tibetan migrations. The villagers consider themselves descendants of those who fled religious persecution or sought isolation for spiritual practice.

The Annapurna region, especially around Manang and Muktinath, has long been a crossroads of traders, pilgrims, and yak caravans. Muktinath has been a revered site for over a millennium, where Buddhist monks and Hindu sadhus come to worship the eternal flame and 108 water spouts. This trek offers a walk through living history—unspoiled and sacred.

Safety Guidelines

Trekking in high altitudes comes with serious risks if not approached responsibly. Our itinerary includes gradual ascents and acclimatization days to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, and walking at a steady pace are essential.

Our experienced, certified guides carry a first aid kit, oximeter, and are trained in altitude response protocols. In case of emergencies, helicopter evacuation can be arranged. We strongly recommend that all trekkers have travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.

Permits & Entry Regulations

Since Nar Phu is a restricted area, trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. These permits can only be issued through a registered trekking agency, and independent trekkers are not allowed.

You must trek with a licensed guide and in a group of at least two. We handle all permit arrangements on your behalf, including required passport copies, itinerary approvals, and government fees. Carry your permits at all times, as there are multiple checkpoints throughout the region.

Why Choose This Trek With Places Nepal

At Places Nepal, we don’t just organize treks—we create journeys that honor both nature and culture. Our Nar Phu + Annapurna Circuit Trek is carefully curated to balance physical challenge with cultural depth. You’ll be led by seasoned guides who know the trail, the people, and the stories of the Himalayas.

We provide ethical, responsible trekking with a focus on safety, sustainability, and authenticity. From seamless logistics to warm hospitality, every detail is managed so you can focus on the experience. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious traveler, this trek with us will leave you with more than just photographs—it will leave you transformed.