Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek - 21 Days

Annapurna · 21 Days

Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek - 21 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,416m (17,769 ft) at Thorong La Pass · Max group 2-10 people

Duration

21 Days

Max Altitude

5,416m (17,769 ft)

at Thorong La Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek is the deeper, more spiritual sibling of the classic Annapurna Circuit - a 21-day journey that adds a restricted-region side expedition into the hidden Tibetan valleys of Nar and Phu before crossing into the main circuit. The Nar Phu valley is one of Nepal's last truly isolated trekking regions, opened to outsiders only in 2002, with two villages where ancient Tibetan culture remains beautifully preserved.

After visiting Phu's Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, exploring Nar village, and crossing the dramatic Kang La Pass (5,322m), you join the main Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal and continue through Manang and over the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath. Two high passes, two restricted valleys, and the full classic Annapurna experience.

Highlights

  • Two restricted-region 5,000m+ passes - Kang La and Thorong La
  • Visit Phu Village and the sacred Tashi Lhakhang Monastery
  • Explore Nar Village - one of Nepal's most isolated Tibetan settlements
  • Rest day at Nar for cultural immersion
  • Standard Annapurna Circuit highlights - Manang, Gangapurna, Muktinath
  • Cross Kang La (5,322m) and Thorong La (5,416m)
  • Visit Milarepa Cave and Ganga Purna Lake
  • 25-minute scenic flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu
  • Trekking map provided
  • First aid kit and emergency helicopter coordination

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Besisahar

⏱ 6-7 hours drive 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to the trailhead.

Day 2

Besisahar to Dharapani

⏱ Jeep + hike 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jeep up the lower valley to save days.

Day 3

Dharapani to Koto

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter the upper Marsyangdi.

Day 4

Koto to Meta

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Nar Phu restricted area.

Day 5

Meta to Kyang

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ancient Tibetan villages and remote landscapes.

Day 6

Kyang to Phu Village (4,080m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at one of Nepal's most isolated villages.

Day 7

Day Visit to Tashi Lhakhang Monastery

⏱ Half day 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the holy monastery and explore Phu village culture.

Day 8

Phu Village to Nar Phedi

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to Nar Phedi monastery.

Day 9

Nar Phedi to Nar Village (4,110m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short walk up to traditional Nar village.

Day 10

Rest Day at Nar Village

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the village, visit gompas, acclimatize.

Day 11

Nar Village to Ngawal via Kang La Pass (5,322m)

⏱ 8-9 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first major pass day. Spectacular Annapurna views from the top.

Day 12

Ngawal to Braka Village

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend onto the main circuit.

Day 13

Braka to Milarepa Cave

⏱ Half day 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Side trip to the sacred Milarepa Cave.

Day 14

Braka to Manang (3,540m)

⏱ 2-3 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Easy walk to Manang.

Day 15

Acclimatization at Manang - Gangapurna Lake

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Gangapurna Glacier and lake.

Day 16

Manang to Yak Kharka

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to higher alpine country.

Day 17

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

⏱ 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short day in preparation for the pass.

Day 18

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

⏱ 7-9 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the legendary Thorong La. Sacred Muktinath Temple.

Day 19

Muktinath to Pokhara

⏱ Jeep journey 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long jeep ride back to Pokhara.

Day 20

Pokhara - Rest Day

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast

Relax by Phewa Lake.

Day 21

Pokhara to Kathmandu

⏱ 25-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

Ready to walk this?

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What's included

Included

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in clean teahouses and lodges
  • Accommodation in clean lodges throughout
  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
  • Government license holder trekking guide (friendly, kind and helpful)
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • All land transportation by private jeep
  • Trekking map
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal shopping
  • Hotel stays and meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking equipment and gear
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trek guide

Two Restricted Valleys, Two High Passes

The Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu is the most rewarding extended version of the classic Annapurna Circuit. By branching into Nar Phu Valley between Koto and Ngawal, you add days of trekking in genuinely remote terrain - villages that remained closed to outsiders until 2002, sacred caves and monasteries far from the main trail, and a second high pass (Kang La) that connects the two valleys.

Nar Phu Valley

Nar Phu is a restricted region of Manang district consisting of two villages - Phu (4,080m) and Nar (4,110m) - that preserve some of Nepal's oldest Tibetan-Buddhist culture. Phu is famed for its Tashi Lhakhang Monastery (a major pilgrimage site) and its yak-herding lifestyle. Nar sits in a wider valley with terraced fields and traditional homestays.

The cultural depth here is extraordinary - many homes display centuries-old thangkas, prayer wheels and Tibetan books. Ancient mani walls line the trails. Wildlife includes blue sheep, snow leopards (rarely) and Himalayan tahr.

Permits

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley
  • ACAP

Minimum of 2 trekkers and a licensed guide are mandatory.

Altitude

The trek has two 5,000m+ passes: Kang La (5,322m) and Thorong La (5,416m), with several days above 4,000m. Acclimatization is gradual with built-in rest days.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, blooms in lower elevations
  • Autumn (September-November): Best visibility, stable weather

Winter is severe at the high passes; monsoon brings landslides.

Fitness

Very strenuous. You should be in excellent shape with previous high-altitude experience preferred. 4-6 months of training recommended.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -15°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 6 pairs merino socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, insulated and light gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, gaiters, microspikes

Accessories: 50L pack, 80L duffel, -15°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 3L water capacity, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 6 photos, cash NPR

Medical: Diamox, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How does Nar Phu compare to other restricted regions?
It is smaller and more compact than Tsum or Mustang - just two main villages - but the cultural intensity is extraordinary. Yak herding, ancient monasteries, and a sense of stepping back centuries.

Is Kang La harder than Thorong La?
Kang La is shorter but steeper and feels remote. Thorong La is longer and busier. Both are non-technical but demanding.

Can I skip Nar Phu and just do Annapurna Circuit?
Yes - see our 15-day Annapurna Circuit Classical.

What is the food like in Nar Phu?
Basic teahouse fare - dal bhat, momos, noodles, tsampa porridge. Less variety than the main circuit.

Are there ATMs in Nar Phu?
No. Bring all cash in Manang or Kathmandu.

How cold are the high villages?
Phu and Nar drop to -5 to -15°C overnight in shoulder seasons.

How fit do I need to be?
Very fit. Two 5,000m+ passes in three weeks require excellent cardiovascular fitness and previous trekking experience.

Is the trail safe in winter?
Both passes can close due to snow December-February. Not recommended without experienced winter trekking background.

Will I see snow leopards?
Snow leopards live in the Nar Phu region but sightings are extremely rare. Blue sheep are more common.

How crowded is Nar Phu compared to the main circuit?
Far less. Often you will be the only group at the lodge.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1800

per person

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