Nar Phu Valley Trek - 17 Days

Nar Phu · 17 Days

Nar Phu Valley Trek - 17 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,416m (17,769 ft) at Thorang La Pass · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

17 Days

Max Altitude

5,416m (17,769 ft)

at Thorang La Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Hotel / Teahouse

Overview

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is the 17-day standalone version of the hidden valley loop - in to Phu Gaon and Nar via Koto, cross the Kang La Pass (5,322m) into Manang, then join the Annapurna Circuit for the final week over Thorang La (5,416m) and down to Muktinath and Jomsom. The route was closed to foreign trekkers until 2002 and remains a restricted region (US$100 special permit for 7 days on top of the standard ACAP).

This itinerary is the right choice if you want both Nar-Phu's Tibetan Buddhist isolation and the classic Annapurna Circuit Thorang La crossing in a single trek. Walking days are 4-7 hours with two major pass days. Lodge-based throughout (basic teahouses in Phu Gaon and Nar; better lodges on the Annapurna Circuit). Mountain views include Himlung (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Pisang Peak, the full Annapurna range and Tilicho Peak.

Highlights

  • Walk the restricted Nar-Phu Valley - reopened to foreigners only in 2002
  • Cross the Kang La Pass (5,322m) from Phu Gaon into Manang
  • Cross the Thorang La (5,416m) - the classic Annapurna Circuit high point
  • Visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu Gaon
  • Stay in the medieval-walled village of Nar
  • Continue down through Muktinath and Jomsom on the Annapurna Circuit
  • See Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Pisang Peak, Annapurna and Tilicho
  • Cultural arc through Tibetan Buddhist yak-herding hamlets
  • Tea house-based throughout - no camping
  • One trek covers two restricted regions and two 5,300m+ passes

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

🍽 None included

Airport pickup and hotel transfer.

Day 2

Kathmandu sightseeing and trek brief

🍽 Breakfast

Half-day heritage tour. Permit paperwork.

Day 3

Drive Kathmandu to Koto (2,670m)

⏱ 9-10 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long jeep transfer via Besisahar.

Day 4

Trek Koto to Meta (3,560m)

⏱ 7-8 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter the Nar-Phu valley, first restricted-area teahouse.

Day 5

Trek Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250m)

⏱ 7-8 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to the medieval Tibetan-style village.

Day 6

Acclimatisation at Phu Gaon - optional Himlung Base Camp viewpoint

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, optional half-day hike to the Himlung viewpoint.

Day 7

Trek Phu Gaon to Nar Phedi (3,490m)

⏱ 6-7 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend back along the valley, sleep at the monastery.

Day 8

Trek Nar Phedi to Nar (4,110m)

⏱ 4 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short climb to the second hamlet.

Day 9

Trek Nar to Kang La Pass (5,322m) to Ngawal (3,660m)

⏱ 8-9 hours ↔ 18 km ▲ 5,322m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first pass day. Steep climb to Kang La, photos with Annapurna in view, long descent to Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 10

Trek Ngawal to Manang (3,540m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Join the main Annapurna Circuit trail.

Day 11

Acclimatisation day at Manang

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Half-day Ice Lake or Gangapurna viewpoint hike.

Day 12

Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)

⏱ 4 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb up the Marsyangdi valley toward the Thorang La approach.

Day 13

Trek Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,450m)

⏱ 2-3 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short positioning day before the pass.

Day 14

Trek Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3,760m) via Thorang La (5,416m)

⏱ 7-8 hours ↔ 17 km ▲ 5,416m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The second pass day. Pre-dawn start, summit Thorang La, long descent into Muktinath.

Day 15

Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,710m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk down the Mustang side. Visit Muktinath Temple.

Day 16

Fly Jomsom to Pokhara, drive to Kathmandu

🍽 Breakfast

Early flight to Pokhara, tourist bus to Kathmandu.

Day 17

Departure

🍽 Breakfast

Airport transfer for your onward flight.

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What's included

Included

  • Airport pickups in Kathmandu
  • 3 nights twin-share 3-star Kathmandu hotel
  • Private jeep transfer Kathmandu-Koto and Jomsom-Pokhara (where road)
  • Jomsom-Pokhara domestic flight
  • Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
  • All three meals during the trek
  • Senior English-speaking trek leader (Nar-Phu specialist)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insured)
  • Nar-Phu Restricted Area Permit
  • ACAP entry permit
  • TIMS card
  • All applicable taxes
  • HHT duffel bag

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel and rescue insurance (compulsory)
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
  • Bottled drinks, alcohol, hot showers, charging
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trek guide

Why Nar-Phu Was Restricted

Nar and Phu sit at the head of a narrow valley off the Marsyangdi watershed, on the border with Tibet. The valley was closed to foreigners from 1960 (after the Chinese-Tibetan border tightening) until 2002 because of cross-border sensitivity. Today it remains a "restricted area" requiring a special permit and a registered guide.

The Two Hamlets

  • Phu Gaon (4,250m) - 60-80 families, Tibetan Buddhist, yak-herders, ancient mani walls
  • Nar (4,110m) - smaller, more agricultural, walled medieval feel
  • Both have basic teahouses with shared squat toilets and limited menus

The Two Big Passes

  • Kang La (5,322m) - between Nar and Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit. Steep scree on the Nar side, gentler grass and rock on the Annapurna side
  • Thorang La (5,416m) - the classic Annapurna Circuit pass, well-trodden trail

Acclimatisation

The slow climb to Meta (3,560m), Phu Gaon (4,250m), Nar Phedi (3,490m), and Nar (4,110m) gives time to adapt. Two scheduled rest days (Phu Gaon and Manang) handle deeper acclimatisation before the pass crossings.

Permits

  • Nar-Phu Restricted Area Permit - US$100 for 7 days (Sept-Nov, US$75 Dec-Aug)
  • ACAP entry permit
  • TIMS card

Best Season

  • March-May: Stable spring weather, rhododendrons on the Annapurna side
  • September-November: Driest, clearest mountain views
  • Avoid winter (Kang La and Thorang La snowbound) and monsoon (cloud cover)

Fitness

Strenuous. Daily walking 4-7 hours, two pass days of 8-10 hours each, prior multi-day altitude experience to 4,500m+ helpful. 3 months cardio prep recommended.

Packing list

Clothing: -20C down jacket, fleece, soft-shell, waterproof shell, 4 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermals (2 sets), 6 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, balaclava

Footwear: Mid-cut waterproof boots already broken in, camp shoes

Accessories: 35L daypack, 60L duffel for porter, -20C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 2L water bottles, purification, power bank

Documents: Passport with Nepal visa, insurance certificate with helicopter rescue, 4 passport photos

Medical: Diamox, painkillers, blister care, SPF 50+, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

How is Nar-Phu different from the standard Annapurna Circuit?
Nar-Phu adds 4-5 days into a restricted Tibetan Buddhist valley most circuit trekkers never see. The Kang La crossing is the only practical exit from Phu Gaon to the main circuit.

Is Kang La harder than Thorang La?
Both around 5,300-5,400m. Kang La has rougher approach trail and is less trafficked. Thorang La is steeper on the final climb but has a much clearer path.

Can I do Nar-Phu without crossing into Annapurna?
Yes - retrace from Nar back to Koto in 4 days. The full loop via the Kang La is the natural choice for most trekkers.

How basic are the teahouses in Nar-Phu?
Plywood rooms, shared squat toilets, limited menu (dal-bhat, noodles, eggs). No hot showers reliably. Annapurna Circuit teahouses (Day 10+) are much better.

Will I see other foreign trekkers?
Very few in Nar-Phu (perhaps 1-2 groups per day). Many more on the Annapurna Circuit section from Manang onwards.

How does this compare to the 18-day Nar-Phu + Mesokanto Pass version?
The 21-day version adds the Mesokanto Pass (5,200m) instead of Thorang La, providing a more remote finish through Tilicho. Speak to the office.

What if I cannot cross the Kang La?
We retreat to Koto via the same route in. The Mesokanto Pass extension version is even less forgiving.

How cold at night?
-5 to -15C at the high teahouses in autumn. -20C bag recommended.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Patchy NTC mobile signal at Phu Gaon and Nar. Better Wi-Fi on the Annapurna Circuit section.

Are children welcome?
Children 14+ with prior multi-day trekking experience generally manage. The two pass days are the main test.

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 $1395

per person

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