Nar Phu Valley Trek - 13 Days

You arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and begin your Himalayan odyssey. Our crew greets you and transports you to the city hotel. Having settled in, you can either take a leisurely stroll or wander through the vibrant streets of Thamel. Your trekking guide will discuss the trek, permits, and equipment requirements with you in the evening. This is a chance to ask any questions and get acquainted with your team. Spend the night in a Kathmandu hotel.

After an early morning breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive out of Kathmandu, west on the Prithvi Highway. The highway follows the Trishuli and subsequently the Marsyangdi River, offering spectacular views of hillside terraces, rivers, and rural scenery. Late afternoon sees us at Besisahar, gateway to the Annapurna area. It's a relaxed evening spent either exploring the bustling small town or reclining in peaceful repose. Overnight at Besisahar.

The journey today takes us deep into the Himalayas on a bumpy but thrilling off-road trail. The scenery shifts almost immediately from subtropical valleys to pine forests and mountain ridges. The 6–7 hour jeep journey takes you through Chamje, Tal, and Dharapani to reach the village of Koto, where permits for the restricted Nar Phu Valley are stamped. Koto is a small village surrounded by alpine scenery and waterfalls. Spend the night in a teahouse at Koto.

The adventure finally begins as we leave the official Annapurna Circuit trail behind and enter the remote Nar Phu Valley. The hike follows a narrow, forested gorge parallel to the Nar Khola river. Expect to walk on several heart-stopping suspension bridges and pass silent pine and fir forests. As the forest clears, you'll climb gradually to Meta, a former Khampa (Tibetan refugee) village. Meta is on an open plain with good views of the white peaks all around. Camp at a basic teahouse.

It's a scenery-filled day as we hike deeper into the restricted zone. The trail leads you by hundreds of Tibetan Buddhist chortens, mani walls, and weathered stone carvings incised into cliff sides. As Phu appears, the landscape abruptly opens up to a breathtaking panorama of the hidden stone village perched on a hillside above the valley. You'll also see your first good views of Himlung Himal (7,126m). Explore ancient Tashi Lhakhang Monastery and interact with locals whose lives are influenced by centuries-old Tibetan culture. Overnight at Phu Gaun.

It is a day of acclimatization at Phu so as to stay clear of altitude issues. You have the option to explore the surroundings, visit the local monastery, or take a side trip to Himlung Base Camp (optional, 4–5 hours round trip) for better acclimatization. This day acclimatizes your body to the thin atmosphere and gives you a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural life in the village. You will be watching yak herding, traditional salt trade practice, and hard but beautiful Himalayan life. Overnight at Phu Gaun.

Breakfast is followed by returning along the valley until a path fork splits the route to Nar. A drop through an unpleasant, exposed section leads to Nar Phedi, where a simple monastery is our overnight accommodation. Here you'll share rooms and meals with resident nuns, a truly humbling and spiritual experience. The mood is serene, tucked away in a remote corner where prayer flags flutter in the wind. Overnight at Nar Phedi Monastery.

A steady morning climb on a gradually rising trail leads you away from the monastery and into a wide, windswept valley dotted with ancient chortens and mani walls. After three or four hours you arrive at a small ridge hung with prayer flags, the rooftops of Nar Gaun are spread out below, framed by Kang Guru and Pisang Peak. Nar is larger and more prosperous than Phu, its stepped stone homes, barley fields, and several centuries‑old gompas. Spend the afternoon exploring narrow lanes, chatting with locals, or visiting the Samdo Choekhorling Monastery to watch the evening prayers. Spend the night in a cozy teahouse, where locals often gather around a dung‑fueled stove to share butter tea and stories of high‑pasture life.

Set out early before dawn under a starry sky for the most challenging day of the trek. The trail ascends steadily over scree and alpine pasture, then zig-zags up the exposed side of Kang La Pass. The climb to the high point, marked by a forest of prayer flags, reveals a stunning 360° panorama of Annapurna giants like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and far-off Manaslu. After victory shots and a much-needed break, begin the punishing, knee-straining descent along a sandy trail that drops steeply down to the Marsyangdi valley. Juniper shrubs and pines reappear as you trek toward the picturesque village of Ngawal, situated on a broad terrace with commanding downvalley views. Enjoy a hot lunch and a sunset that bathes snow peaks in alpenglow. Spend the night at Ngawal.

Today's walk is more relaxed, on a balcony trail that contours high above the valley floor, past mani walls, prayer wheels, and stupas. The air feels thicker, the landscape greener, and cafés begin to appear, evidence you’ve rejoined the classic Annapurna Circuit. After crossing the river near Braga’s magnificent cliff‑side gompa, stroll the final kilometre to bustling Manang. Check into a comfortable lodge, sample fresh pastries at a German‑style bakery, or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic for an optional altitude talk. Overnight in Manang.

Bid farewell to high country as a private 4 × 4 follows the rugged road down the Marsyangdi gorge. You’ll pass pine forests, waterfalls, and terraced rice fields that signal a return to lower altitudes and warmer air. Lunch in Chame or Tal offers a final glimpse of the peaks before continuing to Besisahar, where paved roads and lush hillsides feel almost tropical after days in the alpine desert. Overnight in a comfortable guesthouse.

After breakfast, drive in a private vehicle on the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The route traces Himalayan foothills, rivers, and tiny market towns before meeting the hectic Prithvi Highway. Arrive and check into your hotel for a hot shower, souvenir shopping in Thamel, or a celebration dinner to commemorate your remote‑valley quest. Overnight in Kathmandu.

At your convenient time, we'll take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. As you leave, carry with you the impressions of remote valleys, ancient stone villages, and the windswept Kang La Pass summit, a view few visitors ever witness.