Nar Phu Valley Trek

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1920 meters) - 8/9 hrs

The journey from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1920m) via Besisahar is a scenic adventure through Nepal’s countryside and the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Kathmandu, travelers first take a local bus to Besisahar, a 6–7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway with views of terraced fields, rivers, and traditional villages. From Besisahar, the road becomes rough and off-road, continuing by a local sharing jeep to Dharapani. This stretch takes about 4–5 hours, passing beautiful waterfalls, suspension bridges, and charming Gurung villages—offering an exciting glimpse of Nepal’s mid-hill and Himalayan landscapes.

In Option: if you need a luxury drive to Dharapani, we can arrange a private tourist vehicle, which costs an extra USD$350 for a private jeep. 

Day 2: Trek from Dharapani to Koto (2600 meters) - 5 hrs

From Dharapani, the Nar Phu Valley Trekking trail leads towards Koto, another scenic village of the Manang district. This village, located at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level, offers occasional glimpses of the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. Other than that, you can also expect the locals to offer you warm hospitality and deliciously prepared local cuisine.

Talking about this section of the trek to Nar and Phu valleys, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, passing through the traditional villages of Bagarchhap, Danaque, and Timang. In all of the villages that we cross today, the trekkers can see mani walls, prayer wheels, and stone houses that reflect the region’s Tibetan cultural influence. As you ascend to almost the half of today's trek, outstanding views of the Lamjung Himal (6,983 meters) and Annapurna II (7,937 meters) catch your attention.

We will arrive in the Koto village by early afternoon, where you can sense a different, more pleasant type of peace, calmness, and serenity. These villages, sitting between the Nar Khola and the Marsyangdi rivers, always have the sound of the river flowing echoed. Besides, Koto is also labeled as the gateway to the Nar Phu Valley, and this is also the point from which we begin a walk on the off-the-beaten path.

Day 3: Trek from Koto to Meta (3230 meters) - 8 hrs

As you wake up on the sixth day and have your breakfast in the hotel, you have a new section of the Nar Phu Valley Trek to cover. Today we will walk for about 8 hours and ascend to an altitude of 3230 meters above sea level. Walking for such long hours certainly won't be easy. Therefore, we recommend the trekkers to be well-prepared. This section of the trek takes us through a narrow path beside the Nar Khola (river). Furthermore, the trail also passes through dense pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and prayer-flag-draped chortens nestled into the cliffs.

As you keep ascending, you will gradually enter the off-the-beaten-path section of the Nar Phu Valley Trekking trail. Slowly and gradually, we rise in altitude, which means the walk starts getting more demanding. However, the alpine landscape also makes the walk more rewarding. Yes, just watch the landscape shift from forested slopes to more rugged, alpine terrain, revealing glimpses of snow-dusted peaks and barren cliffs. Once you reach Meta, a beautifully settled plateau village, surrounded by crumbling stone walls and grazing yak herds.

Take your time to stroll around the village, interact with the locals, and try some local delicacies before having your dinner and sleeping.

Day 4: Trek from Meta to Phu Village (4,050 meters) - 7 to 8 hrs

On the seventh day, we finally reach the highly awaited Phu Village, located at an altitude of 4050 meters above sea level. This isolated village, with its medieval architecture, centuries-old Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, and time-honoured way of life, offers an authentic taste of Tibetan culture untouched by modernity.

Talking about the trail from Meta to Phu Village, it gradually ascends through an arid, high-altitude landscape and scattered remnants of old Tibetan settlements. Furthermore, the trail also passes through some traditional Khampa herders’ shelters and picturesque mani walls. In the final stretch of this section of the Nar Phu Valley Trekking map, we will cross several suspension bridges, the best part of trekking in Nepal. In a little while, you start seeing the secluded Phu village.

Besides, in the evening, you can come out of your hotel rooms and stroll around the village. See the children playing, people gathering around to have some quick chit chats, and other people doing their regular chores. After that, you can return to the hotel for a fulfilling dinner before heading for a relaxing sleep in the Phu village.

Day 5: Excursion around Phu Village and Visit the Tashi Lakhang Monastery.

Did you realize that we are currently at an altitude of 4,050 meters above sea level? From here, you will sense a decrease in oxygen level and an increase in the risk of altitude sickness. For that reason and to explore the Phu village, the eighth day will be an acclimatization day or excursion day. Wake up early in the morning, have your breakfast, and then we will go for a quick excursion to the Phu village.

In the morning, we will walk around the narrow stone-paved alleys of the village, observing the daily chores of locals. After that, the Nepal Unique Treks & Expeditions' guides take you for a visit to the Tashi Lakhang Monastery. This beautiful, sacred, and significant monastery sits peacefully at an altitude of 4150 meters above sea level. Other than experiencing the peace and delving deep into the religious charm of the monastery area, you can also enjoy some mesmerizing views of the panoramic village below.

About the Tashi Lakhang Monastery

The Tashi Lakhang Monastery is believed to be the oldest and most sacred monastery in the region. Besides, this monastery also holds immense spiritual significance, having been blessed by the revered 8th-century tantric master Guru Rinpoche. Regardless of which day you choose to visit the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, you will always see Gurus performing rituals and puja. Besides the monastery itself, the trekkers can also sit quietly in the halls of the Monastery. The pleasant scent of juniper incense mingling with the hum of chanting monks takes you to a world of peace and calmness.

In the evening, you can sit peacefully in the village, talk with the locals, and see the kids playing, cattle returning home, and people chatting. After that, return to the hotel, have your dinner, and go for a cozy and comfortable sleep.

Day 6: Trek from Phu to Nar Village (4,150 meters) - 7 to 8 hrs

Another day calls for another outstanding adventure in the Nar Phu Valley Trekking route. On the ninth day, we leave Phu and go for a journey towards Nar Village. The Nar village stands as another significant checkpoint in the Nar Phu Valley Trekking map, settled at an altitude of 4150 meters above sea level. It takes about 7 to 8 hours for us to walk to cover this section. Besides, this section of the trail also goes through a less-trodden route. Crossing high mountain passes and suspension bridges, walking over deep gorges, and wide-open pastures will certainly make you feel relaxed. On your way, you also get to witness yaks grazing and even blue sheep.

As you start approaching Nar village, you can witness the landscape opening up to reveal a charming and relatively larger settlement. Here, the houses are mostly whitewashed and stay clustered neatly beneath soaring cliffs. Just as you walk towards your hotel, you can see many rows of prayer flags fluttering and the villagers offering a warm welcome. Check in to your room, store your belongings, and then you can take your time to explore the village. That's when you realize how traditionally and culturally decorated this remote settlement is.

Day 7: Trek from Nar via Kang La Pass (5,306 meters) to Ngawal (3,675 meters) - 8 to 9 hrs

Get ready to go on one of the most difficult, strenuous, and, of course, the most outstanding walks of the entire Nar Phu Valley Trekking journey. Yes, it's finally the time to ascend to one of the highest mountain passes, the Kang La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,306 meters above sea level. However, that will not be the only destination we reach on this day. Yes, on the tenth day we will end the walk in a village named Ngawal.

As you wake up early in the morning, the guides take you through some barren slopes and rocky ridges. With each step, you can expect the views to open up and expand. Just wait until you reach the final stretch of the Kang La Pass hike, one of the toughest yet rewarding sections of the entire Nar Phu Valley Trek. Once you step your foot on the top of the Kang La Pass, you are rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu East. Capture as many photos and videos as possible, and yes, also remember to enjoy every moment you spend there.

After that begins the descending walk towards Ngawal through a long, steady trail stretching across alpine meadows and scree slopes. Eventually, the trails become gentler and start getting lined with juniper bushes and stone-built villages. Gradually, the trekkers can feel the air getting thicker and the surroundings becoming greener. It takes about 8 to 9 hours for us to complete today's walk, which will certainly make you a lot more tired than on any other day. Therefore, you shall enjoy a fulfilling dinner and go for a relaxing sleep.

Day 8: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,550 meters) - 4 hrs

Well, we have ascended to the highest point of this 16-day trek to the Nar Phu Valley. So, from the eleventh day, we begin descending the trail. It takes about 4 hours for us to reach one of the most beautiful villages in this region, Manang. Located at an altitude of 3,550 meters above sea level, this village sits comfortably at the edge of the cliff in the north of the Annapurna range. Also, let us tell you that Manang is one of the most popular Trekking Destinations in Nepal.

As you leave Ngawal, you can find yourself walking through traditional stone villages, lush farmland, and ancient monasteries. Furthermore, the jaw-dropping backdrop of the Annaurna range keeps you motivated and cool enough to walk on this trail. Along the way, you also pass through several other villages, including Braga, a village known for its beautiful monastery. After reaching Manang and checking in at the hotel, we recommend that the trekkers stroll around the village. 

You'll certainly have a lot of opportunities to click photos and make videos while spending time in the tea houses, bakeries, and watching the panoramic views. Besides, this place is also a heaven in the cultural aspect. As it only takes about 4 hours to reach Manang, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the village, or visiting the local monastery before returning to the hotel for dinner and sleep..

Day 9: Explore around Manang village, Local sightseeing

Imagine being in one of the most beautiful Himalayan villages and not even spending a day here. Well, that's not what Nepal Unique Treks would do. We would certainly want you to explore the village and also take rest before descending any further on the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Therefore, we will stay in Manang on the twelfth day as well. Make the full out of this day as you will have a whole day to delve deep into the natural, cultural, and traditional beauty of this village. Do you know what one of the best things about this village is? Well, it's the way people live, the fusion of Tibetan and Nepali culture. Besides, you can also stop by the Himalayan Rescue Association's aid post for an informative talk on high-altitude acclimatization.

If you want to add more to the adventure of the day, the guides will also take you for a quick hike to the Gangapurna Lake or the Chongkor Viewpoint. Regardless of what you choose to do on this day, the Manang village ensures adventure, thrills, and an in-depth experience of the culture.

Alternative Trekking Routes, or continue trek to Thorong La Pass 5416m, Available

Day 10: Drive from Manang to Besisahar 110 km, 7/8 hrs

The drive from Manang to Besisahar is a thrilling journey through the rugged landscapes of the Annapurna region. The off-road route winds along narrow mountain trails, passing through charming villages, waterfalls, and deep gorges. As you descend from the high-altitude valley of Manang, you’ll witness dramatic changes in scenery—from arid Himalayan terrain to lush green hills. The drive takes around 6 to 7 hours by local jeep, depending on road conditions. Though bumpy and adventurous, it offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the Marsyangdi River, making it an unforgettable part of your trekking experience in Nepal.

Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu from Besisahar 6/7 hrs, 1345m

On the fifteenth day, we finally return to Kathmandu on a local sharing bus. It will be another thrilling and adventurous drive on the highway. Watching the scenarios, passing through different settlements, and driving beside the river, we make our way to Kathmandu. As you reach Kathmandu, the local representatives will take you to the hotel, where you can freshen up. After that, go around the city area, check out some cafes, hotels, and restaurants. At night, you can also enjoy the nightlife in Thamel and visit some clubs in that area.

However, before that, the Nepal Unique Treks and Expeditions team invites you for a farewell dinner, where we will also provide you with certification.