# Nar Phu Valley Trek > The Nar Phu Valley trek is a 13-day restricted area trek into two hidden valleys north of the Annapurna Circuit. Deep gorges lead to the medieval Tibetan villages of Phu (4,080 m) and Nar (4,110 m), with stone houses, chortens, yak herders and the ancient Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. You then cross the Kang La Pass (5,320 m) with a huge view of Annapurna II and descend to Ngawal and Manang.Few trekkers make it here, as the valleys need a special restricted area permit and at least two trekkers with a licensed guide. The trek is challenging and best from March–May and September–November. Our package includes the special permit, ACAP, transport, a guide, porters and teahouse and homestay accommodation. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 13 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 5,320 m / 17,454 ft (Kang La Pass) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses and homestays - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$1,490 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/nar-phu-valley-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=nar-phu-valley-trek ## Overview The valleys of **Nar and Phu** opened to foreign trekkers only in 2003. They are part of the Manang district but feel like a separate world: a narrow canyon above Koto leads through a hidden gateway into high pastures and villages that have changed little in centuries. The people are of Tibetan origin, live by herding yaks and trading, and follow Tibetan Buddhism. After exploring Phu and Nar, the trek crosses the **Kang La Pass** into the upper Manang valley, where you can continue on the Annapurna Circuit over Thorong La or return to Kathmandu by jeep. It is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in the Annapurna region. ### Nar Phu Valley trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration13 days from Kathmandu (10 days of trekking)Highest pointKang La Pass, 5,320 mGradeChallengingPermitsNar Phu restricted area permit and ACAPMinimum group2 trekkers with a licensed guideAccommodationSimple teahouses and homestaysBest timeMarch–May and September–November### Highlights - **Phu village** and Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. - **Nar village** with its whitewashed chortens and prayer walls. - **Kang La Pass (5,320 m)** views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. - **Deep canyons** and hidden gateways above Koto. - **Very few trekkers**. ### Permits and rules The Nar Phu area is a **restricted area**. Foreigners need a special permit issued through a registered trekking agency, must trek in a group of at least two and must be accompanied by a licensed guide. We arrange all of this; we need your passport copy and visa details in advance. ### How difficult is it? The trek is **challenging**. Days are long, lodges are basic, and the Kang La crossing is a steep 8–9 hour day, sometimes snowy. Previous trekking experience at altitude is recommended. ## Highlights - Restricted area trek into the hidden Nar and Phu valleys - Medieval Tibetan villages and Tashi Lhakhang Gompa - Kang La Pass (5,320 m) with views of Annapurna II - Deep canyons, yak pastures and very few trekkers - Finish in Manang, with an option to cross Thorong La ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. We complete the restricted area permit. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Koto (2,600 m) A long drive via Besisahar and Chame on the Manang road to Koto. _Altitude: 2,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 3: Trek to Meta (3,560 m) Register at the checkpost and follow the narrow Nar Khola gorge through forest and past waterfalls. _Walking: 7 hours · Altitude: 3,560 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Kyang (3,820 m) Pass chortens and old seasonal settlements with views of Pisang Peak. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,820 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Phu (4,080 m) Through a narrow gorge and the stone gateway into Phu village. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,080 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 6: Rest and exploration day in Phu Visit Tashi Lhakhang Gompa and the old village, or hike towards Himlung Base Camp for views. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay_ ### Day 7: Trek to Nar Phedi (3,490 m) Descend back down the valley and cross to the monastery at Nar Phedi. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,490 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Monastery guesthouse · Distance: 17 km_ ### Day 8: Trek to Nar (4,110 m) A steep climb to Nar village and its chortens; afternoon exploring. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,110 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay · Distance: 5 km_ ### Day 9: Acclimatisation day in Nar Explore the village and surroundings before the pass. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 4,300 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay_ ### Day 10: Cross Kang La Pass (5,320 m) to Ngawal (3,660 m) Early start for the steep climb to the Kang La, with a view of Annapurna II, then a long descent to Ngawal. _Walking: 8–9 hours · Altitude: 5,320 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 11: Trek to Manang (3,540 m) An easy walk via Braga and its monastery to Manang. _Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 3,540 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 12: Drive to Besisahar and Kathmandu A long jeep and bus journey back to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu Free time until your transfer to the airport. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Road transport Kathmandu – Koto and Manang – Kathmandu - Nar Phu restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - Teahouse, monastery and homestay accommodation during the trek (10 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,400 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be fit and comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day on steep, rough trails, with previous trekking experience at altitude recommended. Train for two to three months with long hill walks and cardiovascular exercise. ### Altitude sickness The highest point is 5,320 m on the Kang La Pass, with several nights above 4,000 m in Phu and Nar. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you. ### Weather and temperatures Nar and Phu lie in a rain shadow and are dry, but very cold at night. The Kang La can be snowy in late autumn and spring. ### Permits The Nar Phu restricted area permit and ACAP are included. The permit requires a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing. ### Drinking water Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles. ### Travel insurance You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,400 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive. ### Visa You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes for the Kang La - Gaiters ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the Nar Phu Valley? In the Manang district, north of the Annapurna Circuit, entered from Koto. ### Why is Nar Phu a restricted area? It borders Tibet and was closed until 2003. A special permit protects its culture and environment. ### Can I trek Nar Phu solo? No. The permit requires at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. ### How difficult is the Nar Phu trek? **Challenging**, with long days, basic lodges and the 5,320 m Kang La Pass. ### How high is Kang La Pass? About **5,320 m**. ### What is the best time? **March–May** and **September–November**. ### What are the lodges like? Simple teahouses and homestays with shared facilities. ### Can I combine it with the Annapurna Circuit? Yes, from Manang you can continue over Thorong La to Muktinath. ### Is there phone signal? Signal is limited in the valleys; there is some coverage in Koto and Manang. ### How long is the trek? **13 days** from Kathmandu. ### What does the permit cost? The permit fee is charged per week and varies by season; it is included in the price. ### How much does the Nar Phu trek cost? It's priced per person, and groups get a discount; the price box has the details.