Nar Phu Valley Trek – 11 Days

Best Time

The ideal times to go on the Nar Phu Valley Trek are spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). In spring, it is warm and sunny during the day, typically with blue skies, and rhododendron flowers cover the hills. It is a clean, full-of-life environment.

Autumn is also beautiful, with cool, settled weather and excellent mountain views everywhere. The air is generally crystal clear, and the trek is just perfect—neither hot nor cold. Such seasons render the trek comfortable, safe, and magical.

Summer (June to August) is the time of the monsoon. The region gets less rain than other parts of Nepal, but there can still be cloudy weather, muddy trails, and slower travel. It is quieter and more verdant, although you need to take care of it.

Winter (December to February) is the season for snow and freezing temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. The trail is deserted, and the landscape is stunning with snow, but high passes like Kang La can be difficult or impossible to negotiate.

For clear weather, good visibility, and a safe trail, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Nar Phu Valley.

Elevation and Distance

The highest point of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is Kang La Pass, which is 5,320 meters (17,454 ft.) high. Although it’s a tough climb, the mountain views from the top are breathtaking. The lowest point is Kathmandu at 1,310 meters (4,298 ft), where your trek begins and ends.

During the trek, you’ll walk through quiet villages, forests, rocky trails, and open mountain valleys. The total walking distance is around 65 to 70 kilometers. It might sound like a lot, but it’s spread out over several days, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views.

This trek is a beautiful mix of nature and culture. You’ll get to meet local people, visit old monasteries, and see a different side of Nepal that not many travelers explore. The climb to Kang La Pass is the most challenging part, so staying fit and going slow will help a lot.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a moderate to challenging trek, mainly because of its high altitude and steep trails. You don’t have to be a seasoned trekker, but you must be quite fit and ready for long walks. Some days are more challenging than others, especially the day you cross Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters, which is the highest point of the trek.

Because of the altitude, there is a risk of also getting altitude sickness, especially when you are going up. You will feel tired, get a headache, or feel dizzy. It is best to walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and rest whenever possible. The trek is designed to acclimatize your body to the altitude, but it is always sensible to take heed of your body.

With the right mindset and some preparation, most people can enjoy this off-the-beaten-path trek safely and happily.

Maximum and minimum walks per day

During the Nar Phu Valley Trek, the walking time varies from 3 to 8 hours a day. On average, you’ll be walking around 5 to 6 hours daily, depending on the trail and altitude.

Day 8 is the toughest day of walking when you trek over Kang La Pass (5,320m) and drop down to Ngawal. It’s the toughest day with around 8 hours walking—a morning steep uphill and an afternoon long downhill. It’s a challenging day, but the most rewarding day with stunning scenery

The shortest walking day is Day 6, from Phu to Nar Phedi, a 3 to 4-hour walk on an easier, downward-sloping trail.

The other days are generally 5 to 6 hours of walking along villages, valleys, and forests. The trek gives you a good mix of tough climbs and easy parts so that your body gets acclimatized, while the trek doesn’t get boring.

Accommodation

During the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you’ll spend 3 nights in a tourist-standard hotel in Kathmandu. These hotels are comfortable, clean, and great for relaxing before and after the trek.

Along the trekking trail, the lodging is usually at village lodges or teahouses and is on a twin-sharing basis. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with good beds, pillows, and warm blankets to keep you snug through the chilly nights. Most of the rooms offer great mountain or valley views, making waking up even more magical.

The bathrooms are usually communal and fitted with Eastern-style toilets. Nothing luxurious, but clean and well-maintained. Most of the lodges also have a heated dining hall where you can eat, socialize with other trekkers, and warm yourself by the fire in the evenings.

The lodging is simple but comfortable, friendly, and perfect for the mountain experience.

Food and Drink

In the Nar Phu Valley Trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided every day as part of your package. You will normally have meals at teahouses, and the food is simple but hearty with rice, noodles, soups, potatoes, bread, and Dal Bhat, a staple Nepali food made of rice, lentils, and vegetables. Not only is it filling, but it is also warm and gives you the energy you require for trekking.

Drinks like tea, coffee, and bottled water are offered, but anything beyond the meals covered, like snacks or extra drinks, must be bought at your own expense. Bringing some extra cash for that is a good idea.

To remain healthy and safe, it’s best to refrain from meat, as it’s difficult to keep fresh in the high mountain regions. Avoid alcohol and other intoxicating drinks as well, particularly at high altitudes, as they can further lead to altitude sickness. Opt for warm beverages and light, healthy meals to feel your best.

Alternative Routes

If you search for other Nar Phu Valley Trek itineraries, there are a few that are designed according to different interests and time limitations:

Nar Phu Valley Trek—10 Days: A 10-day variant that is designed for time-constrained trekkers. It provides the same traditional highlights, including Nar and Phu villages and Kang La Pass crossing, in a shorter time and without compromising on the essence.

Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek—16 Days: This longer trek combines the off-the-beaten-path Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit classic. After exploring Nar and Phu, trekkers meet the Annapurna trail, traverse Thorong La Pass, and then visit pilgrimage spots like Muktinath.

Manaslu and Nar Phu Trek—19 Days: A combination trip for the adventurous of Manaslu Circuit and Nar Phu Valley, it involves the crossing of high passes like Larkya La and Kang La, and diverse landscape and culture.

Nar Phu and Upper Mustang Trek through Teri La Pass—22 Days: This challenging trek links Nar Phu Valley with the sacred Upper Mustang area through the Teri La Pass. It’s ideal for experienced trekkers who want off-the-beaten-path trails and special cultural experiences.

All of these treks provide a distinctive view of Nepal’s varied landscape and cultures. The choice is yours, based on your time constraints, your physical condition, and your wish to see various regions.

Can a beginner join this trek?

Yes, a beginner can attempt the Nar Phu Valley Trek, but one has to be well-prepared. The trek is of moderate to challenging grade, mainly because of the altitude and some stony and steep paths. You don’t need to be an experienced trekker, but be physically sound and ready to walk for 5–7 hours each day.

Before the trek, it’s a good idea to do regular walks, stair climbing, or light hikes to build your stamina. Since you’ll be going above 5,000 meters, it’s also important to walk slowly, stay hydrated, and rest when needed to avoid altitude sickness.

A guide is always present to help you, and there are enough acclimatization days in the itinerary to help your body get used to it. Mindset, preparation, and assistance—everything being proper—even inexperienced trekkers can undergo the Nar Phu Valley Trek and complete it successfully. It’s a perfect adventure for an individual seeking a challenge.

Preparation and Fitness

To have a good time on the Nar Phu Valley Trek, proper preparation and general fitness are essential. You don’t have to be an athlete, but you must be able to walk for 5 to 7 hours a day, usually on steep and uneven terrain. Begin training at least a month before the trek with regular walking, jogging, or climbing stairs. Emphasize developing leg strength, stamina, and endurance.

Carry a light backpack on practice hikes to acclimatize your body to the experience of trekking. Do not forget mental preparation, as high-altitude treks are tiring, and a good attitude is half the trick.

Also, prepare by breaking in your trekking boots, packing warm clothes, and making sure you have everything you need. The better prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable the trek is going to be. Being in good shape and well-prepared will allow you to fully enjoy the scenery of Nar Phu Valley.

Gadget charging, Internet, and communication

On the Nar Phu Valley Trek, it’s not easy to remain connected and keep your gadgets charged due to the remoteness of the area. Here’s what you need to know:

Lower-altitude settlements like Koto and Ngawal generally have electricity in teahouses, typically produced by solar panels or small generators. But the higher you go, electricity is a rarity. You can recharge your devices in some teahouses, usually in common areas, at an extra fee of NPR 300 to 500 per hour.

It is best to carry a high-capacity power bank or a solar charger to recharge your devices along the trek.

Cell phone reception in the Nar Phu Valley is limited and cannot be relied upon. While there may be occasional NTC or Ncell signals in some of the lower-altitude areas, the higher regions are typically not connected.

Some of the teahouses may offer Wi-Fi for a fee, but the signal is very weak and cannot accommodate heavy internet use. It is better to inform family and friends of the anticipated communications blackout before heading out on the trek.

While there are some facilities, one must be ready for limited access to electricity and communications along the trail.

Permit

For the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you’ll need a few important permits to enter the restricted and protected areas. First, there’s the Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area (NRA) Permit, which is required because this region is not open to free individual trekkers and has special regulations.

Next, you’ll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit, since a large part of the trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which helps protect the environment and support local communities.

Lastly, the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Permit is necessary to ensure your safety and keep track of trekking activities in the region.

Don’t worry about the paperwork—let all the permits be ours. They are already included in your trekking package, so you won’t have to go through anything else. You can just sit back and relax, and enjoy the trek and the breathtaking mountain views.

Transportation

Transportation is needed at the beginning and end of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. First, we’ll drive from Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar, which is the starting point of the trek. After finishing the trek, we’ll drive from Pisang to Besisahar and then back to Kathmandu.

We organize all the transfers in comfortable, well-maintained vehicles depending on the number of individuals. For small numbers, we provide private cars or jeeps, and for a large number of individuals, it will be transferred in a well-conditioned van, Hiace, or tourist bus. They are all big and clean, so that you have a smooth ride through the turns of the mountains.

Our drivers are experienced and careful; thus, the long drives can become immensely relaxing. Road trips with country roads shall enjoy scenic surroundings, including rivers, villages, and forest cover, as they travel through, giving you great to and froms for trekking. Feel relaxed and watch with no complications.

Insurance

For the Nar Phu Valley Trek, we highly recommend taking travel insurance due to the high altitude and secluded nature of the trek. The trek reaches up to 5,320 meters (17,454 feet), where medical facilities are limited. Taking out complete insurance prepares you for any urgency that may arise during trekking.

Your insurance should include some very critical things. First, it should cover emergency medical expenses, which would look after any medical care for injury or illness during the trek.

Second, since the trek is at high altitude, your insurance should also cover emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue. This is necessary in case of severe altitude sickness or any accident that requires immediate evacuation.

Also, your policy should include trip cancellation or interruption. This compensates you if you are compelled to cancel or truncate your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Lastly, repatriation cover is essential, which covers the cost of getting you returned to your home country if need be.

Make sure the policy you buy covers activities up to 5,320 meters and includes provisions for emergency evacuation.

What to Expect

On the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will experience an adventurous and stimulating trek with breathtaking natural beauty. The trekking trail goes through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and rugged trails, with stunning views of great peaks like Annapurna, Pisang, and Himlung. The trek exposes you to the unique culture of the Nar and Phu valleys, where you observe traditional Tibetan village life and locals leading a simple, religious existence.

The landscape changes dramatically as you ascend, from rainforests to high-altitude desert terrain, broken by picturesque meadows and yak grazing areas along the way. You will be challenged by ascending to high altitude, with the choice of challenging your endurance, especially when traversing the Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters.

While the trek can be arduous, it is an experience well worth the trouble. There is a definite sense of achievement as you relax within one of Nepal’s most isolated and untainted regions.