TICINO TREKS

Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Trek
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Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Trek

Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Trek

Country

Nepal

Duration

13 days

Max Altitude

5,320

Group Size

2 - 15 Person

Difficulty

moderate

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

The Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Trek is a unique journey through one of the most remote and culturally rich regions of the Himalayas, tucked away from the more frequented Annapurna Circuit trails. The trek begins from the village of Koto, beyond the traditional Annapurna Circuit path, and leads adventurers into the secluded valleys of Nar and Phu, two ancient Tibetan-influenced settlements nestled beneath towering Himalayan peaks.

This 13-day itinerary combines the raw beauty of high-altitude trekking with deep cultural immersion. Nar and Phu Villages offer a rare glimpse into traditional Himalayan life, with their medieval stone houses, ancient gompas, and a way of life untouched by time. The trek includes nights under canvas in remote campsites, an experience that heightens your connection to the pristine surroundings.

The journey also crosses the dramatic Kang La Pass (5,306m), a high mountain pass that offers unforgettable views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. From here, you rejoin the Annapurna region, descending into Manang and continuing toward the majestic Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The contrast of stark alpine landscapes, icy glaciers, turquoise lakes, and warm, welcoming villages creates a remarkable diversity of experience within a compact timeframe.

Ideal for trekkers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventure with moderate mountaineering challenges and strong cultural elements, this trek is a rewarding blend of rugged natural beauty, Tibetan heritage, and remote wilderness.

Travel Notes

Best Season to Trek:

  • Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, stable weather, excellent mountain visibility.

  • Spring (Mar–May): Milder temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and longer daylight hours.

Permits Required:

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar-Phu Valley

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Fitness & Experience:

  • Moderate to challenging trek; high-altitude hiking experience is highly recommended.

  • Good physical fitness is required due to long walking hours and high passes.

  • Prior experience with remote trekking and camping will enhance enjoyment.

 

Itineraries

An early morning departure (around 6:30 AM) from Kathmandu takes you on a scenic 8 to 9-hour journey by private jeep to the village of Koto in the Manang district. The first few hours follow a paved highway through scenic river valleys, after which the route transitions to rugged off-road terrain. The drive ascends through deep gorges and scattered hillside villages before reaching Koto in the late afternoon or early evening.

 

Starting your trek at around 7:30 AM, today’s hike takes approximately 7 to 8 hours as you follow a forested trail alongside the Nar Khola gorge. The route gradually ascends through pine forests, past waterfalls, and crosses suspension bridges. You’ll pass yak herder shelters and arrive in Methang by mid to late afternoon, where your tents will be set up for overnight camping.

 

Today’s trek begins around 7:00 AM and will take 7 to 8 hours. You continue ascending into the upper valley, passing ancient ruins, chortens, and long mani walls carved with Tibetan script. After lunch en route, you reach Phu by mid-afternoon. After setting up camp, there will be time for exploration of the village and the ancient Tashi Lakhang monastery before dinner.

 

Departing Phu around 7:30 AM, the trail retraces its path for the first portion of the day before splitting toward the Nar Valley. The trek, lasting 6 to 7 hours, descends gently before climbing again along open landscapes dotted with grazing yaks. You’ll reach Nar Phedi by early afternoon and camp near the monastery.

 

Beginning around 7:30 AM, this steady uphill trek takes 6 to 7 hours through rocky alpine terrain. As you gain elevation, vegetation thins out, and the air becomes noticeably cooler and drier. The trail leads you to a scenic and secluded high-altitude meadow at Kang La Phedi, where you will camp overnight in preparation for tomorrow’s pass crossing.

 

You will start very early (around 4:30–5:00 AM) to take advantage of stable morning weather. The steep ascent to the top of Kang La Pass takes about 4 hours, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The descent to Nawal takes another 3 hours through rugged terrain. Expect a total trekking time of 7 hours before reaching the village by mid-afternoon.

 

This day is reserved as a buffer. If the itinerary is on track, you may enjoy a relaxing rest day in Naval. You can visit the local monastery or take a short walk around the surrounding hills for stunning views. Alternatively, this day can accommodate any weather-related delays or slow acclimatization from previous days.

 

Starting at around 8:00 AM, today’s descent takes about 5 hours. The trail re-joins the main Annapurna Circuit and passes through picturesque villages such as Braga. You’ll reach Manang by early afternoon and check into a tea house for a restful evening with modern comforts such as hot showers and bakeries.

 

The trail departs from the Annapurna Circuit around 7:30 AM and heads west toward Tilicho Valley. The 7-hour trek involves a mix of ascending and traversing narrow cliffside trails. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you near the base camp, arriving by mid-afternoon for an overnight stay.

 

You’ll start before sunrise (around 4:30–5:00 AM) for a round-trip hike of 7 hours to the stunning Tilicho Lake. The gradual ascent takes around 3–3.5 hours, followed by exploration time at the lake’s edge. The return descent takes about 3–3.5 hours to Base Camp, arriving by mid-afternoon.

 

Beginning at around 7:30 AM, you retrace the same trail back to Manang over the course of 7 hours. This return journey offers a different perspective of the dramatic cliffs and valleys you previously crossed. You’ll arrive in Manang by mid- to late afternoon.

 

Today you board a 4WD jeep around 7:00 AM for a 7 to 8-hour drive through the Marsyangdi Valley. The route descends past yak pastures, rice terraces, and small Gurung villages, eventually reaching Besisahar in the late afternoon, where you'll check into a local lodge or guesthouse.

 

After breakfast, depart by private jeep or tourist van at around 7:30 AM. The 6-hour drive returns you to Kathmandu by early to mid-afternoon. You’ll arrive back at your hotel, where a hot shower and celebratory meal mark the end of your unforgettable Himalayan journey.

 

Cost Includes

Permits & Entry Fees

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar-Phu Valley

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • TIMS Card

Accommodation

  • Tea-house accommodation in Manang and Nawal

  • Tented camps in Methang, Phu, Nar Phedi, and Kang La Phedi

  • Camping equipment: Sleeping tents, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen gear

Meals

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee)

  • Freshly prepared meals by trekking cooks during camping sections

Transport

  • Private Jeep Kathmandu–Koto

  • Jeep Manang–Besisahar

  • Jeep/Van Besisahar–Kathmandu

Guide & Support Staff

  • Government-licensed English-speaking guide

  • Cook and kitchen staff during camping

  • Porters for carrying luggage and gear

  • Guide/porter insurance, wages, and equipment

Equipment

  • All necessary group camping equipment

  • Medical First Aid Kit

  • Oxygen cylinder for emergency use (optional, on request)

 

Cost Excludes

Personal Expenses

  • Meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek

  • Hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi in tea houses

  • Personal snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol

Travel Insurance

  • Insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical, and evacuation

Trekking Gear

  • Personal clothing, boots, sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.

Tips & Donations

  • Tips for guides, porters, and staff (customary in Nepal)

Others

  • International flights and Nepal visa fees

  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusions

 

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