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17 days
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Annapurna
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Challenging
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5,416 m
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From 2 people
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Trekking
Highlights
- The medieval stone villages of Nar and Phu and their monasteries
- A restricted area visited by few trekkers
- Crossing the Kang La (5,320 m) and Thorong La (5,416 m) passes
- Views of Himlung, Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak
- Manang, Muktinath and a flight back to Pokhara
Overview
The Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you into a hidden valley north of the Annapurna range that opened to trekkers only in 2003. From Koto you walk through a narrow gorge to the medieval villages of Phu and Nar, where Tibetan Buddhist culture and the old way of life are still strong.
After two acclimatization days you cross the Kang La pass (5,320 m) to Ngawal and Manang and join the Annapurna Circuit over the Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath and Jomsom, flying back to Pokhara. Nar Phu is a restricted area, so a special permit and at least two trekkers are required.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Autumn (September to November) and spring (April and May) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear views. The Kang La and Thorong La passes are usually closed by snow from December to February.
The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and landslide risk in the lower valley, so we do not recommend it.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging trek with six to eight hours of walking on most days, basic lodges in Nar and Phu and two high passes. No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and used to hiking several days in a row.
The acclimatization days in Phu and Nar help your body adjust before the passes. Training with long walks, hill hikes and cardio exercise in the months before the trip makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need a Nar Phu restricted area permit, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. The restricted area permit requires at least two trekkers and a licensed guide.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long jeep journey of 9–11 hours takes you via Besisahar and up the Marsyangdi valley on a rough mountain road. You arrive in Dharapani, the starting point of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Dharapani (1,860 m).
The trail follows the Marsyangdi valley through pine forest and the village of Timang, with the first views of Manaslu and Annapurna II, to Koto, where the restricted area begins. The walk takes five to six hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Koto (2,600 m).
After the police check post you enter the narrow, wooded Nar Phu gorge, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls and caves. A long climb brings you out above the tree line to the summer settlement of Meta. The walk takes seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Meta (3,560 m).
The trail passes old chortens and the herding settlements of Junam and Chyako before climbing through a narrow gate in the cliffs to Phu, a medieval village of stone houses with Tashi Lhakhang monastery. The walk takes seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Phu (4,080 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust and to explore Phu, its monastery and the surrounding valleys, where blue sheep and yaks graze below the Himlung range. Overnight in a teahouse in Phu (4,080 m).
You walk back down the valley to Meta and climb to Nar, a larger village of stone houses, prayer wheels and fields of barley. The walk takes six to seven hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Nar (4,110 m).
A second rest day before the pass, with time to explore the monasteries of Nar and watch village life. A short hike above the village helps your body adjust. Overnight in a teahouse in Nar (4,110 m).
An early start takes you up to the Kang La pass (5,320 m), with views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak, before a long, steep descent to the village of Ngawal. The day takes seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Ngawal (3,660 m).
A short walk of four to five hours along the high route leads down to Manang, the main town of the valley. The afternoon is free to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Manang (3,540 m).
A short day of three to four hours climbs gently out of the Manang valley past summer pastures and yak herds to Yak Kharka. The slow gain in height helps your body adjust before the pass. Overnight in a teahouse in Yak Kharka (4,050 m).
A short climb takes you to Thorong Phedi at the foot of the pass. The afternoon is for rest, drinking plenty of fluids and an early night before the crossing. Overnight in a teahouse in Thorong Phedi (4,525 m).
A pre-dawn start for the crossing of Thorong La (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek, marked by prayer flags and wide Himalayan views. A long, steep descent then leads to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Expect 8–10 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Muktinath (3,800 m).
A walk of five to six hours descends through Kagbeni, a medieval village at the gateway to Upper Mustang, and along the wide Kali Gandaki riverbed to Jomsom. Overnight in a lodge in Jomsom (2,720 m).
A short morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lake. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, pick up souvenirs or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
