• Duration 21 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Nepal

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit is an epic adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek combines the two greatest Himalayan trails and presents a lifetime experience amidst giant mountains and remote villages. This 21-day voyage is for those who dare to challenge themselves and discover less traveled areas.

The Annapurna Circuit is a high pass trek that is famous in Nepal for its adventure, nature's diversity, stunning mountain landscapes, and interactions with the Nepalese communities. The Nar Phu Valley, on the other hand, is a restricted area between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. This trek route is known for its exclusivity, offbeat terrain, empty trails, and heavenly vistas.

Trekkers usually do these two treks separately. However, we have curated this particular itinerary that allows you to do both treks in one trip. You will start the journey exploring the isolation of the Nar Phu Valley and ascend to Kang La Pass. Crossing this pass, the trail drops to Ngawal and joins the Annapurna Circuit. You will then climb to Thorong La Pass.

Highlights

  • An epic 3-week adventure in Nepal where you will explore the restricted Nar Phu Valley and the Annapurna Circuit
  • A fantastic trek option for fit trekkers with previous trekking experience
  • Explore the magnificence of the Annapurna Himalayas and witness jaw-dropping mountain vistas
  • A journey packed with nature's diversity, diverse landscapes, and intimate interactions with the locals
  • Traverse different climatic zones, discovering different vegetation and terrain
  • Explore the offbeat route and empty trails of Nar Phu Valley and cross Kang La pass
  • Experience the beauty and thrill of the famous Annapurna Circuit and cross the Thorong La pass
  • Visit Lhakhang monastery, Himlung Himal Base Camp, Ice Lake, and Muktinath Temple
  • Walk through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world
  • Get ample to spend in Pokhara and Kathmandu

What to expect during the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit 21 days?

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit is demanding in every way. Offbeat terrain, high altitude, different climatic zones, and bare minimum services for the trekkers make it a trek for the fittest. So, we only recommend joining us on our Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit 2024/2025 departure if you are physically and mentally ready to push yourself beyond your limits.

On this 21-day trip to Nepal, you will spend 16 days in the mountains, which is a long time. Six hours of walking each day is given. Moreover, you may also walk more than 6 hours or below 5 hours on some days. The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit starts from Chamje (1,430 m/4,691 ft). You will go above 5,000 meters twice from here, traversing different climatic zones.

The trail ascends and descends throughout the way. You will encounter a wide range of vegetation, flowers, and birds. From verdant valleys and lush hills to barren ridges, grassy meadows, and towering mountains, trekkers enjoy changing scenery. The diverse landscapes bring diverse environments. So, it is essential that you adjust to them.

The major attractions of the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit trek route

The Nar Phu Valley was opened to foreigners in 2003. It remains untouched and pristine to this day because very few trekkers explore it every year. To enter the Nar Phu Valley, trekkers must get a special restricted area permit, which costs USD 100 per head per week during the peak trekking seasons.

The expensive restricted area permit and overall high expenses while trekking the Nar Phu Valley have kept the crowd away from here. Because of the lower tourist flow, the trail also lacks tourist infrastructure. Compared to the overly commercialized EBC and ABC trek routes, the Nar Phu Valley offers a very raw experience.

Along the Nar Phu Valley trail, you will explore Tibetan-like villages, beautiful waterfalls, narrow canyons, dense forests, and ancient gompas. Nar and Phu are two separate villages. You will explore the Tashi Lhakhang monastery in Phu and hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp. Witness the simple lifestyle of the locals that highly resembles Tibetans.

From Nar, the trail ascends to the top of Kang La pass. The high altitude, steep uphill climbing, and rugged terrain make crossing the pass the most challenging section of the Nar Phu Valley. The trail descends to Ngawal village from the pass and continues to Manang. Spend an acclimatization day here and hike to the Ice Lake or Praken Gompa.

You are now on the Annapurna Circuit. It also has offbeat and steep terrain with many uphill and downhill walking. Spend a night in Ledar and Thorong Phedi before ascending to the Thorong La pass. The landscape is vast, barren, and beautiful. You may frequently see fellow trekkers along the way. However, it will not affect your tranquil moments.

Crossing Thorong La pass is also difficult. However, the top offers an exceptional panorama. The trail then takes you to the Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site in Nepal. You are now in the Lower Mustang region. Experience its semi-arid landscapes. Follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, and trek to Kagbeni.

Passing by white-ashed houses and narrow alleys, you will continue trekking to Jomsom, the endpoint of the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit. From here, you will fly to Pokhara, spend a night here, and return to Kathmandu. You will witness jaw-dropping mountain views while trekking Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit.

You will enjoy many gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Mountains like Annapurna range (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), and numerous others are visible throughout the trail.

Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit preparation and packing

You may have understood by now that the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit is not for beginner trekkers. You may be able to pull off this trek with extensive physical preparation, but mental sturdiness is equally required. So, for the best trekking experience, we recommend this trek to experienced trekkers.

Work on building your core strength, stamina, and endurance. Research the trail and the locals. This will help you accept the remoteness of the region and rugged terrain more easily rather than being surprised and ruffled. Likewise, gradually arrange trekking gear and essentials mentioned below:

  • Comfortable, light-weight underwear
  • Trekking t-shirts and pants
  • Base and thermal layers
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves, socks, scarf, beanie, sun hat, etc
  • Trekking boots and a casual pair of shoes/slippers
  • Duffel bag and daypack
  • Trekking pole, map, reusable water bottle, Sunglasses (UV protected)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Toiletries, first aid, snacks
  • Camera, adapter, charger, power bank
  • Journal/pen and traveler games (optional)
  • Cash, documents

Embark on this fantastic trek with Adventure Treks Nepal, a Nepali trekking company with vast expertise

You get the best service by doing the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit 21 days with us. Our more than three decades of expertise allow us to understand travelers and provide international standard service at a reasonable cost. Our Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit cost is fixed by ensuring the trekkers do not have to compromise on anything.

You will trek with a local guide and porter, who will help you complete the trek safely. Guides and porters make treks like the Nar Phu Valley trek with the Annapurna Circuit achievable. Their knowledge, expertise, friendliness, and assurance allow you to enjoy the journey freely. Likewise, our team will arrange all the logistics, making the overall trip hassle-free.

Feel free to contact us at our number or mail address if you have any questions. Check out our Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit price details to see what is included in the package and what is not, and prepare accordingly.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Our team will pick you up from the airport on your arrival day. After a quick meet and greet, they will escort you to the hotel. The remaining day is free in the city.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, go on a tour with a professional guide. Visit Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhnath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. After the tour, have lunch and rest. Then, meet the mountain guide and understand the trek plan. Buy trekking essentials and pack your bags.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and drive to Chamje. We use a standard tourist vehicle to drive up to Besisahar. The ride is very smooth and comfortable for most parts of the trail. However, from Dumre to Chamje, it is bumpy. In Besisahar, we will change the vehicle to a local jeep.

  • Max Altitude: 1,430 m/4,691 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-9 hours
  • Distance: 178 km/110.6 miles

The trail from Chamje to Bagarchhap is beautiful. You will ascend to Tal and continue to Darapani. From here, the trail goes to Bagarchhap via lush forests. Cross bridges on the way and enjoy lovely streams.

  • Max Altitude: 2,160 m/7,086 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles

Trekking ahead from Bagarchhap, you will ascend to Danayul. From here, follow the upper trail to Timang village and trek through the forested route. Pass by small settlements on the way and reach Koto for the night stay.

  • Max Altitude: 2,620 m/8,596 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

Register the permits at the police checkpoint and continue trekking to Meta. The trail goes along the Soti Khola bank and ascends via lush forests. You will come across beautiful waterfalls. Reach a Dharamshala settlement and trek one and a half hours to reach Meta.

  • Max Altitude: 3,560 m/11,680 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 14.5 km/9 miles

Leaving Meta, you will follow a steep uphill route to Kyang. The climate gets colder as you ascend. On the way, you will come across stupas and chortens. The trail passes through lush forests, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 9.6 km/5.9 miles

From Kyang, you will trek to Phu village. On the way, you will pass by mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens. The trail steeply ascends to the Phu gate. From here, walk for an hour to reach the village.

  • Max Altitude: 4,080 m/13,386 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

You will spend a rest day in Phu village. Hike to the Thashi Lhakhang monastery. You will also hike to the Himlung Himal Base Camp. After the hike, spend time in the Phu village with the locals.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3 hours

You will follow the same route back from Phu village and descend the valley. Soon, the trail turns to Nar Phedi, crossing a bridge. You will trek in the west.

  • Max Altitude: 3,550 m/11,647 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles

From Nar Phedi, the trail ascends to Nar village. On the way, you will see excellent views of mountains like Kang Guru. You will pass by two chortens and come across the captivating gate of Nar. Spend the remaining day resting and exploring this remote village.

  • Max Altitude: 4,180 m/13,714 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 5 km/3.1 miles

Today, you will cross the Kang La pass. Start trekking from Nar early in the morning along the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola. The route is pleasant. You will climb yak pastures and gradually ascend to the top of the pass. The mountain views are heavenly from here. Further, descend to Ngawal village, enjoying stunning views of Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Annapurna II.

  • Max Altitude: 5,306 m/17,408 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

Follow a downhill route and trek to Mugje. Then, head to Braga village, where you will explore a very old monastery called Ghar Gompa. From here, the trail continues to Manang.

  • Max Altitude: 3,540 m/11,614 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Today, spend a rest day. In the morning, hike to the Ice Lake and Praken Gompa. After returning to Manang village, enjoy your time with locals and rest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

From Manang, the trail goes uphill to the Tengi settlement. Soon, you will come out of the Marshyangdi River Valley and enter Jarsang Khola Valley in the northwest. Gradually, passing by the meadows of Yak Kharka, you will follow a narrow, steep route to reach Ledar. Cross a wooden bridge on the way.

  • Max Altitude: 4,250 m/13,943 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 9.1 km/5.6 miles

The trail continues to the last settlement before Thorong La Pass, Thorong Phedi. Some trekkers also spend the night at High Camp before crossing the pass. The trail from Ledar to Thorong Phedi is steep and rocky. You can see yaks and blue in the meadows.

  • Max Altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 7.3 km/4.5 miles

Today, you will cross the Thorong La pass. Start climbing before sunrise to reach the top of the pass before the late morning hours. It will help you avoid strong winds. From the pass, you will see jaw-dropping mountain views. The trail descends to Muktinath Temple, crossing landslide debris on the way.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 15.6 km/9.6 miles

Explore the temple in the morning and start trekking to Jomsom. The trail goes via the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. You will then pass by the beautiful Kagbeni village and walk to Jomsom.

  • Max Altitude: 2,720 m/8,923 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 23 km/14 miles

Fly out of Jomsom early in the morning. A short, scenic flight will take you to Pokhara. You have a full day free in Pokhara.

  • Max Altitude: 980m/3,215 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

Today, you will take a short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The remaining day is free in the city. Explore and shop.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

Our team will drop you off at the international airport at your flight departure time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
  • Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Kathmandu Besisahar drive.
  • Besisahar - Chamje drive.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • Water purification tablets.
  • Narphu Valley Trekking map.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
  • Special Permit for Narphu Valley.
  • Jomsom - Pokhara flight with airport Tax.
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu flights with airport Tax.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • Government taxes.
  • Office services charge.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days), you should get visa Upon your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit - 21 Days
Altitude Chart
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit - 21 Days
Essential Information

Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit permits

You have to get a Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley, an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (ACAP permit), and a TIMS Card for this trek. Our team will help you obtain all these permits in Kathmandu.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (ACAP permit): USD 30 per person

TIMS Card: USD 20 per person

Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley:

  • September to November: USD 100 per person per week and USD 15 per person per day after that
  • December – August: USD 75 per person per week and USD 15 per person per day after that

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit difficulty

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit is very demanding. This trek crosses two difficult high passes- Kang La and Thorong La. Likewise, the trekking route is rugged and steep, with many sharp ascents. Trekkers experience high altitudes and limited facilities. You will also feel mental challenges to keep pushing yourself higher. Individuals with strong fitness and previous trek experiences can do the Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Prevent altitude sickness

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit carries a high risk of altitude sickness. However, our itinerary has ample acclimatization days to help you adjust to the changing elevation and avoid altitude sickness.

Once you travel above 2,500 meters, the oxygen level starts to decline, which causes altitude sickness. Not every trekker suffers from altitude sickness. Follow the below tips to minimize the risk of altitude sickness during trekking:

  • You have to be hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids daily.
  • Eat adequate food to keep yourself energized and also get ample rest.
  • Limit your caffeine intake during trekking, and do not smoke or drink alcohol.
  • Take your time to adjust to the Himalayan environment and listen to your body. Do not rush or tire yourself out.
  • Do not avoid symptoms like difficulty breathing, headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, etc. Let your guide know and get first aid.

The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit trek

The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit 21 days is March to May, late September to November, and early December. These months offer favorable weather and climate conditions. You will enjoy walking because of the mild climate. The mountain views are crystal clear. Likewise, enjoy rich vegetation and flowers in these months.

Ensure your safety with travel insurance: helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory

Helicopter evacuation coverage is essential for the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit. You are not allowed to join this trek without this travel insurance. Make sure the evacuation is covered in the Himalayas. Likewise, also include medical bills and loss/theft of personal belongings in your travel insurance.

Accommodation and food during the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit

You will spend nights in tea houses along the Nar Phu Valley trek with the Annapurna Circuit route. Basic accommodation with simple but decent food options is available. In Nar Phu Valley, you will mostly get Nepali or Tibetan dishes. Dal bhat, fried rice, soups, stew, porridge, thukpa, thenduk, momo, and chow mein are some common dishes.

On the Annapurna Circuit trek route, you will also find pasta, pizza, sandwiches, pancakes, burgers, etc. The rooms in the tea houses are small but clean. You must carry a sleeping bag on this trek. Charging and hot showers cost additional money. Carry a solar power bank and wet wipes.

You will also travel off-grid on this trek, so expect to get network only sometimes. You will get a few chances to message your family. Our guide will be equipped with a satellite phone for emergency communication. Drinking water is also readily available.

Travel visa to enter Nepal for the trek

A travel visa for Nepal is available at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your country. If you are not a citizen of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria or are a refugee, you can receive an on-arrival travel visa upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

FAQs

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit is ideal for fit trekkers who can handle offbeat terrain and high altitude. Previous high altitude experience is a must, along with a good understanding of the Himalayan trails and their limitations.

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit is very demanding. It is a long trek with steep, offbeat terrain. The trek involves crossing two high passes above 5,000 meters and adjusting to limited tourist infrastructures. Trekkers have to be physically and mentally fit to complete this trek.

Yes, your guide will speak English. There will be no communication gap.

During the Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit, you will use a duffel bag as your main luggage. Every trekker's duffel bag, which porters carry, has a 9 kg weight limit. Likewise, you will carry a backpack during the trek, and it shouldn't weigh more than 5 kg.

You can tip the guide and porter 15% to 25% of the package cost. There are no fixed numbers for tips. You can tip whatever you wish.

If you want to extend your Nar Phu Valley trek with Annapurna Circuit, consider combining Tilicho Lake into your itinerary. You will only need four days extra. Likewise, you also have the option to extend your trek to Upper Mustang or Ghorepani Poon Hill.

Yes, it gets cold as the elevation increases. So, you have to pack a fleece jacket, thermal base layers, down jacket, warm socks, gloves, scarf, etc.

You are only allowed to fly a drone if you get permission from the local authorities. Let us know in advance if you want to fly a drone.

No, not anyone can go to Kanchenjunga. You have to be experienced at high altitudes, possess previous trekking experience, have strong mental and physical fitness, and obtain a restricted area permit.

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