Nar Phu Valley Trek - 12 Days

Elevation: 1400 m → 1100 m

The Nar Phu Valley Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Ngadi (1,100 m), which usually takes 9–10 hours along the Prithvi Highway and mountainous roads. This long but picturesque journey passes through lush valleys, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages, offering trekkers a first glimpse of rural Nepali life and the landscapes of the Manang region.

Ngadi serves as the gateway village to the Nar Phu Valley, where trekkers can rest, arrange any last-minute supplies, and prepare for the high-altitude trek ahead. The drive allows travelers to gradually leave the Kathmandu Valley behind and enter the remote Annapurna region, setting the tone for the adventure into the restricted and culturally rich valleys of Nar and Phu.

This long drive not only provides beautiful views of rivers, forests, and hills but also marks the start of a remote and immersive Himalayan trekking experience.

Elevation: 1100 m → 2050 m

The trek from Ngadi (1,100 m) to Bharagaun (2,050 m) marks the first day of walking in the Nar Phu Valley region and usually takes 5–6 hours depending on pace and rest stops. The trail gradually ascends through lush forests, terraced fields, and small traditional villages, offering trekkers a scenic introduction to the Manang region.

Along the way, trekkers pass through streams, suspension bridges, and occasional resting points that provide glimpses of the surrounding Himalayan foothills. The trail is moderate in difficulty, allowing trekkers to acclimatize gradually while enjoying the serene natural surroundings.

Arriving at Bharagaun, trekkers find basic teahouse accommodations, where warm meals and a cozy place to rest are available. The village provides the perfect stop to prepare for the higher-altitude sections of the Nar Phu Valley Trek the following day.

This first day combines moderate trekking with scenic landscapes and local cultural encounters, setting the tone for the remote and immersive journey ahead.

Elevation: 2050 m → 3650 m

The trek from Bharagaun (2,050 m) to Phu Gaon (3,650 m) is one of the most exciting and culturally immersive days on the Nar Phu Valley Trek, typically taking 6–7 hours depending on pace and acclimatization stops. This section gradually ascends through forests of rhododendron and pine, terraced farmlands, and narrow mountain trails, transitioning into high-altitude alpine landscapes as you approach the remote Phu Valley.

As trekkers gain altitude, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with panoramic views of peaks such as Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The village of Phu is a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement, with stone houses, prayer flags, mani walls, and ancient monasteries, offering a unique glimpse into local culture and customs that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The trail can be moderately steep in places, and trekking at this altitude requires careful pacing to avoid altitude sickness, but the reward is the chance to experience the remote beauty and cultural richness of Phu Valley. Upon arrival, trekkers stay in basic teahouses or local lodges, where warm meals and hospitality provide a welcome rest before continuing deeper into the Nar and Phu valleys.

This day is a highlight of the Nar Phu Trek, combining challenging high-altitude trekking with extraordinary cultural and natural experiences, giving trekkers a true sense of the region’s remoteness and Himalayan grandeur.

Elevation: 3650 m → 4070 m

The trek from Phu Gaon (3,650 m) to Nar Phedi (4,070 m) is a moderately challenging day in the Nar Phu Valley, usually taking 5–6 hours. This section climbs gradually along rocky ridges, narrow gorges, and high desert landscapes, offering trekkers a spectacular high-altitude experience with panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

The trail passes through open alpine meadows and occasional yak pastures, providing a true sense of remoteness. As trekkers approach Nar Phedi, the environment becomes increasingly rugged, with the villages of Nar and surrounding cliffs appearing as isolated settlements perched amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The traditional Tibetan-style houses, prayer flags, and mani walls create a serene cultural atmosphere, highlighting the valley’s preserved heritage.

At Nar Phedi, trekkers stay in simple teahouses or local lodges, enjoying warm meals and rest while acclimatizing to the higher altitude before continuing further into the Nar Valley.

This day offers a perfect blend of moderate trekking, high-altitude landscapes, and cultural immersion, setting the stage for exploring the deeper reaches of Nar Valley and the remote communities that inhabit it.

Elevation: 4070 m → 4200 m

The trek from Nar Phedi (4,070 m) to Nar Village (4,200 m) is a short but rewarding day on the Nar Phu Valley Trek, typically taking 3–4 hours. This section involves a gradual ascent through high-altitude alpine terrain, with views of jagged ridges, glacial streams, and distant snow-capped peaks creating a dramatic backdrop.

The trail is relatively moderate, but the high elevation requires careful pacing and attention to acclimatization, as trekkers are now above 4,000 meters. Along the way, you will see traditional Tibetan-style stone houses, prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls, offering insight into the preserved culture of the Nar Valley communities.

Nar Village is a small, picturesque settlement that provides basic teahouse accommodations and warm meals. The village serves as a gateway to the deeper parts of the valley and offers stunning views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and surrounding peaks, making it a perfect location to rest and take in the unique high-altitude environment.

This day combines short but high-altitude trekking with cultural and scenic experiences, preparing trekkers for the exploration of the Phu Valley and the remote areas beyond.

Elevation: 4200 m → 3660 m

The trek from Nar Village (4,200 m) to Ngawal (3,660 m) involves a gradual descent through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and narrow gorges, typically taking 5–6 hours. This section allows trekkers to leave the high-altitude Nar Valley while still enjoying panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

Along the trail, trekkers pass traditional Tibetan-style stone houses, prayer flags, and small monasteries, providing insight into the region’s preserved culture. The descent also brings a change in landscape, with vegetation becoming slightly denser and the terrain less barren than the higher valleys.

Upon reaching Ngawal (3,660 m), trekkers find basic teahouse accommodations and warm meals. Ngawal is known for its historic monastery and panoramic mountain vistas, making it an ideal resting point before continuing the trek toward lower elevations or connecting with the Manang region.

This day combines moderate trekking, cultural exploration, and spectacular Himalayan scenery, offering a smooth transition from the high Nar Valley to the lower Manang region.

Elevation: 3660 m → 3920 m

The trek from Ngawal (3,660 m) to Nar Lhaka (3,920 m) is a moderately challenging section of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, typically taking 4–5 hours. This segment involves a gradual ascent along rocky ridges and open alpine terrain, offering trekkers panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the surrounding high Himalayas.

The trail passes through sparsely populated areas with yak pastures, stone mani walls, and prayer flags, giving trekkers a sense of the region’s remoteness and traditional Tibetan-influenced culture. The high-altitude environment requires careful pacing and proper acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

At Nar Lhaka (3,920 m), trekkers can rest in basic teahouses or lodges and enjoy warm meals while taking in the dramatic mountain vistas. This stop provides an ideal vantage point for photography and relaxation before continuing the trek toward Manang or other connecting trails.

This day combines moderate trekking, high-altitude landscapes, and cultural immersion, making it one of the memorable highlights of the Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Elevation: 3920 m → 3920 m → 3800 m

The trek from Nar Lhaka (3,920 m) across the Kenchen La Pass (4,950 m) to Munsi (3,800 m) is one of the most challenging and exhilarating sections of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. This segment usually takes 7–9 hours, depending on pace, weather, and acclimatization. The Kenchen La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects the Nar and Phu Valleys to the Annapurna Circuit, offering trekkers a dramatic crossing with panoramic Himalayan vistas.

The ascent to the pass is steep and involves traversing rocky ridges, snow patches, and exposed high-altitude terrain, requiring good physical fitness, careful footing, and proper acclimatization. From the top of Kenchen La, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and surrounding valleys, making the effort worthwhile.

The descent to Munsi (3,800 m) is long but scenic, with trails winding through rock-strewn slopes and high alpine meadows, eventually reaching the small settlement of Munsi. Here, trekkers can rest in basic teahouses, enjoy warm meals, and reflect on the accomplishment of crossing one of the most remote and beautiful passes in the Annapurna region.

Crossing the Kenchen La Pass is a highlight of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, combining high-altitude adventure, challenging terrain, and unparalleled Himalayan scenery for an unforgettable experience.

Elevation: 3800 m → 3100 m 

The trek from Munsi (3,800 m) to Meta (3,100 m) marks the continuation of the descent after crossing the Kenchen La Pass, typically taking 5–6 hours. This section involves a gradual downhill trek through high-altitude alpine terrain, rocky ridges, and narrow valleys, offering trekkers stunning views of surrounding peaks like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

As you descend, the landscape becomes more vegetated with sparse shrubs, grassy meadows, and scattered highland settlements, giving trekkers a glimpse of local life and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. The trail is moderately easy compared to the ascent over the pass but still requires attention due to rocky and uneven paths.

Upon arrival at Meta (3,100 m), trekkers can stay in simple teahouses or lodges, enjoy warm meals, and rest before continuing the descent toward lower Manang or connecting trails. The village offers tranquil surroundings and panoramic mountain vistas, making it an ideal place to recover after the challenging Kenchen La crossing.

This day combines moderate trekking, scenic alpine landscapes, and cultural encounters, providing a rewarding continuation of the Nar Phu Valley adventure.

Elevation: 3100 m → 3650 m 

The trek from Meta (3,100 m) back to Phu Gaon (3,650 m) is part of the return journey through the Nar Phu Valley, typically taking 4–5 hours. This section involves a gradual ascent along alpine trails and rocky ridges, retracing some of the high-altitude terrain experienced earlier in the trek.

Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna, with open alpine meadows and scattered yak pastures along the way. The trail also passes through traditional stone villages, prayer flags, and mani walls, providing further insight into the Tibetan-influenced culture of the region.

Upon arrival at Phu Gaon (3,650 m), trekkers can rest in basic teahouses, enjoy warm meals, and reflect on the unique landscapes and cultural experiences encountered during the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The village offers a serene and scenic stop before descending further toward Bharagaun or Ngadi on the return route.

This day combines moderate trekking, cultural encounters, and stunning high-altitude scenery, allowing trekkers to enjoy the beauty of the Nar Phu Valley once again while gradually descending toward lower elevations.

Elevation: 3650 m → 1100 m 

The trek from Phu Gaon (3,650 m) back to Ngadi (1,100 m) marks the final leg of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, typically taking 6–7 hours depending on pace and rest stops. This section involves a long descent through alpine meadows, forested trails, and terraced farmlands, gradually returning trekkers to the lower Manang region.

The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding peaks, gorges, and traditional villages, providing a final opportunity to appreciate the remote beauty and cultural richness of the Nar Phu Valley. As the altitude decreases, the terrain becomes more vegetated, with forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, making the descent both scenic and refreshing.

Upon arrival at Ngadi (1,100 m), trekkers can rest, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the journey back to Kathmandu or Pokhara. This stop also offers a sense of accomplishment after completing one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally immersive high-altitude treks.

This final day combines long but manageable trekking, picturesque landscapes, and cultural encounters, bringing the Nar Phu Valley adventure to a memorable conclusion.

Elevation: 1100 m → 1400 m 

The Nar Phu Valley Trek concludes with a scenic drive from Ngadi (1,100 m) back to Kathmandu (1,400 m), which usually takes 9–10 hours depending on road and weather conditions. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway and winding mountain roads, passing through lush valleys, rivers, terraced farmland, and traditional villages, offering trekkers one last opportunity to enjoy the rural landscapes of the Manang region.

This drive provides a relaxing end to the trek, allowing travelers to reflect on their high-altitude adventure, cultural experiences, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery encountered throughout the Nar and Phu Valleys. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, trekkers are welcomed by the city’s bustling streets, vibrant culture, and comfortable accommodations, providing the perfect setting to rest and celebrate the completion of a truly remote and unforgettable trek.

This final journey by road marks the end of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, blending scenic landscapes with a sense of accomplishment and closure to a unique Himalayan adventure.