Trip Overview
Nar Phu Valley Trek offers the ultimate adventure and wilderness trekking experience. Tucked between Manaslu and Annapurna region, Nar Phu Valley is a hidden gem, explored and appreciated by a few.
Nar Phu Valley Trektraverses the remotest and hidden part of the Annapurna region, Nar and Phu villages. Opened to foreign trekkers in 2002, Nar Phu Valley has yet not seen a huge flow of trekkers in the region. As the valley is more secluded from the famous trails and requires an expensive restricted area permit, trekking here is challenging. The trek offers an extraordinary venture into rich ancient cultural heritage thriving apart from the world to this date.
Only a handful of trekkers every year explore the wonders of the Nar Phu Valley area, which make the region relatively untouched and unspoiled. Nar Phu Valley Trekking is perfect for travelers looking for the less-crowded trail and intimate venture in the Himalayas. The trail is strenuous and demands previous trekking experience. The trail combines high passes and pastures, dense forests, narrow canyons, remote villages, glaciers, amazing rock formations, gompas, and Tibetan Buddhism.
During the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you will cross two passes - Kang La Pass (5,306 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,306 m). Crossing both of these passes is strenuous and offers incredible views from the top of the passes. Yes, you read it right. We have added beautiful Manang village and Thorong La Pass to our Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary. Likewise, the trail takes you to the holy Muktinath Temple and passes the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge. Walk through lovely apple orchards and narrow alleyways & white-washed houses to reach Jomsom.
Major Attractions of Nar Phu Valley Trek
Visit monuments in Kathmandu
Go on a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu that leads to historical monuments like Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swaymbhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. If you get a few more hours to explore, visit the Garden of Dreams and Narayanhiti Palace located nearby Thamel.
Trek through dense forests
Most of the trail goes through dense forests of pine, maple, juniper, oak, fir, rhododendron, etc. You will cross many rivers and streams over suspension & wooden bridges. Likewise, get to see diverse flora and fauna along the trail.
Explore Nar & Phu villages
Nar Village is resided by 300 permanent residents, whereas Phu has 200 permanent residents. Situated above the tree line, both these villages stand isolated in the winter season. The locals descend to the lower villages to spend the winter as it gets extremely cold. In Phu village, you will visit the ancient Tashi Lhakhang monastery, whereas Nar village takes you on a short hike to Himlung Base Camp.
Spend a night in picturesque Manang village
Manang village is located at 3,519 meters and offers gorgeous landscapes. It is a large village with museums, shops, and a theater. You will visit Braga monastery while trekking towards Manang. Trekkers usually spend acclimatization day in this village and go on short hikes to places like Gangapurna Lake, caves, etc.
Get to see the lifestyle of the mountain people
During the trek, you pass by many big and small villages like Chamje, Dharapani, Karte, Koto, Meta, Dharamshala, Phu, Nar, Ngawal, Manang, Yak Kharka, Tenki, Kagbeni, Jomsom, etc. Passing by these villages, you will come across the culture and traditions of people from different communities. Get to see the different lifestyles and practices of the locals of the mountains. Likewise, visit ancient monasteries and stupas along the way.
Cross Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass
Kang La Pass stands 5,306 meters from the sea level located in the Manang district. From the Nar village, the trail heads towards the top of the pass. Crossing the pass, you will join the Annapurna Circuit trail and continue to the highest pass in the world, Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Both of these passes are challenging to cross and offer phenomenal views from the top.
Visit Muktinath Temple
Situated at 3,800 meters, Muktinath Temple is one of the major Hindu temples. This temple also holds significant importance for Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has many other small temples around the premises for other deities. Likewise, Muktinath Temple is one of the highest temples in the world, visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Witness panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains and gorgeous landscapes
Nar Phu Valley Trek offers excellent views of numerous Himalayan mountains like Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Himlung Himal (7,140 m), Mt. Fishtail, (6,993 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Pisang Peak (6,091 m), etc. Likewise, you will get to see glaciers, streams, hills, and terraced fields along the way.
Take a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is around 15 minutes long. You will get to see stunning aerial views of Annapurna Range (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri Range (8,167 m) during the flight.
