Nar Phu Valley Trek from Kathmandu | Best Heritage Tour

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most enchanting yet remote trekking routes. Starting from the bustling city of Kathmandu, this journey takes you deep into the hidden heart of the Himalayas, where ancient Tibetan culture blends with breathtaking mountain landscapes.

If you’ve been wondering how to experience the Nar Phu Valley Trek from Kathmandu, this guide lays out a detailed, day-by-day itinerary to help you plan your adventure seamlessly. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a curious traveler, this trek offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and challenge.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Itinerary Starting from Kathmandu

Day 1: Kathmandu to Koto (2,600m) - The Gateway to Nar Phu

Altitude: 2,600 m
Travel Time: 9-10 hours by road
Overnight Stay: Koto
Trekking Distance: None (drive only)

Highlights:

Scenic drive through lush terraced hills and rivers
Passing through the gateway town of Besisahar
Experience rural Nepali countryside and mountain vistas

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu. Brace yourself for a long but scenic drive through Nepal’s rugged countryside. The route passes through Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, and follows winding mountain roads dotted with terraced fields, quaint villages, and rushing rivers.

Arriving at Koto, you’ll rest for the night and prepare for the trek ahead. Koto is the last motorable point before the trail to Nar Phu Valley begins.

Day 2: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m) - Entering the Valley

Altitude Gain: 960 m (from 2,600 m to 3,560 m)
Trekking Distance: Approx. 15 km
Trekking Time: 8-9 hours
Overnight Stay: Meta

Highlights:

Scenic trek along the Nar Khola River valley
Gradual ascent through pine and rhododendron forests
First glimpses of rugged Himalayan terrain
Remote village of Meta perched on a ridge with valley views

After breakfast, the trekking officially begins as you leave the main Annapurna trail and follow a narrow path along the Nar Khola River. The day’s hike gradually gains altitude through pine forests and rocky ravines.

You’ll reach Meta, a small settlement perched on a ridge, offering stunning views of the rugged valley below. This remote village is your first taste of the untouched Nar Phu landscape.

Day 3: Meta to Phu (4,050m) - Arrival at the Remote Village

Altitude Gain: 490 m (from 3,560 m to 4,050 m)
Trekking Distance: Approx. 14 km
Trekking Time: 8-9 hours
Overnight Stay: Phu

Highlights:

Crossing high alpine terrain with yak pastures
Passing sacred chortens and mani walls
Arrival at Phu, an ancient Tibetan-style village
Visit to the historic Tashi Lhakhang Monastery

Today’s trek takes you higher into the valley, hiking through increasingly barren terrain. You’ll pass yak pastures, frozen streams, and chortens (stone shrines) marking sacred spots.

Your destination is Phu, the more remote of the two Nar Phu villages. At over 4,000 meters, Phu is a Tibetan-style settlement known for its ancient monastery and warm hospitality.

Day 4: Acclimatization and Exploration in Phu

Altitude: 4,050 m
Trekking Distance: Optional hikes only
Trekking Time: Varies (4-6 hours for side trips)
Overnight Stay: Phu

Highlights:

Rest day for acclimatization
Optional hike to Himlung Base Camp or nearby lookout points (~4,000 m)
Stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Himlung Himal and Annapurna II
Cultural immersion in village life and spiritual atmosphere

An important day to rest and acclimatize, Day 4 gives you a chance to explore the surrounding area at a leisurely pace.

Optional hikes include a visit to Himlung Base Camp or nearby lookout points at around 4,000 meters, providing panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks like Himlung Himal and Annapurna II.

Take time to interact with villagers and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this secluded community.

Day 5: Phu to Narpedi (3,750m) - Descending to the Middle Valley

Altitude Loss: 300 m (from 4,050 m to 3,750 m)
Trekking Distance: Approx. 12 km
Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Overnight Stay: Narpedi

Highlights:

Trekking across alpine meadows and rocky terrain
Passing isolated settlements and yak pastures
Rest and rejuvenate in peaceful Narpedi teahouses

The trek descends slightly today as you head to Narpedi, a small settlement between Phu and Nar. The hike takes about 7 to 8 hours across rocky paths and alpine meadows.

Narpedi offers rustic teahouses and a quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to rest before the final leg to Nar.

Day 6: Narpedi to Nar (4,150m) - Arrival at the Main Village

Altitude Gain: 400 m (from 3,750 m to 4,150 m)
Trekking Distance: Approx. 6 km
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight Stay: Nar

Highlights:

Short but scenic trek with views of the surrounding peaks
Arrival at Nar, the larger and more vibrant village of the valley
Experience traditional Tibetan-style architecture and colorful prayer flags
Possible visit to local monasteries and mani walls

A shorter hike brings you to Nar, the larger and more accessible of the two villages. Nar is renowned for its tightly clustered stone houses, colorful prayer flags, and vibrant local culture.

Here, you’ll experience the heart of Nar Phu Valley life, witnessing traditional Tibetan architecture and possibly visiting local monasteries.

Day 7: Nar to Garhwal via Kang La Pass (5,306m) - The Trek’s Highest Point

Altitude Gain: 1,156 m (from 4,150 m to 5,306 m)
Altitude Loss: 1,631 m (from 5,306 m to 3,675 m)
Trekking Distance: Approx. 20 km
Trekking Time: 9-10 hours
Overnight Stay: Garhwal

Highlights:

Challenging ascent to the Kang La Pass, the trek’s highest point
Spectacular 360-degree views of Himalayan giants like Gangapurna and Annapurna II
Descend through alpine deserts to Garhwal village
Experience varied terrain from snow-capped passes to forested valleys

This is the most challenging day of the trek, with a steep ascent to the Kang La Pass, the highest point on the route at 5,306 meters.

The trek takes 9 to 10 hours, crossing rugged terrain, high alpine deserts, and offering spectacular 360-degree views of Himalayan giants like Gangapurna and Annapurna II.

After the pass, you’ll descend to Garhwal (3,675m), where you can rest and reflect on the accomplishment.

Day 8: Garhwal to Chame (2,670m) - Rejoining the Annapurna Circuit

Altitude Loss: 1,005 m (from 3,675 m to 2,670 m)
Trekking Distance: Approx. 20 km
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours
Overnight Stay: Chame

Highlights:

Descend through forests and terraced farmland
Pass traditional Gurung and Manangi villages
Rejoin the popular Annapurna Circuit route
More developed facilities and comforts in Chame

The descent continues today with a 7 to 8 hour hike through forests, traditional villages, and terraced farmland.

Arriving at Chame, a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll find more developed facilities and comforts after days of remote trekking.

Day 9: Chame to Kathmandu via Besisahar - Journey’s End

Travel Time: 4-5 hours (Chame to Besisahar by road), then 5-6 hours (Besisahar to Kathmandu by road)
Overnight Stay: Kathmandu (optional)
Trekking Distance: None (drive only)

Highlights:

Scenic drive back through Annapurna foothills and rural towns
Reflect on your Nar Phu Valley adventure during the journey home
Return to Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital city

On the final day, you’ll take a 4 to 5 hour drive from Chame to Besisahar, followed by a longer 5 to 6 hour drive back to Kathmandu.

This completes the loop from city life to remote wilderness and back, leaving you with unforgettable memories and stories to share.

Additional Tips for the Nar Phu Valley Trek from Kathmandu

Permits: The trek requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar Phu, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a TIMS card.
Guides and Porters: Due to the restricted nature of the area, trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory.
Acclimatization: Days 4 and 5 include rest and acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.
Packing: Prepare for varying weather with warm layers, sturdy boots, and trekking poles.
Connectivity: Expect minimal mobile or internet coverage in the valley.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Nar Phu Valley Trek from Kathmandu

The Nar Phu Valley Trek from Kathmandu is a journey that combines cultural immersion, natural grandeur, and physical challenge. Starting from Nepal’s bustling capital and winding deep into one of the Himalayas’ most secretive regions, this trek is perfect for adventurous souls seeking authenticity and solitude.

For a hassle-free, expertly guided experience, consider booking your trek with Best Heritage Tour. They specialize in restricted area treks like Nar Phu, ensuring safety, comfort, and cultural insight every step of the way.

Book Your Nar Phu Valley Trek Package Here:

www.bestheritagetour.com/nar-phu-valley-short-trek

Contact Best Heritage Tour:

Phone/Whatsapp: +977-9851149197

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com

Visit: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Ready to explore the hidden Nar Phu Valley from Kathmandu? Let Best Heritage Tour lead the way into this untouched Himalayan gem.