The Nar Phu valley is one of the most remote and recently opened trekking regions in Nepal, a trans-Himalayan landscape closed to outside visitors until the end of 2002. This 24-day expedition combines the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu, two of the least-visited Tibetan Buddhist communities in the Annapurna region, with a side trip to Tilicho Lake and two demanding high passes, for trekkers who genuinely want to leave the standard Annapurna Circuit trail behind.
Leaving the main circuit near the Marshyangdi river, the trail enters a narrow gorge that opens into the high, dry Nar Phu valley, walled in by snow peaks above 7,000m. The region was first explored by the mountaineer H.W. Tilman in 1950 and remains sparsely visited even today. In Phu village, trekkers can visit the centuries-old Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in the region, before continuing to Nar, the higher of the two settlements, with its distinctive maroon-painted houses and traditional Tibetan way of life.
From Nar, the route crosses Kang La Pass (5,322m) to rejoin the Annapurna Circuit near Ngawal, continuing to Manang for acclimatisation before the side trip to Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest lakes of its size in the world. The trek concludes by crossing the remote Mesokanto La Pass, an alternative to the more frequently used Thorong La, descending toward Jomsom through terrain that very few trekking groups ever see.
This is a camping-based, restricted-area trek recommended only for experienced trekkers comfortable with high altitude, basic facilities, and several consecutive demanding days above 5,000m. For a similar high-altitude circuit experience with established teahouse infrastructure throughout, see our Annapurna Circuit Trek, or browse our full range of Annapurna treks.
Duration: 24 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,340m (Mesokanto La Pass) | Trek Grade: Strenuous, restricted area | Starts/Ends: Kathmandu | Best Season: March-May, September-December | Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu, camping in Nar Phu, teahouses on Circuit section | Permits Required: Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Arrival in Kathmandu, pick-up from airport and transfer you to the hotel. OVernight Kathmandu.
After breakfast process for the UNISCO Heritage Sightseeing tour. Visit Swyambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan city, Khokana Village and after sight-seeing tour, transfer you back to hotel. Overnight Kathmandu.
Drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m.). Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, we can see some of the mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local peopl. Stay overnight at camp in Beshisahar.
The trail passes through flat level ground along the bank of the Marshyangdi river.The sceneries of local culture of Gurung communit are enjoyable.. After at Ngadi, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about two hours. At this point, we can see the area surrounded with sceneries of snow capped mountains. Stay overnight at camp.
A trail is steep descends for half an hour and then follows a flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reachings the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Now, the trail begins to observe small ups and downs to Chamje through the forests. Stay overnight at camp in Chamje.
The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep. Climbing the zigzagged path to the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) ahead. Tal is the border between Manang and Lamjung district. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. We descend to a grassy riverbank, which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path reaches near the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone Kani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.). Stay overnight at camp in Dharapani.
Trek a gradually ascending path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views of Annapurna II and Manaslu range along with beautiful views of forests on the way which add another dimension for the trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and other ethnic groups. Their lifestyle is mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans. Stay overnight at camp in Koto.
Cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valley and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola. The route takes through some beautiful woods and past several small caves, and a pilgrims' Dharmasala. After we emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the Dharmasala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider, this trek is harder than before. Stay overnight at camp in Dharmasala.
A steep climb up the valley along a small river brings to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. We pass by the scenic kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non permanent winter settlement of Nar, where the trail goes with the yaks.. The landscape is combined with white rocks, low shrubs, juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafy bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate and white, sandy trails.An hour past Meta, Junam is the second semi-permanent settlement. Above the Kharka to the right looms a massive glacier which falls jaggedly down to the high pastures above.The next settlement is Chako, formerly a Khampa settlement, where grass lies tied in bunches to dry on all the rooftops and prayer flags flutter in the breeze. Stay overnight at camp in Kayang.
Dropping steeply down to the river, we trek for a while along the river bank and past the "submarine" rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon lands and gorges, and the monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe. This ancient gate provides you the first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old and the remains of the two forts, which are all now in ruins, but impressively situated at the flatlands before Phu.
Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill. You will set up camp on the lower reaches of Phu,, and head up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa for short worship.Stay overnight at camp at Phu Village.
We explore around wide valley system and interact with the locals. We might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hours walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat. Stay overnight at camp in Phu Valley.
We get back through Phu gate, which takes 5-6 hrs , descend to the river and retrace the steps back to Junam Kharka which is a lovely spot for camping. Stay overnight at camp in Junam.
We trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below Gyalbu Kumbu and Satte Gompa both empty. We reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill and pass by another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo topped chorten. Stay overnight at camp at Nar.
Nar is livelier than Phu. Each family at Nar seems to have at least one son or daughter in a gompa. Stay overnight at camp.
The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking its toll. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and then more gradual as you reach the end.
Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit, can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is very nice and easy with enchanting views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of chortens and prayer flags which marks a meditation cave far up in the hills. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times. Stay overnight at camp in Ngwal.
Manang is a small town. We walk through leveled path along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. On the way we pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. The views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes are great. Stay overnight at camp in Manang.
We can explore Khangsur Village, Kecho Lake or Milarepa Cave. Stay overnight in camp.
The path is a gradual descent where we a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). The panoramic views of the Annapurna range completely mesmerizing. Khangsar is a Gurung village. We find a small monastery, chorten, mani walls and prayer flags. Stay overnight at camp in Khangsar.
Tilicho Lake is situated at the highest altitude We trek up and ascending trail. The path is quite covered by small crystals and shrubs can be seen on both sides. We cross some stream along thetrail. We can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others. Stay overnight at camp in Tilicho Lake.
The path is full of ups and downs until you reach Mesokanto Pass. The trail is quite narrow and you trek over icy path. The panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri along with ten other mountains completely mesmerize you. Stay overnight at camp in Mesokanto Pass.
From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steeply down to Jomsom. This day you trek through pine forest. Before you reach Jomsom, you cross Thimi inhabited by mostly Buddhists. There are no tea houses available from Tilicho Lake to Jomsom. Stay overnight at camp in Jomsom.
Breakfast and drive to Pokhara airport. We have no flight for Jomsom to Pokhara in the afternoon so we must take flight in the morning. It is a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara with full of adventure. Arrive in Pokhara, hotel check-in and end of the package.
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu takes about 5 hours of drive. Arrive Kathmandu, transfer you to the hotel and after that you will be free for your own activities. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Departure day we depart at the estimated time from hotel to the airport and on the way feedbacks about the trek,and leave the airport after wishing to have a great journey.
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What passes does this trek cross?
This trek crosses Kang La Pass (5,322m), which links Nar Phu back to the main Annapurna Circuit near Ngawal, and Mesokanto La Pass (approximately 5,099 to 5,340m), a remote alternative to Thorong La that descends toward Jomsom.
How difficult is this trek?
This is a strenuous, restricted-area trek recommended only for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience. It involves camping in the remote early stages, two high passes above 5,000m, and limited teahouse infrastructure.
What permits are required for Nar Phu Valley?
Nar Phu is a restricted area requiring a special Restricted Area Permit in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. A minimum group size of two trekkers is required, and the trek must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency.
Is this trek suitable for first-time trekkers?
No. This is one of the most demanding treks in the Annapurna region. First-time trekkers are better suited to our Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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