Is Altitude Sickness possible on this Trek?

Altitude sickness is very unlikely on the Nar Phu Valley Trek. You will not spend a night above 4000 meters . The highest point you reach is Kangla Pass (5320 meters/17,454 feet) , but only a few moments are spent there, so you are not facing a high risk of altitude sicknes s. That being said, some are more sensitive to the variations in elevation than others. Our team is highly experienced in the case of high-altitude sickness and is properly trained to help you . At the onset of symptoms, our guides will take you to a lower elevation as quickly as possible. You should not worry, though, we have built-in acclimatization days to prevent altitude sickness from happening.

Can we fly out of Humde Airport?

Before the road to Manang was built, there was a weekly flight from Humde to Pokhara. The flights stopped in 2011 because the total airport was not well constructed; it was just a normal gravel road. In 2011, the Nepal government started the renovation of the airport and built a nicer runway. However, now there are no flights because people opt for the cheaper option of driving to Manang village by Jeep, while the Nepal government is still pushing for airports in the more rural areas in the Himalayas.

Can I extend my trip to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass?

Yes of course! If you have enough time and want to join the popular Annapurna Circuit trail also known as the Apple Pie Trail in Nepal, we recommend you do so ! You would have a great experience crossing two high passes : Kangla and Thorong La Pass. Also, if you have time and want to see the beautiful Tilicho Lake, we can arrange a Tilicho Lake day trip. The ultimate trek would combine both Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass with the underrated Nar Phu Valley Trek. After crossing the Kangla Pass, the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit. Visit Tilicho Lake and then Yak Kharka, where you prepare to traverse the T horong La Pass (5400 meters). You’ll have a leg-up on other trekkers in terms of acclimatization, making the second high pass a walk in the park. So, why not get the best of both worlds? Combine the hidden gem of the Nar Phu Valley with the legendary Annapurna Circuit ( Apple Pie Trail in Nepal) and create the adventure of a lifetime!

Do I need Travel Insurance?

We recommend having travel insurance before going on Nar Phu Valley trekking. We do our best to take care of you, but if something happens that is out of our control. In the case of os a medical emergency, leading to helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents aboard and high in the Mountains.

Can I trek solo into the Nar Phu Valley?

No! solo travelers are not allowed to take the Nar Phu Valley Trek or any restricted area treks in Nepal . Nepal's government does not give permits for solo travelers in restricted areas. These permits require at least two trekkers and a government-registered guide. In the case that you are only one person, but would still like to do this trek with a registered guide, you can pay the other ‘ghost permit,’ as if there was another trekker with you. It is doable but would cost you double the permit fee. We hope our government will change the policy soon , so more people can discover the beauty of the Nar Phu Valley, but until then, you must travel with a group of two people and a registered local guide.

Nar Phu Valley Trek 10 Days | Cost | Itinerary for 2024 |2025 |2026

Nar Phu Valley Trek takes us to the isolated valley that connects Nar and Phu in the Manang district. This ‘off-the-beaten-path in the Annapurna region takes the classic trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The culture of Nar Phu is very unique; its heritage and architecture make an unforgettable experience in the Tibetan Plateau region.

This restricted area of Nepal needs a special trekking permit and a licensed guide. The Nar Phu village of the Annapurna region is more suitable for peace lovers, culture lovers, and adventurous souls. The stunning surrounding landscape and warm Nar and Phu climate are also a blessing. After departing from Kathmandu to Besishar, we first stop in the beautiful village of Dharapani. Above Odar, the stunning views of Mt.Manaslu, Annapurna range, Lamjung Himal, Himalchuli, and many other Himalayas' oldest peaks fascinate us.

From Koto, we follow Nar Khola to the Meta village and then to the Nar Phu valley on the Mountain’s lap. These villages from the 5th century have ancient connected houses and buckwheat flowers. The night's stay in the Buddhist Monasteries, Satek Gumba with the monks is a true mountain experience. At 4,250m, Phu village is very peaceful and pure. Lastly, descending from the pass, we stop at Ngwal Village and then drive to Kathmandu. Ready for adventurous trekking in Nar Phu with Breeze Adventure?

Best time for Nar Phu Valley Trek

The best times to take the Nar Phu Valley Trek are during autumn (September-November) spring (March-May) and monsoon (June-August)! The only time that we do not recommend taking the Nar Phu Valley Trek is during the winter, as the weather is extremely cold and snow can prevent you from being able to cross the Kang La Pass.

This trail is located behind the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan ranges. The landscape is quite similar to Tibet’s, so there is very little rainfall, even in the monsoon season. For this reason, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is a perfect one to do during the monsoon and offers very colorful scenery with rare Himalayan flowers. Overall, May to September is the best time for flower lovers! Also during monsoon season, people from the villages have more spare time. They’ve finished their work for the season and have more time to relax. So, this is the period when many people celebrate their marriage ceremonies and other special social festivals.

September offers a gorgeous view of the colorful flowers and the Himalayas with few clouds in the sky. The land is still beautifully dotted with colorful alpine flowers. October and November are the best months for clear skies, providing the best mountain views. March, April, and May also present crisp views of the Himalayas and have the best temperatures for hiking. This time is the warmest period in the Himalayas, so you can enjoy your time in the Himalayas without being uncomfortably cold.

Nar Phu Valley Trek is possible to do in the winter (December-January) if you can enjoy the cold temperatures and aren’t afraid of trudging through the snow. If you would like to trek during the winter, we will provide the proper gear necessary for that.

10-Day Nar Phu Valley Trek Cost/Price

The cost of your Nar Phu Valley Trek depends on the services you choose. The listed price covers all the costs of the Nar Phu Valley Trek on sharing-basis Jeep transportation. All your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included in the cost of the package, though if you would like to have extra chocolates, snacks, beer, etc., those are not included in the cost of the package. If you take the private 4-wheeler luxury Jeep to Chamche/ Koto and on your trek back from Ngwal, the price of the trek will be slightly more expensive.

If you want to spend an extra day or two exploring Nar or Phu village, the price will increase as days are added. Also, some guest houses, especially in high-altitude areas, may charge extra for charging your camera/phone batteries. If you would like to take a hot shower, that is possible in some places, but it also requires an extra fee that is not included in the package price. We are as transparent as possible with you about what is included/excluded from the package so that there are no misunderstandings. When you book with Breeze Adventure, there are no hidden costs or extra fees to worry about.

How difficult is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Short answer: No! This trip is not difficult at all if you have basic walking habits. It is just a long hike on a mid-altitude Himalayan trail. Every day we walk about 10-15 kilometers, and some days up to 20 kilometers. The trekking trail is well-maintained by the locals so it is safe to walk on. The trip to the two villages (Nar and Phu) is so beautiful.

The journey from Koto to Meta is a long way but is doable. The path to Phu is also a long one, but by the time you reach that day, your body will be used to it. The acclimatization day in Phu, with the hike up to Phu Viewpoint, physically and mentally prepares you for the rest of the trek. The whole trek (minus a small section after the Kangla Pass) is on a well-maintained, human-made trail that is accessible to anyone with a moderate trekking experience. It is recommended to have some prior trekking experience, but otherwise, the trail is not too difficult.

Nar Phu Valley Trekking Permit cost

Nar Phu Valley is considered a restricted area. Trekkers need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card, an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), as well as a special trekking permit from the Nepal government. This permit can only be acquired from registered trekking companies in Nepal. Therefore, to do the Nar Phu Valley Trek, you must have both permits.

Strangely enough, the cost of the restricted area permit depends on when you would like to trek. So, from September to November, the cost is $100 per week, and from December to August, the cost is $80 per week. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is $30, and the TIMS card is $10. You should plan to spend around USD 280 for two people but believe us that the cost of the permits is small compared to the joy that the Nar Phu Valley Trek will bring you.

There are several tourist checkpoints on this trek. One is at the beginning of the trip to Besishar, one in Manang, and one at the ending point of the Manaslu Circuit trail in Dharapani. Before we enter Nar Phu Valley we need to show our permit in Koto at the tourist checkpoint. There is also one permit check post in Meta, which will soon be shifting to Kyang village, as the main administrative office is in this village.

Why take the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Breeze Adventure?

We have combined decades of experience in the Himalayas and we have taken countless treks into every corner of Nepal. We provide only high-quality trekking experiences with the best staff, well-designed itineraries, and top-notch services. We give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the trek into Nar Phu Valley. Our guides are very professional, experienced, and dedicated to their commitment to making your trip fun and successful. This is an old trekking trail, but still, very few people know about or choose to visit these two hidden villages. All our guides have been there several times and know the latest trail updates to the Nar Phu Valley and Kangla Pass regarding weather and trail construction. Our passion for trekking in the great outdoors is evident and we know you will have as much fun as we do! Why not join one of our peaceful and beautiful treks Nar Phu Valley?

Safety Tips for the Nar Phu Valley Trek

Overall, the Nar Phu Valley trail is safe and secure. The biggest concern in terms of safety is altitude sickness, and even that risk is very low. Some parts of the trail are a bit narrow and you’ll have to pass local porters who carry heavy loads and can’t always see us, so it’s always best to stay in a safe place and let them pass ahead. Also, you will cross lots of donkeys and yaks on the trail. While you pass them, you must be on the inside, away from the corner/edge, especially if there is a steep drop-off. If you stay on the cliffside, the donkey might push you off, causing injury. When you see yaks on the trail, please don’t go too close for the picture, they have been known to attack people, so keep a safe distance.

Accommodation on Nar Phu Valley Trek

Accommodation on the Nar Phu Valley Trek is improving year by year. You used to have to camp on this trail, but now there are guesthouses at each stop. Please don’t expect luxurious guesthouse accommodation, as all of them are very simple with beds and blankets in each room. In the High season, you might have to share a room with other trekkers. In Meta, there is a newly built guesthouse with basic services, and the same goes for Kyang and Phu. Most of the guesthouses have a common bathroom (on a sharing basis). The accommodation at Satek Gompa is a bit nicer, though the bathroom is still on a sharing basis. After you cross the Kangla Pass and walk down to Ngwal village, the accommodation will be a special reward. After the basic rooms in the Nar Phu Valley, Ngwal is a step up, with nicer rooms and an attached bathroom. In conclusion, if you are used to trekking or are willing to sacrifice a little bit of comfort for the beauty of the Himalayas, then you will not be disappointed.

Food and Beverage on Nar Phu Valley Trek

The food on the Nar Phu Valley Trek is amazing! You will love the tasty vegetables, which are mostly grown locally. What you get may depend on the season. From May to October, you can enjoy local foods, such as Sherpa stew, dhindo, roti, Dal Bhat, etc. As winter approaches, the weather gets slightly colder and cloudier, so more of the vegetables are brought in from other villages (though still tasty). In each guesthouse, there are usually Western options as well, such as pizza, macaroni, fried noodles, pasta, etc. There are also candy bars, bottled soda, beer, etc. in every village. Most of the locals drink Tibetan tea, which is made of butter, salt, and wheat flour. You should try it at least once while you are there, but if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can also order black tea, green tea, milk tea, etc. Trying the local Himalayan dishes is always a memorable part of the trek.

Trekking Trail on Nar Phu Valley Trek

The trekking trail is lengthy, but very safe and maintained all the way to Phu village these days. Just this year, the local community has built another trail along the way. Remember, while hiking try to remain on the inside of the trail because there are more loose stones on the edge. The path after the Kangla Pass is a bit steep down for about 30 minutes, but it is safe, especially if there is no snow. We recommend using hiking poles throughout the trek, just to help with balance and take some weight off your knees and ankles.

Transportation on Nar Phu Valley Trek Trek

The transportation to and from the Nar Phu Valley trailhead is by road. Normally, we take a Tourist bus ride to Besisahar and take a jeep to Chyamche or Dharapani as per your itinerary. The Nar Phu Valley cannot be accessed by road, but the Nepal government is planning to change that. They are currently building a road to Meta village. The main source of transportation from village to village for locals is by horse, donkey, or yak. After finishing the trip, we will take a jeep ride from Ngwal to Besisahar again. As previously mentioned, there is an airport in Humde village, but flights have not begun yet.

is not connected by road. But soon it is going to be connected. People and the Nepal government are building the road to Meta village. The main transportation of the Nar Phu villagers is Horse, Donkey, and Yaks. After finishing the trip we take a jeep ride from Ngwal to Besishar again. There is an Airport at the Humde Village on the way however, there are not any flights yet.

Acclimatization Days on Nar Phu Valley Trek

Acclimatization is the process of letting our body become friendly with the high altitude and low oxygen level. There are one and a half days of acclimatization built into our itinerary. If you have extra time and want to spend some extra time in Nar and Phu village, you can surely add another day or two to the trek. This will let you get closer to the locals and make the rest of the trail easier for your body. Although the trail leads high into the Himalayas, you will not be spending any nights over 4,000 meters, so one day in Phu village and a half-day in Nar village will be enough for you to acclimatize.

Guides and Porters for Nar Phu Valley Trek

Our Guides and porters are very dedicated to their job and have a wonderful time in the Himalayas. For many, trekking in the Himalayas is their dream job, though they still take it seriously. The package cost includes food, beverage, and insurance for both the porter and guide. Our guides, with their years of experience trekking in the Himalayas, will make your trip successful. Also, we are very respectful of our porters. They earn a livable wage, while happily carrying your bags and enjoying the Himalayas. Our responsible and dedicated team will bring you success on your Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Note:

Please be assured that Breeze Adventure manages our treks to the highest standards. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority. We will support you to the best of our abilities with any issues that may arise. We will work with you to ensure you get the most from your Nar Phu Valley Trekking and visit Nepal.

Clients Reviews

Amazing Trek in Beautiful Vallyes
As a family of 4 coming from the UK we had limited time and the Nar Phu Valleys trek took 10 days which was ideal. In early September, it was not busy although there was more risk of rain. The valley scenery was spectacular and our guide and porters were super professional and fun. There was a fair elevation gain day by day, with an acclimatisation day in Phu before heading to Nar and the Kang La pass. Phu itself was another world with a totally different way of life. I would definitely recommend this trek with Breeze - challenging but enjoyable with lots of laughs, good food and a chance to appreciate the country and its people.
P
Pat HUnited Kingdom,May 05, 2024
Best Trek in Nepal!
Un’esperienza incredibile! Kishwor e il suo team sono pronti a supportarti e a darti tutti i consigli di cui avrai bisogno! Un viaggio che rimane nel cuore per tanti motivi, non vediamo l’ora di tornare ☀️
Google Translated:-
An incredible experience! Kishwor and his team are ready to support you and give you all the advice you need! A journey that remains in our hearts for many reasons, we can't wait to return ☀️
G
GaiaItaly,May 01, 2024