Nar Phu Valley Trek — 13 Days

We leave Kathmandu and drive towards Dharapani, entering the Annapurna region through Besisahar. The journey follows valleys and hillsides, with road conditions affecting the time needed to reach the village.

This is a long travel day, so keep medicines, water and essentials within reach. The road passes farmland and towns before continuing into the Marsyangdi Valley. On reaching Dharapani, check into your lodge and rest. Your guide explains tomorrow’s walking route towards Koto and helps you prepare your daypack for the first trekking stage ahead.

We begin walking along the Marsyangdi Valley towards Koto. The route passes through mountain villages and forested sections, gradually gaining height as we approach the Nar Phu entrance.

Today introduces the walking pace and terrain you will follow over the coming days. Keep water and weather protection accessible, with breaks along the route. At Koto, settle into your teahouse and prepare for tomorrow’s departure from the main Annapurna trail. Your guide checks the required documents before we continue into the restricted Nar Phu region.

Leaving Koto, we follow the gorge into the Nar Phu Valley. Forest paths and bridge crossings lead uphill beside the river. The trail gains considerable height before reaching Meta, where the valley feels open.

As the valley opens, trees become fewer and rocky slopes surround the trail. Today brings a substantial increase in sleeping altitude, so report any unusual symptoms promptly. After reaching Meta, rest at the lodge and prepare for tomorrow’s journey towards Phu Village.

We leave Meta and follow the valley towards Phu. Rocky slopes and narrow sections shape the walk as we gain height, with stone buildings appearing on the approach to the village.

Phu’s houses sit close together above the valley, with prayer flags and Buddhist features around the village. After reaching the teahouse, take time to rest. At around 4,050 m, the sleeping altitude matters as much as the walking effort. We stay here again tomorrow, allowing time for exploration and adjustment.

We spend another day in Phu, combining village exploration with time at the same sleeping altitude. Walk among the stone houses and Buddhist features, with a nearby monastery visit when access and local circumstances permit.

Your guide chooses the walks according to conditions and how you are feeling. Keep the effort manageable and report any altitude symptoms. Afterwards, return to the teahouse for rest and preparation before tomorrow’s journey down the valley towards Nar Phedi.

Leaving Phu, we retrace part of the valley trail before continuing towards Nar Phedi. The route descends through rocky terrain and mountain river scenery, bringing a lower overnight altitude after two nights in Phu Village.

Nar Phedi is known for its monastery and simple mountain accommodation. Your guide explains local visiting customs, with access depending on the circumstances. After reaching the overnight stop, settle in and rest. Tomorrow’s shorter stage climbs from the valley towards Nar Village above us.

We leave Nar Phedi, cross the river and climb towards Nar Village. The walking day is shorter, although the gain in sleeping altitude still requires attention. Mani walls and prayer flags mark the approach to the stone houses.

After checking into the teahouse, rest or take a short walk around Nar if you feel well. Prepare warm layers, water and your headlamp for tomorrow’s early start. Your guide discusses the weather, trail conditions and the Kang La crossing.

We leave Nar early and begin the long climb towards Kang La Pass. The trail becomes steeper higher up, with altitude adding to the effort required for the crossing.

At approximately 5,320 m, Kang La is the highest point of this route. Clear weather offers views across the Annapurna and Chulu mountains. Conditions determine the crossing, and your guide assesses the route before continuing onward.

From the pass, we descend towards Ngawal, returning to the Annapurna Circuit. The downhill trail is long and steep in places. Rest at the teahouse after arrival.

We leave Ngawal and walk towards Humde, where the trekking section finishes. The route returns to the Marsyangdi Valley after the high crossing, with village scenery and mountain slopes along the descent. Ground transport then takes us towards Besisahar below.

Today’s journey combines the final walk with a drive down the valley. Keep your essentials accessible during the road journey, as conditions can affect progress. On reaching Besisahar, check into your accommodation and rest after the village trails and the long Kang La crossing.

Day 11 has no published programme. Its activity, overnight location, accommodation and meals require confirmation before the thirteen-day itinerary can be finalised. The surrounding days retain their existing route and numbering.

Day 10 ends in Besisahar, and Day 12 is listed as the drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. This gap does not establish an extra rest day, sightseeing programme or additional night in Besisahar. We need the confirmed Day 11 arrangements before assigning any activity or overnight stay to this slot.

We drive from Besisahar back to Kathmandu, leaving the mountain valleys behind. The journey follows the road through hills and towns, with road conditions affecting the travel time.

After reaching Kathmandu, check into your hotel and organise your belongings for departure. Depending on arrival time, you can rest or walk nearby. The package includes a farewell dinner in Kathmandu, with its arrangements confirmed by our team beforehand.

Your Nar Phu Valley journey ends today. After breakfast, check your belongings and prepare for your onward flight. Depending on the departure time, you may have time to rest or take a final walk nearby.

Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.