Enjoy some of the most traveled and secluded trails in the Annapurna region.
Enjoy some of the most rewarding and secluded trails in the Annapurna region.
Visit Nar and Phu, ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages.
Cross the strenuous Kang La Pass (5,320 m) with impressive views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
Pass through deep gorges, medieval stone villages, monasteries, and barren high-altitude plateaus.
Experience a traditional Himalayan way of life that is rarely seen by outsiders.
Trek in a restricted area of Nepal that requires a special permit and a local guide.
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an exceptional mix, blending raw natural beauty with the centuries-old heritage of Tibetan culture. Opened to foreign trekkers only in 2003, the trail leads you into a world that feels like forgotten time. From the more traveled Annapurna Circuit, the trek deviates into the untrodden hidden valleys of Nar and Phu, carved by glacial rivers in an amphitheater of towering peaks. While the popular routes are busy with visitors, this area still enjoys a feel of wilderness and genuine exploration.
As you pass through narrow canyons, cross swinging suspension bridges, and walk past prayer-flag-draped monasteries, you will gain a glimpse into the ancient lifestyles of Tibetan-derived communities that still live here. Nar and Phu are fortified settlements that have preserved their language, culture, and spiritual practices intact for many centuries. Expect to see yaks grazing alpine pastures, water-powered prayer wheels, and stone houses built into wind-swept cliffs.
One of the most thrilling parts of this trek is crossing Kang La Pass (5,320 m). This is a high-altitude challenge with great rewards: breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif above and the deep Marsyangdi Valley below. After crossing the pass, the route reconnects with the Annapurna Circuit near Ngawal, leaving room for flexibility in the itinerary, whether you continue on to Manang and Tilicho Lake or descend back to the road.
This is an adventurous trek, best suited to experienced trekkers who are seeking a deeply cultural experience away from the crowds. The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted trekking area, so it requires a special permit and must be arranged through a registered agency like Mountain Hawk Treks.
Choosing Mountain Hawk Treks means your trek is run by a trusted and experienced local company that prioritizes safety, authenticity, and sustainability. Here is why we are your best choice for a Nar Phu Valley adventure:
We are fully licensed to handle restricted-area permits and logistics.
Our guides are local experts with deep knowledge of the Nar and Phu valleys.
We focus on smaller groups and tailor itineraries to your pace and interests.
Full-service support from Kathmandu to the trails and back, with 24/7 assistance.
Deep respect for local communities and eco-friendly trekking practices.
High client satisfaction and over a decade of successful operations in remote areas of Nepal.
Majestic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and more from Kang La Pass (5,320 m).
A true off-the-beaten-path experience, as few trekkers reach the Nar and Phu valleys.
Authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, chortens, and stone villages.
Remote mountain villages such as Nar and Phu, which have preserved old lifestyles, languages, and customs.
A high mountain pass crossing at Kang La, which is both a physical and a visual highlight.
Encounters with yak-herding communities and traditional Himalayan practices.
Basic yet unique teahouse and community homestay accommodation, far removed from commercial trekking hubs.
Extreme weather variation: prepare for warm valleys that can suddenly turn icy cold at high altitudes.
Minimal facilities and pure adventure: no wifi, no crowds, and no modern distractions.
A photography paradise, with dramatic landscapes, vivid culture, and striking contrasts between barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks.
Due to the high altitude and remote location, proper preparation is essential. For fitness, we recommend 4 to 6 weeks of cardio exercises such as hiking, running, or swimming, along with long-distance hikes carrying a weighted backpack. Prepare yourself for high-altitude and cold-weather conditions.
20 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Besisahar (865 m). Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Dharapani (1,970 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Methang Pati (3,560 m), through a Tibetan landscape valley with magnificent mountain scenery. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Meta (4,400 m), exploring great canyons, rock pillars, monasteries, and ruined forts along the way. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Nar, a remote Tibetan Buddhist valley. Overnight at teahouse.
Exploration day in the Nar and Phu valleys. Overnight at teahouse.
Cross Kang La Pass (5,320 m) and descend to Manang. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,350 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Marpha (2,610 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ghasa (1,970 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Tatopani (1,100 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ghorepani (2,850 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.
Sightseeing around Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), breakfast included.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Pokhara (2 nights), breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) during the trek.
Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping sections, including two-person tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, and shower tent.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, a cook, and the required number of porters, including their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
Boiled and purified drinking water during the trek.
Special Trekking Permit: US$90 per person per day for five days.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.
Surface transfer from Kathmandu.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel insurance (compulsory).
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
US$100 per person extra if you wish to take flight from Pokhara, Kathmandu (one way). US$60 per person per night for Single room and US$ 35 per person per night for double(twin sharing) room if you need extra accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)
Daypack
Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)
Hiking pants
Waterproof jacket
Full, sleeves shirt
Jumper or pile jacket
T, shirts
Trekking boots (Water proof)
Camp shoes/Sandal
wool socks
Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)
Sun hat
Beanie
Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )
Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)
windproof pants
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Medical & first aid kit
Flash light ( with spare batteries)
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
