Nar Phu Valley Trek: overview
- Duration
- 10–19 days (typically 11)
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Max altitude
- 5,320 m · Kang La
- Start / finish
- Koto (by bus and jeep from Pokhara via Besisahar) → Manang (jeep back to Besisahar and Pokhara)
- Best months
- Apr, May, Oct, Nov
- Sleep in
- Basic teahouses and homestays in Meta, Kyang, Phu, Nar Phedi (monastery guesthouse) and Nar; mostly shared rooms and simple menus. Standard Annapurna Circuit teahouses in Koto, Ngawal and Manang.
- Guide
- Licensed guide required
- Permits
- Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card
The Nar Phu valley branches north from the Annapurna Circuit at Koto, near Chame, into a hidden landscape of gorges, yak pastures and two Tibetan-Buddhist villages, Phu (4,080 m) and Nar (4,110 m). The valley only opened to foreign trekkers in 2003, and as a restricted area with an expensive permit, it sees a small fraction of the Circuit's traffic.
The trail climbs through forest and a narrow canyon to Meta, past the chortens of Kyang and through a stone gateway to Phu, where the Tashi Lhakhang monastery looks out over Himlung Himal's glaciers. You then return south to the Satek monastery at Nar Phedi, climb to Nar, and cross Kang La (5,320 m) to Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit, with a huge view of Annapurna II, III, IV and Gangapurna on the way down.
From Ngawal you can walk to Manang and take a jeep out, or continue over Thorong La to complete the full Annapurna Circuit. Either way, this is a trek for people who already have some Himalayan experience: the teahouses are basic and the Kang La day is long and high.
Highlights
- Phu (4,080 m), a medieval stone village and Tashi Lhakhang monastery, reached through a Tibetan-style gateway
- Crossing Kang La (5,320 m) with a close-up view of Annapurna II, III, IV and Gangapurna
- The Satek (Nar Phedi) monastery, where the resident nuns run the guesthouse
- Nar (4,110 m), with its four monasteries, fields and chortens
- The narrow canyon and waterfalls between Koto and Meta, and the chortens of Kyang
- Views of Himlung Himal and Kang Garu, and blue sheep on the high pastures
- Very few other trekkers, as a restricted area
Day-by-day itinerary & route map
The standard 11-day itinerary from Pokhara. Tap any day, a marker on the map or a point on the altitude profile to follow the route. Walking times are for an average trekker at a steady pace, without long stops.
Route line and stops are approximate and drawn for planning — not for navigation. Terrain tiles © OpenTopoMap / OpenStreetMap contributors.
Show altitudes as a table
| Day | Route | Sleep | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Besisahar → Dharapani (jeep) | 1,860 m | — |
| 2 | Dharapani → Timang → Koto | 2,600 m | — |
| 3 | Koto → Dharmasala → Meta | 3,560 m | — |
| 4 | Meta → Chyakhu → Kyang → Phu | 4,080 m | — |
| 5 | Acclimatisation day in Phu | 4,080 m | — |
| 6 | Phu → Junam → Nar Phedi (Satek Gompa) | 3,490 m | — |
| 7 | Nar Phedi → Nar | 4,110 m | — |
| 8 | Nar → Kang La (5,320 m) → Ngawal | 3,660 m | 5,320 m (Kang La) |
| 9 | Ngawal → Braka → Manang | 3,540 m | — |
| 10 | Manang → Besisahar (jeep) | 760 m | — |
| 11 | Besisahar → Pokhara | 822 m | — |
Day 1: Pokhara → Besisahar → Dharapani (jeep)
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 1,860 m
- Time
- ⏱ 4–5 h bus + 4–5 h jeep
Take a bus or jeep from Pokhara to Besisahar and then a jeep up the Marsyangdi valley road via Jagat and Tal to Dharapani. It is a long day on rough roads with permit checks along the way. Dharapani is the junction with the Manaslu Circuit trail.
Overnight: Teahouse, Dharapani
Day 2: Dharapani → Timang → Koto
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 2,600 m
- Time
- ⏱ 5–6 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 15 km
Walk the NATT trail through pine and oak forest to Timang (2,750 m), with views of Manaslu on clear mornings, and on to Thanchowk and Koto. Koto is the start of the Nar Phu valley and has the restricted area checkpoint. A day of walking here, rather than driving to Koto, helps acclimatisation.
Overnight: Teahouse, Koto
Local tip: If you are short of time, a jeep can drive from Besisahar all the way to Koto on day 1 (a very long day), saving this walk.
Day 3: Koto → Dharmasala → Meta
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 3,560 m
- Time
- ⏱ 6–7 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 16 km
Cross the Marsyangdi and enter the Nar Phu valley through a narrow, forested canyon with waterfalls and hot springs, following the Phu Khola north. The trail is well built but climbs almost 1,000 m, and the only stop for tea is at Dharmasala (about 3,230 m). Meta is a former winter settlement on a sunny plateau with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
Overnight: Teahouse, Meta
Local tip: This is a long climb to over 3,500 m; set a slow pace and drink plenty.
Day 4: Meta → Chyakhu → Kyang → Phu
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 4,080 m
- Time
- ⏱ 6–7 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 16 km
Pass the chortens and the seasonal settlements of Chyakhu and Kyang, then follow the gorge on a trail cut into the cliff. Enter Phu through a Tibetan-style kani gateway beside the ruins of old forts on a high plateau. Phu is a tightly packed stone village with the Tashi Lhakhang monastery above.
Overnight: Teahouse or homestay, Phu
Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Phu
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 4,080 m
- Time
- ⏱ 3–5 h hikes
- Type
- Acclimatisation day
Rest and explore: visit Tashi Lhakhang monastery, walk the village and hike up the valley towards Himlung Himal Base Camp for views of the glaciers. Climbing a few hundred metres above the village and sleeping back in Phu prepares you for Kang La.
Overnight: Teahouse or homestay, Phu
Local tip: Ask your guide to arrange a visit to a local house to see yak-dung stoves, grain stores and weaving.
Day 6: Phu → Junam → Nar Phedi (Satek Gompa)
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 3,490 m
- Time
- ⏱ 5–6 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 15 km
Retrace the trail south past Kyang and Junam's pastures, then cross the high Mahendra Pul bridge over a deep gorge. Descend to Nar Phedi, where the Satek Gompa nuns run a simple guesthouse. It is a peaceful place to stay; a donation for the monastery is appreciated.
Overnight: Monastery guesthouse, Nar Phedi
Day 7: Nar Phedi → Nar
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 4,110 m
- Time
- ⏱ 3–4 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 6 km
A steady climb of about 600 m on a zig-zag path lined with chortens leads to Nar, a larger and more open village than Phu, with barley fields and four monasteries. You arrive by lunch, which leaves the afternoon to explore and rest before the pass.
Overnight: Teahouse or homestay, Nar
Local tip: Go to bed early; you will start the Kang La crossing before dawn.
Day 8: Nar → Kang La (5,320 m) → Ngawal
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 3,660 m
- High point
- Max 5,320 m · Kang La
- Time
- ⏱ 8–9 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 16 km
Start at 4–5 am for a long climb of about 1,200 m across open slopes to the prayer flags on Kang La, then enjoy one of the best views in the Annapurna region: Annapurna II, III, IV and Gangapurna across the valley. The descent of 1,650 m to Ngawal is steep and loose, often on scree or snow. You arrive back on the Annapurna Circuit's high route.
Overnight: Teahouse, Ngawal
Local tip: Microspikes are often needed on the north side of the pass in spring and after autumn snow; check conditions in Nar before leaving.
Day 9: Ngawal → Braka → Manang
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 3,540 m
- Time
- ⏱ 3–4 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 10 km
A gentle walk down to the valley floor and west through Munchi and Braka to Manang, the main village of the upper Marsyangdi. Enjoy a proper bakery and hot shower after a week of basic lodges. If you are continuing over Thorong La, this is also your acclimatisation base.
Overnight: Teahouse, Manang
Day 10: Manang → Besisahar (jeep)
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 760 m
- Time
- ⏱ 7–9 h jeep
Take a shared or reserved jeep down the Marsyangdi valley road through Pisang, Chame and Dharapani to Besisahar. The road is rough, and landslides can cause delays in the monsoon and shoulder seasons. Stay in Besisahar rather than pushing on to Pokhara in the dark.
Overnight: Hotel, Besisahar
Day 11: Besisahar → Pokhara
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 822 m
- Time
- ⏱ 4–5 h bus or jeep
Morning bus or jeep back west along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, arriving by early afternoon. Groups with a private jeep sometimes combine days 10 and 11 into one long 12–14 h drive.
Overnight: Hotel, Pokhara
Best time to trek
- Jan: not ideal
- Feb: not ideal
- Mar: possible
- Apr: best
- May: best
- Jun: not ideal
- Jul: not ideal
- Aug: not ideal
- Sep: possible
- Oct: best
- Nov: best
- Dec: not ideal
Not sure which season suits you? Our month-by-month guide to trekking in Nepal covers weather, crowds and festivals.
Permits, fees & the guide rule
| Permit | Cost (foreigners) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit | Sep–Nov USD 100 per person per week; Dec–Aug USD 75 per week | Issued only through a registered agency to at least 2 trekkers with a licensed guide; checked at Koto. This itinerary is inside the restricted area for 6 days (Koto to Kang La), so a one-week permit is enough. |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (≈ USD 22); SAARC nationals NPR 1,000 | Issued in Pokhara or Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board) or by your agency. Checked at several ACAP posts; keep it with your passport. |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 (≈ USD 15) | Issued through a registered trekking agency together with your licensed guide. |
Licensed guide required for foreign trekkers
Nar Phu is a restricted area: the permit is only issued through a registered agency to at least two trekkers with a licensed guide, and it is checked at Koto. You also need ACAP and TIMS for the Annapurna Circuit sections.
Fees as of September 2026. Nepal changes permit rules and prices from time to time — confirm before you travel. Full details in our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Getting there
From Pokhara
Buses leave Pokhara for Besisahar each morning (4–5 h); from Besisahar shared jeeps run up the Marsyangdi valley to Dharapani (4–5 h), Koto and Chame. A private jeep from Pokhara to Dharapani or Koto is the most practical option for a group of two or more.
From Kathmandu
Take a bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar (6–8 h), then a jeep to Dharapani or Koto the next day. Your agency will usually handle the restricted area permit in Kathmandu before you leave, so allow a working day for that.
Getting back
From Manang, shared jeeps run to Besisahar (7–9 h), then buses to Pokhara (4–5 h) or Kathmandu (6–8 h). If you continue over Thorong La, finish in Jomsom and fly to Pokhara (20 minutes, about USD 125–140).
How much does the Nar Phu trek cost?
Move the sliders to estimate your own trip. Typical teahouse spend on this route is USD 35–55 per person per day for a room and three meals; a licensed guide costs USD 25–35 a day and a porter USD 18–25.
Estimated cost per person
USD 746
+ about USD 20 in tips for your staff
- Teahouse room & 3 meals × 11 daysUSD 385
- PermitsUSD 136
- Transport to & from trailheadUSD 60
- Licensed guide (shared by 2)USD 165
Do-it-yourself estimate for the Nar Phu Valley Trek, from typical 2026 teahouse prices. Excludes flights to Nepal, visa, insurance, gear, drinks, hot showers and charging fees.
- Restricted area permit: USD 100 per week in autumn, USD 75 per week in other months, plus ACAP and TIMS (NPR 5,000).
- Transport covers bus and shared jeeps each way (about USD 60) up to a private jeep in and out split between two people.
- Food in Phu and Nar is simple and more expensive than on the Circuit because everything is carried in.
- An 11-day trek with guide and shared porter typically costs USD 1,100–1,600 per person.
Important things to know
Restricted area rules
You must be at least two foreign trekkers with a licensed guide, and the permit is checked at Koto and sometimes in Phu. Permits are issued in weeks, so a delay of a day or two can push you into a second week. Your agency needs your passport details a few working days before you start.
Altitude & Kang La
You sleep at 4,080–4,110 m for four of the nights, and Kang La (5,320 m) is higher than Thorong La's approach camps. The acclimatisation day in Phu is essential. On the pass day, turn back to Nar in fresh snow or if anyone has worsening symptoms; there is no shelter between Nar and Ngawal.
Trail conditions
Trails are good but often exposed, with cliff-cut sections above the Phu Khola gorge. The climb to Kang La is on open slopes and the descent to Ngawal is steep, loose and often icy early in the day. Snow can close Kang La from December to March and after storms in autumn.
Food & accommodation
Teahouses in Meta, Kyang, Phu and Nar are small family homes with a few rooms and a limited menu of dal bhat, noodles and Tibetan bread. In peak October weeks rooms can be full, so your agency should confirm lodges in advance. Carry a few snacks from Chame or Koto.
Charging, Wi-Fi & mobile network
Mobile coverage is weak or absent beyond Koto for most of the valley, and Wi-Fi in Phu and Nar, where available, is slow and expensive. Expect to be offline for about five days. Solar charging is limited, so bring a large power bank; Ngawal and Manang have good signal again.
Money & ATMs
There are no ATMs in the valley. The last ones are in Chame (unreliable) and the next in Manang. Bring all the cash you need from Pokhara, including a donation for the Satek monastery and tips.
Weather & seasons
October to mid-November and April to May are best. The valley is in the rain shadow and relatively dry in the monsoon, but the Marsyangdi road and the trail from Koto suffer landslides. In winter, residents of Phu and Nar move down and many lodges close.
Rescue & insurance
Your insurance must cover trekking to at least 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation, typically USD 3,000–6,000 or more. The valley has no road, so evacuation is by helicopter or on foot to Koto. Your guide is your link to rescue, since mobile signal is patchy.
Culture & responsible trekking
Phu and Nar are small, conservative Buddhist communities. Ask before photographing people and monasteries, walk clockwise around chortens, and never remove prayer stones. Pay homestays fairly and leave a donation at Satek and Tashi Lhakhang.
Tips for solo trekkers
- You cannot do Nar Phu completely alone: the permit needs at least two foreign trekkers and a licensed guide. Agencies in Pokhara can sometimes pair solo travellers.
- Once in the valley you may see only a few other groups a day, so plan to rely on your own party rather than meeting people on the trail.
- Agree the pace in advance with your trekking partner; you need to enter and leave the restricted area together.
- Women trekking solo on a shared permit generally feel safe in the valley; the Satek monastery guesthouse is run by nuns.
- Ask your agency for a guide who has crossed Kang La recently, as snow conditions change route finding.
- Avoid the trek from December to March unless you are experienced in winter mountain travel; many lodges close and the pass can be impassable.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with your agency, since phones will not work for several days.
More in our complete guide to solo trekking in Nepal.
What to pack for this trek
- Four-season sleeping bag (comfort about −10 °C) for Phu and Nar
- Microspikes for Kang La, especially the steep descent to Ngawal
- Trekking poles for the 1,650 m descent from the pass
- Down jacket, insulated gloves and a balaclava or buff for the pre-dawn start
- Water filter or purification tablets and two 1-litre bottles
- Large power bank (20,000 mAh) for five days with little charging
- Snacks and energy bars bought in Pokhara or Chame for the pass day
- Head torch with spare batteries
The basics are the same for every Nepal trek — see our interactive packing checklist.
Route options & variations
Nar Phu plus Thorong La (15–16 days)
From Manang, add an acclimatisation hike, then continue via Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi over Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath and Jomsom, flying back to Pokhara. After Kang La you will be very well acclimatised for the pass.
Nar Phu, Tilicho Lake and Thorong La (18–19 days)
Combine all three high points of the Manang region: Kang La, Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) via Shree Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp, and Thorong La. A long trek for fit, experienced walkers.
Out-and-back to Koto (10 days)
If Kang La is snowbound, return from Nar the way you came via Meta to Koto and drive out from Chame or Koto. You see both villages but miss the pass views.
Our recommendation
Plan the Nar Phu Valley Trek with a Pokhara team
We are a local operator based in Pokhara — the gateway to most of the treks in this guide. Booking with us means a government-licensed guide, permits and TIMS arranged before you arrive, transport from your Pokhara hotel to the trailhead, and a team on the phone if plans change on the trail. Foreign trekkers must trek this route with a licensed guide anyway, so it pays to choose one you trust.
- Licensed, English-speaking local guides
- Permits & TIMS handled for you
- Solo travellers welcome
- Itineraries adjusted to your pace and dates
Nar Phu FAQ
How difficult is the Nar Phu Valley trek?
It is strenuous: several days above 4,000 m, basic lodges and a long pass day over Kang La (5,320 m) with a steep 1,650 m descent. It is not technical, but you should have done at least one high-altitude trek before.
How much does the Nar Phu permit cost?
The Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit is USD 100 per person per week from September to November and USD 75 per week from December to August. You also need ACAP (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000). The permit is only issued through a registered agency for two or more trekkers with a licensed guide.
Can I trek Nar Phu solo?
No, a single foreigner cannot get the permit. You need at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. Solo travellers can join another trekker through an agency and walk as a small group of two plus a guide.
How many days do you need for the Nar Phu Valley trek?
About 11 days from Pokhara back to Pokhara, including an acclimatisation day in Phu and exiting by jeep from Manang. Combining it with Thorong La makes it 15–16 days.
How much does the Nar Phu trek cost?
Expect USD 35–55 per day for lodging and meals, USD 25–35 per day for a guide and USD 18–25 for a porter, plus the permit and about USD 60–150 for transport. An 11-day trek typically costs USD 1,100–1,600 per person with a guide.
What is the best time for Nar Phu?
October to mid-November and April to May have the best weather and the most reliable Kang La conditions. The valley is fairly dry in the monsoon but access roads suffer landslides, and in winter many lodges close and the pass is often snowbound.
Can I combine Nar Phu with the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, this is the most popular way to do it. After Kang La you arrive at Ngawal on the circuit and continue to Manang, Yak Kharka and over Thorong La to Muktinath. You need the Nar Phu permit plus ACAP and TIMS.
Is there Wi-Fi or mobile signal in Nar Phu?
Very little. Signal fades after Koto, and any Wi-Fi in Phu or Nar is slow and expensive. Plan to be offline from Koto to Ngawal and let family know in advance.
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