Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar Phu Valley - 15 Days

Trip Overview

Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit is a fantastic trip to the wild and lost valley of Nar Phu, offering an off-the-beaten-track wilderness experience in the Annapurna region. Nar and Phu villages are situated off the main trekking trail en route to Manang, surrounded by Pisang Peak to the south, Kangla Pass (5,320m height) to the west, Kangru Himal to the east, and Damodar Himal to the north. The villages are situated at an altitude of 4110 meters. Being nestled inside the valley, it is less windy, but the land is dry and rugged. Perhaps the late Prof. David Snellgrove, a renowned Tibetologist, is the first Westerner to have visited these villages in his Himalayan Pilgrimage. Their spoken dialect is different from Manang and Tibetan. Most of the houses are two-story with the entrance from the top. There are three Buddhist monasteries. Phu is located at the upper end of the valley. As in the high mountain area, the people of the Nar Phu descend to a warm region from December to February. The people of Nar have a closer relationship with Manang. Unlike people from Manang, they do not trade widely but rather concentrate on nearby areas in the south. The Gurungs of Lamjung used the lamas of Nar Phu as they believed they were experts; therefore, they had great influence.

Nar and Phu villages were lost around 1960 at the advent of Khampas (Tibetan warriors) until 1975. Khampas made their actual presence in 1964 and lasted until they were driven out of Nepal entirely. They waged insurgency operations in Tibet after the Dalai Lama escaped to India. The valley was opened to foreigners with a special permit in 2003. Since then, the lost village has been opened to the outside world. The Khampas were more powerful than the locals, so they dominated the villages. The valley was a secure place for them. Though it is near Lamjung in the south, for central administration, it is beyond their outlook post. In many aspects, Manang dominated every aspect of Nar Phu, though at a later stage, Lamjung exerted its influence as the people of Nar Phu detested the superiority exhibited by Manang. That is also one reason for the isolation that isolated them from the rest and deprived them of the development benefits happening around them. They have not been able to get out of the social clutch and the valley that surrounds them.

Occasional visitors to Nar and Phu villages were climbers. They go to climb Himlung Himal (7126m) to the east, on the border with Tibet, of Phu and Kanguru (6981m) east of Nar. The French expedition to Kanguru in 2005 met a big climbing disaster due to an avalanche that happened near Meta. In 2009, another climbing disaster happened at Himlung due to an unexpected avalanche. Technically, both peaks are more challenging than most trekking peaks. Nar Phu Valley is also approached from the north-northwest from Mustang through the high pass at Teri La Pass (5595m), Trek, and Saribung La. These are not regular trekking routes but are used by the people of Nar and Phu and some wilderness trekking lovers. However, climbers liked to cross this pass after climbing Saribung Peak (6327m).

Kind of Accommodation and Cost in Nar Phu Valley and Thorong La Pass Trekking

Now, Nar Phu Valley is possible as a teahouse trek and a homestay trekking, and does not need trekkers to camp. One gets to indulge in the local culture, traditional houses, and the lives of the warm people who make the treks more enjoyable. Accommodation is not an issue in Nar Phu Valley. The trails are usually unfilled or less crowded, and new and improved tea houses are opening up all the time. No earthquake damage at all. The cost of a room on a twin-sharing basis usually ranges from NPR 500 – 800 (USD 5 – 10). The price goes higher as you walk higher. Please do not expect luxury, but something comfortable enough for remote and cultural discovery.

Guide and Porter Cost for Annapurna Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Whereas many of the famous treks in Nepal do not have strict requirements for hiring licensed guides, all the controlled and restricted trekking areas in Nepal require that foreign trekkers be accompanied by a registered guide as per state law. The cost of a guide is USD 30 – 40 a day, depending on the quality, level of education, the experience of the guide, and the season. Porter's hire costs USD 20 a day. The cost covers wages, accommodation, and food for the guide and porter. Some companies also offer fresh guides, and they can act as Guide cum Porter (PcG) who carries some 10-13kg for you and simply guides you. Hiring a guide cum porter will cost USD 25 per day. 

We recommend you take an experienced licensed guide as Nar Phu is an adventurous and high-altitude area; if something goes wrong, you need a good guide with all the technical knowledge for safety who can handle the crisis. The training and experience of a licensed professional guide can make your trek more fun.

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek: Costs, Permits, and Itinerary

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit via the Nar Phu Valley typically ranges between USD 1,300 to 2000 per person, based on the mode of trip and length of journey. The final cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek through the Nar Phu Valley also depends on group size, the season of the year you travel, and the types of accommodations and transportation you ask for, with specific variables determining exactly where your budget lands. Our updated standard package costs USD1250 per adult, based on a minimum of two people, for a complete package.

Trekking Permits and Conservation Fee

Nar Phu Valley (RAP): USD 100 Per 7 Days (Sept to Nov) and USD 75 / Week ( Dec to Aug).
TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) is not mandatory, but it is suggested that it costs USD 20 per person.

Outline Itinerary with each day's Altitude Gain and Distance of walking per day

Our carefully designed 14-night and 15-day itinerary to complete this combo trek allows two extra days for a proper acclimatization process to undertake crossing over two five-thousand-meter-high passes, Kangla Pass (5320 m) and Thorong La Pass (5416 m). The journey starts and ends at Kathmandu via Pokhara – the lake city, a perfect place to relax after the trek.

This great trekking trip is a combination of two different, distinctive routes, Nar Phu Valley and the famous Annapurna Circuit, combined and designed uniquely for trekking enthusiasts. If you lack the time, you can opt for Annapurna Circuit, slightly short but explore a full Annapurna Circuit and end it via Ghorepani Poon. (Check our standard Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 to 14 Days)

Suggested Side Trip and Other Routes around Nar Phu Valley and Throng La Pass Trek

Himlung Base Camp: The hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp from Phu Gaon is a 4 to 5-hour, 12-kilometer trek. It features a gradual, scenic ascent through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, bringing you from 4,050 meters (Phu) to 4,900 meters (Base Camp). Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Himlung Himal and the surrounding Pangir Glacier.

Tilicho Lake: Tilicho Lake is a glacial lake located in the north of the Manang Valley at an altitude of 4950 m. It is in 2 days hiking distance, approximately 24 KM (15 miles). Tilicho Lake provides surreal beauty, remote wilderness, and a spiritual significance experience, and provides a spectacular mountain view. Check our Nar Phu Valley Trek with Tilicho Lake.

Ice Lake: Ice Lake, locally called Kicho Tal, is a stunning, high-altitude glacial lake at 4,620 meters (15157 ft) in the Manang Valley, Nepal. Famous as a challenging day hike on the Annapurna Circuit, it rewards trekkers with a steep, sacred alpine escape and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges. Most trekkers usually spend an extra day in Manang to help them get acclimatized to the altitude. It is recommended to take this worthwhile day excursion if you do not rest and recover your body.

Mesokanto La Pass: Mesokanto La Pass (5,340m) connects Tilicho Lake to the Khangsar–Jomsom trail. As a challenging and off-the-beaten-path route, it offers a rugged alternative to the more frequented Thorong La Pass that perfect way to escape the crowd in Annapurna Circuit. Linking the scenic Manang Valley with the Mustang district, the pass rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of Tilicho Lake—one of the highest lakes in the world. Check our Nar Phu Valley Tilicho Lake, Mesokanto La Pass Trek