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Overview And Highlights
TRIP FACTS
" The Nar Phu Valley Trek presents a unique chance to venture into one of Nepal's genuinely off-the-beaten-path regions. "
Explore the remote and high Manang Valley in the hidden villages of Nar & Phu on the Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking adventure. This lesser-explored gem is a Shangri-La away from the bustling Annapurna Circuit.
You'll encounter an incredible country where ancient traditions and vibrant cultures have thrived, untouched for centuries. The Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking areas were once forbidden lands, opened to outsiders only in recent decades. Few trekking companies venture into this remote region nestled near the Damodar Himal in the northern Annapurna Himalaya.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating local culture, reminiscent of ancient Tibetan Bon and Buddhist traditions. Our journey begins with an overland drive to Mid-West Nepal, starting from the warmer lowlands of Besisar in Lamjung district. We follow the Marshyangdi River upstream, passing through serene farming villages like Jagat, Tal, and Dharapani, which share the trail with the Annapurna Circuit.
Our route then diverges into complete wilderness as we head north to the Nar & Phu villages, home to Blue Sheep and rare Snow Leopards. Explore the cultural richness of Phu and Nar, including ancient monasteries, before rejoining the Annapurna Circuit trail. We'll traverse the high and scenic Kang-La pass at 5,322m, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna, Chulu, Pisang peaks, and Damodar Himal.
The journey continues to Manang village, where we cross the highest pass, Thorang-La, at 5,416m. Descending into the Mustang region, we pass the sacred Muktinath Temple on our way to Jomsom, a bustling town and district headquarters.
Our mesmerizing Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking adventure concludes with a short, scenic flight to Pokhara, a popular tourist city blessed with mountain views and serene lakes.
HIghlights of Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trek
- Trek through the untouched and remote Himalayan valley of Nar Phu.
- Cross the high mountain passes of Thorong La (5,416m) and Kang La (5,322m).
- Enjoy spectacular views of peaks like Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung, Pisang, Chulu and more.
- Experience the unique culture of the locals as you pass through the numerous rural and traditional villages.
- Walk through lovely forested trails decorated with rhododendron, magnolia, oaks and pine tree lines.
- Explore various eco systems ranging from low warm paddy fields to sub alpine temperatures to arctic zone of ice and glaciers.
Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking Difficulty
- Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking is a challenging adventure designed for experienced trekkers seeking the thrill of remote trekking in Nepal. With most of the trail above 3000 meters and two high passes over 5000 meters, it's a high-altitude trek. Adequate hydration and proper acclimatization are essential.
- Expect daily trekking of 5-6 hours over steep hills and rocky terrain. This trek is ideal for physically fit and experienced trekkers.
Best Season for Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking
Nar Phu & Kang-La Pass Trekking offers scenic trails through lush hills and forests surrounded by majestic mountains. For the best experience, consider trekking during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the hills are vibrant and the weather is pleasant.
Winter trekking is an option for snow enthusiasts but may involve blocked high passes due to heavy snowfall. Monsoon season is not recommended due to unpredictable weather and occasional downpours, affecting safety and enjoyment.
Equipments
The next details will provide you with a basic understanding of what you should carry for the trek. It's crucial not to overlook the necessary items, as they will impact your comfort and safety during the hike. It's just as vital not to weigh yourself down with unnecessary gear during the trek.
- A pair of half-golves
- A pair of Woolen shocks
- A wool jacket or pullover, Water and Windproof shell jackets
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Windproof and Waterproof Trousers (warmer), Comfortable trekking pants
- Water Trekking Boots/ Pair of sandals
- First Aid kits and Medicine
- Backpack with rain cover
- Water Bottle
- Headlamp or torch
- Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sunhat
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking Poles
- Chapstick
- Camera & Batteries
- Power adapter and chargers
- Travel Towel
- Toiletries
Itinerary Expand All Close All
Starting wonderful Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trekking adventure with an interesting overland drive towards Nepal mid west, leading to Besisar town (headquarter of Lamjung district). From here transfer to another vehicle and continue drive on dirt road passing villages of Khudi, Bulbule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream.
Drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange a small village for overnight stop in the comfort of nice lodge.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1140
From Syange our first day trek begins, starting on winding path to Jagat and Chamje village following Marsyangdi River and within forested area with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu range.
Walk continues reaching at Tal village located on a nice valley, after Tal few hours walk to Dharapani village for overnight stop.
Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1920
Starting morning walk into cool rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagarchap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist area, with super view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from this village few hours trek leads to end of today's walks at Koto village.
Koto a moderate size village near a Chame, a major town and headquarter of Manang district, where our route splits from main Annapurna Circuit to Nar & Phu areas.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2640
From Koto our route leads northward away from Annapurna circuit trail for a week heading towards Nar & Phu villages, into hidden areas of Upper Manang valley near to South West Tibet border within the country of blue sheep’s and snow leopards.
Walk continues into narrow valley within forest of pines and rhododendron trees, reaching a nice pasture fields and temporary huts with sheds of Yak herders.
This unique gorge formed from the rocky cliffs of Pisang Peak and Kang-guru Himal lower basin, walk continues following Nar-Phu River upstream to reach at Dharmashala for overnight stop.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3230
Morning walk leads towards far north at Phu village around isolated dry, arid landscapes, here chances of spotting some rare wildlife Blue Sheep’s, Snow Leopard, Musk deer’s and mountain goats.
Walk continues to Kyang for overnight stop after an interesting day, Kyang with dozen houses similar to Tibetan culture and custom.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4100
Today our walk leads to our main destination at Phu village, as morning walk leads to follow Phu River upstream for some time, and then climb to reach a gorge valley, walking into a gorge for some time and up into a wide glacial valley with pasture lands ending at Phu village of strong Tibetan influence culture, traditions and religion.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4080
A necessary rest day at Phu for acclimatization, explore this impressive village visit Tashilkhang and Samdu Choling Monastery and Kyauchyu waterfalls, Phu Village with about 30 houses for 100 to 150 inhabitants.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4080
From Phu village walk leads back on the same trail for few hours descending to a narrow gorge at Phu khola, from here a slow climb to reach at Yughat small village encountering prayer and Buddhist monuments Mani, Chhorten and Buddhist shrines, and then finally reaching on a flat field at Nar Phedi for overnight stop.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3545
Morning walk leads back to Phu Khola for few hours to reach a suspension bridge over Phu Khola, crossing the bridge with steep climb for few hours reaching a flat area then walk to Nar village for overnight.
Nar-Gaon in comparison with Phu looks similar but smaller due to its remoteness with high altitude and dry land.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4206
After Nar-Gaon walk heads to remote wilderness, away from human settlement for few days, an interesting walk for few hours then with short ups and downs in some rocky and arid path, passing cattle herders shelters and grazing field heading further west following Temdenzon khola in this wild surrounding with views of snow peaks and finally reaching at Kang la pass base for overnight camp at 4,530 meters altitude.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tented Camp
Elevation
4530
Starting early morning to cross Kang-la at an altitude of 5,322 meters, walk climbs higher on a steep slope for few hours with stunning views of Pisang Peak with Chulu Far East Peak, and then reaching the top of the pass with wonderful views of Annapurna massif mountain range, Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal and adjoining peaks of Annapurna range, and then walk downhill to Ngawal via Julu village close to Manang village to reach at main route on Annapurna circuit trail.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3650
On completing our main highlight of the journey, where next adventure leads to Manang valley with stunning mountains views.
Walking into patch of small forested areas with short uphill facing views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Chulu and Pisang peak, then reaching at Hongde village with a small air strip, from here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes.
On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village.
The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3450
After a wonderful time around Nar-Phu areas within its tranquil wilderness, morning walk to Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach at Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4110
Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorang Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tented Camp
Elevation
4600
Start the early morning walk on this Big Day! A thrill and highlight of this great adventure, after breakfast a long climb up to Thorang-la with steep haul to reach at 5,416 m / 17, 872 ft top of Thorang-la decorated with Buddhist colorful prayer flags.
Highest point of the adventure offers superb vista of beautiful landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m high.
Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3800
After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, this pleasant walk leads to Kaligandaki river valley, from here walk to Jomsom for last overnight stop of this marvelous adventure.
Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang area with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River and main place of local Thakali tribes the native of Kaligandaki areas interwoven with Buddhism religion.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2715
Early morning transfer to Jomsom airport where the flight times are before 10 a.m. (due to heavy winds that exists on afternoon).
Boarding into a small aircraft either Twin Otter or Dornier then taking off for Pokhara with sweeping panorama of Dhaulagiri-Nilgiris and Annapurna range of mountains.
On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels for overnight stop by the Lake Phewa.
Pokhara, a popular touristic city, where the peaks of Annapurna Mountain range reflects on its beautiful serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas.
Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
860
Morning a drive to Kathmandu after a wonderful experience on Nar & Phu with Kang-La pass trekking, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping.
(Flying options 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
What Is Included ?
- Accommodation in Pokhara (before and after trek)
- All necessary trekking permits and entry fees
- Accommodation during the trek (tea houses or camping, as per itinerary)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced and licensed trekking guide(s)
- Porter(s) to carry the luggage (maximum 15kg per person)
- First aid kit
- Insurance for trekking staff
- Government taxes
What Is Excluded?
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, internet, charging devices, etc.
- Tips for guide(s) and porter(s) (optional, but highly appreciated)
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the "included" section
Nar Phu & Kang-la Pass Trek Altitude Profile
FAQs
-
The trek is considered to be a strenuous trek, suitable for experienced trekkers with a high level of fitness. The trail involves steep uphill and downhill sections, as well as crossing a high pass
The best time to do the trek is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is generally dry and clear, with good visibility of the mountains.
The highest point of the trek is at Kang-La Pass (5,322m), which offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and other mountain ranges.
Accommodation on the trek is in tea houses, which are basic lodges that offer basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and meals. Some tea houses may also offer hot showers and Wi-Fi, but these services are not always reliable.
Trekkers need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Nar Phu Special Permit to do the trek.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common health issue that can affect trekkers who ascend too quickly to high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. To avoid AMS, it is recommended to acclimatize gradually by spending a few extra days at higher altitudes, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Tea houses along the trek offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisine. Popular dishes include dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), noodles, and fried rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
It is recommended to drink boiled or treated water on the trek to avoid water-borne illnesses. Boiled water, bottled water, and water purification tablets are available at the tea houses along the trek. It is also recommended to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.