Narphu Valley Trekking

Tour itinerary: Kathmandu → Manang → Kathmandu

Overview-

Nar Phu is a remote valley located in the beautiful Manang district. It is a combination of two beautiful villages Nar and Phu which are located at a height of 4150m. It is a new trekking destination which was just opened in 2003 but surprisingly the place has been able to attract few people these days. The place is very isolated and less explored and it requires a special government permit to enter the area. This place is a whole package of beauty, culture, and tradition. Throughout the trek, you will walk through local hamlets, green forests, and dramatic beautiful landscapes. Another major highlight of this trek is that it joins the Annapurna circuit trek trail which also gives you a partial experience of the Annapurna circuit trek. During the trek, you also get to pass the popular Kangla pass which is located at the height of 5322m. Besides this, there is always a close-up view of the mountains. On this trek, you get to see a glimpse of Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu, Annapurna massif, Lamjung Himal, and many more. Once you reach the beautiful villages of Manang you feel like you have traveled back in time. People, there are so unique and have a sort of Tibetan lifestyle. They have different dialects, unique traditions, and festivals. Most of the people here are farmers and grow potatoes, barley, vegetables, and buckwheat. Also, raising Himalayan Yaks and sheep is very popular here. You will also have a glimpse of the Tibetan and Buddhist lifestyles here. There are many Gompas, monasteries, and prayer flags in these areas of Manang. Nar and Phu which is commonly known as Narphu valley of Manang are very exciting, adventurous, and thrilling places to visit and the place deserves people’s attention. 

The best time to visit Narphu valley 

Considering its altitude, routes, and situation of the roads the best season to visit Narphu valley is during autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May). During these seasons the temperature is moderate, the sky is clear, and the atmosphere is very clean and fresh. You can see an amazing view of mountains and hills during these seasons. If you are a very adventurous lover and want to face some challenges then you can surely try trekking this place during the winter season. The winter season in Narphu valley is beautiful but there is heavy snowing and sometimes the route is blocked with snow. However, with the necessary precaution, you can still trek Narphu valley. The monsoon or summer season is not recommended because there is heavy rainfall during these months and the trail is usually slippery and muddy which can be very risky. 

Food/drinks and accommodation in Narphu valley-

there are basic teahouses throughout the journey, especially at the lower altitudes. You get simple food like Dal, Bhat, and vegetables. They have very fresh vegetables. You need to remember not all the teahouses have chicken, mutton, or any kind of meat items. Drinks like water, soda, tea, coffee, and beer are available in some teahouses. However, remember to ask if the drinks are fresh or not. There is water available but also remember to use your purifying tablets. As mentioned earlier, there are basic teahouses on the way. Teahouses are just small lodges run by local people there. They are small but give you homely vibes. They have a small room with twin beds so you need to usually share a room. You also need to share toilets and bathrooms. The dining room is common as well. Well, it allows you to know some local people.  

Nar Phu valley's difficulty level

The valley certainly lies at a high altitude of around 4000-45000m. You must be prepared to walk through some challenging highlands. However, it is not so challenging that one cannot trek. With proper physical and mental fitness, Narphu valley is easily doable. You can prepare yourself a few days before the actual trek. It is easier if you practice long walks, running, and light exercises which might build your strength. On the other hand, there is always the risk of mountain sickness at such high altitudes. You must be careful about your health throughout the journey. It is better to avoid alcoholic items, smoking, and meats. Also, remember to stay hydrated throughout the journey. You need to walk slowly and get used to the heights first. Acclimatization is the best way to avoid sudden mountain sickness. 

Permits to visit Narphu valley

- Annapurna Conservation Area permit- NPR 3000 per person. 

- Restricted area permit (September-November) - 100$ per person for one week. 

- Restricted area permit (December-August)- 75 $ per person for one week. 

Guides and porters for Narphu valley- while some places in Nepal don’t require guides or porters, Narphu valley is not one. Guides are mandatory for the Nar Phu valley trek. You should have at least 2 members in your group to trek Narphu valley. Guides are very experienced and well-known in the places. They make your journey informative and interesting. Guides might charge you 25-35$ per day. Porters are also quite helpful during the journey. They carry all your belongings and help you to walk freely. They might charge you 20 $ per day. 

Route to Narphu valley. 

Day 1: Kathmandu to Khudi (Drive) 7 hrs trek

Day 2: Khudi to Sirung 7 hrs trek

Day 3: Sirung to Jagat 6 hrs trek

Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani 7 hrs trek

Day 5: Dharapani to Koto 6 hrs trek

Day 6: Koto to Meta 7 hrs trek

Day 7: Meta to Phu 7 hrs trek

Day 8: Phu to Nar 6 hrs trek

Day 9: Nar to Ngawal Via Kang La Pass – 9 hrs trek

Day 10: Ngawal to Manang 4 hrs trek

Day 11: Manang to Yak Kharka 3 hrs trek

Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 4 hrs trek

Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass 9 hrs trek

Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom 6 hrs trek

Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight) 

Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)