The Nar and Phu are two distinctive yet close valleys with excellent trekking options tucked in between the popular Annapurna and Manaslu trekking regions of Nepal, primarily habited by the Khampas (Tibetan refugees). Although quite an easily accessible trekking route in comparison to the two most infamous trails of the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it is a relatively less-traveled and hidden gem of the country that lets you breathe the air of the serene and pristine eighth-tallest giant mountain in the world, Chame (8,163 m; the local name of Mt. Mansalu).
A trek here in the Nar Phu Valley lets you venture into the authentic remote valleys retaining traditional life in the Himalayas influenced by Tibetans hugely. The trek here is also called the first-hand experience into the little Tibet that comes with the extra Himalayan spices of peaks, high Himalayan passes such as Kang La (5,200 m) and Thorong La (5,416 m), glaciers, exciting canyons, dense alpine forest, rugged terrain formation, yak pastureland, and historical ancient gompas representing the Tibetan influence in the valley.
As the trek takes place in the rare wilderness of the Nepalese Himalayas, you will be able to witness the raw Himalayan beauty and lifestyle that guarantee to leave a lifelong impression on how you perceive the world and the people around you. The holy ambiance surrounding the Nar and Phu valleys is an ideal place to medicate and find your lost self amidst the majestic mountains on the 12-day journey to the Nar and Phu valleys.
While you set out for these amazing Nar Phu valleys, you will be at the highest elevation of 5,320 m, which offers the most gratifying and mesmerizing views of Mt.Manaslu (8,193 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) and its ranges, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and other 19 unnamed snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Trekking region that overlook the charming villages, pasturelands, and picturesque landscapes below, with much more ancillary walking through the verdant forests, dramatic cliffs, and deep gorges in our 12-day itinerary Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Therefore, the trek that begins from Kota after an around 8-hour drive from Kathmandu and initially follows the Annapurna Circuit route up to Meta and crosses the bridge over the river Marshyandi leading off-the-beaten-track to the valley of Nar and Phu to the north of the capital city is a true Himalayan adventure to hop for with Adventure Himaya Travels and Treks for a hassle-free trekking experience in an affordable cost tailored to all the trekkers and travel enthusiasts who desire to see and be at the tranquility of Himalayas.
What to expect on the Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Nar Phu Valley is a scenic trekking destination that lets you discover the mystery of combined natural and cultural beauty hidden in one of the most isolated and secluded parts of the Annapurna and Manaslu regions in the foothills of the towering peaks of Nepal and the warm hospitality of the local ethnic communities. During the trek to Nar and Phu Valley, expect:
What are the mountains seen in the Nar Phu Valley Trek?
Along with the alpine meadows, unique landscapes, varying rock formations, and centuries-old Tibetan culture that has remained untouched and unspoiled till now, the Nar Phu Valley trek offers panoramic views and an embrace of Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,192 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/23,379 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), Chulu Peaks, and the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt.Manaslu (8,163 m) as the main highlight.
They struck right into your eyes throughout the journey and were more spectacular in the autumn and spring.
Trekking in the more isolated and secluded Nar Phu Valley
Despite being located amidst the most renowned trekking regions of Nepal, Annapurna, and Manaslu, the Nar Phu trekking trail is a less thrilling trekking trail that was opened for trekkers and tourists only recently, in 2003.
The remoteness of the discrete valleys from the urban cities has led to more peaceful and less frequented trekking. Further, the Nar Phu Valley region comes under the restricted zone of Nepal and hence observes a lower number of trekkers and travelers and is less commercialized than other major trekking routes of Nepal, such as Everest and Annapurna.
To sum it up, the Nar and Phu Valley is an isolated trekking area of Nepal that holds the ultimate serenity, offering the basic accommodations and food choices that give the true feel of Himalayan life and retreats its enthusiasts with the untarnished original Tibetian and other indigenous culture and traditions born in the lap of the Himalayas due to its inaccessibility from Kathmandu and other major urban cities of Nepal.
Watch the customary life of monks and locals in the Nar Phu Valley Trek
Throughout the 12-day trek to Nar Phu Valley, you will pass through several remote villages that have a special faith in Tibetan Buddhism. As a result, during the trekking time, you will get to see numerous ancient monasteries, gompas, and chortens festooned with prayer flags and the pleasing smell of burned incense.
In Buddhist monasteries such as Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Nar Village, Gompa at Phu, and Lhogaon Monastery at Dharamsala, you will get a deeper insight into the day-to-day lives of the monks residing at these religious historical landmarks in the Nar and Phu Valleys.
Usually in the monasteries, you will see many prayer wheels, murals showcasing the lives of Buddha and Buddhism, and ancient arts and paintings scattered where locals pay respect and make offerings while the disciplined monks follow the monastic life and immerse themselves in daily rituals and meditation.
If you are respectful enough, you might even get to be part of the religious practice, prayers, and local festivities on your most fortunate days while trekking the Nar Phu Valley.
Tibetan Cultural Indulagment in the Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Valley of Nar and Phu primarily consists of locals of Tibetan origin. They have strong beliefs in Tibetan Buddhism, and it plays an important role in guiding them. Before, they used to be horse riders and breeders of Tibetan mastiffs, but now most of them are involved in animal husbandry and farming, living the life of nomads. Some of them are involved in metal crafting, metal works, thanka paintings, and carpet weaving as well.
Though their attires and ways of regulating life seem quite similar to those of Sherpa and other Mongolian tribes, they have their own dialects and costumes and are from different family linkages that you will get to explore fully while you initiate cultural exchange and interaction with locals in the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
Cross the thrilling Kang La Pass while trekking the Nar Phu Valley
Physically challenging terrain, steep ascents, and descents are another key feature of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, which includes crossing the Kang La high mountain pass at an altitude of 5,322 m (17,460 ft) above sea level. This evokes an extra adventure in the overall trekking to Nar Phu Valley with a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Further, the 12-day Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you to an elevation of over 5,000 meters, which puts a test on your dedication and physical fitness. Acclimatization plays a vital role in determining whether you are ready for further ascent or not, while the heavenly beauty from atop the pass makes it all worth the hardships you will come across on the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
The best 12-day itinerary to trek Nar Phu Valley
The Nar Phu Valley trekking itinerary is set based on several factors, such as duration, beginning and ending points, and the logistics involved. Although it is customizable as per the needs and time constraints of the trekkers, you have to consider a few things to choose the right one for you.
The itinerary of Nar Phu Valley can be lengthened by adding a trip to Muktinath, Tilicho Lake, Mustang, or rejoining the infamous Annapurna Circuit Trail at Yak Kharka that lets you visit some of the holy sanctum and turquoise glacial water body system. All you have to do is make sure the itinerary involves ample acclimatization, side treks, and some weather considerations.
In the meantime, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks has been skyrocketing in the field of tailoring the best itinerary to meet the personal preferences of our clients and offering the best 12-day itinerary to trek the incredible Nar Phu Valley.
The 12-day itinerary of the Nar Phu valley trek with us incorporates a day of sightseeing in Kathmandu and exploration in the valley of Phu that begins from Kota at first and moves forward, passing narrow forest entrances from where the route expands and provides you with the awe-inspiring sight of Kang Garu, Pisang, and other peaks.
On the way, while you will see some stupendous old-fashioned villages and monasteries with antique artifacts, on your very lucky day, you might catch a glimpse of yak and blue sheep herds as well.
Nonetheless, the 12-day itinerary to trek Nar Phu Valley is a standard package from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. However, if you wish to make some changes to the itinerary or want to create your own, we are here for you 24/7 to help you with each logistical requirement for the most successful and enjoyable trek to Nar Phu Valley.
Nar Phu Valley Trekking Group cost
The overall trekking cost to the Nar Phu Valley in Nepal varies depending on numerous factors, including the length of your trek, the specific services you have chosen, the mode of transportation used, the number of people in your group, and your expenses.
The Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks are offering group discounts to trek the Nar Phu Valley in:
- USD 1330 for 1 pax
- USD 1275 for 2-3 pax
- USD 1225 for 4-6 pax, and
- USD 1,175 for 7–10 pax
This trek cost of the Nar Phu Valley covers all the expenditures for food, accommodation, guides, and transportation by bus or jeep.
Please note: The Nar Phu Valley Trek cost can change over time due to inflation, dollar exchange rates, or government policies. For more up-to-date and accurate information, get in touch with one of the authorized local trekking agencies in Nepal.
The benefit of doing Nar Phu Valley Trek with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks
Trekking in Nepal is a spiritual journey to expand your knowledge and one of the greatest ways to maintain your health. Along with the unity in diversity of Nepal being home to 142 caste people with their distinctive norms and values, culture and traditions, and attires, the country is naturally blessed as well.
Overall, with the best climatic conditions in the world, neither too hot nor too cold, the nation is glorified with the tallest peak in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), and other seven eight-thousanders. A trek here is an interesting voyage to hunt down the Nepalese treasures you have never found or heard of in your life.
While you make plans for adventure in Nepal, often the question arises: with whom and how? Well, let the worry slide. We, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, have been in the service of catering various kinds of tours, expeditions, and treks in the beautiful country of Nepal for more than 20 years.
We are honored to be one of the leading and most trusted travel partners based in Thamel, the tourist paradise of Kathmandu, known for your special team that excels in customizing trekking in our home country as per our client's niche of interest and time constraints with no hidden cost policies, including the trek in the Nar Phu Valley.
At the moment, we are offering a 12-day Nar Phu Valley trek that includes the cost of accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 9 dinners, and 11 lunches, along with the transportation, permits, and guide fee necessary for the trek in the restricted zone of Nepal.
With the local Sherpa guide born and raised in the Himalayas of Nepal having collected years of expertise in navigating the mountain terrains, we make sure the trekkers and adventurous make a successful trip to their desired destination not only in Nae Phu Valley but also other trekking regions as well.
Get in touch with us right now for an unforgettable journey in the Himalayas of Nepal.
