An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
Travel Nepal
Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Annapurna Nar Phu Valley Trek: A Journey into the Forbidden Valleys
Traverse the “Lost Valleys” of the Himalayas, cross high-altitude passes, and experience ancient Tibetan culture on this 19-day premier expedition.
The Annapurna Nar Phu Trek is a rare and breathtaking adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote “restricted” areas. Tucked between the giants of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, the Nar and Phu valleys remained closed to outsiders until 2002. This trek is perfect for explorers seeking total isolation, medieval Tibetan-Buddhist culture, and high-altitude challenges, including the crossing of the Kang La Pass (5,322m) and the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
Trip Highlights
- Restricted Region Exploration: Access the untouched valleys of Nar and Phu with a special permit.
- Ancient Tibetan Culture: Visit the “old world” villages of Phu Gaon and Nar Gaon, where life remains unchanged for centuries.
- Two Giant Passes: Conquer both the Kang La (5,322m) and Thorong La (5,416m) in one single itinerary.
- High Mountain Panoramas: Unrivaled views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
- Wilderness & Wildlife: High chances of spotting Blue Sheep and the elusive Snow Leopard in the rugged alpine terrain.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01-02: Arrival & Trek Preparation
- Day 03: Drive to Dharapani (1,920m)
- Day 04: Trek to Koto (2,580m)
- Day 05-07: Into the Hidden Valley (Trek to Phu Village)
- Day 08: Exploration Day in Phu
- Day 09-10: Trek to Nar Gaon (4,206m)
- Day 11-12: Crossing Kang La Pass (5,322m) to Ngawal
- Day 13: Trek to Manang Village (3,450m)
- Day 14-15: Ascent to High Camp (4,600m)
- Day 16: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath
- Day 17: Drive to Pokhara
- Day 18-19: Return to Kathmandu & Departure
Details Itinerary
Day 01-02: Arrival & Trek Preparation
Arrival in Kathmandu, hotel transfer, and a free day while we secure your Special Restricted Area Permit.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Dharapani (1,920m)
A scenic drive through the foothills to the starting point of the Annapurna circuit.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 04: Trek to Koto (2,580m)
Walk through pine and rhododendron forests, moving closer to the district headquarters of Chame.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 05-07: Into the Hidden Valley (Trek to Phu Village)
Leave the main circuit behind at Koto. Follow the Nar Phu River through narrow canyons and high pastures to reach the remote Phu Village (4,080m).
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 08: Exploration Day in Phu
Acclimatize and visit the ancient Tashilkhang Monastery. Experience the unique stone-built architecture of this isolated settlement.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 09-10: Trek to Nar Gaon (4,206m)
Retrace steps to Nar Phedi and climb to Nar Gaon, a slightly larger but equally remote village surrounded by barley fields.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 11-12: Crossing Kang La Pass (5,322m) to Ngawal
A challenging climb to the top of Kang La for a 360-degree view of the Annapurna range, followed by a descent into the Manang Valley.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 13: Trek to Manang Village (3,450m)
Rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit and explore the cultural hub of Manang.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 14-15: Ascent to High Camp (4,600m)
Gradual climb through Yak Kharka to the base of the Great Pass.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 16: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath
The ultimate high-altitude challenge. Cross the world’s highest trekking pass and descend to the sacred temple of Muktinath.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 17: Drive to Pokhara
Travel through the desert-like landscapes of Jomsom and the Kali Gandaki valley to reach the lush lakeside of Pokhara.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 18-19: Return to Kathmandu & Departure
Scenic drive back to the capital, a farewell dinner, and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
- Lodging: Breakfast
Cost Details
What’s Included:
- Permits: Special Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu, ACAP, and TIMS card.
- Transport: Airport transfers, private/local bus/jeep transport per itinerary.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotels in Kathmandu (3 nights) and Pokhara (1 night); quality tea houses during the trek.
- Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
- Team: Government-licensed guide and experienced porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
- Safety Gear: First aid kit, Oximeter, and company duffel bag.
What’s Excluded:
- Visas: Nepal entry visa ($30–$50).
- Insurance: Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue (Mandatory).
- Personal Comfort: Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, and bar bills.
- Gratuity: Tips for your guide and porter.
FAQ
Why do I need a minimum of 2 people?
The Nepal government requires a minimum of two foreign trekkers and a licensed guide to issue the Restricted Area Permit for Nar and Phu.
How difficult is the Kang La Pass?
It is physically demanding due to the altitude (5,322m) and steep descent. However, no technical climbing skills are required.
What is the best way to stay hydrated?
We recommend using a reusable Nalgene bottle and a SteriPEN (UV purifier). This is faster than tablets and helps keep the mountains free of plastic waste.
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Route Map
Gallery
Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.