Nar Phu Valley Trek with Kang La Pass

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich trekking adventures, located in the northern part of the Annapurna region. Hidden behind the main Annapurna Circuit trail, the valleys of Nar and Phu remained closed to foreign trekkers until the early 2000s, helping preserve their unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, traditional stone villages, and untouched Himalayan landscapes. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes trekkers through dramatic canyons, high-altitude deserts, yak pastures, and remote settlements before crossing the spectacular Kang La Pass at over 5,320 meters. Along the route, travelers are rewarded with breathtaking views of peaks such as Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna, while experiencing a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Explore the remote and restricted Nar Phu Valley, one of Nepal’s hidden Himalayan gems. Experience the authentic Tibetan-influenced culture of the ancient villages of Nar and Phu. Cross the spectacular Kang La Pass (5,320m) with panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Trek through dramatic landscapes of deep canyons, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain valleys. Visit ancient monasteries, chortens, and traditional settlements rich in Buddhist heritage. Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Himlung Himal, and other Himalayan peaks.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 01:: Arrival In Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel — Namaste & welcome to Mandala Holidays! Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mandala Holidays. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mandala Holidays with Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the Hotel. (Overnight at hotel). Day Day 02:: Drive from Kathmandu to Koto (2,610 m) — After an early breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Koto, the gateway to the hidden Nar Phu Valley. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway and Marsyangdi Valley, passing through picturesque hills, terraced farmlands, riverside villages, and dramatic mountain landscapes. As you travel deeper into the Annapurna region, enjoy views of lush forests, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung settlements before arriving at Koto, a peaceful village situated on the banks of the Marsyangdi River. Day Day 03:: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560 m) — Today, leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail and enter the restricted Nar Phu Valley. Following the Nar Khola, the trail winds through dense pine forests, narrow canyons, suspension bridges, and impressive rock formations. Along the route, pass ancient chortens and remote grazing areas before emerging into the open valley of Meta. This small settlement offers spectacular views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and the rugged landscapes that characterize the hidden valley. Day Day 04:: Trek from Meta to Phu (4,080 m) — After breakfast, continue through the dramatic landscapes of Nar Phu Valley. The trail passes through the traditional settlements of Junam and Chyakhu, ancient mani walls, and centuries-old Buddhist monuments. As you approach Phu, the scenery becomes increasingly barren and spectacular, with towering cliffs and unique rock formations. Upon arrival, explore the ancient village of Phu, renowned for its stone houses, Tibetan-influenced culture, and breathtaking mountain setting. Day Day 05:: Acclimatization Day in Phu — Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration around Phu Village. Visit the historic Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Spend time wandering through the narrow stone alleys, interacting with local residents, and observing traditional Himalayan life. The surrounding viewpoints offer magnificent panoramas of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and the remote high-altitude landscapes of the valley. Day Day 06:: Trek from Phu to Chyaku (3,870 m) — Leaving Phu behind, begin your return journey through rugged mountain terrain and remote yak grazing pastures. The trail descends gradually through dramatic gorges and wide-open valleys surrounded by towering cliffs. Along the way, enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and experience the untouched wilderness that makes Nar Phu Valley one of Nepal's most unique trekking destinations before reaching Chyakhu. Day Day 07:: Trek from Chyaku to Nar (4,110m) — Today's trek takes you to the culturally rich village of Nar. The trail gradually ascends through high-altitude landscapes, passing ancient Buddhist monuments and traditional stone shelters used by herders. Upon reaching Nar, explore its beautiful stone-built houses, ancient monastery, prayer flags, and traditional Tibetan-style architecture. The village provides stunning views of Pisang Peak, Kang Guru, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Day Day 08:: Trek from Nar to Kang La Pass to Ngawal (3,660 m) — Today marks one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the entire trek. Leaving the traditional village of Nar early in the morning, begin a steady ascent toward the magnificent Kang La Pass (5,320m). The trail climbs through rugged alpine terrain, yak grazing pastures, and barren high-altitude landscapes, gradually revealing increasingly spectacular mountain scenery. Upon reaching the summit of the pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East, and the surrounding Annapurna massif. The pass offers one of the finest viewpoints in the region and serves as a dramatic transition between the hidden Nar Phu Valley and the Annapurna Circuit. After spending time enjoying the incredible Himalayan vistas, begin the descent through alpine meadows and traditional grazing areas toward the picturesque village of Ngawal. Nestled above the Marsyangdi Valley, Ngawal offers beautiful views of the Annapurna range and a peaceful atmosphere for an overnight stay. Day Day 09:: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,519 m) and drive to Jagat (1,300 m) — After breakfast, continue your journey toward the beautiful mountain settlement of Manang, one of the most important cultural and trading centers in the Annapurna region. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, Manang is renowned for its unique Tibetan-influenced culture, traditional stone architecture, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery. Spend time exploring the village, visiting local monasteries, and strolling through its charming streets while enjoying magnificent views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the surrounding glaciers. After sightseeing in Manang, begin the scenic drive toward Jagat, descending through dramatic valleys, waterfalls, pine forests, and traditional Himalayan villages. The journey offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the changing landscapes as you leave the high mountains behind and enter greener lower valleys before arriving at Jagat for the night. Day Day 10:: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu — Following breakfast, begin your return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the scenic Marsyangdi and Trishuli River valleys, passing through picturesque countryside, terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and bustling roadside towns. As the mountains gradually give way to rolling hills and fertile landscapes, take time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, from remote Himalayan villages and ancient monasteries to high mountain passes and spectacular alpine scenery. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and celebrate the successful completion of an unforgettable adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally fascinating trekking regions. Day Day 11: Final Departure — It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We will make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we will say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones. (If you wish to extend your stay, explore additional adventures like jungle safaris, rafting, or mountain biking)

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 10: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu — Following breakfast, begin your return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the scenic Marsyangdi and Trishuli River valleys, passing through picturesque countryside, terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and bustling roadside towns. As the mountains gradually give way to rolling hills and fertile landscapes, take time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, from remote Himalayan villages and ancient monasteries to high mountain passes and spectacular alpine scenery. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and celebrate the successful completion of an unforgettable adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally fascinating trekking regions.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 11Final Departure — It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We will make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we will say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

KNOW WHAT'S COVERED

What's included in your experience

Included

All arrival and departure airport transfers via private vehicle.
Kathmandu-Koto transfer via private vehicle.
Manang-Jagat- Kathmandu transfer via private vehicle
2 nights' accommodation in Kathmandu in 3-star category on a BB Basis.
Professional English-speaking trekking guide throughout the trek
1 Porter for 2 Trekkers (He will be carrying a duffel bag weighing around 12-15 kg)
08 nights' accommodation in a tea house during the trek.
First Aid Kit with Pulse Oximeter.
Annapurna Conservation area permit and restricted area permit
Salary, Insurance of Trek Guide and Porter.
Mandala Holidays Duffel Bag (Subject to be returned after completion of the trek)
Nepal Government Tax, VAT and Company Service Charge.

Not included

Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
Any meals throughout the trek
Travel Insurance and medical coverage.
Rescue Insurance (It is necessary in case of an emergency)
International airfare
Nepal entry Visa Cost.
Trekking Gears and Equipment.
Personal utility items like laundry, telephone expenses electricity charges, hot water in tea houses, Hot Shower, WIFI, etc.
Extended Stay due to any natural disaster or any other circumstances.
Anything not included in inclusions.

PLAN AHEAD

Essential trip information

Accommodation

Tea House

Fitness & eligibility

Meeting point

Kathmandu

What to bring

TREKKING GEAR
1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover.
2. Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare batteries.
4. U V protection sunglasses.
5. Water Bottles: 1 liter bottle for each trekkers
FOOTWEAR
1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes
2. Pair of lightweight Slipper/Sandals
CLOTHING
1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants.
2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts.
3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower.
5. Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck.
7. Full sleeves sweater.
8. Rainwear ( Jacket & Pants ).
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves.
10. Woolen cap.
11. Sun shielding Hat.
TOILETRIES
1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack.
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional

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