The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a restricted trekking route in the Annapurna region yet undoubtedly provides some of the world's best trekking experiences, including remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock structures, yaks, Buddhist monasteries, unique cultures of the Himalayas, and varied scenery that cannot be found in any other area. The striking door to the Nar Phu Valley Trek has been open to visitors only since 2003. It is one of the best destinations among these majestic mountains.
Nar Phu Trek is one of the most beautiful medieval villages where you can learn about the real lives of the high mountain inhabitants, known as the Bhote communities. This trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, then follows the famous Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route to Koto (near the district headquarters of Manag). From there, one walks through the unique villages of the Tibetan Buddhist world to Nar Phu. This is a wonderful region with 300 ethnically Tibetan inhabitants. Then, the trail leads you on a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River to the steep gateway of the Nar Phu Kangla Pass. The system is easily missed; however, the narrow doorway leads you through the forest valley above a huge spread of high, snow-capped mountains, ancient villages, and high-altitude grazing settlements. After two days of walking to the Tibetan border, this region was first explored by Tilman in the 1950s. Since then, it has been closed until 2002. Very few Westerners have explored these untouched villages.
We’ll spend a few days exploring the high alpine valleys above Phu, visiting the monastery, and trekking up to high-altitude settlements and the Himlung base camp. The trail continues through to the scenic village of Nar, where you can spend a few more days exploring local dwellings before finally heading up over the spectacular Kangla Pass (5,300 m) and then back down to the Annapurna Circuit main route. From here, the trail leads you through the teahouse trekking route over the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m) and down to Muktinath before flying back to Jomsom or Pokhara. Alternatively, you could continue walking to Beni or Nayapul via the popular sunrise vantage point, Poon Hill. Another option is to fly back from Humde to Pokhara or walk down the same route via Beshisahar.
Off the beaten trail, the Nar Phu trek offers you one truly remarkable experience of a lifetime. Nowadays, this trek can be done as a homestay trek or a basic tea house trek. Nepal Mother House Treks operates our Nar Phu Valley trip every year with our highly experienced local guides. This trekking is recommended only for highly qualified and adventurous people who love to test adventure travel in the Nepali Himalayas.
