Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Trek

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.

Overnight in Hotel.

Today after the breakfast we will proceed for sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar Square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chhorten ever made around the world.

Overnight in Hotel.

The drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani usually takes 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. You will start by leaving the bustling streets of Kathmandu, transitioning through residential areas and commercial districts. As you head west on the Prithvi Highway, the route takes you through the Kathmandu Valley and the Trishuli River basin, offering scenic views of river valleys, terraced fields, and forested hills. You will pass through towns like Dhading, Malekhu, and Besisahar, with Besisahar being a notable transit point at around 760 meters (2,493 feet) and offering essential services. From Besisahar, the road follows the Marsyangdi River and becomes narrower and more rugged as you approach the foothills of the Himalayas. The drive features winding roads and steep sections, with the landscape shifting from dense forests to terraced fields and traditional villages. The journey culminates in Dharapani, situated at approximately 1,860 meters.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today, we will walk through dense forests of pine and fir, crossing wooden bridges. One of the highlighted parts of this day is Bagarchhap village (2160m). It is a small Tibetan-style village popular for its whitewashed monastery (Gompa) and prayer wheels (mani wheel) lining the route. The path continues through towering trees, leading our way to Danaque and then to Timang (2750m). This section is the most rewarding one. After a few hours of hiking, this place gives trekkers stunning views of various mountain peaks, such as Mount Manaslu and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7871m). Gazing at mesmerizing Himalayan views, we will hike towards the Koto Village. Koto Village serves as the gateway to Nar Phu Valley. All the trekkers must register at the checkpoint to enter this village. Nar Phu lies in a restricted area of Nepal.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We start our trek early in the morning, as there is a lot of distance to cover on this first day. We cross the river and enter the Nar & Phu valleys where you will see old, under-developed towns on the nearby Annapurna Circuit. The route passes through beautiful woods, past small cave shelters and pilgrims’ resting places. Emerging from a narrow canyon, the trail passes under a wide waterfall, from which point the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. The last stretch into Meta involves climbing a steep hill, where you will be rewarded with amazing views of some of the giant snowy peaks in the area. Meta lies on a big open plain and consists of a few lodges, where we will stay overnight.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

From Meta, the trail gently traverses a hillside covered in blooming azaleas, leading to a wide clearing at Junam Goth (3684 m). After crossing the Junam Khola, the path climbs up to the twin villages of Chyako, where both Naar and Phu villagers stay during the season. From Upper Chyako (3720 m), the trail climbs slightly before crossing the Mruju Khola, which flows from the Lyapche Glacier above. The trail then ascends and crosses a section of eroded moraine, offering fantastic views back down the valley to Pisang Peak. Continue north to Kyang, where you’ll end the trek of the day.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The trail heads into a narrow gorge that stretches north from Kyang. Follow the path cut into a large cliff face and then descend to the river. Avoid the small bridge here and instead continue north along the left bank of the river, which turns northeast after a while. The valley then opens up, and you will pass some old chorten. The scenery ahead may seem quite rugged and uninhabitable, but keep an eye out for blue sheep on the far cliff faces. The trail stays beside the river until you spot a large rock pinnacle marking the entrance to another gorge. With a bit of imagination, you might see faces in the rock, said to represent evil spirits trapped by the valley guardian. A steep path climbs to the right of this rock pinnacle, leading to a doorway and mani wall at 4020 meters. From here, you can enjoy views of the valley ahead. The trail then winds around the eastern hillside above a deep gorge before gently descending to some deserted buildings and a large chorten. You can cross the bridge to the right bank to visit the chorten, or continue on the left bank to a suspension bridge. Crossing this bridge will bring you to the village of Phu (4080 m).

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The locals say that the dry-stone walled village of Phu has been here for 800 years, which is easy to believe when you start exploring. Take your time and if you are lucky you might be invited into a home for some salt-butter tea. On the far side of the river above Phu is a peninsula of loose rock carved by two rivers. Climb to the top to visit Tashi Gompa and the inspiring amchi, traditional Tibetan medicine doctor, Lama Karma. The Lama has many stories to tell and may invite you for a puja ceremony. In Tashi, you’ll find a historic Tibetan monastery and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Discover the unique mountain culture shaped by Tibetan Buddhism in this charming village of ancient mud and rock structures with thatched roofs. Explore the religious rituals, rich ecology, and traditional culture of Phu Valley at a leisurely pace. Wander through the village, learn about the local cultures and religions, and meet members of various ethnic groups like the Ghale, Gurung, and Lama. You can take a short tour of the village and hike to Tashi Lhakhang, just a few kilometers away. If you have extra time, consider visiting Himlung Base Camp (4540 m) as well. Take this time to adapt to the altitude and enjoy a relaxing day.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today, we retrace our steps slightly as we head towards Nar Phedi. We hike downhill from Phu village along the banks of Phu Khola, crossing a bridge spanning an 80m deep narrow canyon. It is a breathtaking and dramatic part of the trail. We descend towards Mahayandra Pool, the trail takes a steep descent before reaching Nar, where we spend the night in a teahouse. Before that, we visit Nar Phedi Monastery, where we attend evening prayers with the nuns. We also share a home-cooked dinner prepared by the nuns and experience the daily life of the monastery. Trekkers are welcome to donate and light oil lamps for loved ones, making this a spiritually enriching experience.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The trek from Nar Phedi to Nar village in Nepal is a scenic route through Buddhist settlements and multiple monasteries. We start from Nar Phedi, visiting Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist settlements decorated with mantra flags and some arts of Buddha stupa (chortens). After Yughat, we reach the second gate of Nar Valley. It signals our arrival in an ancient village, which is rich in Buddhist monasteries (Tashi Lhakhang Monastery).

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To reach Kang La Pass today, you will need to start early in the morning. Leave Naar village on a trail that passes gently climbs into a broad U-shaped valley to the west. For about two hours, youll walk through yak pastures and kharka until you reach Kang La Phedi (4630 m). From Kang La Phedi, the trail ascends away from the pastures and becomes steeper on a rocky path that can be icy. After about two and a half hours, you will reach a flat area of loose scree (5020 m), where the trail steepens once more before arriving at a small glacial lake (5245 m). From the glacial lake, you will reach the summit of Kang La (5306 m) in less than 30 minutes. The pass, about three meters wide, is adorned with prayer flags. From the summit, you will have great views, which improve as you descend slightly and look past the rock wall on your right. You will be rewarded with stunning views of Annapurna II (7937 m) and Gangapurna (7455 m). You will see the summit of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Peak) (6993 m) over the ridge joining Annapurna III (7555 m) and Annapurna IV (7525 m). To the west, Tilicho Peak (7134 m) and the entire Manang valley come into view and the Humde Airport (3,280 m/10,761 ft) in the distance. The Annapurna Circuit trail lies about 2,000 meter below in the valley. From the pass, carefully descend steep scree slopes to around 4500 meters, where the trail becomes firmer. Follow the trail as it winds through azalea and rhododendron bushes and descends a ridge to the village of Ngawal (3660 m). As you complete the trekking portion of your journey, it’s time to move on to a teahouse for the night.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The trek to Upper Pisang is a scenic and culturally rich journey covering approximately 4 to 5 hours. This section of the Annapurna Circuit offers a blend of traditional village experiences, stunning views, and a relatively moderate trek compared to the previous high-altitude crossings. The trek towards Upper Pisang begins with a moderate ascent. The trail heads southeast, gradually climbing through a series of switchbacks and rugged terrain. As you climb, the views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges become more expansive, offering continuous visual rewards for your efforts. Arriving in Ghyaru (3670 m) marks a significant highlight of the trek. Ghyaru is a traditional Tibetan village perched on a ridge, providing sweeping views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding valleys. Ghyaru offers a rich cultural experience with its well-preserved Tibetan architecture, narrow alleys, and traditional practices, providing a glimpse into rural Tibetan life. Additionally, Ghyaru is home to a small monastery or chorten, reflecting the region's spiritual heritage and offering a serene space for reflection. Continuing from Ghyaru to Upper Pisang involves a descent followed by a more gradual ascent. The trail winds through terraced fields and forests, transitioning from the high-altitude environment to the more temperate conditions of the lower Annapurna region. Arriving in Upper Pisang marks the end of the day’s trek. Upper Pisang features traditional Tibetan-style houses with stone walls and flat roofs designed for the local climate. The Pisang Monastery, a key religious site in the village, showcases Tibetan art and offers insight into local Buddhist practices. The village also provides panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II and IV, perfect for photography and relaxation.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The trek from Upper Pisang to Koto is a scenic and culturally rich journey. Beginning in Upper Pisang, you will descend through terraced fields and lush forests, enjoying magnificent views of the Annapurna range. Your first notable stop is Dhikur Pokhari (3060 m), a place known for its serene lake, offering a peaceful environment and a chance to relax. Continuing on, you’ll reach Bhratang (2850 m), renowned for its picturesque apple orchards. The orchard adds a refreshing touch to the trek, showcasing the region’s agricultural practices. From Bhratang, you proceed to Chame (2670 m), the administrative center of the Manang district. Chame is a larger village with a range of amenities and traditional stone houses. From Chame you descend towards Koto. Koto, situated at the confluence of the Marsyangdi and Naar rivers, offers a tranquil setting and serves as a gateway to the Nar-Phu Valley. The village provides a serene conclusion to your day’s trek.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The trek from Koto to Dharapani spans 16 to 20 kilometers (10 to 12 miles) and takes around 5 to 6 hours. Start from Koto enjoying scenic views and a gentle path through lush forests. As you descend, you’ll pass terraced fields and small villages, including Timang, Danakyu and Bagarchhap. The trail continues along the Marsyangdi River, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. You will end your trek in Dharapani. Overnight in teahouse. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu takes 7 to 8 hours. The route descends through terraced fields and forests, following the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar at 760 meters. From there, you will pass through towns like Malekhu and Dhading, and travel through the Trishuli River basin toward Kathmandu Valley, ending in the bustling streets of Kathmandu.

Overnight in Hotel.

As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.

Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.