Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass Trek

Nar Phu and Kang-La Pass Trekking is a unique adventure around Nepal’s Far North-West Himalayas. Lead you beyond the massif range of Annapurna Himalayan peaks and above the beautiful and scenic Manang Valley. The adventure takes you far from the main trekking trails within sheer mountain wilderness. The Nar Phu region is one of the least visited regions than other popular routes of the Annapurna Himalayas. 

Due to its remote and isolated location away from the busy mainstream routes; makes it is an exceptional adventure destination.

Nar and Phu are traditional villages where the native follows an ancient culture of Buddhism similar to their Tibetan predecessors. Nar Phu Valley is a well-hidden Shangri-La for many visitors due to its amazing location. Nar and Phu region is a former forbidden country for outside travelers, and it opened in 2003 for trekkers. But remains a Restricted Area and requires a special trekking permit to enter the former forbidden land of Nar and Phu. 

The adventure begins with an exciting overland journey to reach Kodo via Bhesishar town from Kathmandu. Kodo is a lovely village, where the route to Nar-Phu and the famous Annapurna Circuit trails separates, located close to Chame Town. 

The walk then enters a deep river gorge covered in lovely tree lines of firs and rhododendrons trees. Trekkers will be surprised after a few days of walking to enter the wide-exposed scenic valley of Nar-Phu. 

Enclosed within the towering peaks of Chulus in the west and Himlung Himal towards the northeast. Then the walk reaches Phu village, an exciting place in a windswept country and yet charming. At Phu, with an extra day to explore its old monasteries of great religious and cultural interest. 

The next part of the journey takes you to the adjoining village of Nar, which is quite similar but smaller to Phu. An interesting village, to experience the cheerful native with their daily chores of farm activities. From Nar head towards the west to cross the high Kang-La Pass to reach Ngawal, close to Manang Valley. The route follows reaching the main popular trail to the main Manang village and visiting the interesting old Braga monastery. Enjoy a wonderful time in Manang village, surrounded by tiers of snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Chulus. 

The walk follows to the end of Manang Valley to cross the last and highest pass of the adventure. Traverse over Thorang-La after a steep undulating climb from the top rewards with an exceptional panorama of the mountain range. From Thorang-La, a slow downhill towards Mustang area reaching Muktinath, the holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites. 

For Hindu and Buddhist followers, the walk takes you to scenic Kaligandaki Valley at Jomsom Town. A short flight reaches scenic Pokhara, a perfect spot to conclude our wonderful experience. After a wonderful adventure around Nar Phu and Kang-La Pass Trekking.

Best Seasons for Nar and Phu Valley Trekking

The best seasons are spring, autumn/ fall, the high seasons for trekking around the Himalayas. Most days are clear for views and pleasant walks. The spring season begins from March to May, days are perfect for walks with ever-present views of snow-capped mountain range.

Spring is also the best time for wildflowers, especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors. Makes the whole hills and valley lively and colorful, can get overcast with light rain sometimes. Cold morning and night time above 1,500 m onwards. The next good season is autumn/fall from September to November, most days are crystal clear for views. Facing superb scenery of snow-clad peaks, but days are short with limited sunlight hours. In autumn, cold morning and late afternoon till night time. Could get snowfall above 2,000 m onwards sometimes. 

Short Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu trek preparation with half day tour.
Day 03: Drive to Bhesishar 760 m -05 hrs. 
Day 04: Drive to Kodo village 2,680 m near Chame 2,710 m -04 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Meta 3,560 m past Dharmasala – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Kyang 3,020 m – 05 hours.
Day 07: Trek to Phu 4,060 m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Phu for local exploration.
Day 09: Trek to Nar Phedi / Mahendrapul 4,090 m- 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Nar-Gaon / village 4, 140 m – 04 hrs. 
Day 11: Trek Kang-La Phedi / Yak Kharka 4, 460 m – 04 hrs.
Day 12:   Cross Kang-La Pass 5,306 m trek to Ngawal 3,650 m – 06 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 05 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m – 04 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m crossing high Thorang-La Pass 5,416 m /17,700 feet – 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m-04 hrs.
Day 18: From Jomsom fly to Pokhara 860 m-22 mins and transfer to hotel.
Day 19: Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 20: International departure for homeward bound.

Itinerary