The Nar Phu Valley trek only opened in 2003 and still remains a relatively little-trekked area. In fact, this hidden valley requires a special permit to enter. Situated just off the Annapurna Circuit route, the trail to Nar Phu explores remote villages, Tibetan-like peoples, forests, narrow canyons, Buddhist Gompa, and majestic mountains. A bridge over the Marshyangdi River brings the trail to the steep portals of the Nar Phu Valley, which is easy to miss. Once through the narrow, forested ‘entrance’ a whole other world awaits. Although the days are not as long as on some other treks, 5-6 hours, it is a challenging trek: a good fitness level is a must and prior trekking experience is recommended. Among the stunning rock formations and glaciers, the mountains that are seen along this route include, Manaslu (8,163m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Annapurna I (8,091m).
The route to Nar Phu Valley goes though Manang and continues over the Thorong La Pass to rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail at the Hindu pilgrimage town of Muktinath. From Jomsom in the Mustang area, and a few hours walk from Muktinath, it is possible to either fly to Pokhara or continue to trek down the Kali Gandaki River, past the interesting and unique village of Marpha and taking in what is considered the view point of the Annapurna’s, Poon Hill. Passing through the Nar Phu Valley it is possible to take in the culture of the people living there. In this still remote area, the farmers live as they have always done, growing potatoes, barley, buckwheat and vegetables, and raising yaks and sheep.
For those who want to be in the Annapurna and witness the high, white, glistening mountains of this area, but who want to be off the beaten track, the Nar Phu Valley trek might just be what they are looking for.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Khudi (Drive) | 800 m | 8 hr |
| Day 2 | Khudi to Sirung | 2220 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 3 | Sirung to Jagat | 1300 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 4 | Jagat to Dharapani | 1860 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 5 | Dharapani to Koto | 2610 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 6 | Koto to Meta | 3560 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 7 | Meta to Phu Gaon | 4250 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization Day | 4250 m | 2 hr |
| Day 9 | Phu Gaon to Nar | 4110 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 10 | Acclimatization Day | 4110 m | 3 hr |
| Day 11 | Nar to Ngawal via Kang La Pass | 3600 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 12 | Ngawal to Manang | 3540 m | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 13 | Manang to Yak Kharka | 4110 m | 3 - 4 hr |
| Day 14 | Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi | 4600 m | 3 - 4 hr |
| Day 15 | Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass | 3710 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 16 | Muktinath to Jomsom | 2760 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 17 | Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight) | 830 m | 30 min |
| Day 18 | Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive) | 1380 m | 6 - 7 hr |
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