Nar-Phu Valley Trek with Thorung La pass For 18 Days

Tour Info

trip code

EN-033

Starting Point/ End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/ Tea House

Max Altitude

5416m (Thorung La Pass)

Duration

18 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Strenuous

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Overview

Nar-Phu valley, located in the remote Manang District near the Tibetan border, is one of the best destinations that showcases the hidden valleys, ancient monasteries, traditional stone villages, and prayer flags, alongside high peaks, glacial streams, yak pastures, and deep gorges. This trek is rich in wildlife and alpine scenery. It also offers immersive cultural experiences. Nar-Phu valley trek offers both adventure and comfort, with warm hospitality and comfortable lodges. Each step of the way exposes you to the breathtaking scenery as well as the solitude, making this trek one of the hidden gems of the Himalayas.

Details

The Nar-Phu valley trek in Nepal has always been on the wishlist destination of many travellers and trekkers in the Annapurna region, located in the remote Manang District of Nepal, near the Tibetan border.  This trek passes through hidden valleys, ancient monasteries, traditional stone villages, and fluttering prayer flags, showing the Tibetan-influenced culture. The major attraction in the region lies in the massive peaks, glaciated streams, yak grazing lands, and deep gorges, making the environment picturesque for your adventure.

This area is famous for Himalayan fauna and alpine meadows, giving it the opportunity to encounter blue sheep, marmots, and rare birds. This combination of cultural heritage sites and pristine environments provides a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. In this trek, the warm hospitality from local communities and carefully maintained lodges adds a touch of comfort and luxury to this remote journey.

The Nar-Phu Valley Trek combines the stunning beauty of the Himalayas with a memorable and rewarding adventure. As one of the best travel and trekking agencies in Nepal, we offer high-end packages that provide comfort, safety, and unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, and Syambhunath Stupa.

  • Trek along the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi rivers. 

  • Witness flora and fauna in Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA).

  • Explore traditional Tibetan-style villages.

  • Witness Buddhist monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, mani walls, Khampa settlements, and local lifestyles.

  • Cross Kang La Pass (5,320 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).

  • Enjoy the breathtaking sight of mountains like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Himlung Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna massif. 

  • Gentle walk to Himlung Base Camp (4,920 m).

  • Visit Muktinath Temple, which is one of the holy temples in Nepal.

  • Trek through Milarepa's Cave and glacial lakes

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel (1,400 m).

Your Nar-Phu valley journey commences after you arrive at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport). At the airport, the EverNepal representatives welcome you with a bouquet of flowers. After that, you are transferred to your 3-star hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, the staff again welcomes you with a Tibetan ceremonial scarf and helps you check-in the room. In the room, you can take a refreshing drink and relax for the rest of the day. In the evening, we invite you for dinner. You are offered a curated menu from which you can select any items to enjoy your dinner. After eating a delicious dinner, you spend the night in your premium room. 

  • Max Elevation: 1400 meters (Kathmandu)

  • Travel Distance: 5 to 6 kilometers

  • Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes   

  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

  • Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Free day for sightseeing and last‑minute trek preparation in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

Day 2 is dedicated to exploring the Kathmandu valley. After a relaxed breakfast, you, along with your guide, begin a sightseeing tour within the Kathmandu valley in a private vehicle. On this day, you explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. While exploring, you can purchase the essential trekking gear and complete last-minute preparation. Some of the famous places you visit are listed below:

  • Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square: It is located at Lalitpur and is known for its beautiful Newari architecture, temples made of stone, and fine metal work. It was the palace of the Malla king.

  • Pashupatinath temple: It lies on the bank of the Bagmanti river and is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. It is named in the honor of Lord Shiva. It is renowned for its architecture, history, and religious importance.

  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This durbar square is situated in Bhaktapur, and is famous for its well-preserved medieval palaces, temples, and living culture.

  • Syambhunath stupa: This stupa is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist stupas in Nepal, which is located at the top of the hill. From here, you witness panoramic views of valleys. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 25 to 30 kilometers (total driving between sites)

  • Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours 

  • Accommodation: 3-star standard hotel

  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,300 m)

After a leisurely breakfast, you have a scenic drive to Jagat, which takes about 8 hours, covering a total distance of 208 km. This journey takes you through terraced hills, Gurung, and Magar villages, offering you breathtaking views of waterfalls, Budhi Gandaki river gorges, Nepali villages, and Manaslu, along with Ganesh Himal. In between this journey, you stop at various scenic viewpoints from where you witness the beautiful views of the landscape. After a few hours of driving, you reach Jagat, where you receive a warm dinner before spending a night in the cozy room. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,300 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 208 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 8 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1,960 m).

Day 4 is the first day of trekking in this entire journey. Following a hearty breakfast, you continue your trek towards Dharapni, which takes around 5 hours, covering a distance of 16 km. The trek takes you through the Budhi Gandaki river, charming villages (Philim), terraced fields, lush forest and several suspension bridges, offering a beautiful view of mountains, waterfalls, the Marsyangdi river, and the culture of locals. You need to trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), which offers a glimpse of local flora and fauna. You can witness these natural wonders and wildlife for some time. After 5 hours of trekking, you finally reach Dharapani, where you stay overnight after having a delicious dinner. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,960 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 16 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 5 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Koto (2,600 m).

In the morning, you receive a relaxed breakfast. After that, you continue your trek by ascending through forest slopes to arrive at Timang village. This village is a scenic viewpoint from where you witness the breathtaking views of mountains such as Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. From here, you traverse through Tibetan-style villages (Bagarchhap), high suspension bridges, the Marsyangdi river and beautiful waterfalls to reach Koto. After trekking for 5 hours by covering a distance of 13 km, you arrive at Koto, where you eat a delicious dinner before staying overnight in your comfortable room. 

  • Max Elevation: 2,600 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 13 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 5 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560 m)

Following a leisurely breakfast, you continue your trek by ascending through dense forests, waterfalls, high suspension bridges and rugged cliffs, leaving the lower Marsyangdi valley behind to arrive at Meta. You first need to reach Dharamshala, from where you continue trekking uphill through narrow trails to reach Meta. While trekking leisurely towards Meta, you witness lush forests, rivers, canyons, and views of snowcapped peaks such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. After 7 hours of trekking, covering a distance of 15 km, you reach Meta, where you receive a warm and delicious dinner before spending the night.  

  • Max Elevation: 3,560 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 15 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 7 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Trek from Meta to Phu (4,080 m).

After a relaxed breakfast, you continue your trek toward Phu with your professional guide while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of pine forests and ancient Tibetan villages. You follow the rugged and scenic trail that goes through the Phu Khola (river), the former Khampa settlement of Kyang, and a high suspension bridge before arriving at the medieval walled village of Phu. In between these routes, you witness beautiful views of mountains such as Annapurna II and Himlung Himal, Tibetan Buddhist culture, narrow canyons, colourful chortens, monasteries and rare wildlife. After trekking for around 8 hours by covering a distance of 16 km, you reach the ancient walled village of Phu, where you are served with a delicious dinner before spending the night at a comfortable lodge. 

  • Max Elevation: 4,080 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 16 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 8 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Side trip to Himlung Base Camp (4,920 m), then return to Phu (4,080 m).

This day is dedicated to exploring the nearby places and adjusting to the high altitude. This rest day gives the opportunity to hike at Himlung Base Camp. Following a hearty breakfast, you begin to explore the narrow lanes of Phu village. Along with it, you can also perform a side trip/hike towards Himlung Base Camp. While trekking, you observe glacial valleys, unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, mani walls, wildlife and stunning views of Himlung Himal and other mountains. After a few hours of hiking, you reach Himlung base camp, where beautiful views of the mountains and the surrounding valleys can be seen. Once you witness the scenery, you return back towards Phu village. The journey for the day takes around 7 hours, covering a distance of 16 km. At Phu village, you enjoy a delicious and warm meal before staying overnight.

  • Max Elevation: 4,920 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 16 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 7 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Trek from Phu to Nar (4,110 m)

In the morning, you receive your warm breakfast. After that, you continue your trek towards Nar, which takes around 8 hours, covering a distance of 16 km. From Phu village, the trek continues through Nar Phedi, passing the colourful chortens while enjoying the scenic views, streams and juniper and rhododendron forest before arriving at Nar village. During trekking, you witness narrow canyons, high peaks, unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, yak pastures, prayer flags, and mani walls. After a few hours of trekking, you reach Nar village, where you stay overnight after having a leisurely dinner. 

  • Max Elevation: 4,110 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 16 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 6 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Nar to Ngawal via Kang La Pass (5,320 m).

After having a warm breakfast in the lodge, you start to ascend towards the Kang La pass while observing the diverse landscape, old monasteries, Tibetan Buddhist culture and view of mountains such as Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak. After a few hours, you reach the Kang La pass from where you witness panoramic views of mountains such as the Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Himlung Himal, and Manaslu. Once you explore this pass, you begin to descend by following the grassy landscapes and Kangla Phedi while witnessing mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries before arriving at Ngawal. After trekking for 8 hours, covering a distance of 15 km, you reach Ngawal, where you spend the night after having a delicious dinner.

  • Max Elevation: 5,320 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 15 kilometers 

  • Travel Hours: 8 hours 

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m)

You enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the early morning at your lodge in Ngawal. After that, you continue your trek towards Manang by following the Braga village, offering a glimpse of traditional local life and stunning mountain views. During your leisurely walk, you witness Gangapurna Glacier and Annapurna peaks, diverse landscapes, Buddhist monasteries with prayer flags, traditional stone houses, and yak pastures along the way. After 3 hours of trekking, covering a distance of 8 km, you arrive at Manang, where you eat a relaxed dinner before spending the night.

  • Max Elevation: 3,540 meters

  • Travel Distance: 8 kilometers

  • Travel Hours: 3 hours

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Rest/acclimatization day around Manang (3,540 m)

Day 12 is dedicated to acclimatizing your body to a high altitude environment. Following a hearty breakfast in the lodge of Manang, you decide whether to explore the nearby village and go hiking to the viewpoints or take a rest for the whole day in the lodge. If you want to explore the village and go hiking, you can do it with your personalized experienced guide. While roaming around Manang, you explore glacial lakes, Milarepa's Cave, Praken Gompa, and hike to Chongkar Viewpoint while enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains. After visiting these sites, you return back to your lodge where you receive a warm dinner before spending the night.

  • Max Elevation: 3,540 meters

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

After a relaxed breakfast, you continue your trek towards Yak Khakha by witnessing high peaks, ancient Tibetan-style villages, unique culture, monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags and the opportunity to witness wildlife. The route takes you through juniper forests, meadows, streams and Ghunsa villages along with the Marshyangdi Valley and Jharsang Khola before arriving at Yak Kharka. After trekking for 4 hours, covering a distance of 10 km, you reach your day 13 destination (Yak Kharka), where you eat a delicious dinner and spend the night.

  • Max Elevation: 4,050 meters

  • Travel Distance: 10 km

  • Travel Hours: 4 hours

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)

Following a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, you continue your short trek for around 3 hours that covers a distance of 7 km to arrive at Thorong Phedi. To reach the destination for this day, you need to cross streams and pass through Ledar and Deurali Tea House. In between these routes, you get the opportunity to observe ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, colourful prayer flags, and mani walls. Moreover, you also witness yaks grazing on green pastures, deep canyons, a unique culture and mountain views (Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Himlung Himal) during this trek. After a few hours of trekking, you arrive at Thorong Phedi, where you spend the night after having a delicious dinner.

  • Max Elevation: 4,450 meters

  • Travel Distance: 7 km

  • Travel Hours: 3 hours

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m then down to 3,762 m)

Day 15 is the last day of your trekking journey. After a hearty breakfast, you continue your trek for around 8 hours, covering a distance of 15 km. You need to pass the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in this trek, and then descend over several hours into the Kali Gandaki Valley to arrive at Muktinath. While trekking towards Thorong La pass, you witness mountain views, prayer flags, fauna and glaciers. Once you reach the pass, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the peaks and valleys surrounding it. After you witness the stunning views and take photos for unforgettable memories, you continue your trek towards Muktinath while witnessing the Himalayan views, ancient Tibetan villages, Buddhist monasteries, colourful prayer flags, mani wall, deep gorges, and unique Khampa refugee camps. After a few hours of trekking, you reach Muktinath, where you eat a warm dinner and go to sleep.

  • Max Elevation: 5,416 meters

  • Travel Distance: 15 km

  • Travel Hours: 8 hours

  • Accommodation: Lodge/tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (822 m)

In the morning, you receive a delicious and warm breakfast at your lodge. After that, you take a scenic drive for around 8 to 9 hours, covering a distance of 172 km to reach Pokhara. While having a drive, you witness the Kali Gandaki gorge, ancient Tibetan-style villages, and beautiful peaks like Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. Along the way, you pause for a leisurely lunch. After you eat lunch, you continue your scenic drive towards Pokhara. After a few hours of driving, you arrive at Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can explore some of the attractions such as David's fall, Phewa lake, Mahendra cave and Sarangkot.  At night, you eat a delightful dinner and stay overnight.

  • Max Elevation: 822 meters

  • Travel Distance: 172 km

  • Travel Hours: 8 to 9 hours

  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

After a hearty breakfast at a 3-star hotel, you take a scenic drive towards Kathmandu. It takes around 7 hours while covering a distance of 205 km to reach day 17 destination through a private vehicle. While heading towards Kathmandu, you are offered stunning views of hills, Trishuli rivers, terraced fields, villages, the lifestyle of local and mountain views. On the way, you stop at viewpoints where you eat a delicious lunch and witness the beautiful view of the surroundings. After a few hours of scenic drive, you arrive at Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you rest or explore the streets of Thamel. At night, you receive a curated menu at a premium restaurant of a 3-star hotel. From the menu, you can order your refined dinner. After that, you spend the night in your premium room. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters 

  • Travel Distance: 205 km

  • Travel Hours: 7 hours 

  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18: Final departure from Kathmandu International Airport (1,400 m).

Following a leisurely breakfast, you pack your essentials and belongings, as on this day you depart from Nepal and return to your home country. Our driver picks you up from your hotel and transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport, arriving three hours before your scheduled departure. After that, you smoothly reach the airport and help you with the check-in process and security procedures. When your flight lands, you take your seat and begin your journey back to your home country.

  • Meals: Breakfast 

What's included

  • Free airport transfer service both to and from the airport.

  • Free introductory dinner. 

  • Three-night accommodation in Kathmandu, with breakfast included.

  • Every essential trekking permit, including the Nar Phu special permit, the Annapurna conservation area permit, the TIMS card, and others.

  • All accommodations throughout the trek. 

  • Three meals daily (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) while trekking.

  • Night stay with lots of amenities in Pokhara. 

  • Bus journey from Muktinath to Pokhara. 

  • Private vehicle from Pokhara to Kathmandu. 

  • Well-experienced, government-registered guide carrying a first-aid kit.

  • Emergency supply kit.

  • Rescue arrangements, if necessary.

What's excluded

  • International flight costs and visa charges for Nepal. 

  • Services of porters for carrying backpacks. 

  • Individual insurance, personal costs, property loss, and theft.

  • Sightseeing expenses in the city (temples, monasteries, etc.)

  • Every drink, snack, and other costs like laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, and so on.

  • Extra expenses due to natural disasters and unexpected events.

  • Gratuities for the guide and porter.

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