Nar Phu Trek – 9 Nights 10 Days

Trekking Distance:
Approximately 15 km

After breakfast, begin the trek from Koto by crossing the suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. From the trail, enjoy impressive views of Annapurna II and the snow-covered mountains above the valley.

After roughly 40 minutes to one hour, another suspension bridge appears along the route. You may encounter pack animals carrying supplies toward the remote settlements.

The trail continues through a peaceful pine forest, with large boulders scattered along the pathway and the sound of the Nar Phu River accompanying your journey.

Because some sections of the trail are not clearly marked, traveling with an experienced guide is particularly important. Water sources are limited along this section, so sufficient drinking water should be carried.

After around three hours, reach Chamche Odar, where you can stop for lunch. The trail then continues through pine woodland and beneath dramatic rock formations, including a section where a waterfall flows above a natural rock overhang.

From Chamche Odar, the path climbs steadily toward Meta, also known as Methang. This final section takes approximately 3–4 hours.

The entire trek from Koto to Meta generally takes around 7–8 hours, including the lunch break. Meta is more of a resting point than a large settlement, with only a few basic lodges.

From Meta, enjoy magnificent views toward Pisang Peak, Nar Peak, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Peak.

Trekking Distance:
Approximately 9.6 km

After breakfast, continue the journey toward Kyang. The trail first leads to a Buddhist stupa or chorten, followed by a junction where the route toward Nar separates from the trail leading to Phu.

Continue toward Phu, passing traditional stone structures known as goths, many of which are constructed against enormous rocks.

The route passes through Chyaku at approximately 3,500m, with the journey from Meta taking around three hours. From Chyaku, another 1–2 hours of walking brings you to Kyang.

Along the way, pass through the historic area of Jhunam, an old settlement associated with the Nar people and former Khampa communities. A series of stupas and abandoned agricultural fields lead toward Chyaku.

Chyaku also has an important historical connection with the Khampa movement, including events associated with the Tibet-China conflict and the involvement of the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Remains of old structures and ruins provide evidence of this history.

After lunch at Chyaku, continue along the trail before descending toward a stream and eventually reaching Kyang. The settlement is used by residents of Phu during the winter months.

From Kyang, enjoy views toward Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, Kangaru, and Pokarkang before settling into the teahouse for the night.

Trekking Distance:
Approximately 10 km

After breakfast, continue from Kyang toward the remote settlement of Phu Gaon. The trail follows the Phu River through a rugged Himalayan landscape with gradual uphill sections.

This region forms part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The surrounding environment provides opportunities to see wildlife such as Blue Sheep and Himalayan Thar, while the area is also known for the presence of elusive snow leopards.

The route can include unstable rocky sections and areas affected by landslides, so careful walking is necessary.

Leaving Kyang behind, enter the dry and rugged gorge of the Phu Khola. Follow the eastern side of the valley, crossing a wooden bridge and climbing several steps before reaching the Phupi Gyalgoe Gate, marking the entrance to the Phu region.

The name Phu means “Head of the Valley” in the local language. The village consists of approximately 30–40 households built dramatically along a cliff-like formation.

Explore the settlement and its Buddhist heritage, including the important Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, traditionally associated with the 10th Karmapa.

After approximately five hours of trekking across the rugged landscape, arrive at Phu Gaon, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local Bhote community.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration. Rather than undertaking a long trek, spend the day becoming accustomed to the high elevation while discovering the unique character of Phu Valley.

Phu is a remote Himalayan settlement known for its distinctive traditions and Tibetan-influenced culture. Communities including Gurung, Lama, and Ghale live in the area, with agriculture and livestock forming important parts of traditional life.

Walk through the village and observe its traditional stone-built houses, ancient structures, monasteries, and surrounding mountain landscapes.

Visit Thashi and Sandu Choling Gompas, as well as the renowned Tashi Lhakhang Monastery. Exploring these religious sites offers insight into the area's Buddhist traditions and long-established cultural heritage.

You may also see the helipad in Phu Valley and explore the surrounding dry, rocky landscape. During winter, snowfall can transform the village and surrounding valley into a striking Himalayan scene.

Return to the village for an overnight stay.

Trekking Distance:
Approximately 18.5 km

After breakfast, leave Phu Village and descend mainly through rugged and rocky terrain toward Nar Phedi.

The trail follows the Phu Khola, passing through the gateway of the Phu Valley before continuing across broad grasslands where Blue Sheep can sometimes be spotted.

Continue toward Kyang, a Buddhist settlement surrounded by rocky mountains. The route also passes through Jhunam and Chyaku, where you can stop for lunch.

After the break, continue along mountain ridges and cross suspension bridges overlooking the Nar Phu River as it cuts through the dramatic valleys below.

Along the trail, you will encounter Mani stones decorated with traditional Tibetan inscriptions, reflecting the strong Buddhist heritage of the region.

After approximately 6–7 hours, reach Nar Phedi. Accommodation is centered around the monastery, which forms the spiritual heart of the settlement.

In the evening, you may have the opportunity to observe the monastery's puja or blessing ceremony. Visitors can also make a voluntary contribution toward the maintenance of the monastery.

Trekking Duration:
5–6 hours

Trekking Distance:
Approximately 7 km

After breakfast, begin the climb from Nar Phedi toward Nar Valley. Along the way, enjoy views of the impressive snow-covered Kang Garu.

The trail follows a rocky and sometimes windy route, with traditional stone steps appearing along certain sections. Three major hills separate Nar Phedi from Nar Village, and crossing them requires approximately 5–6 hours of trekking.

After crossing the final hill, reach the entrance to Nar Valley, where Tibetan inscriptions can be seen carved into the gateway.

From this elevated location, spectacular Himalayan views unfold, including Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, and Manaslu.

Nar Village offers a fascinating cultural experience, with traditional barley cultivation, distinctive architecture, colorful chortens, and views toward Kang Garu and Pisang Mountain.

Spend time walking through the village, meeting local residents, and learning about their traditional lifestyle. Several monasteries and chortens can also be explored.

The surrounding landscape provides views of Pisang Peak, Amotsang Himal, Kang Garu, and Pokhar Khang.

This acclimatization period is particularly valuable before attempting Kang La Pass the following day.

Highest Altitude:
5,306m / 17,409ft

Trekking Duration:
7–8 hours*

Trekking Distance:
Approximately 14 km

*The supplied itinerary also describes the complete crossing and descent as taking approximately 10–11 hours, including breaks.

This is the most challenging and demanding day of the trek. Begin before sunrise, around 4:00 AM, after an early breakfast and preparation of a packed lunch.

The initial section from Nar climbs gradually for approximately two hours toward Kang La Phedi at 4,600m. From the base, the route becomes considerably steeper, following a series of switchbacks toward the high pass.

There are several demanding uphill sections, and the increasing altitude makes the climb physically challenging. Horses may be available for those who require assistance with carrying equipment or ascending the pass.

Continue across rocky and potentially landslide-prone terrain before finally reaching Kang La Pass at 5,306m.

The summit provides spectacular panoramic views across the Himalayan landscape, including Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu Peak, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I–IV, Tare Kang, and many other peaks.

After spending time at the pass, begin the steep descent across a moraine-covered slope toward approximately 4,800m. Trekking poles are particularly useful on this section.

The route then becomes more manageable as the trail changes to grassy terrain. Continue downhill for approximately 3–4 hours toward Ngawal, passing Chulu Waterfall along the way.

Although the stated trekking duration is 7–8 hours, the full day can extend to approximately 10–11 hours, including the early departure, lunch, and rest stops.

After breakfast, leave Ngawal and make your way toward Manang. Compared with the previous day's Kang La Pass crossing, today's route is considerably easier.

The trail initially descends and later follows sections of the motorable road. Continue through the surrounding mountain landscape until reaching Braga, where you can stop for lunch.

Braga is famous for the historic Braga Gompa, also known as Bhraka Gompa, which is approximately 900 years old.

After lunch, continue toward Manang, with the final section taking around 30 minutes. Manang is one of the most important settlements in the northern Annapurna region, known for its distinctive landscape, monasteries, traditional culture, and spectacular mountain surroundings.

Spend the night in Manang after completing this remarkable section of the Nar Phu Valley adventure.