- Clear sustainable travel policy
- Social / Environmental Impact
- Tourism Dispersal
- Behavioral Awareness Education
- Small Group Travel
If you’ve wanted to trek through a carefully protected and preserved part of the Annapurna range and truly get off the beaten path in West Nepal, come join us for this exclusive trek through an area only accessible by special permit to authorized agencies.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is inarguably one of the off-the-beaten-track trails and least visited regions in West Nepal. Since it was opened in 2003, very few visitors have been to the wild, exotic, and sparsely populated valleys of Nar and Phu, offering intriguing medieval Tibetan culture and customs that remain untouched along with breathtaking mountain views.
The restricted area of Nar Phu Valley can only be accessed with a special permit issued to an authorized trekking agency, which will also provide the essential logistics for the trekking tour. The Nar Phu Valley trek has to be completed in seven days because that is the period the permit is issued for.
Our journey starts with a drive to Koto, a little village on the crossroads of the main Annapurna circuit trail and the trail into the Nar Phu valleys. We go off the beaten track via a deep narrow river valley, north of the Annapurna range.
We have a few days of acclimatizing and exploring the subalpine forests, mysterious valleys, and narrow river valleys with the presence of a robust Tibetan Buddhist culture along with ever-increasing wildlife – we might even spot the elusive snow leopard on the hike to the village of Nar.
Our trek begins on the 4th day of the trip. We hike on a barren trail to high camp at the base of Kang La pass, also known as Kang La Phedi (4,530m). We climb slowly up a steep ascent, which leads to the summit of Kang La pass (5,320m).
We can be rewarded with spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the Marshyangdi valley from the top. We will have a 360-degree panorama on a clear day. Kang La is the gateway from the remote Nar/Phu valley into the ever-famous Marshyangdi valley. We have a steep descent to the village of Ngawal (3,615m). We are now on the main trail of the Annapurna circuit trek.
Some of the towering peaks that can be seen from the summit of Kang La are Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II. Annapurna IV and Annapurna III, to name a few. We will be looking at the North Face of the Annapurna Range.
From Ngawal, We drive to Besisahar, where we stop for the night. We continue our overland journey the following day all the way to Kathmandu.
Seasonal Notes: The best season for this trip is March through June and October through December. It is difficult to do this trip during the shoulder season or off-season because that is the rainy season, which is sub-optimal and can be dangerous. The wet weather can cause natural disasters like landslides or avalanches that could block roads or trails, or be fatal to travelers and sherpas. Therefore, we only offer this trip during the high season when it is safe to travel.
📋 Itinerary
This itinerary is customizable. Contact Yūgen Earthside for more information.
Day 1: Kathmandu [Nepal] (arrival day)
Day 2: Kathmandu
Day 3: Koto (elevation: 2,600m).
Day 4: Meta (elevation: 3,550m). Trek begins; hike 6-7 hours.
Day 5: Chyaku or Kyang (elevation: 3,750m). Hike 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Phu (elevation: 4,240m). Hike 4 hours.
Day 7: Phu - rest day.
Day 8: Nar Phedi (elevation: 3,500m). Hike 7-8 hours.
Day 9: Nar (elevation: 4,100m). Hike 3/4 hours.
Day 10: Kangla Phedi (elevation: 4,500m). Hike 3 hours.
Day 11: Ngawal (elevation: 3,660m) via Kangla Pass (elevation: 5,320m). Hike 9-10 hours. Trek ends.
Day 12: Besisahar
Day 13: Kathmandu
Day 14: Kathmandu (departure day)
🌱 Sustainability
This trek is designed to improve, protect, and preserve the environment of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It honors both nature and culture of the lands and people of the Himalayas.
This trip promotes tourism dispersal by taking you to a more remote, less-trafficked region of West Nepal.
Our team makes sure that all rubbish produced by us while catering for you are carried out as part of our “Leave No Trace” values. We preach and practice “Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints,” ethics.
Our trekking chefs use superfood ingredients to give our trekkers the much-needed nourishment after a rigorous day of hiking. Our wellness meals help to strengthen the immune system.
This type of trekking expedition provides employment opportunities for many locals as all camping gear, equipment, and food need to be carried by porters or pack animals.
We filter our own water on the trek, reducing the need to boil water using kerosene (unless guests ask for hot water).
- Adhere to Strict Environmental Standards
- Conserve Ecosystems/Preserve Biodiversity
- Focused on Minimizing Waste
- Responsible Waste Management
- Use Biodegradable Toilet Bags
- Provide Local Employment
- Fair Wages / Fair Trade
- Supports Local Businesses
- Tours Benefit Local Community
📌 Location
Use the Google map to orient yourself about where in the world this trip is. The location indicates the starting point for this trip.
A specific route map is included in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
🏷️ Pricing
Minimum of 4 travelers required to book.
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
See the full list of price inclusions and exclusions in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
ℹ️ Other Info
If you're ready to book this trip, or if you still have some questions, contact us to let us know!
Book with confidence: To reserve your spot on a tour, a $500 deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be 100% refundable until 3 months prior to the trip start date.
Cancellation will take effect only after the receipt of a written confirmation and cancellation fees will apply as follows:
- More than 90 days before departure – fully refundable
- More than 60 days before departure – we'll refund you the tour cost minus the deposit
- Between 60-30 days before departure - we'll refund you 50% of tour cost
- Within 30 days of departure date - no refund is possible
We will not be responsible for / compensate if:
- The tour is canceled due to natural calamities or political unrest.
- You choose to leave the tour/trek after it has started, be it of your own will or due to ill health or medical emergency. A cover letter will be provided to help facilitate your claim through your insurance company.
If minimum numbers to operate a tour are not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the trip and advise you of this no later than 28 days before departure. We will refund all payments made to us but will not be liable for any claims made by you or for additional costs incurred by you.
This trip has a variable start date, so you can plan a departure date when it suits you.
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
Please be fully vaccinated and boosted before traveling. You may also need proof of a negative Covid test before arrival to the country. Keep a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Special precautions:
We take our trekkers away from the crowds of the popular trekking areas to provide a “high value, low impact” experience to the people and environment we bring you to. This form of sustainable tourism is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially in the wake of COVID.
Socially Distant:
We have handpicked areas that are off the beaten path, where a small number of other trekkers might appear on the trekking trail. Our trekkers will be experiencing authentic Himalayan cultures with Social Distancing. On our fully supported Mobile Glamping treks, our clients will be secluded from other trekkers (if there are any) by our support crew. We will have our own campsites, dining tent, kitchen tent where your meals are prepared hygienically, and social distancing can be easily maintained. This experience provides a “Private Social Bubble.” This mode of trekking will avoid over-tourism and, at the same time, allow for social distancing from mass tourism.
Extra Sanitation Measures:
Our team provides hand sanitizer before each meal and with increased frequency throughout the trek. we are the first and only company that uses biodegradable toilet bag for our camping treks.
Wellness on the Trail:
Our usage of superfood on our wellness adventure has always helped our clients to boost their immune system during and after the trek. The trekking team prepares a variety of healthy and nourishing meals, and purchases fresh organic food along the trail.
Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?
A: It means that the trek only requires a moderate level of fitness, but we will still be trekking at an altitude close to 4,000m, and people respond differently to the altitude. You should be fit and healthy to participate in this trek.
Q: What about weather and safety?
A: We prioritize the safety of our guests above all else. If there are dangerous weather conditions, we may alter the route slightly to ensure the safety of guests.
Q: Am I too young or old?
A: Most of our clients, from 3 years old to some in their 70s, have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.
Q: Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
A: We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kerung on the Nepal-China border. Outside of Nepal, A visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. For more information go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
Q: What should I bring on a Trek?
A: Being correctly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip. Contact Yūgen Earthside to be provided with our Clothing & Equipment Guide.
Duration: 14 days, departing on Sundays. Contact Yūgen Earthside to ask about your preferred start date.
Altitude (max): 5,320m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Camping, Lodge
We extend allyship and a safe travel experience for our friends who are LGBTQ+, people of color, minorities, or from other ethnic/tribal communities.