Nar–Phu valley
In Nepali: नार–फु उपत्यका
The Nar and Phu valleys branch north from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit, through a narrow canyon into a high, Tibetan-style landscape. Phu (about 4,080 m) and Nar (about 4,110 m) are ancient villages of stone houses, prayer walls and chortens, and Phu's Tashi Lhakhang monastery is revered.
It is a restricted area requiring a special permit and guide, which keeps numbers low. Most trekkers spend 7–10 days, then cross the Kang La pass (5,320 m) to rejoin the circuit at Ngawal.
What to see and do
Walk through the dramatic canyon from Koto past Meta and the Kyang chortens, visit Phu village and its Tashi Lhakhang monastery, see Nar's colourful chortens and gompas, and cross the Kang La with a breathtaking view of Annapurna II and the Manang valley.
Good to know
A restricted-area permit is required (minimum two trekkers with a licensed guide), plus ACAP. Lodges and homestays are simple; food is basic. The Kang La can be snowbound from December to March.
Quick answers
- Where is Nar–Phu valley?
- Nar–Phu valley is in Manang district, Gandaki Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Nar–Phu valley?
- About 4,110 m (13,485 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Nar–Phu valley?
- For a 11-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 95,000 (≈ US$705) per person on a budget, or NPR 118,000 (≈ US$875) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, permits, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 32,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Nar–Phu valley?
- Plan 9 nights there for the trek; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 11 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Nar–Phu valley?
- Yes. Foreign visitors need a restricted-area permit of about US$100 per person per week, issued only through a licensed trekking agency. You also pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Nar–Phu valley?
- Yes. Restricted areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two.
- When is the best time to visit Nar–Phu valley?
- September–November; April–May
- How do I get to Nar–Phu valley?
- From Koto on the Annapurna Circuit; restricted-area permit. It is about 62 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
- What is Nar–Phu valley called in Nepali?
- नार–फु उपत्यका
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