
Nar Phu Valley & Annapurna Circuit Trek- 18 Days
Join our Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit- 18 Days and explore Nepal’s hidden valleys and majestic Himalayan peaks. Experience remote villages, ancient monasteries, and two iconic high passes. A perfect blend of adventure, culture, and stunning mountain landscapes.
Nepal
18 Days
Moderate
5,416 m
All round the year
Hotel & Teahouses
Included
Kathmandu
USD 2142
Trip Highlights
- Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Trek through the restricted Nar Phu Valley.
- Visit Meta, Phu Gaon, and Nar villages.
- Cross Kang La Pass (5,322m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
- Visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site.
- Scenic Jomsom to Pokhara flight.
- Experience Himalayan culture and stunning mountain views.
//php the_title(); ?> Trip Overview
The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit – 18 Days blends the remote beauty of Nar Phu with the iconic Annapurna Circuit. After exploring Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites, the adventure begins with a drive to Dharapani, then into the restricted Nar Phu Valley. You’ll pass through isolated Tibetan-influenced villages, cross high suspension bridges, and admire views of Annapurna II, Himlung, and Pisang Peak.
Crossing Kang La Pass (5,322m) connects you to the Annapurna Circuit, where you trek past Manang, Yak Kharka, and finally conquer Thorong La Pass (5,416m). After visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple, the journey wraps up with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. This trek offers a perfect mix of off-the-beaten-path adventure, Himalayan scenery, and rich local culture.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft)
- Day 2: Swayambhunath tour and trip preparation
- Day 3: Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960 m/6,430 ft) by drive : 7-8 hrs
- Day 4: Dharapani to Koto (2,610 m/8,563 ft): 5-6 hrs
- Day 5: Koto to Meta (3,560 m/11,680 ft): 7-8 hrs
- Day 6: Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250 m/13,944 ft): 7-8 hrs
- Day 7: Acclimatization Day
- Day 8: Phu Gaon to Nar Phedi Monastery (3,500 m/11,480 ft): 6-7 hrs
- Day 9: Nar Phedi Monastery to Nar Gaon (4,110 m/13,481 ft): 5-6 hrs
- Day 10: Nar to Ngwal (3,660 m/12,008 ft) via Kang La (5,322 m/17,460 ft): 7-8 hrs
- Day 11: Ngwal to Manang (3,549 m/11,546 ft): 4-5 hrs
- Day 12: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110 m/13,484 ft): 3-4 hrs
- Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600 m/15,092 ft): 3-4 hrs
- Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800 m/12,467 ft) via Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 ft): 8-9 hrs
- Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743 m/10,800 ft): 5-6 hrs
- Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
- Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu by drive: 7-8 hrs
- Day 18: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft)
Upon arrival, a representative from Ama Adventure will meet you at the airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel.
Max Altitude :
Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Overnight :
Kathmandu
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 2: Swayambhunath tour and trip preparation
After breakfast, you will head towards Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this ancient stupa is one of the most iconic landmarks of Nepal. Believed to have been self-created, it holds deep spiritual significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, surrounded by prayer flags, shrines, and playful monkeys that give the site its nickname.
Max Altitude :
Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Meals :
Breakfast
Overnight :
Kathmandu
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 3: Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960 m/6,430 ft) by drive : 7-8 hrs
Today, we go one a drive to Dharapani along winding roads following the Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. The drive can be bumpy and dusty, but the scenic views make it worthwhile. From Dumre, turn north, passing Khunde, Syange, and Jagat before reaching Dharapani where we stay overnight.
Max Altitude :
Dharapani (1,960 m/6,430 ft)
Trip Duration :
Drive: 7-8 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Dharapani
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 4: Dharapani to Koto (2,610 m/8,563 ft): 5-6 hrs
Register your restricted area permit at the Koto checkpoint. Trek along the Soti Khola River, passing pine and fir forests, streams, and suspension bridges to Dharmasala. After lunch, continue through dense forest to Meta village. Enjoy views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
Max Altitude :
Koto (2,610 m/8,563 ft)
Trip Duration :
5-6 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Koto
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 5: Koto to Meta (3,560 m/11,680 ft): 7-8 hrs
Since it’s a long day, we begin the trek early. Today’s Nar Phu trekking route takes us deep into the restricted Nar Phu Valley, passing through thick pine forests, ancient cave shelters, pilgrims’ rest stops, scattered waterfalls, and several steep, rugged climbs.
Max Altitude :
Meta (3,560 m/11,680 ft)
Trip Duration :
7-8 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Meta
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 6: Meta to Phu Gaon (4,250 m/13,944 ft): 7-8 hrs
From Meta, descend across a suspension bridge across the seasonal stream, and continue to Kyang, where you can explore the old Khampa settlement. It is the camp of Khampa refugees. Cross the Phu Khola and follow the rugged trail to reach Phu Gaon.
Max Altitude :
Phu Gaon (4,250 m/13,944 ft)
Trip Duration :
7-8 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Phu Gaon
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 7: Acclimatization Day
Today is an optional day for you to acclimatize. You can take an short hike to attempt more altitudes. This place is known as the “Lost Hidden Valley” that is rich in ancient Ghale and Gurung culture. During village tour you can experience transhumant agriculture, and seasonal migrations. Visit the 18th-century Tashi Lakhang Monastery, built by Karma Rinpoche. Enjoy mountain views of Himlung and Annapurna.
Overnight at Phu Gaon.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Phu Gaon
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 8: Phu Gaon to Nar Phedi Monastery (3,500 m/11,480 ft): 6-7 hrs
Descend via suspension bridges to Mahendra Pul with a stunning Himalayan backdrop. Cross Lapche River Gorge, stop for lunch, and continue climbing towards Nar Phedi Monastery. Pass ancient stupas with views of Pisang Peak and other snowy summits where you stay overnight.
Max Altitude :
Nar Phedi Monastery (3,500 m/11,480 ft)
Trip Duration :
6-7 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Nar Phedi Monastery
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 9: Nar Phedi Monastery to Nar Gaon (4,110 m/13,481 ft): 5-6 hrs
After breakfast, descend to Mahendra Pul and climb to Nar Village, passing ancient Buddhist stupas and enjoying views of Pisang Peak and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Overnight at Nar Gaon.
Max Altitude :
Nar Gaon (4,110 m/13,481 ft)
Trip Duration :
5-6 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Nar Gaon
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 10: Nar to Ngwal (3,660 m/12,008 ft) via Kang La (5,322 m/17,460 ft): 7-8 hrs
We start early for our morning trek towards Kang La pass. It will be a long and hard day. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Annapurna Himalayan Range that makes the whole day worthwhile. We continue descending to Ngwal where you stay overnight.
Max Altitude :
Kang-La Pass (5,322 m/17,460 ft)
Trip Duration :
7-8 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Ngwal
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 11: Ngwal to Manang (3,549 m/11,546 ft): 4-5 hrs
Trek to Manang through isolated mountain villages, admiring glacier streams and vintage of Annapurna Range. Our trail gradually ascends to Mungli that joins the major Annapurna Circuit trail. We continue our trek to Manang where we stay overnight.
Max Altitude :
Manang (3,549 m/11,545 ft)
Trip Duration :
4-5 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Manang
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 12: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110 m/13,484 ft): 3-4 hrs
Trek to Yak Kharka, climbing through glacial streams, isolated villages, and river valleys. After Tenki village, the trail turns to the Jarsang Khola valley in the northwest. The trail passes Gunsa village, a cluster of flat mud roofs. We continue trekking through meadows where you can witness grazing horses and yaks. Along the way, you will cross a wooden bridge and ancient mani walls. After a pleasant day, reach Yak Kharka. Overnight.oofs. We continue the trek on the meadows where can witness the grazing horse and Yaks. Along the way, you will cross the wooden bridge and ancient mani wall. After a pleasant day reaches Yak Kharka where you stay overnight.
Max Altitude :
Yak Kharka (4,110 m/13,484 ft)
Trip Duration :
3-4 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Yak Kharka
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600 m/15,092 ft): 3-4 hrs
Trek across a suspension bridge, passing Ledar village, the last permanent settlement before reaching Thorong Phedi. We cross river valleys and towering cliffs, enjoying spectacular views along the way. We continue to climb through cliffs and cross another wooden bridge before reaching Thorong Phedi. The word “Phedi” refers to the foot of the mountain.
Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Max Altitude :
Thorong Phedi (4,600 m/15,092 ft)
Trip Duration :
3-4 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Thorong Phedi
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800 m/12,467 ft) via Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 ft): 8-9 hrs
Today is the major day to cross Thorong La Pass, the highlight of this trip. We wake up early to avoid heavy winds at the top. We trek east to west, which is the safest and most popular direction. We ascend straight towards the summit in thinner air; though challenging, reaching the top is worth every step. After enjoying the views, we descend steeply to Muktinath where you stay overnight.
Max Altitude :
Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 ft)
Trip Duration :
8-9 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Muktinath
Accomodation :
Teahouse
Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743 m/10,800 ft): 5-6 hrs
Before breakfast, visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Then descend through Ranipauwa and Jharkot, above Kagbeni village. The trail continues steeply down a barren hillside to the Kaligandaki River. You will walk all the way to Jomsom, the capital of Mustang, where you can enjoy local apple products. The apple brandy produced in Marpha is famous both in Nepal and internationally.
Overnight at Jomsom.
Max Altitude :
Jomsom (2,743 m/8,999 ft)
Trip Duration :
5-6 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast
Overnight :
Jomsom
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
Today we take a 15-minute scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Spend the afternoon exploring Lakeside. Alternatively, you can drive to Pokhara via Tatopani and Beni, which takes 8-9 hours. Do some final shopping and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Meals :
Breakfast
Overnight :
Pokhara
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu by drive: 7-8 hrs
After breakfast, we travel to Kathmandu. You can enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping and exploring the neighborhood. In the evening, Ama Adventure organizes a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of the trip.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude :
Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft)
Trip Duration :
Drive 7-8 hrs
Meals :
Breakfast
Overnight :
Kathmandu
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 18: Departure
After breakfast, you can do some final souvenir shopping and explore the neighborhood.
Then, transfer to the airport for your departure.
Gallery
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Accommodation
- 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Pokhara on a twin/double-sharing basis with breakfast
- 14 nights in guesthouses during the trek (twin-sharing) in the Annapurna region
Meals & Drinking Water
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
- One hot drink per meal and seasonal fruits
- Farewell dinner on the final night in Nepal
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek (via water filter or purification tablets)
Transportation
- All airport transfers (international & domestic) by a private tourist vehicle
- Kathmandu to Jagat by private tourist vehicle
- One-way flight between Jomsom and Pokhara
- Pokhara to Kathmandu in a tourist bus
Guide & Support Staff
- Licensed, experienced, English-speaking trekking guide (2 guides for groups of 7 or more)
- Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- All staff’s wages, accommodation, meals, insurance, gear, and medication
Permits & Entry Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar Phu region
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
Health & Safety
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter to monitor altitude-related symptoms
Extras & Souvenirs
- Trekking map, duffel kit bag, sun hat, Buff (neck gaiter), and a trip completion certificate
Administrative
- All government taxes and administrative fees
What is Excluded
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- International airfare and airport departure taxes
- All kinds of beverages (including bottled and boiled water)
- Travel insurance- must include high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Tips for the trekking staff and driver (optional but appreciated)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Any other expenses not listed under the “Inclusions” section
- Nepal Entry Visa
Trip Departure
We book both solo and group trips to make your holiday a lifetime memory with people from all over the world. Once your trip is confirmed, we guarantee all group departure dates, even if only one person has signed up for trekking. Please note that before final sign-up, we always confirm the current number of members in your group.
Difficulty Level
This trek is strenuous and requires good fitness. No technical skills are needed, but expect long days, steep climbs, and high altitude. The route gains elevation quickly, and weather can change fast due to altitude shifts. Prior trekking experience helps, but well-prepared beginners can also complete it.
Dates & Prices
All listed departures are guaranteed. If these dates don’t work for you, we can arrange a trip that fits your schedule. Just let us know your preferred timing and the kind of journey you’re looking for, and we’ll help you plan a custom trip to your chosen destination.
Meals
During the trek, we’ll enjoy a mix of local Nepali food and popular international dishes such as Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian. Breakfast and dinner are served at the teahouse or lodge where we stay overnight, while lunch is taken along the trail at a suitable stop. All meals are included during the trekking days. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is provided, and in Pokhara, breakfast and a farewell dinner are also part of the trip.
Accomodation
In Kathmandu, we will stay at Hotel Manaslu, and in Pokhara, our accommodation will be at Bodhi Suites-both comfortable 4-star hotels. During the trek, we’ll stay in local teahouses. All accommodations are on a twin-sharing basis. A single room can be arranged on request for an extra cost of USD 290. While we’ll book the best available tea houses along the Mardi Himal trail, please note that the facilities may be quite basic compared to the more developed routes like Annapurna or Everest. Single rooms are generally available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but they might not be possible to find during the trek.
Weather Information
Weather in the Annapurna region can be unpredictable, so being prepared is key. Days can get as warm as 25°C (77°F), but nights often drop to -5°C (23°F), surprising many first-time trekkers. While conditions vary daily, general patterns follow the season, so pack with both warmth and flexibility in mind.
Important Notes
Your safety is always our first priority while traveling with Ama Adventure, Stay flexible if needed;
Our trip leader has the authority to change all itineraries based on local conditions and judgments of your leaders.
We also have the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations, unexpected weather conditions, Natural Disasters etc.
Your leader and crew always tries to make your trip comfortable to ensure that the trip runs according to plan. but we heartily request to be prepared and to be flexible if needed.
If you have any queries relating to the above please feel free to contact us.
Packing List
Here is a suggested packing list to help you prepare for the trek. You’ll need warmer layers during colder months. Ama Adventure provides a 75-liter duffel bag at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu-yours to keep. Sleeping bags and down jackets are available to rent in Kathmandu for USD 35 each.
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag
- Heavy/medium down jacket (-20 degrees)
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Synthetic Knitted hat/Beanie
- Woolen hat
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Scarf/Neck Gaiter/Buff (highly recommended)
- Insulation
Torso
- Moisture-wicking base layers – lightweight for warmer seasons, thermal for colder months
- Two short-sleeve and two long-sleeve trekking shirts made of quick-dry technical fabric
- Windproof and waterproof outer shell or jacket
- Warm fleece jacket or pullover for added insulation
Lower Body
- Thermal base layers – lightweight for warm months, heavier for cold conditions
- Two pairs of durable hiking pants
- Comfortable pants for relaxing inside teahouses
- Waterproof and windproof shell pants for protection against rain and wind
- One pair of hiking shorts (ideal for lower altitudes and warm days)
Hands
- Liner gloves made of wool or technical fabric for warmth and flexibility
- Insulated outer gloves with a hard shell – ideal for wind and cold at higher altitudes
Feet
- Warm socks made of wool or technical fabric
- Hiking socks (several pairs recommended)
- Optional liner socks (e.g., silk) for added comfort and blister prevention
- Waterproof trekking/hiking boots – well broken-in before the trek
- Ice Cleats or Micro Spikes (recommended from November to March for icy trails)
- Comfortable casual shoes or sandals for teahouse use
- Gaiters – lightweight for dust or heavier ones for snow in cold months
Undergarments
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking underwear (technical fabric recommended) – adjust quantity based on personal preference
- Sports bras (for women) – supportive and breathable
- Pajamas or comfortable sleepwear for chilly nights in the mountains
First Aid Kits and Medications
Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Antiseptic or soothing ointment
- Personal medications (for altitude, allergies, pain relief, etc.)
Other Essentials
- Valid passport
- Extra passport-sized photos (for permits or emergency use)
- Airline tickets (leave a copy with our office in Kathmandu)
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets or UV water purifier
- Lightweight towel
- Pillowcase (for hygiene in teahouses)
- Toiletry kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, etc.)
- Toilet paper (2 rolls minimum)
- High-protein snacks (nuts, energy/protein bars)
- Waterproof/dry bags to protect documents and valuable
Optional
(These can enhance your comfort during the trek and are widely available in Thamel, Kathmandu)
- Guide Book
- Power bank or spare batteries
- Hand sanitizer
- Energy Bars
- Dry Shampoo
- Outlet Adapter
- Whistle (for safety/emergency use)
- Thermos (to carry hot water/tea during cold days)
- Yaktrax especially for fall and early spring season
- Camera and mobile phone (for capturing memories)
- Pillowcase (for hygiene in teahouses)
- Trekking Poles (highly recommended for stability)
- Pee bottle or pee funnel (especially useful for women at high altitudes)
Tip: Thamel is full of gear shops where you can purchase or rent trekking essentials at a reasonable price once you’re in Kathmandu.
Documents and Logistics
- Flight Information.
- Original Passport
- Photocopy of Passport
- Passport size photo for Tims and permit (4)
- Medical Insurance Card
- Airline tickets (leave a copy with our office in Kathmandu)
Dates of Trip
Trip Downloads
Group Discount Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveler Reviews
