Nar Phu Valley & Annapurna Circuit: Remote Valleys, High Passes & Muktinath — 18 Days
Kathmandu to Pokhara via Kang La Pass (5,240m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416m), through the restricted Nar Phu Valley
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of Nepal's most seldom-traveled routes, threading through a restricted zone within the Annapurna Conservation Area before joining the upper Annapurna Circuit at Manang. The 18-day itinerary covers two distinct trekking corridors: the narrow gorges and high-altitude villages of Nar Phu, then the classic high-altitude traverse over Thorong La Pass to Muktinath. The route begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat along the Trisuli River corridor, ascending through terraced farmland and suspension bridges to enter the Nar Phu Valley at Koto. From there, the trail climbs steeply into a landscape that bears closer resemblance to the Tibetan Plateau than to the forested middle hills — stark, wind-scoured, and sparsely populated. The villages of Phu (4,250m) and Nar (4,110m) are home to the Phupa and Narpa communities, whose Sino-Tibetan language and Tibetan-influenced customs distinguish them culturally from the rest of Manang district. An acclimatization day in Phu includes an optional hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp and a glacier valley. In Nar, an evening at the local monastery offers direct engagement with monastic daily life and the chance to attend evening prayers with resident nuns. Crossing Kang La Pass (5,240m) brings the route down to Ngawal and onward through the Buddhist heritage corridor of Braga Gompa — a monastery estimated at around 900 years old — Milarepa's Cave, and Sher Gompa before reaching Manang. The upper circuit continues through Yak Kharka and Thorung Phedi, with a long crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m) leading to the Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath and its 108 sacred water spouts. The final stages descend to Jomsom, with an optional stop at the walled village of Kagbeni along the Kali Gandaki corridor, before a 20-minute mountain flight connects Jomsom to Pokhara. The tour concludes with a short flight back to Kathmandu.
Best time to go: Sept-Nov & Mar- May
Highlights
- Trek through the restricted Nar Phu Valley in the Annapurna Conservation Area — one of Nepal's most remote and least-visited trekking corridors
- Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat along the Trisuli River, with views of the white-water rafting corridor and terraced countryside
- Ascend through narrow gorges, past waterfalls, suspension bridges, and terraced fields on the approach from Jagat to Koto
- Visit the village of Phu at 4,250m, home to the Phupa community, whose Tibetan-influenced customs and Sino-Tibetan language set it apart from surrounding districts
- Acclimatization hike from Phu to Himlung Himal Base Camp and a glacier valley, with encounters with yaks and yak herders en route
- Evening prayers, monastery dinner, and daily life with nuns at the monastery in Nar (4,110m)
- Nar village — locally known as the 'place of blue sheep' — within habitat range for Himalayan blue sheep and snow leopard
- Cross Kang La Pass (5,240m) with direct views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
- Buddhist heritage corridor from Ngawal to Manang: Sher Gompa, Braga Gompa (est. 900 years old), Milarepa's Cave, and Godzo Gompa
- High-altitude traverse through the Tibetan-like landscape above Manang via Yak Kharka and Thorung Phedi
- Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,770 ft), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, on the 15km crossing from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath
- Visit Muktinath Temple with its 108 sacred water spouts — a major pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist traditions
- Descend through the Kali Gandaki corridor with an optional stop at the ancient walled village of Kagbeni before reaching Jomsom
- 20-minute mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara over the Mustang landscape
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu's international airport · the hotel
On arrival at Kathmandu's international airport, the group is transferred to the hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.
2Kathmandu to Jagat by Road: Trisuli River Corridor (215km / 1,209m / 4,232 ft)Kathmandu · Jagat · Trisuli River · Besisahar
An early departure from Kathmandu begins a nine-to-ten-hour road journey of approximately 215 kilometers to Jagat. The route out of the Kathmandu Valley follows the Trisuli River, a popular white-water rafting corridor, with views of the river and surrounding countryside. Several stops for coffee and lunch are available along the way. The road initially heads toward Pokhara before turning off at Besisahar, where it enters Manang district on progressively narrower, more winding roads. The group arrives in Jagat in the early evening.
3Jagat to Dharapani: Waterfalls, Suspension Bridges & Terraced Fields (10km / 1,830m / 6,003 ft)Jagat to Dharapani · Dharapani · route to Dharapani
The trek begins after breakfast in Jagat. The six-to-seven-hour route to Dharapani is a demanding first day on trail, involving sustained climbing on stone steps and rough paths. An alternative route is available for those who prefer to avoid the stepped sections — a guide can advise on the day. Along the way, the trail passes waterfalls, river crossings on suspension bridges, terraced fields, and goat herds. A lunch stop on the route offers a first opportunity to try Tibetan bread. The day ends at a teahouse lodge in Dharapani.
4Dharapani to Koto: Pine Forests and Annapurna II Views (11km / 2,610m / 8,562 ft)Dharapani to Koto · Koto
Note: The source itinerary contains an error on this day — the text describes a sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) and an onward trek to Tadhapani, which belongs to a different Annapurna route. Based on the overall itinerary structure, this day covers the six-to-seven-hour trek from Dharapani to Koto (2,610m), passing through pine forests with intermittent views of Annapurna II. Koto serves as the entry checkpoint for the restricted Nar Phu Valley. The group overnights in Koto.
5Koto to Meta: Entering the Nar Phu Valley (6.3km / 3,560m / 11,680 ft)Koto · Meta · pine forests
After breakfast, the trail leaves Koto and enters the Nar Phu restricted zone, climbing 6.3 kilometers over six to seven hours through pine forests with views of Annapurna II opening steadily as altitude is gained. The group arrives at Meta (3,560m) for the overnight stay.
6Meta to Phu: High-Altitude Village at 4,250m (9.8km / 4,250m / 13,944 ft)Meta to Phu · Phu
The six-to-seven-hour trek of 9.8 kilometers from Meta climbs to the village of Phu at 4,250m, one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in the Nar Phu Valley. The surrounding landscape shifts noticeably at this elevation, taking on the open, windswept character typical of high-altitude terrain in this part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The group overnights in Phu.
7Acclimatization Day in Phu: Himlung Himal Base Camp Hike (4,250m / 13,944 ft)Phu · Himlung Himal Base Camp
An additional day in Phu (4,250m) is scheduled for acclimatization before the crossing of Kang La Pass. Active acclimatization is recommended, and the day's option is a hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp and the adjacent glacier valley, where yaks and yak herders are typically encountered. Alternatively, the village of Phu itself — with its traditional architecture and working pastoral economy — provides ample material for those who prefer a shorter day on foot. The group overnights in Phu again.
8Phu to Nar: Monastery Evening Prayers & Canyon Crossing (4.9km / 4,110m / 13,484 ft)Nar · canyon · local monastery
The route from Phu retraces some ground before crossing a bridge over a canyon approximately 80 meters deep — one of the narrower and more dramatic passages of the valley. The five-to-six-hour trek of 4.9 kilometers ends in Nar (4,110m). In the evening, the group attends prayers at the local monastery with the nuns who reside there and shares a dinner prepared by the monastery community, with time to observe aspects of daily monastic life. Donations and the lighting of oil lamps are welcomed at the monastery.
9Acclimatization Day in Nar: The 'Place of Blue Sheep' (4,110m / 13,484 ft)Nar
A rest and acclimatization day in Nar (4,110m), a farming village set in a bowl-shaped valley. The village's name translates locally as 'place of blue sheep,' reflecting the Himalayan blue sheep populations found in the surrounding terrain, alongside occasional snow leopard sightings. The Narpa community here speaks a Sino-Tibetan language distinct from the rest of Manang district.
10Nar to Ngawal via Kang La Pass (5,240m): Annapurna II, Gangapurna & Tilicho Peak Views (14km / 3,600m / 11,811 ft)Ngawal · Kang La Pass
The crossing of Kang La Pass (5,240m / 17,192 ft) is the most demanding section of the Nar Phu segment — a physically hard eight-to-nine-hour, 14-kilometer day. From the top of the pass, the panorama takes in Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The descent leads to Ngawal (3,600m), where Wi-Fi is available at local teahouses.
11Ngawal to Manang: Braga Gompa, Milarepa's Cave & Sher Gompa (9.2km / 3,540m / 11,615 ft)Ngawal to Manang · Manang · Braga Gompa · Milarepa's Cave · Sher Gompa · Godzo Gompa
A shorter four-to-five-hour, 9.2-kilometer day follows a descending trail from Ngawal into the main Manang Valley, passing a succession of Buddhist heritage sites. The route passes Sher Gompa and surrounding settlements, then Milarepa's Cave — associated with Milarepa, the eleventh-century yogi and teacher central to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, who traveled to this region and is commemorated at multiple sites along the corridor. Braga Gompa, estimated at approximately 900 years old, and Godzo Gompa follow before the trail crosses the Ghatte Khola and reaches the town of Manang (3,540m) for the overnight stay.
12Manang to Yak Kharka: Tibetan-Plateau Terrain (10km / 4,020m / 13,188 ft)Manang to Yak Kharka · Manang
A three-hour, 10-kilometer stage from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,020m) continues through the open, Tibetan-plateau-like landscape of the upper valley. The trail includes some steep sections. Manang has a number of small shops and vendors — those carrying loads over Thorong La Pass the following day are advised to keep purchases minimal.
13Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi: Landslide Section & High Camp Option (14km / 4,550m / 14,928 ft)Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi · Thorung Phedi · High Camp
An eight-to-nine-hour, 14-kilometer trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4,550m) passes a landslide area where careful attention to guide instructions is required. Because the stage itself takes most of the day, the afternoon can be used for an acclimatization hike up to High Camp in preparation for the Thorong La crossing. Views from the valley include Annapurna II, III, and IV, Pisang Peak, Chulu, and Tilicho. Packing gear the previous evening and resting well is strongly advised, as the group departs early for the pass crossing.
14Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,770 ft): 15km Crossing (3,720m / 12,205 ft)Thorung Phedi · Muktinath · Thorong La Pass
The early start from Thorung Phedi begins the 15-kilometer crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,770 ft), a demanding eight-to-nine-hour stage and the physical high point of the circuit. Conditions at departure can include low visibility, clearing as the day advances. For those unable to complete the crossing on foot, mule hire is sometimes available at the pass — though this is not guaranteed. The descent from the pass leads to the Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage town of Muktinath (3,720m), where the group overnights.
15Muktinath to Jomsom: Muktinath Temple & Kagbeni Along the Kali Gandaki (10km / 2,743m / 8,999 ft)Muktinath to Jomsom · Jomsom · Muktinath Temple · Kagbeni
Time before departure allows a visit to Muktinath Temple, which features 108 water spouts sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The five-to-six-hour, 10-kilometer descent to Jomsom (2,743m) follows the Kali Gandaki corridor. Those wishing to extend time at Muktinath or visit the walled village of Kagbeni — a notable stop along this section of the corridor — have the option of taking a jeep from Muktinath to either Kagbeni or directly to Jomsom; the walk from Kagbeni to Jomsom is approximately two to three hours. Jomsom has shops, hotels, and restaurants available for the overnight stay.
16Jomsom to Pokhara: 20-Minute Mountain Flight over Mustang (826m / 2,696 ft)Jomsom to Pokhara · Pokhara
An early morning flight of approximately 20 minutes connects Jomsom to Pokhara, covering terrain that would otherwise require several additional days of trekking through Mustang. The flight crosses the Mustang landscape before landing at Pokhara (826m), leaving a full day available in the lakeside city. An alternative for those wishing to extend the trek would be to continue on foot through Mustang to Poon Hill — this can be arranged separately prior to departure.
17Pokhara to Kathmandu: 25-Minute FlightPokhara to Kathmandu
After a day in Pokhara, the group transfers to the airport for the 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is unscheduled and available for personal activities or rest before the following day's departure.
18Departure from KathmanduKathmandu's international airport
An airport representative assists with checkout and transfer to Kathmandu's international airport for onward departure from Nepal.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Jagat
- 3Dharapani
- 4Meta
- 5Phu
- 6Himlung Himal Base Camp
- 7Nar
- 8Ngawal
- 9Kang La Pass
- 10Ngawal to Manang
- 11Manang
- 12Braga Gompa
- 13Milarepa's Cave
- 14Manang to Yak Kharka
- 15Manang
- 16Thorung Phedi
- 17High Camp
- 18Thorung Phedi
- 19Muktinath
- 20Thorong La Pass
- 21Jomsom
- 22Muktinath Temple
- 23Kagbeni
- 24Pokhara
Included
- Accommodation during the trek with all three meals. (B+L+D)
- Hotel in Kathmandu on BB on twin/double sharing basis
- Hotel in Pokhara on BB on twin/double sharing basis
- International and Domestic Arrival Departure Transfer
- ACAP permit fee
- TIMS Card permit fee
- Flight fare Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu (subject to change)
- Flight fare for the guide (subject to change)
- Transportation from Pokhara to the trek starting point & trek end point to Pokhara
- 1 Guide
- Necessary Porters (2:1 basis)
- Necessary Sherpa/ Assistant Guide (5:1 basis)
- Applicable Government Taxes.
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Bar Bills and Beverages
- Tips
- Cost not included in cost include
Activities: TREKING, HIKING