The Nar Phu Valley & Annapurna Circuit Trek: A 21-Day Guide
You have trekked in the Himalayas before. You love the mountains, but you are looking for a bigger challenge. You want to go somewhere remote, a place most trekkers never see. You are ready for a true Himalayan expedition.
Imagine a journey that takes you back in time. You enter the lost valleys of Nar and Phu, where people live a traditional life, untouched by the modern world. After exploring this hidden gem, you take on a massive challenge: crossing two high passes over 5,300 meters, including the world-famous Thorong La.
Our 21-day Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek is that ultimate challenge. This epic journey combines a rare, restricted-area trek with a world-class classic route. You will experience ancient Tibetan culture and cross some of the highest trekking passes in the world. This trek is for the serious adventurer.
Best Time for the Nar Phu Valley Trek
This long, high-altitude trek requires the best possible weather. The autumn and spring seasons are the only recommended times.
- Autumn (September - November): This is the ideal season. The skies are very clear, offering the best and most stable views. The temperatures are cool but manageable.
- Spring (March - May): This is the second-best season. The weather is warmer, and the lower sections have blooming rhododendron flowers. The passes are clear of winter snow.
A Typical Day on Your Trek
- Morning: Your days will often start early, especially on pass-crossing days. After a good breakfast at the teahouse, you will begin walking with your guide.
- Trekking: The pace is always slow and steady. This is very important for acclimatizing to the high altitude. Daily walks are long and can be demanding.
- Lunch: You will stop at a teahouse on the trail for a one-hour lunch break. In more remote sections, your guide may prepare a packed lunch.
- Afternoon: You will walk for another 2-4 hours to reach the next village.
- Evening: You can relax, read, and drink tea. Dinner is served around 7:00 PM in the dining hall. Your guide will brief you on the plan for the next challenging day.
Meet Your Guide and Porter Team
You will have a highly experienced team to support you on this difficult trek.
- Your Expert Guide: All our guides for this trek are senior guides with high-altitude experience. They are licensed, speak English, and know the remote Nar Phu region very well. They are expertly trained in first aid and mountain safety.
- Your Strong Porter: We hire friendly local porters who are fit and reliable. One porter will carry the main bags for two trekkers. This lets you walk with just a daypack.
- Our Team's Care: We are committed to the welfare of our team. We make sure all our guides and porters get fair pay, good food, and proper lodging. We also provide them with good insurance coverage.
Safety on this Strenuous Trek
Your safety is our top priority on this challenging journey.
- Excellent Acclimatization: This 21-day itinerary has several rest and acclimatization days built in. This slow ascent is the key to safely crossing the high passes.
- Remote Area Safety: The Nar Phu section is remote. Your guide is experienced in this area and will carry a comprehensive first-aid kit.
- Emergency Plans: Our office team in Kathmandu is available 24 hours a day. Your guide will have a phone to contact them in an emergency.
Trek Difficulty: Are You Ready?
This trek is rated as strenuous. It is suitable only for experienced trekkers with a high level of physical fitness.
You must be prepared for long walking days (6-8 hours), extreme high altitudes, and basic lodging in the Nar Phu section. You will cross two passes over 5,300 meters, which is a serious physical challenge. This trek is a true expedition and requires mental and physical toughness.
Food and Lodging on the Trek
- Teahouses: You will stay in local teahouses. The lodges in the Nar Phu valley are much more basic than on the main Annapurna trail. In Manang and Muktinath, the teahouses are more comfortable.
- Meals: We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. The food is simple but provides good energy. The main meal is Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables). The menus in Nar Phu will be very simple.
