Annapurna Unpublished: the Naar Phu Valley
High Peaks, High Passes 13 days budget

Annapurna Unpublished: the Naar Phu Valley

In the shadow of the Himalayan giants, the forgotten valley of Naar Phu reveals its secrets

From€1,796per person
12 years of local expertise4.75/5 (12 reviews including 5 Google)

Duration

13 days

From

€1,796/pers.

Ideal seasons

Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

budget

Travelers

Solo, With friends, Couple

The spirit of travel

Hidden between the passes, away from the trails frequented by trekkers, the Naar Phu Valley is a pristine gem of nature. In the heart of Gurung country, north of the classic Annapurna Circuit, time has stood still in this valley in the shadow of Gangapurna, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II and many other peaks.

An authentic trek that blends nature and encounters, far from the crowds. Stone villages, ancient monasteries and high plateaus bear witness to a still very much alive Tibetan culture. Along the way, you will discover landscapes of striking beauty, between deep gorges, high altitude pastures and panoramic passes offering exceptional views of the Himalayan giants.

The itinerary takes you to the isolated villages of Naar and Phu, true preserved jewels where ancestral traditions still govern the daily life of the inhabitants. Crossing the Kang La pass (5,320 m) is one of the highlights of the journey, with a spectacular panorama of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Between Buddhist spirituality, wild nature and genuine encounters, this exclusive adventure reveals a rare facet of Népal, reserved for travelers seeking to venture off the main classic routes.

The stages of your journey

D1
KatmandouHôtel Nomad
D2
DharapaniLoge
D3
KotoLoge
D4
MetaLoge
D5–6
PhuLoge
D7
ChyakoLoge
D8
NaarLoge
D9
NgawalLoge
D10
PisangLoge
D11–13
KatmandouHôtel Nomad

Highlights

Secret Valley of Naar Phu
Kangla Pass 5307m
Authentic Tibetan Villages
Tashi Lhakhang Monastery
Wild herds of bharals
Unique Trans-Himalayan Landscapes

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Népal!

Reception and assistance by our representative at the Tribhuvan international airport, in Kathmandu. A short car ride takes you to your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.

Hôtel Nomad
Jour 2
D2

Beginning of the adventure

KatmandouDharapani

12h223 km

Early morning departure to Dumre (Pokhara road), then Besisahar leaving the main road.

You change vehicles and board a 4x4 for a few hours on a challenging route. You enter the Annapurna and the scenery is already spectacular in the Marshyangdi river gorges. Stay in Dharapani, night in a lodge.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 3
D3

Dharapani - Koto: First Steps in the Annapurna

An easy day to start this trek, between rhododendron forest, along the river and with superb views of Manaslu and Annapurna II.

Night in lodge.

DharapaniKoto

5h15 km
LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 4
D4

Koto - Meta

Today your itinerary separates from that of the Annapurna Circuit trekkers. You enter the Naar Phu valley by following the river of the same name.

KotoMeta

6h15 km
LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 5
D5

Meta - Phu

MetaPhu

6h16 km

It is a long day that awaits you but without great difficulty. You enter the trans-Himalayan region much drier, offering a more desert-like landscape. Rich in history, this region sheltered Tibetan rebels fighting against the Chinese government in the 1960s which still bears the traces. The climbs are gradual and you cross several bridges until arrival at Phu. Night in lodge.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 6
D6

Excursion to Himlung Himal Base Camp or rest day

Today you have the choice to rest and acclimatize in the village of Phu, wander through the streets to meet its inhabitants and regain strength for the end of the trek.

If you feel like it, you can also head to the Himlung Himal base camp (4900m), which you reach after crossing a glacial valley and passing herds of bharal (bluesheep in English).

Night in lodge.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 7
D7

Phu - Chyako

PhuChyako

5h10 km

You resume your trek heading towards the village of Naar. Along the way, stop at the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. Then continue on the path and descend to Chyako. Night in lodge.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 8
D8

Chyako - Naar Village

ChyakoNaar

4h10 km

A short day during which you follow the river, after crossing it, gradually climb to the very beautiful Naar village. After lunch, enjoy the village life. Night in lodge.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 9
D9

Naar village - Ngawal: last day of trekking

NaarNgawal

9h15 km

This morning, you take time to visit the village of Naar. After lunch, you walk through the Pisang valley to reach Kangla Phedi, at the foot of the pass.

This is one of the most beautiful stages of your trek awaiting you. After 3 hours of effort, the summit of Kangla Pass (5307 m) offers a spectacular view of the peaks. A highlight of the trek. You descend into the Marshyangdi valley to reach the beautiful village of Ngawal as well as the classic Annapurna circuit route.

Night in a lodge.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 10
D10

Ngawal - Pisang

NgawalPisang

4h11 km

The atmosphere warms up and the landscape becomes greener as you descend to below 2000 m from the pass. Today you experience your last hours of trekking. Your goal: reach Pisang. The trail is wide and comfortable and passes in front of a magnificent lake just outside Pisang.

LogeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 11
D11

Pisang - Besisahar - Kathmandu: Return to Kathmandu

PisangKatmandou

12h264 km

Your trek is finished and you now take the 4x4 that brings you back to Besisahar. From there, you take your private vehicle which takes you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Hôtel NomadBreakfast
Jour 12
D12

Free day or activity of your choice at Bluesheep

Today you have a choice, you can enjoy the day strolling through Katmandou or ask us for a guided tour of the city's main sites. We offer you the opportunity to participate in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Program options include: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music and much more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best souvenir you can take back!

Hôtel NomadBreakfast
Jour 13
D13

Departure

Transfer to the international airport (3 hours before) for your final departure according to your flight schedule.
Breakfast

Price per person

1 pers.€3,575/pers.
2 pers.€2,336/pers.
3 pers.€2,017/pers.
4 pers.€1,892/pers.
5 pers.€2,057/pers.
6 pers.€1,872/pers.
7 pers.€1,805/pers.
8 pers.€1,775/pers.
9 pers.€1,736/pers.
10 pers.€1,796/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / baggage loss
  • International flights
  • Visa fees 30USD for 15 Days
  • Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
  • Tips
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu

Included

  • Land transfers described in the program
  • 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Katmandou on B&B
  • The 3 meals per day during the trek
  • Accommodations during the trek
  • The supervision by an English-speaking Nepalese guide
  • 1 porter for two trekkers
  • Trek Permits
  • Land transfers in private vehicle

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.

Passport

To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourist visa

Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.

This visa can be obtained in two ways:

  • On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.

  • Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.

Official rates are as follows:

  • 15 days: 30 USD

  • 30 days: 50 USD

  • 90 days: 125 USD

Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.

The authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.

Online arrival form

Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:

  • passport information

  • flight details

  • the address of your first accommodation in Nepal

A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.

Special permits for trekking areas

Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:

  • the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,

  • national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),

  • restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.

These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.

Health and vaccinations

No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:

  • hepatitis A and B,

  • typhoid,

  • diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),

  • rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),

  • Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).

Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.

Traveling with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.

In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other nationalities

Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Nirmala, Himalayan pathfinder
12years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Annapurna Massif

Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou (Naxal)

Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.

Nirmala

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.75/5