Annapurna Unexplored: the Naar Phu Valley
In the Shadow of Himalayan Giants, the Forgotten Valley of Naar Phu Reveals Its Secrets
Duration
13 days
From
€1,736/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 gem of nature that has remained intact. 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 vibrant Tibetan culture. Along the way, you will discover landscapes of breathtaking 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 sincere encounters, this confidential adventure reveals a rare facet of Népal, reserved for travelers who wish to venture beyond the main classic routes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Népal!
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted by our local representative. A short car transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy a well-deserved rest after your journey.
Route to Dharapani and the Marshyangdi Gorges
Early morning departure towards Dumre, on the road to Pokhara, before leaving the main route to reach Besisahar.
You then change vehicles to board a 4x4, adapted to the difficult tracks that will take you to the heart of the Annapurnas massif. Along the way, discover the mountainous landscapes and the gorges of the Marshyangdi river, which offer beautiful panoramas. Upon arrival at Dharapani, installation and night in a lodge.
Dharapani - Koto: First Steps in the Annapurna
Trek to Naar Phu Valley
Koto → Meta
Today, your itinerary leaves the trail taken by hikers on the Annapurnas circuit to venture into the Naar Phu valley. You continue your trek along the river of the same name, in the heart of the mountainous landscapes of this region of Nepal.
Trek to Phu and the Transhimalayan Landscapes
Meta → Phu
This day's trek towards Phu, relatively long but without major difficulty, takes you to the heart of the trans-Himalayan region. The landscape changes progressively, giving way to a drier, more desert-like environment. Rich in history, this region served as a refuge for Tibetan rebels opposed to the Chinese government in the 1960s, and still retains traces of that period. You continue your hike on a trail with gradual ascents, crossing several bridges before reaching the village of Phu.
Excursion to Himlung Himal Base Camp or Rest Day
Take advantage of this day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude in the village of Phu. Take time to wander through its streets, meet the locals and regain your strength for the rest of your trek.
For the more adventurous, an optional hike to the base camp of Himlung Himal, at 4,900 meters altitude, is also possible. The trail crosses a glacial valley where you can spot herds of bharals, also called blue sheep.
Phu - Chyako
Phu → Chyako
You resume your walk towards the village of Naar. Along the way, make a stop at Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. You then continue your hike descending to Chyako.
Hiking along the river to the Naar village
Chyako → Naar
This short hiking day takes you to the village of Naar. You first walk along the river before crossing it, then begin a gradual ascent to the village. After lunch, take advantage of your free time to discover Naar's local life and soak in its peaceful atmosphere.
Naar village - Ngawal: last day of trekking
This morning, take time to discover the village of Naar before continuing your trek after lunch. You cross the Pisang valley to reach Kangla Phedi, at the foot of the pass. You then begin the ascent of Kangla Pass (5,307 m), one of the highlights of your trek in Népal. After three hours of effort, you reach the pass and enjoy a spectacular panorama of the surrounding peaks. You then descend into the Marshyangdi valley to reach the charming village of Ngawal, where you rejoin the classic Annapurnas circuit route.
Last stage of trek to Pisang
For this final day of trekking, you continue your descent towards Pisang, more than 2,000 meters below the pass. The atmosphere gradually warms and the landscapes become increasingly lush as you lose altitude.
You take a wide and comfortable trail that runs along a lake on the outskirts of Pisang, before reaching the village and completing your trek.
Return to Kathmandu via Besisahar
Free day or activity of your choice at Bluesheep
You have a free day today in Katmandou to stroll at your own pace through the Nepalese capital or choose a guided tour of the city's main sites. You also have the opportunity to experience an immersive time with a traditional craftsman. Depending on your preferences, participate in a cooking, sculpture, painting or music class, among other activities offered. A fun and authentic experience to share as a family, to leave with a personal memento of your trip to Népal.
Goodbye!
You join Kathmandu International Airport about three hours before your flight, with a transfer organized according to your departure times. Your trip to Nepal comes to an end.
Price per person
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, telephone, 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
- Accommodation during the trek
- The guidance of an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- 1 porter for two trekkers
- Trekking Permits
- Land transfers in a 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 partnerTravel 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 insuranceFrequently 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.
Let's talk about your adventure — Annapurna Massif
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
