Restricted Himalayan enclave · Tibetan Buddhist villages · Kang La Pass (5,320m)
One of Nepal's last true hidden valleys — a restricted-area trek through the ancient settlements of Nar and Phu, where centuries-old Tibetan culture survives almost unchanged. The dramatic landscape of narrow gorges, high passes, and remote monasteries makes this a profound and unforgettable adventure.
Nar and Phu are twin villages so isolated that special permits are still required to visit — and therein lies their magic. The cliff-perched gompas, the high-altitude barley fields, and the sound of monks chanting in near-silence create an atmosphere of extraordinary, preserved calm.
Authentic Tibetan culture, fossil-filled canyons, and raw wilderness — opened only in 2003.
Manang District (Annapurna)
5,320 m (Kang La Pass)
12–16 days KTM–KTM
~105–120 km trekking
Moderate–Challenging
High pass, remote trails
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
Rhododendrons or crystal clear
Phu village · Nar village · Kang La Pass · Tashi Lhakhang monastery · fossil ammonites · blue sheep
Nar Phu is a restricted zone — minimum 2 trekkers + licensed guide mandatory.
| Permit Type | Cost (USD) | Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Nar Phu | $90 first 7 days + $7/day extra | Koto, Meta |
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | ~$30 | Koto |
| TIMS Card (Green) | ~$20 | Besisahar |
| Style | Cost (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (self food/permits only) | $500–600 | Basic teahouses, no guide/porter |
| Standard (guide + porter) | $900–1,100 | Guide, porter, permits, some meals |
| Premium (private jeep, best lodges) | $1,300+ | Private transport, premium teahouses |
Koto → Phu village → Nar → Kang La Pass (5,320m) → Ngawal → Manang → Kathmandu.
From Kang La Pass and viewpoints around Phu & Nar.
| Peak Name | Height (m) | Visible from |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna II | 7,937 | Meta to Phu gates |
| Annapurna IV | 7,525 | Koto to Chyamche |
| Gangapurna | 7,455 | Upper Phu valley |
| Tilicho Peak | 7,134 | Kang La Pass |
| Himlung Himal | 7,126 | Phu village & Nar |
| Pisang Peak | 6,091 | Nar Phedi |
| Kang Guru | 6,981 | Kyang & Nar |
Basic stone lodges with shared toilets. Carry sleeping bag (-10°C). No luxury above Koto.
Temperatures can drop to -15°C at Kang La. Layering and expedition-quality gear required.
Kang La at 5,320m – rest days in Phu and Nar are mandatory.
Sleep no more than 400m higher than previous night above 3,000m. The itinerary builds two rest days for this reason.
Drink 4–5 liters of water daily. Add ORS sachets. Dehydration mimics AMS.
Avoid chhaang (local barley beer) and sleeping pills. Both suppress breathing and worsen AMS.
Consult doctor – 125mg twice daily starting the day before reaching 3,000m.
"Bistari bistari" – Nepali pace. You should be able to talk while walking.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 5,500m+. Rescue from Kang La area costs ~$5,000.
Tibetan Buddhist and Bon influences – ask your guide for local customs.
Koto → Meta → Phu village → Nar → Kang La Pass (5,320m) → Ngawal → Manang
Book your Nar Phu Valley expedition with Lila – experienced guides, proper permits, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path adventure.