The Nar Phu Valley trek is a remote and off-the-beaten-path trek located in the Manang district of the Annapurna region. The trek starts from the small town of Koto, which is 8-10 hours drive from the city of Kathmandu. From Koto, the trail follows the Annapurna Circuit route, and after crossing the bridge over the Marshyangdi River, trekkers turn left and follow the trail that leads to the Nar Phu Valley.
The trail then passes through several small villages, including Chame, Pisang, and Ngawal, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After Ngawal, the trail heads towards the Nar Phu Valley, and trekkers start to feel the remoteness and seclusion of the area.
The Nar Phu Valley is home to two ancient Tibetan villages, Nar and Phu, which are the main highlights of the trek. The villages are situated at an altitude of over 4000 meters and are inaccessible during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The villagers follow traditional Tibetan culture and lifestyle, which has remained unchanged for centuries.
The trek passes through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, barren hills, and high altitude desert. The trail is rugged and challenging, with steep ascents and descents, narrow paths, and high altitude passes. However, the stunning views of the Himalayas, the unique Tibetan culture, and the pristine natural beauty make the trek worth every effort.
After exploring the Nar Phu Valley and the ancient villages, trekkers retrace their steps to the main trail and continue to Manang, where they can take a day off to acclimatize and explore the town. The trail then heads towards Thorong La pass, which is the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5416 meters. After crossing the pass, trekkers descend to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.
The trek then follows the Kali Gandaki river valley, passing through the small town of Jomsom and the holy town of Kagbeni. The trail then heads towards Tatopani, where trekkers can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs. The trek ends in the small town of Nayapul, from where trekkers can take a private jeep or bus back to Pokhara.
Overall, the Nar Phu Valley trek is a challenging and rewarding trek that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experience, and adventure.