When Is The Best Time To Visit The Nar Phu Valley Trek

  • Ichchha Singh
  • Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025

Untouched Natural beauty is remote, hard to reach, and magnificently breathtaking. This is what NarPhu valley feels like, situated in the Northern part of the famous Annapurna Region.

Choose the timing of the trek to make it enjoyable and Pristine. The best time to go on the Nar Phu Valley Trek is in Spring, which starts in March and ends in May. Another good time is autumn, which begins in September and ends in November.

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Best Seasons To Travel The Narphu Valley Trek

Out of the four different seasons, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to go on the trek to NarPhu Valley because of the pleasant weather and unique experience. Following are the reasons why these seasons are considered the best. 

Spring (March- May)

  • Weather Condition: It feels like spring is the happiest season of all because it is the beginning of everyone, plants, nature, and we humans. The temperature is pleasant (10-20°C) with clear skies.
  • Trekking Trails: The trekking trail is green and colourful with excellent visibility of mountain views without the disturbance of Fog. Rhododendron forests are in full bloom, which increases the chances of spotting Himalayan wildlife.
  • Crowd Factor: There will be a moderate number of trekkers, which is great for meeting fellow travelers and sharing because they are going through exactly what you are going through on the trek.
  • Festivals and Cultures: If you are lucky, you will celebrate the Lhosar festival, also known as the Tibetan New Year. According to the lunar calendar, it falls in February or March. Saga Dawa comes in May or June. It is celebrated on the fourth full moon according to the lunar calendar and commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
  • Why Choose Spring: The best time to go on the Nar Phu Valley trek is spring because it is the ideal balance of temperature, beauty, and ease of trekking. The mild temperature leads you to a pleasurable trekking experience with a beautiful Rhododendron forest shading its shades in Red, Pink, and white. 

Picture taken with greenery on the way to Nar Phu Valley Trek

 Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is considered the best season for the Nar Phu Valley Trek because of the vibrant clouds and festivals that allow you to explore the culture. 

  • Weather Conditions: The Stable temperatures in this season are 5-15°C. There is a low chance of rainfall. Mornings are generally cold and crisp, with the possibility of frost. We suggest that you pack your belongings to keep yourself warm. However, afternoons are warm with clear skies, and the temperature at night can go from -5 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius.
  • Trekking Conditions: This is the best time to see beautiful peaks like the Himlung Himal and Annapurna. The trails are not slippery or muddy, making trekking pleasant.
  • Festivals and Culture: You have the Opportunity to experience Nepalese festivals like Dashain and Tihar. Dashain is celebrated as a symbol of overcoming good over evil. Tihar is a festival celebrating different animals, such as the crow, dog, cow, and even brothers, as symbols of protection, well-being, and protection. 
  • Crowd Factor: In peak season, there are more trekkers, leading to less intimacy with nature due to the crowd factor. Who likes to stay in a queue to click pictures? There are lively teahouses and cultural interactions that could be focused on more due to less crowd.
  • Why Choose Autumn: Autumn is an ideal time to travel to Nar Phu Valley due to the clear views, perfect trekking conditions, and low chance of rainfall. The temperature is mild, and you can celebrate festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

Walking Early in the Morning during Nar Phu Trek

Seasons Not Suitable for the Nar Phu Valley Trek

We suggest you avoid trekking during the monsoon and winter, which is considered risky. Instead, you can visit other easy destinations like Poonhill, Upper Mustang, etc. Below are the reasons why. 

Monsoon (June-August)

Monsoon is the rainy season of the year. It is recommended that you do not plan your trip to Nar Phu Valley during this time period. Here is why?

  • Weather Conditions: The Monsoon season is rainy and is expected to bring Heavy rainfall, humidity, and frequent landslides. This increases the risk of continuing trail and enjoying the view.
  • Trekking Conditions: Heavy rainfall results in Muddy, slippery trails, leeches, and blocked paths, hindering your trekking experience. Trekking in this season could be unpleasant.
  • Visibility:  The view for which we go on the trek remains in fog, leading to poor visibility of cloudy and obscure mountain views. Due to the weather conditions, beautiful panoramic views could be carried away by white Fog. 
  • Why Avoid: Avoid the monsoon season while planning the Nar Phu Valley trek. The risk is very high during this season. We recommend not planning your trek to this place this season because of the risk and uncomfortable trails. It is not suitable for trekking.

Winter (December- February)

Winter is the coldest time of the year, so we recommend not planning your trek during this season. Heavy snowfall is expected in this area this season, which can create obstacles on your trail. Instead, you can go to other easy destinations, such as Ghorepani Poonhill, the Khopre Danda trek, or the Langtang Valley trek. 

Below are why we don't suggest planning your trek in the winter season: 

  • Weather Conditions:  It becomes extremely cold (-10°C or lower at high altitudes). You will find heavy snowfall along the way, which makes your trekking experience difficult.  The winter morning temperature goes up from -10 degrees to -20 degrees celsius. The temperature reaches from -5 degrees celsius to -10 degrees in the daytime. At night, the temperature reaches from -15 degrees to -25 degrees Celsius.
  • Trekking Conditions: Nar Phu Valley includes High passes like Kang La Pass (5,240m), which become inaccessible during the winter due to extremely low temperatures and snowfall, creating further challenges in the trek.
  • Accommodation Challenges: Many tea houses shut down in extremely cold and unpredictable weather, with temperatures dropping to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting accommodation in this season is very challenging.
  • Why Avoid: Out of the four seasons in a year, we suggest you avoid trekking during the winter because of its adverse weather effects. The temperature lowers to -25 degrees, resulting in uncomfortable trails, and snowfall leads to slippery trails. It is only recommended for experienced trekkers with proper gear and a native local guide.

Conclusion

Spring (March- May) is the best trekking season because of the mild weather and excellent trails. Another good time to visit the Nar Phu Valley trek is in Autumn (September-November). You get to see vibrant clouds and celebrate festivals. Proper planning is essential for a safe Trek, including a well-balanced itinerary and hiring a guide or porter for safety. Secure necessary permits like the ACAP, NAr Phu Valley restricted area permit, and TIMS card in advance.  

We suggest you pack appropriate gear such as layered clothing, boots, a sleeping bag, water purification, and a first aid kit. The best seasons for trekking are spring(March- May)and autumn (Sept- Nov), offering clear views and mild weather. Consider late autumn (Nov) or early spring (March) for quieter trails, but expect colder conditions. Avoid winter and monsoon seasons. However, you can plan a trek according to your trekking preferences. Ensure you’re well prepared with gear, permits, and safety measures for a successful trek. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Take Trekking Permits For Nar Phu Valley

A Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to visit Nar Phu Valley. You must trek with a registered guide and agency like Nature Excursion, who will provide what is needed. Solo trekking is not allowed in this area. The cost is approximately $100-$150 per week, depending on the season.

How To Do Trek Preparation For Nar Phu Valley?

Trekking preparation is crucial. Pack your Essential gear, such as a Sleeping bag, trekking boots, thermal layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, and gloves. Prepare yourself with hiking, cardio, and strength training to increase stamina. You can also do altitude training to prevent yourself from getting Acute Mountain Sickness. 

What Are The Nar Phu Valley Trek Itineraries?

The basic 12-14-day itineraries of the Nar Phu Valley trek are:

  • Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar 
  • Day 2: Trek to Koto (2600m)
  • Day 3: Trek to Meta (3,560m)
  • Day 4: Trek to Nar Village (4110m)
  • Day 5: Acclimatization day in Nar Village
  • Day 6: Trek to Phu Village (4,250m)
  • Day 7: Acclimatization day in Phu Village 
  • Day 8: Trek to Kang la Base Camp 
  • Day 9: Cross Kang La pass (5,320m) and trek to Ngawal
  • Day 10: Trek to Manang (3540m)
  • Day 11: Rest and acclimatization day in Manang.
  • Day 12: Trek to Besi Sahar 
  • Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
  • Day 14: Rest day in Kathmandu or departure

How Much Does Nar Phu Valley Trek Cost?

The estimated cost of the Nar Phu Valley trek ranges from $1000 to $1800 per person. Permits cost between $100 and $150, and hiring a guide and porter typically costs $25 to $40 daily. 

Accommodation and food expenses generally range from $25 to $35 daily. Depending on the level of comfort and services chosen. The budget covers permits, guide/porter fees, meals, accommodation, and other essential costs for the trek.

Nar Phu Valley is listed as a Moderate to Challenging trek. You need good fitness and altitude acclimatization to complete it with a pleasant experience. You should also have good stamina to walk for 6-8 hours daily. You must also cross the high-altitude pass (5,240m), increasing the trek's difficulty.

Ichchha Singh

Ichchha Singh

Hello, I am Ichchha Singh. I come from the breathtakingly beautiful and unexplored region of Bajhang in the Far West of Nepal. Although my village is in Bajhang, I grew up in Kathmandu, the capital city. This gave me the unique opportunity to experience both the serene charm of my village and the chaotic energy of the city.

Growing up, I fell in love with nature—the snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers, and the melody of chirping birds. While city life can be overwhelming with its fast pace and work pressure, I found myself  in theatre—both acting and writing. However, over time, I developed a habit of finding my way back to nature, one way or another. I deliberately chose acting jobs that took me to villages and closer to Mother Nature, or I escaped into nature  through trekking and hiking with friends.

Now, I am here to relive my experiences, emotions, and adventures- pouring them into words for others to read and connect with. I have previously worked as a content writer for several renowned companies, and now, as part of the Nature Excursion team, I am ready to embrace the beauty of the white mountains, the endless blue sky, and the  diamonds like star that covers the nights; all while trekking and writing about the wonders of nature.

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