The Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trek is one of the most adventurous high-altitude trekking routes in Nepal that blends the charm of restricted area exploration with the crossing of two of the classic high mountain passes. Away from the main Annapurna trails such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, it is a fantastic option for true wilderness seekers.
To complete the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trekking Itinerary of 18 days, it is a must that trekkers obtain a special restricted area permit (RAP). Other than the standard two others, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card, required for journeying within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the RAP grants you access to restricted areas like Tsum and Nar Phu.
Major highlights include an insider insight into the Tibetan-influenced culture, typical stone-roofed houses, ancient monasteries, walking through the diverse landscape from lush forests to desert-like terrains resembling Tibetan plateaus, sweeping Himalayan views, and mostly crossing high mountain passes; it is both a rewarding and challenging Himalayan endeavor. Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027.
Government licensed, opened, and managed by a well-trained and experienced mountain guide, our Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trek cost is without any hidden expenses. From daily essentials like meals, lodging, transportation, permits, and licensed guides required for high Himalayan restricted areas, the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trekking Cost covers it all, including for the years 2026 and 2027. Book now!
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drives and mountain flights with some of the best views.
- Traverse through one of the least trodden trekking routes of Nepal to the twin villages of Nar and Phu, also called the lost valleys.
- Witness an amazing display of diverse landscapes from dense subtropical forests to the high-altitude terrain with minimal vegetation and rocky cliffs in the rain shadow area beyond the sky-towering Himalayas.
- Golden chance to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries like Tashi Lakhang Monastery and Khampa settlements that have preserved centuries-old culture, customs, and traditions.
- Mind-blowing mountain views from start to end, including at least three of the tops of the world: Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna, along with others.
- Conquer two of the high mountain passes, Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass, both 5,000 meters above sea level, with more open scenery.
- Encounter diverse Himalayan communities of Nepal: Nubri, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Manangi with a descending hike to Jomsom.
- Also, make it to one of the Char Dhams in the world, Muktinath Temple, a highly revered sacred sanctum considered to be the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, etc.
What to expect during the combined Himalayan trip of Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass with Thorong La Pass?
Reaching the highest point at 5,416 m above sea level at Thorong La Pass, the Nar Phu Valley hiking via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass is one of the most rugged, remote, and restricted areas of Nepal. Several days of high-altitude trekking, where the air 5,000 m above sea level gets extremely thin, exposing you to the high risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS), combined with the trip's demands, requires a good level of physical fitness and mental preparation.
Although considered doable even by first-timers, it is necessary that trekkers and climbers remain flexible for basic amenities and have prepared themselves for months for the challenging Himalayan terrain. On doing so, as it is physically and mentally demanding, the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trekking becomes equally rewarding at the center of the majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. You can expect a true escape to the Himalayas.
A combination of the hidden and classic routes
During the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass hiking journey, trekkers enter the region, which was opened to tourists only in 2003 and still remains one of the most highly restricted areas of the country. Therefore, the trekking route is known to only a few, and compared to other popular hiking trails such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the Langtang Valley Trek, the section is far less trafficked.
Thorong La Pass is the key destination of the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. Despite being a classic route, it also remains one of the least trodden high Himalayan treks, mostly amidst the ice-clad peaks of the Manang and Mustang regions. And on the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trekking Itinerary of 18 days, you get to make the best out of both worlds, guided by an experienced local guide from Mountain Ascents.
Unique culture of diverse Himalayan locals in a single trip
The increasing popularity of Nepal as one of the top trekking and climbing destinations worldwide now means that even one of the best camping-style journeys has taken the form of comfortable teahouse stays, including the Nar Phu Valley via Khang La Pass and Thorong La Pass hiking journey. Trekkers stay at local teahouses in traditional villages or walk past them, such as Koto, Meta, Nar, Phu, and Manang, in the first phase.
Thereafter, you hike to arrive at the Thorong La Pass, which also passes through several mountain settlements like Yak Kharka and Dharamsala, and descend to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass. Most of these are medieval stone villages inhabited by diverse Himalayan locals: Nubri, Gurung, Magar, and Manangi. You get to have a deeper insight into authentic culture and ways of life that cherish nature and the Himalayas as their protective deity.
Epic views of several snow-capped mountain ranges
While both the Nar Phu Valley Trek via Kang La Pass and the journey to complete the Thorong La Pass take place behind the sky-perching Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/the 7th highest mountain in the world) and Annapurna (8,091 m/the 10th tallest peak on earth) in the trans-Himalayan rain shadow area, you can anticipate a visual retreat of a chain of sky-towering, snow-blanketed mountain peaks.
On a clear weather day, from high ridges and landmarks such as Kang La Pass and the Thorong La Pass itself, you get to relish more open 360-degree views, including that of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. Along with these, you also get to witness the ethereal charm of Tilicho Peak and Damodar, unfolding on every Nar Phu Valley via the Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass hikes.
Visit to monasteries and Muktinath Temple, a spiritual touch
Beyond mountains and authentic Himalayan culture, the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trek itinerary of 18 days also includes side hikes to several monasteries and the Muktinath Temple, one of the Char Dhams in the world, among four. Nearby Phu Gaon, you visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery as part of acclimatisation. At round 4,150m/13,616ft above sea level, it is the spiritual center of Nar Phu Valley.
Dating back centuries, it features sacred murals and statues dipped in serenity; you have a perfect place for meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. Likewise, almost at the end of the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass hiking, you also make it to the Muktinath Temple. The temple premises are sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists, and also add to the spiritual touch on this Himalayan trip as well.
Crossing of two iconic high mountain passes, Kang La and Thorong La Pass
Crossing two of the high-altitude mountain passes, the adventurous elements of the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass, make it a complete Himalayan experience. Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass, one located at an elevation of approximately 5,320 m and the other at 5,416 m above sea level, also serve as top viewpoints with more open views of valleys, mountains, and surroundings.
The scenery is majestic, which really does make up for the steep ascents, potentially snowy trails, long days of strenuous trekking, thinner air due to high altitude, cold temperatures, and early morning hikes. Before attempting to ascend the high mountain passes, make sure your body is properly acclimatized to mountainous surroundings, as the standard Nar Phu Valley, Kang La, and Thorong La Pass itinerary ensures you.
Why is the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trek Itinerary of 18 days and Cost the best for 2026 and 2027?
The journey, 18 days to complete the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass hiking itinerary, begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. On the second day is guided UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing and trip preparation in the Kathmandu Valley, and the journey officially begins on the 3rd day with your drive to Dharapani. Buffer days at Phu and Nar Gaon ensure your body is well acclimatized before you ascend to further high altitudes.
It also increases the success rate and makes sure you have enough time to visit, explore, and understand the major highlights that the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass, combined with the crossing of the Thorong La Pass hiking route, has to offer. Adrenaline rush of bittersweet moments is the specialty of Himalayan voyages, be it to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, or remote Upper Dolpo, where we provide the best available.
Handpicked by mountain professionals, the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trekking Itinerary of 18 days is consideration that even beginners make it sound safe. That is why it is taken as the best one, including for the years 2026 and 2027. Our professional guide provides you with safety tips and also chooses the right side trips for you so that you can prevent the adverse effects of the inherent high-altitude treks and climbs.
In spring and autumn, we offer you fixed departures. Join our group or plan solo or private ones; we make all the essential arrangements for you, all included in the package price, i.e., the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass trekking cost. RAP, mandatory guide, and hygienic meals: book early or in a group of at least 10 members and enjoy discounts on the Nar Phu Valley via Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass trek cost.
Why Trek with Mountain Ascents?
Our Strengths
- Certified and Experienced Guides
- High Success Rate
- Immersive/authentic experience
- Trek/Climbing Confidence and Highly Motivated Crew