A restricted-area trek from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit into the high Tibetan Buddhist villages of Phu and Nar, crossing the Kang La (about 5,320 m) to Ngawal and Manang.
- Days
- 12 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,320 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Phu
A high stone village near the head of the Nar Phu valley, reached through a fortress-like gateway above the Phu Khola.
This is Phu village in the Nar Phu valley of Manang, not the Vietnamese word or other places named Phu.
- Altitude
- 4,080 m*
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Manang, Gandaki
- Permit
- Restricted-area permit
Why go
Phu is a village of about 30-40 households at roughly 4,050-4,080 m near the head of the Phu Khola, in the restricted Nar Phu valley of Manang. It is reached after two days from Meta via Kyang, and the final approach passes ruined fortifications and a gateway before the village appears, built up a steep slope with stone houses stacked one above another.
Most Nar Phu itineraries spend two nights here to acclimatise and to visit Tashi Lhakhang monastery above the village. From Phu the trail returns down the valley to Nar Phedi and then climbs to Nar, the other main village of the valley, before crossing the Kang La to the Annapurna Circuit.
History and culture
Phu's people follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak a language related to Tibetan; their herding and trading life has long been oriented towards Tibet, and the village had little contact with lower Nepal until recent decades. At the 2011 census it had 176 people in 36 households. Tashi Lhakhang monastery, associated with the Tibetan teacher Karma Sonam Rinpoche, is an important local site. The valley opened to foreign trekkers only in 2002.
Things to do in Phu
Visit Tashi Lhakhang monastery
Climb to the monastery above the village; ask before entering and before taking photographs.
Spend a rest day exploring
Walk up the valley towards the high pastures for views of Himlung and the border peaks, then return to sleep in Phu.
Weather and the best time to visit Phu
Weather in Phu
Forecast for 4,080 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September to November is the main season, with the clearest skies in October and November.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, with snow possible in the villages and frequent closure of the high passes.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is the second season, with milder days; early spring can still bring snow higher up.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August brings rain and landslides on the road below Chame, although upper Manang lies in a drier rain shadow.
Where to stay
HomestaysTeahouses
A few simple homestays and lodges; facilities are basic.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Reached only on foot, three days from Koto via Meta and Kyang.
Nearest hub: Koto
- trekFrom Kyang, about 4-5 hours up the Phu Khola, crossing the gateway below the village.
- trekFrom Koto, normally three days via Meta and Kyang.
Permits and fees
Restricted-area permit
Phu is in the restricted Nar Phu area: a restricted-area permit through a registered agency and an ACAP permit are required. Restricted-area permits are issued only through a government-registered trekking agency, for trekkers with a licensed guide; a minimum group of two has long been required, and changes have been reported, so confirm the current rule.
- Manang (Nar Phu) restricted-area permit: Covers Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality; issued through a registered trekking agency.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required throughout the conservation area; checked at trail checkpoints.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Department of Immigration, Nepal: Trekking Route and Permit Fee.
On the trail
On the Nar Phu valley trek.
- Previous stop:
- Kyang
- Next stop:
- Nar Phedi (Satek Gompa), then Nar
- A typical day:
- From Kyang, about 4-5 hours and roughly 250 m of height gain along the river and through the gateway.
Practical tips
- At about 4,080 m altitude illness is common; take a rest day here before going higher. This is general information, not medical advice.
- There is little or no mobile signal.
- Walk clockwise around chortens and ask before photographing people or religious buildings.
- Bring cash and snacks from below; supplies are limited.
Treks through Phu
Questions about Phu
How do I get to Phu village?
Walk from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit, usually three days via Meta and Kyang, with a restricted-area permit and a licensed guide.
How high is Phu?
About 4,050-4,080 m. Most itineraries spend two nights here to acclimatise.
When did Nar Phu open to trekkers?
The valley was opened to foreign trekkers in 2002 as a restricted area.
More in Nar Phu Valley
All of Nar Phu ValleyTrek stop · 3,560 m
Meta
A winter settlement on a high open shelf in the Nar Phu valley, usually the first overnight stop after Koto.
Nearby
Valley or region · 4,150 m
Nar Phu Valley
A restricted high valley north of the Annapurna Circuit, with two old Tibetan Buddhist villages, Nar and Phu, reached through a narrow gorge from Koto.
Trek stop · 2,600 m
Koto
A small village in pine and fir forest on the Annapurna Circuit, just below Chame, and the start of the trail into the Nar Phu valley.
Trek stop · 3,660 m
Ngawal
A stone village high on the north side of the Manang valley, on the upper Annapurna Circuit route and at the foot of the Kang La from Nar.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Phu, Nepal, Wikipedia, Annapurna Circuit, Wikivoyage, Department of Immigration, Nepal: Trekking Route and Permit Fee, Phugaon, OpenStreetMap