Nar Phu Valley Trek: Ideal Season, Weather & Temperature Guide

When are the Ideal Seasons for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

While the Nar Phu Trek is considered an all-around trek, being located in the rain shadow area of Nepal, where you can expect minimal rainfall, however, the best time for this trek is Spring and Autumn, as during these times of the year, the enchanting views of the mountains can be seen clearly, with stable climate conditions. The other seasons, winter and monsoon, can be quite demanding, due to high humidity, heavy precipitation, and the unexpected fluctuations of the weather, making the overall trek demanding than it actually is.

While considering the spring and autumn seasons, you might wonder why these two particular seasons, apart from offering the unhindered views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes, also play a crucial role in making your trip a safe and sound adventure, and contribute to completing this trip smoothly, without any chaos, unlike the other off-seasons, winter and monsoon.

Why does the season of Spring (March to May) stand out?

Spring is one of the ideal seasons for the Nar Phu Valley Trek, where the lush green valleys are thrived with newly bloomed rhododendrons, in the shade of red and pink, with the possible encounter of Himalayan wild fauna, such as the elusive red panda, musk deer, and even snow leopards at high elevation.

As this time is the seasonal time for migrating birds, you can hear the chirping sounds of them while making your way through the lush green valley at a lower altitude, basically, at the start of the trip. The spring season is also known as "Basanta Ritu", which is named as a new beginning, where the new natural world thrives, after the conclusion of the winter season (coldest time of the year), offering a chill, mild, moderate humidity, perfect for trail, and covering the long trekking distance.

During March, as winter has just passed by, the weather is neither hot nor cold, where you can take an ascent, without draining yourself, out completely, due to unbeatable heat, whereas the route to Kang La Pass gets cleared out completely, from the snowy blocked pathways, offering safe ascent as well. Whereas, as the spring hits the April time frame, the forested trails transform into thriving, colorful natural wonders, decorated with the colors of red rhododendrons, white oaks, and orchids, and the blue shade of wild flowers, at high altitude, which marks many hikers, including mine, personal favourite as well.

While the spring season is coming to its end at the time of May, the weather gets warmer, perfect for those who are a bit concerned about the cold temperature at high altitude, where the clear views of the gigantic Himalayan peaks still show up in their panoramic form. Considering the stable weather, moderate humidity, and the captivating vista of the highlands, without any fogginess, and a drier route, the spring span of the year is a remarkable time to visit the Nar Phu valley.

What is the weather and temperature in Nar Phu Valley during springtime?

During springtime in Nar Phu Valley, you can truly expect favourable climatic conditions, with almost zero chances of rainfall, from the start of March till the beginning of May, remaining stable and mild, where the hiking difficulty level is also more on the easier side, due to moderate humidity. Whereas, a thin rainfall is expected at the end of May, as the monsoon season starts to heat the trailhead, during late May, it is suggested to complete the navigation of the high pass of Kang La, between March to mid-May.

The temperature usually ranges from 10 °C to 12 °C at the lower elevation below 3000 meters, whereas, might take a significant drop to 2 °C - 5°C at nighttime, and while crossing over the 3200 m, basically, at the major villages of Nar and Phu, above 4000 meters, the temperature falls below - 8 to - 10 degerees celsius at night time, thus, make sure to carry the warm gears, heated layerings, and even sleeping bags as well, even if it's not a winter time.

What are the major attractions during this span of the year?

• Immerse in the clear views of the gigantic Himalayan peaks, where the panoramic insight of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, with distinct landscapes that seem like the Tibetan plateau, an earthly surrounding, accompany you in each stride.
• Avoid the hassle of overpacking the gear, and hike along with less preparation, as this time, the success is almost 99% if you are well prepared and follow the preventive guidelines, and lower cost, by grabbing the best deals, a 5% off discount, an early bird code, and making the trip more enjoyable.
• Experience the major festivals of Tibetan communities, such as Lhosar, Buddha Jayanti, at the villages of Meta, Nar, Phu, and every main settlement point, witnessing how they thrive in such boisterous celebrations, savoring local festival foods, like Khapse, Sel roti, Tibetan tea, and so on.
• Meander along with chill cool weather, exploring the villages, iconic view points, and a long time to ascend to Kang La Pass, as during this time, the sunny days last for a longer time.
• Unravel the new beginning of the nature wonders, where the blooming red rhododendrons thrive, in the lush green valley, and the Himalayan flowers like the Himalayan blue poppy, snow lotus, captivate you in each stride.
• Possibility of encountering the migrated Himalayan birds and rare fauna, such as Himalayan tahr, musk deer, at the forest area, and even Nepal's national bird - Danphe, and snow leopard at the higher elevation
• Distinct insight into the landscapes, such as deep canyons, high rock formations, alpine glaciers, and valleys, with the commencement of the drier route, which makes the trip easier than it actually is.

Why is Autumn (September to November) considered the peak time?

Autum stands itself as one of the peak seasons for Nar Phu Valley Trek, where the cultural aspect of the Tibetan communities and the beauty of the Himalayas thrive all alongside, creating a heavenly, serene surrounding that is worth glancing at. During this span of the year, you can expect zero level of heavy rainfall, or even minimal one, as coming right after the end of monsoon (heavy rain shower) time, the weather gets clear out, and the mountain views become clearer, with a clean trailhead to hike through. Due to no chance of any kind of precipitation, all along, the dangerous, challenging aspect of this trek, which is the rough terrains, dry canyons, surroundings, steep sections upwill walk, becomes easier, without you facing any hazardous conditions like landslides, avalanches, ensuring more of a safe adventure.

It is also considered the crowded time when individuals come to visit the Himalayas, so compared to other seasons, the number of hikers is higher, where you do not have to feel isolated, and even chat or partner with others, to pass through such challenging terrains. As the trailhead is more remote and isolated already, travelling with other hikers, alongside, gives you hope, even though you are hiking with a guide, and you get to have a global cultural exchange, learning new languages, cultures, and traditions across the globe.

During September, the monsoon just comes to an end, hence, the weather tends to be more stable, and gets drier out; however, the possibility of minimal precipitation is still expected in early September, which can hide the views of the landscapes, being all gloomy, so considering mid to Late September, is more on the safe side to get best view. 

Compared to other months of Autumn, October is the best month for the Nar Phu Trek, as the weather becomes more stable and the monsoon season fades away completely, showcasing the unhindered panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. This month also coincides with the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar. Meaning, to that, you get to experience how the locals celebrate such festivals in an ancient way - a completely distinct perspective of the Tibetans. If time allows, then consider going for the combined route of the Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit Trek, as the route is safer and offers more exploration of the culture in Manang, and the thrill of crossing both the high pass of Kang La and Thorung La above 5000 meters.

Meanwhile, during November, the humidity cools down, with a mild temperature, perfect for a long-distance trek. In contrast, the skies become clearer, with the snowy dotted mountains and landscapes, and late November has the possibility of snowfall, at the villages over 4000 m, Meta, Nar, and Phu, and the Kang La Pass. Just consider completing the trek before late November kicks in at the trailhead, especially the crossings of the high pass.

What is the weather and temperature in Nar Phu Valley during the Autumn?

During the autumn season in Nar Phu Trek, the temperature is moderate, with mild humidity, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, with the clear vista of the surrounding peaks and landscapes. The possibility of heavy precipitation is almost zero, as the monsoon has just bid goodbye, with the trail being drier, making the trek easier. Whereas, in mid Autumn, which means the month of October, the nights become cooler, at the night, which has a significant drop to 0 to 2 degrees Celsius, and even below, 0 °C to 5 °C, at high elevation. The day temperature usually is more on the mild, cool, and chill side, where you can take a long-distance trek, without draining yourself, mentally and physically. 

Meanwhile, the month of November is pretty cold, as the winter season starts to cover over, with the thermal reading from 8 °C to 12 °C during the day, whereas, falls below -12 degrees Celsius, so consider winter gears and essentials, such as a down jacket, a sleeping bag, and a thermal bag for high elevation.

What are the major highlights to experience during this season?

• Get accompanied by the unhindered views of the mountains all along, without any fogginess, where the panoramic insight of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Himlung becomes your first insight, in each stride.
• As the monsoon just bids a goodbye, you can take a drier route, well-defined marked trails, making the overall trek easier than it actually is supposed to be
• Make new friends and partner with other hikers along the trail, exchanging cultures, languages, and creating unmatched memories with the keen-minded, enthusiastic hikers, just like you.
• Do not miss out on the morning prayers at the monasteries, and unravel the lifestyle, cultures, and traditions of the local communities by participating in major festivals of Dashain and Tihar.
• Hike along with an easy mind, not thinking much about nature hazard possibilities, as with no chance of precipitation, the risks of landslides, avalanches are less, due to the low amount of precipitation.

Winters in Nar Phu Valley (December to November): Pros, Cons, and What to Expect?

The winter in the Nar Phu Valley Trek is an enchanting yet thrilling and challenging time of the season, where the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and surrounding landscapes might fascinate you; however, the snowy pathway is strenuously wild and heavy, demanding more gear and physical fitness.

It is one of the least seasons for this trek, where the heavy snowfall makes the route more challenging side, than it actually is, and mostly, the way to Kang La Pass, is covered with heavy snowy, icy trails, due to which the access to the cross over of the pass, might not be allowed, for the safety purpose, if the climatic conditions, gets worsen. Meanwhile, one of the most disadvantageous aspects of hiking in winter is that the availability of lodges remains questionable, as many locals of the Nar Phu usually shift to temporary settlement and close their tea houses, especially at higher elevations.

On the other hand, due to the high level of snowfall, there are high chances of avalanches, blockage to the main routes, which might disrupt the trip in between, or you might get stuck in one stopping point, for several days, wasting your time, and cancelling international flight tickets, increasing the personal expenses, and frustrating you mentally as well. Hence, if you are planning a trek in the Nar Phu valley during winter, then comprehensive planning and effective gear, and an essential packing list are crucial for a safe and smooth adventure. 

As it is the least popular season, contrary to that, there is a smaller number or almost zero number of hikers, along the route, offering full serenity and tranquil meditative surroundings, with calming nature, where you can enjoy peacefulness, and navigate safely as well, with prior planning and navigation of the trekking guide. Due to the heavy snowfall, the landscapes get wrapped up, with white snowflakes, with a clear insight into the gigantic peaks. Before venturing out on this trek, during the winter season, make sure to do comprehensive planning and carry essential gear as a warm down jacket, thermal wear, woolen socks, sweaters, windproof jackets, and most importantly, a 22-degree Celsius-rated sleeping bag, to avoid insanely cold temperatures.

What are the temperature and weather conditions like in the winter season?

The temperature and weather conditions in Nar Phu during wintertime fluctuate massively, not remaining stable, with heavy levels of snowfall, covering the trailhead and making the trailhead more dangerous to commence through. While the day temperature usually ranges from 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, at lower elevations, it takes a significant drop to around -4 degrees Celsius, at higher elevations, with a heavy level of snowfall.

Due to the high level of precipitation, access to the high pass of Kang La gets closed, and the way to the high pass altitude villages gets limited, which makes you frustrated and panicked, rather than enjoying the trek. Compared to daytime, the night temperature takes a dramatic turn down, to -12 °C to -18 °C, even at the lower side, making you extremely cold, and increasing the possibility of altitude sickness as well. Despite this trek being challenging in the winter season, many experienced hikers seek this adventure, as a challenge, and ace the new goals; however, the safety and the clear way or the navigation to the route remains questionable, due to which we highly do not recommend this time of the year.

Major Perks of trekking during winter

• Feel the serene environment, immersing in the less crowded trailhead, and unraveling the beauty of the Himalayas, without any disturbance from other fellow hikers
• Get captivated by the snowy, frosted Himalayan peaks, landscapes, and deep canyons, which look like Mars, covered with some snowflakes, which seems truly enchanting
• Enjoy the alpine valley and the crystal clear skies, accompanied by the lush green forested area, beautifully decorated by the white snowfall, blending perfectly with the natural wonders of the valley
• Grab a chance to interact with the locals, more in-depth, engaging in the local cultural activities such as cooking traditional meals, making handcrafted items, and even relevantly talking about the historical aspect, and some myths and local beliefs that are believed here.
• Encounter the wild fauna and seasonal flora that bloom and come alive only during this time of the year
• Challenge yourself to new adventures, the thrill of reaching the highest altitude of this trip at Kang La Pass (5322 m), in such a challenging span of the year.

Setbacks (Disadvantages) of trekking during the winter season

• The possibility of the disruption of the trek in between due to the heavy snowfall, limiting the accessibility to the route, and closure to navigate the high pass of Kang La for safety purposes.
• The trip is more on the costly side, due to the requirement of heavy winter gear, footwear, and crampons, whereas the permit cost is more on the cheaper side, 50% less than the seasonal time.
• The views of the mountains remain questionable due to the snowy storms, avalanches, and fogginess
• Slippery terrains, icy trails, demanding more physical fitness, and more planning beforehand.
• Freezing temperatures leading to the risk of altitude sickness, blisters, foot problems, and many other minor sicknesses that might turn into major problems
• Limited help access in case of emergency (hand-help), the only possibility is the helicopter evacuation, which might be troublesome for those who haven't done any insurance beforehand.

Major Tips to follow in the Winter Time

• Make comprehensive planning, regarding the itinerary and daily pace of hiking, forecasting the climatic and weather conditions, with the best professional teams
• Customize the trip, estimating the trip starting point, ending point, and budget, ensuring the trip focuses on completing at the time, so the budget doesn't go beyond what has been expected
• Do not miss out, packing winter warm gear, such as thermal wear, warm outer layers, such as hoodies, down or puffer jackets, and good, strong hiking boots, to navigate through slippery terrains (the boots remain comfortable)
• Consider bringing an extra crampons as an alternative as well, to pass through the high pass, and for safe ascent, which helps in proper gripping of the icy terrains
• Pre-book the trip, prior to 2-3 months from the trek starting time, so the logistics and other preparations can be best managed, as it is limited during such a challenging season.

Monsoon in Nar Phu Valley (June to August): Pros, Cons, and what to expect?

Venturing out to the Nar Phu Valley Trek during the monsoon season is quite challenging and the least popular time, not recommended for hikers, especially for beginners, for someone who is well known regarding what the Himalayan adventure is like during harsh times, this trip is doable. Even though it is located in the Annapurna region, within the rain shadow zone, the minimal level of precipitation (rain shower), at a lower elevation, makes the route slippery, muddy, and loose gravel in dry terrains, raising the difficulty level. The main challenging part of trekking during the monsoon season is the irritation of the mosquitoes, bugs, and other flies or insects, irritating you throughout the journey, taking away your sleep and peaceful night as well, hence, make sure to carry, effective insect repellent to avoid such conditions.

The views of the lush green valleys thrive beautifully during this time frame, with rugged landscape, creating a perfect blend of the natural wonders, whereas, due to high rainfall, the views of the mountains are covered, due to the gloominess, and a cloudy situation. Whereas the trailhead is also less crowded, with limited access to medical help lines and tea houses as well, making the trip harsh, along with being mentally frustrating at the same time. Monsoon trekking in Nar Phu becomes more challenging at higher elevations, with heavy precipitation (snowfall), due to which proper gear is crucial, such as good quality jackets, rain cover, waterproof jackets, boots, and insect repellent, to avoid mosquitoes and leech bites.

What is the weather and temperature like during the monsoon season?

During the monsoon season in Nar Phu Valley, it experiences a heavy level of precipitation, along with high humidity, making the trailhead more challenging than it actually is. The high sunlight might drain you completely, and the slippery terrains and icy pathways make it a nightmare. The daytime temperature takes a magnificent heat, around 22 degrees Celsius at the lower elevation, and drops to near 0 to 2 degrees Celsius at nighttime, which might sound moderate, however, being in the terrains, such high humidity, sweats you out, limiting your pace of hiking as well. As it has varied landscapes, from thundering canyons, high rocky pathways, hills, navigating the possibility of a landslide is always there, with possible minor injuries, which might disrupt or delay the journey, due to limited access, and unexpected climatic conditions. 

The temperature usually fluctuates and doesn't remain stable, where the humidity is expected to range approximately from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius at higher elevations. and might take a significant drop to -5 °C to 0 °C, at nighttime, with the possibility of avalanches risk as well. Despite being a challenging season, with the navigation of the experienced local guide, hired through a travel agency like us at Destination Himalaya Treks, having more than 15+ years, this trek is safely doable. However, comprehensive intelligent packing list planning must be done beforehand, enlisting necessities, such as waterproof jackets, rain cover, crampons, and strong grip trekking boots, and insect repellent, for slippery sections and to guard against the irritating mosquitoes and leeches.

Advantages of trekking during the monsoon

• Lush green valleys, with harvest insights of the local farming, with the diverse landscapes, blending along
• Lesser crowded trailhead, offering a peaceful time, to enjoy the trailhead in a serene way, far away from the chaotic world, and no disturbance at the major view points of Annapurna 
• Bargaining power at the tea house, due to a few no. of hikers along the trail, minimizing the personal expenses
• Roaring sounds of rivers, and the beautiful insight of the cascading waterfalls, in the dense forested area

Disadvantages of trekking during the monsoon

• Challenging terrains to navigate, due to slippery sections, loose gravel, and demanding more stronger physical fitness level
• Possibility of natural hazards conditions, such as landslides and floods at lower elevation, and snow avalanches at higher elevation
• Demanding more physical preparation, and packing gear and essentials, is highly influencing the trip to become more costly
• Limited access to the tea house, and possible chances to block the pathway, making the trip longer, for more days
• Hot, humid temperatures, mentally draining you out and causing physical muscle pain, due to over-sweating, continuous hiking, and careful navigation, might take you longer days to complete the trek, which has been estimated
• Hiding the views of the mountains and landscapes due to gloominess and fewer encounters with locals as well

Tips to consider while trekking in the monsoon season

• Consider carrying the high-quality rain gear, such as a rain cover jacket, rainproof hiking pants, a rain cover for backpacks, and good-quality hiking boots. Also, bring lightweight clothing and moisture-wicking ones to wear at lower elevations.
• Do not miss out on bringing crampons for the high elevation, due to heavy snowfall, blocking the way, whereas crampons make it easier to proceed to the trailhead further.
• Apply insect repellent while settling at the tea houses, avoiding the mosquito bites, and possible outcomes, such as dengue and skin irritation (allergy)
• Try to start the day hike earlier, before 7:00 AM, and end it by 6:00 or, if possible, 5:00 PM, to avoid the nights and high-windy weather conditions
• Follow the navigation of the trek, being cautious while traversing through the muddy, slippery terrains and landslide-prone areas.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Weather and Temperature: Month-to-Month Breakdown

Every month of the year has different features, temperature, and weather conditions in the Nar Phu valley, offering a distinct experience and overall difficulty level at the same time. 

Conclusion: So, which is the best time to possibly hike safely?

The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley Trek is marked to be the seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), where, during this time frame, you can expect the weather and climatic conditions to remain stable, with clear views of the mountains and landscapes. At these two spans of the idyllic seasons, the lush green valley thrives with the beauty of nature's wonders, and the boisterous festivals of Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, Buddha Jayanti, and so on. The navigation of the route remains dry, as both seasons come after the end of the monsoon and winter time frame, ensuring a safe yet spectacular view that is worth gazing at without any gloominess.

Nar Phu Valley is one of the best off-beaten wild adventures in the Himalayas, which leads you through varied kinds of terrains, from forested areas. rough rocky terrains, high cliffs, deep canyons, alpine meadows, with the accompaniment of the mountains and landscapes. This span of the year lets you experience the journey even more mirthfully, with an enchanting surrounding and an easier route. Even though the ideal seasons are marked to be the Spring and Autumn, proper comprehensive planning and proper gears and equipment packing list are required, and the support of the best local travel and trekking agency is required.

We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition have been serving many hikers across the globe, to every corner of the Himalayas, for more than 15+ years (2 decades) safely. If you want less adventurous and easy moderate adventure, you can consider other treks, such as Manaslu Trek, Three High Pass Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and many others. If you have any other queries, feel free to contact us at WhatsApp or direct call at +977 9851016814 or via WhatsApp at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com, anytime.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

When is the best time to trek the Nar Phu Valley?

The ideal seasons for the Nar Phu Valley Trek are marked by Spring, starting from March till the end of May, whereas another best time tends to be Autumn (September to November), where the weather remains stable, with clear views of mountains and landscapes.

Is trekking in Nar Phu during the monsoon recommended?

No, visiting Nar Phu valley during the monsoon, from the start of June till the end of August, is not highly suggested, as heavy rain shower leads to the possibility of landslides, avalanches, at lower terrains, with slippery and icy navigation, making the trip unsafe. Whereas, the views of the mountains hide itself, with gloominess, and cloud mist occurred due to the high rainfall.

How crowded is the trail during peak trekking seasons?

The trail experiences the largest number of hikers/visitors during the peak seasonal period in Spring and Autumn; however, compared to other famous trailheads, the crowd level is moderate, even at the ideal seasons.

Can I safely undertake this adventure during the winter season of the year?

During December to February, the trailhead experiences a heavy level of precipitation and extreme cold temperatures, making the trailhead challenging with a heavy snowy pathway to the high pass of Kang La, icy terrains, and slippery pathways. Despite such challenges, this trip, can be intriguing to those, who seek to push their limits and reaching new heights, this trek is completely safe to commence but, surely demands the assistance of the guide.