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
Manangङावल
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.
- Altitude
- 3,660 m*
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Manang, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Ngawal is a traditional village of flat-roofed stone houses on a shelf above the north side of the Manang valley, at about 3,660 m. It lies on the high trail between Upper Pisang and Manang, which climbs through Ghyaru and is often recommended for acclimatisation, and it looks straight across at Annapurna II, III and IV and Gangapurna.
Ngawal is also where the Nar Phu trek rejoins the Annapurna Circuit, after the long descent from the Kang La (about 5,320 m). Trekkers who have crossed the pass usually spend a night here before walking on to Manang, about 2-3 hours away. A few lodges serve both groups.
History and culture
Ngawal is one of the Nyeshang villages of upper Manang, with a Tibetan Buddhist culture. A large chorten marks the village entrance, and lanes pass prayer wheels and mani walls. Local tradition points to a cave above the village associated with Guru Rinpoche, and a Nyingma monastery stands nearby. Many families now spend part of the year in Kathmandu or abroad, and some houses stand empty in winter.
Things to do in Ngawal
Walk the high route
Follow the ridge trail from Ghyaru to Ngawal and on to Humde and Braga, staying high for acclimatisation.
Explore the village lanes
Walk clockwise past the chorten, prayer wheels and mani walls, and look out over the valley from the edge of the village.
Weather and the best time to visit Ngawal
Weather in Ngawal
Forecast for 3,660 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
TeahousesLodges
A small number of trekking lodges.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Reached on foot on the high route between Pisang and Manang, or from Nar over the Kang La.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- trekFrom Upper Pisang via Ghyaru, about 4-5 hours with a steep climb of about 400 m to Ghyaru.
- trekFrom Nar over the Kang La, a long day of about 7-9 hours with a high pass.
- jeepA rough side road links the high villages to the Manang road; check current conditions.
Permits and fees
Permit required
Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit is required. Arriving from Nar needs the Nar Phu restricted-area permit as well.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required throughout the conservation area; checked at trail checkpoints.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- 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 National Trust for Nature Conservation (ACAP).
On the trail
On the Annapurna Circuit (upper route), Nar Phu valley trek.
- Previous stop:
- Upper Pisang via Ghyaru, or Nar via the Kang La
- Next stop:
- Manang
- A typical day:
- From Upper Pisang, about 4-5 hours with a steep climb to Ghyaru then a traverse; from Nar, a long pass day with about 1,200 m of ascent and 1,650 m of descent.
Practical tips
- Altitude illness is possible above about 2,500 m: climb slowly, do not go higher with a headache or nausea, and descend if symptoms get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.
- Mobile signal is variable; do not count on it.
- Walk clockwise around chortens and mani walls.
- Carry enough cash; there is no ATM.
Treks through Ngawal
Questions about Ngawal
Is Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, on the high route between Upper Pisang and Manang, which many trekkers choose for acclimatisation and views.
How high is Ngawal?
About 3,650-3,680 m. Altitude symptoms are possible; climb slowly.
Where does the Nar Phu trek come out?
At Ngawal, after the descent from the Kang La, about 2-3 hours above Manang.
More in Manang
All of Manang
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.
Lake · 4,919 m
Tilicho Lake
A glacial lake at about 4,920 m beneath the ice walls of Tilicho Peak, reached on a demanding side trip from Manang.
Trek stop · 2,670 m
Chame
The district headquarters of Manang, a road-head town in fir and pine forest where most Annapurna Circuit trekkers spend a night.
Trek stop · 1,900 m
Dharapani (Manang)
A Marsyangdi valley village where the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit road.
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 · 3,300 m
Pisang
Twin villages in the upper Marsyangdi, where the old stone houses of Upper Pisang look across to Annapurna II.
Trek stop · 4,070 m
Shree Kharka
A small lodge stop in high pasture west of Manang, on the trail to Tilicho Base Camp and Tilicho Lake.
Trek stop · 4,540 m
Thorong Phedi
The lodges at the foot of the Thorong La, where Annapurna Circuit trekkers sleep before the pre-dawn climb to the pass.
Nearby
Town or village · 3,519 m
Manang
A high stone village in the upper Marsyangdi valley below Annapurna III and Gangapurna, where Circuit trekkers stop to acclimatise.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Ngawal (Nyawal), Wikipedia, Annapurna Circuit, Wikivoyage, Ngawal, OpenStreetMap