Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phedi Monastery

Nar Phedi Monastery is the oldest in the region, located at 3,490 meters in the Nar Phu countryside. As you walk towards it, the air grows thinner. You can hear the soft chants, prayer music like “Om mani padme hum,” and the faint rustle of Lung Ta (prayer flags). Light up butter lamps and incense and spin the prayer wheels here.

Kang La Pass

This is the second-highest point you will reach in this entire journey. It is located at 5,306 meters, and the route to this pass is filled with rugged terrain. So, it will be challenging to climb up. Upon reaching there, you can witness a panoramic view of Himlung Himal, Saribung Peak, Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal.

Phu village

Phu Village is a small village situated at an elevation of 4,080 meters. It’s almost like a viewpoint for the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. It also features traditional stone houses and the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery. The Tibetan Buddhist locals are friendly and welcoming. You can chat with them and have a nice cup of butter tea in this village.

Phu Khola

The Phu Khola is between Nar Valley and Phu Valley. As you pass through the suspension bridge to cross it, you can witness the fresh river water down below. The nearby peaks and the surrounding hills between the villages also frame the beautiful river. You can also hear the chirping of birds, which syncs with the gentle sounds of the river.

Nar Village

This remote village is within the restricted area of the region. It has roughly 100 homes and 20 teahouses, so it’s very peaceful. You can explore the unique culture and the old monasteries here. At 4,110 meters, you can also see mountains like the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Makalu ranges.

Thorung La Pass

At an altitude of 5,416 meters, Thorung La Pass is the highest point you will cross during the Nar Phu Valley Trek. You’ll need a lot of courage, preparation, and acclimatization to tackle this challenging pass. Nevertheless, it provides a great achievement once you climb it. You can also take in a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.

Annapurna II

Annapurna II, at 7,937 meters, crowns the Nar Phu Valley with dazzling snow-covered slopes. You can feel the crisp mountain air, while its majestic presence fills the valley with awe. As part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, it embodies the raw, serene beauty of the Himalayas.

Annapurna Conservation Area

Considered the largest protected area in Nepal, the Annapurna Conservation Area boasts diverse flora, fauna, and landscapes. It ranges from subtropical forests to alpine grasslands filled with wildflowers, such as blue poppies and primroses. Here, you may spot red panda, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and also the national bird of Nepal, the Monal.

Muktinath Temple

Located at 3,710 meters,  Muktinath Temple is a holy site in Nepal. It sits up on a hill and attracts both Hindus and Buddhists. It has 108 water spouts that flow indefinitely. Pilgrims come here to take part in rituals and seek blessings. Hence, you can sense a profound spirituality and peacefulness here.

To trek in the Nar Phu Valley, you’ll need the following permits:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar Phu Valley

• USD 100 for the first 7 days (Sep–Nov)
• USD 75 for the first 7 days (Dec–Aug)
• USD 15 per additional day

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30 per person

TIMS Card: USD 20 per person

Note: These permits are mandatory as Nar Phu is a restricted region. You must trek with a licensed guide in a group of at least two people.

Foreign travelers require a tourist visa to enter Nepal, which can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or various land border entry points. Alternatively, visas can be applied for in advance at Nepalese embassies or consulates worldwide. The cost of a Nepal tourist visa depends on the duration: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days.

The cost of trekking to Nar Phu Valley ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 per person, depending on the duration, services, and level of comfort. This includes necessary permits, guide and porter fees, accommodation, food, and transportation. Additional personal expenses, such as travel insurance (USD 50 to 100), snacks (USD 2 to 5 per day), battery charging (USD 1 to 3 per hour), hot showers (USD 2 to 5 per shower), and Wi-Fi (USD 2 to 5 per hour), may add to the overall cost of USD 100 to USD 200.

Here’s the cost breakdown in a table:

Hence,

Total Estimated Cost for 18-day Nar Phu Valley Trek = $1,000 – $1,500 per person

Before embarking on the Nar Phu Valley trek, it is essential to know what to carry, the necessary gear to pack, the risks of altitude sickness and how to avoid them, the highest altitude you will reach, weather conditions, and the logistics involved. So, here’s the detailed description of those aspects:

What to Pack for the Nar Phu Valley Trek: Essential Gear Checklist

Footwear & Clothing

• Sturdy, waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
• Thermal tops and bottoms
• Insulating fleece or wool sweaters
• Down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and pants
• Warm gloves and liner gloves
• Warm hat/beanie covering ears
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Multiple pairs of thermal socks
• Comfortable and Warm Sleepwear

Sleeping & Carrying

• Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C / 14°F)
• 40- 60L Good-quality trekking backpack
• Waterproof backpack cover or dry bags

Trekking Accessories

• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF
• Refillable water bottle (1-2 liters)
• Water purification system (filter, tablets, or UV purifier)

Health & Safety

• First aid kit consisting of blister ointment, painkillers, personal meds, etc.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Personal toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
• Quick-dry towel
• Toilet paper and zip-lock bags for waste

Miscellaneous

• Passport, permits, and copies of important documents
• Cash in small denominations
• High-capacity power bank
• A camera or smartphone with a charger
• Snacks and energy bars
• Plastic bags for waterproofing clothes and electronics

Avoiding Altitude Sickness

The risk of altitude sickness increases after crossing an altitude of 2,000 meters. And as this trek involves trekking above 2,000 m, there are certainly changes of being affected by altitude sickness. To avoid altitude sickness, ascend gradually, take acclimatization days, and avoid trekking too quickly. You should stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Carry altitude sickness medication, such as Diamox, but make sure to consult the doctor first. The mild symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and shortness of breath. You should descend immediately if any of these symptoms worsen.

High Altitude

The trek’s highest points include Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), Kang La Pass (5,306 m), Phu Village (4,080 m), Nar Village (4,110 m), Thorung High Camp (4,925 m), and Yak Kharka (4,018 m). Oxygen levels decrease significantly here. Therefore, you need to acclimate properly and be cautious. Keep a steady pace to avoid overexertion and fatigue.

Unpredictable Weather

The weather in high-altitude regions is unpredictable, so stay updated on any changes. You never know when clear mornings can quickly turn into storms or rain. Similarly, it can be hot in the day and very cold at night. So, you must be prepared for sudden cold snaps. Always carry water and windproof gear to stay dry and warm throughout the journey.

Safe Drinking Water

It’s best to avoid drinking directly from streams or rivers. Always carry water purification tablets, a filtration system, or a UV sterilizer to purify drinking water. You can also purchase boiled water at teahouses, but it may incur an additional cost. You can also buy bottled water, but it’s costly.

Limited Facilities

Nar Phu Valley is a remote region with fewer teahouses and services. You should carry extra snacks and basic medicines (a first aid kit). It will cost extra to charge your devices. You should carry a power bank for charging devices, as electricity is often unreliable in many places. Plus, there are no ATMs on the trail, so withdraw enough cash in small bills (at least $200) in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

 Logistics and Emergency Info

The route is rough, and medical facilities are also limited. The nearest basic health post is in Manang. Therefore, severe cases require a costly helicopter evacuation, which heavily depends on weather. Mobile signals can fail, so carry a satellite phone for safety. Our guides carry first aid supplies, but we recommend that you bring your personal medications and any necessary oxygen supplies. Please inform us if you have any health issues so that we can be prepared beforehand.

Responsible Tourism

Nar Phu’s environment and culture have been well preserved as it’s very remote. You should trek responsibly to help preserve the area’s natural beauty. Teahouses are often family-run. So, please support them. Minimize waste, avoid single-use plastics, and respect local customs and traditions. Also, use reusable water bottles to reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, you should get permission for photography in monasteries and villages.

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a challenging adventure in the Annapurna Circuit Route. It has remote trails, high altitudes, steep ascents, and long days. It will require good physical fitness as you will walk for 5 to 6 hours on rugged terrain. The paths will be less traveled, making navigation tricky, and you will need to cross high passes, including Thorung La Pass at 5,416 metres.

Throughout the trek, you will gain significant altitude, starting from around 800 meters in Besisahar and gradually ascending above 5,000 meters. The altitude gain will be noticeable, especially after entering Nar and Phu villages, where you will trek above 4,000 meters for several days. You’ll need proper acclimatization day in Phu and Nar village to avoid altitude sickness, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Annapurna Base Camp Trek can also be one your choice if you want to explore more classic treks of Annapurna Region.

A typical day on the Nar Phu Valley Trek, which follows the Annapurna Circuit trail, will start early in the morning, around 6:30 a.m. You will have a warm breakfast before packing gear and beginning the trek by 7:30 a.m. The trail will take you through rugged landscapes, narrow canyons, and traditional Tibetan villages. Along the way, you will take short breaks to enjoy the views and rest. By midday, around 12:30 p.m., you will stop at a teahouse or a scenic spot for lunch, where you can enjoy a warm meal and rehydrate before continuing your journey.

After lunch, you will resume trekking, gradually ascending or descending, depending on the trek route. The afternoon trek will be more relaxed, allowing you to explore monasteries, interact with locals, or take in the breathtaking surroundings. By 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., you will reach the destination for the day, where you will settle into a teahouse, freshen up, and relax. A hearty dinner will be served around 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening of storytelling or stargazing before resting for the next day’s adventure.