Why Go on the Nar Phu Valley Trekking?
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an adventure into the off-the-beaten-trails of the Annapurna Region. This hidden gem takes you back in time where you can experience the rich culture and heritage that dates back to centuries. You will also experience the diverse nature that will keep you mesmerized throughout your 12-day Nar Phu Valley Trekking. Here are some of the reasons to trek the Nar Phu Valley.
Natural Beauty: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Nar Phu Valley. You will encounter an array of landscapes and terrains including towering peaks, lush forests, and serene lakes during your 12-day journey.
Experience Ancient Culture: The Nar Phu Valley has remained unchanged for centuries. This region displays Buddhist cultures and traditions influenced from the bordering Tibet. You can explore the valley and the ancient monasteries, and interact with the locals to get an insight into the unique culture and traditions of the region.
Quieter Trails: Nar Phu Valley trek is relatively quieter than its popular counterparts like the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Manaslu Trek. Here, you get to escape the crowd and discover the hidden gems of the valley at your own pace.
A Taste of Adventure: Nar Phu Valley consists of several challenging terrains. You can test your limits with challenging ascents and descents. After conquering these difficult terrains, you will be rewarded with awe inspiring views of the mountain ranges.
Conquer the Kang La Pass: Kang La Pass is the highest elevation of the trek. Conquering this pass will give you a stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna massif and views of the surrounding peaks.
Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit
Traveling with necessary permits are crucial for a hasslefree and legal trek. You can get your Nar Phu Valley Trekking Permits by visiting the Department or Immigration, or if you are traveling with The Everest Holiday, we will arrange the permits for you. Below are the permits you will need to trek the Nar Phu Valley:
Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit: Nar Phu Valley falls under a restricted area. Trekkers can only enter the restricted area if they have a valid entry permit. The costs vary depending on the season and duration of your stay.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: Travelers are required to get the ACAP permit to enter the Poon Hill Trekking trail. The cost of a permit differs according to your nationality. The prices are as follows:
- Travelers from SAARC nations: NRS 1000 (Approximately USD 10) per person
- Travelers from non-SAARC nations: NRS 3000 (Approximately USD 30) per person
- Trekkers’Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Travelers will also need a TIMS card to enter the trekking route. The cost for a TIMS card is as follows:
- Travelers from SAARC nations: NRS 1000 (Approx USD 10) per person
- Travelers from non-SAARC nations: NRS 200 (Approx USD 20) per person
A Typical Day on the Nar Phu Valley Trek
You will typically begin your day with a hearty breakfast. The day begins early, at around 6 in the morning. You can take advantage of the cool morning temperature and enjoy the stunning mountain vistas over a cup of hot tea or coffee. After breakfast, you begin the day’s trek following well-marked trails. The trails take you through diverse landscapes. After a few hours of hiking, you will stop for lunch at a rest house. Your lunch can also comprise packed lunch, as the trail isn’t as developed as the other conventional trails of the Annapurna Region. After lunch, you will continue your journey through the scenic landscape before you reach the day’s destination by evening. Take some time to rest and relax as you enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.
Dinners are served in your tea house/lodge. You can take some time to socialize and unwind with fellow trekkers before a good night’s sleep.
How Hard is the Nar Phu Trek?
The Nar Phu Valley trek difficulty is rated moderate to challenging. You will encounter significant ascents throughout the journey to Nar Phu Valley. However, unlike the Annapurna Circuit trek, this is not as demanding. So, people with reasonable physical fitness and endurance can complete this journey.
Be sure to allocate a day for acclimatization. The trek takes you to an altitude over 5000 meters, therefore your body will need to acclimatize. Also, prepare to navigate your way through uneven terrains. The trails can be steep, rocky, and if you’re traveling in the monsoon months, slippery too.
The 12-day Nar Phu Valley trek requires you to hike at least 7-8 hours daily. So, if you don’t have prior trekking experience, consider taking small hikes before you set out on the journey. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and a positive mental attitude is necessary to complete the trek.
Preparing for an Incredible Journey to Nar Phu Valley: Gear/ Essentials Checklist
The trek to the Nar Phu Valley is considered a moderate to difficult trek. Therefore, we recommend you prepare well before embarking on the two-week journey.
Below is a comprehensive gear checklist that we would recommend for travelers:
- Clothing: Base layers, insulation layer, outer shell layers
- General Trekking Equipments: Basic trekking attire (pants, t-shirt, and shorts), waterproof jacket and trousers, undergarments
- Head Gears: Sun hat, beanie, neck gaiter
- Hand and Footwear: Liner gloves, outer gloves that provide insulation, Hiking boots, trekking showers, sandals, Comfortable hiking socks, thermal socks, gaiters
- Bags and Packs: Duffel bag, backpack, daypack, rain cover, dry bag
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, earplugs
- Trekking Accessories: Trekking poles, sunglasses, headlamp
- Other Essentials: Water bottle/hydration bladder, quick-dry towel, female urination device, locks, waterproof bags
- Extras (optional): Camera, portable charger, books/playing cards, passport, cash
- Medication and Hygiene: Water purification tablets, electrolyte powders, diamox (altitude medication), general medications, first aid kit, sunscreen, wet wipes, toiletries, adhesive bandages, oximeter, hand sanitizer
Nar Phu Valley 12-Days: Alternative Trekking Trails
Nar Phu Valley trek is a 12 day journey into the heart of the Annapurna region. This restricted area has remained unchanged for centuries and provides travelers with a glimpse into the past. While the area has a lot to offer and you can enjoy the region at your own pace avoiding the crowd, the trek may not be ideal for all. However, there are several alternatives you can choose from .
For instance, beginners can go on the Poon Hill trek or the Ghandruk trek. Both offer beginner-friendly trekking routes. You will immerse in the Gurung and Magar cultures and get a glimpse of their traditions and lifestyle.
The classic Everest Base Camp trek takes you to the lap of the world’s tallest peak. This trek introduces you to the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the Sherpa community of the Khumbu region. To get a closer look into the tradition and heritage of the Gurung and Magar community of the Annapurna region, you can set out on the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
All treks by The Everest Holiday are tailor-made. You can get details regarding the cost, or plan your trek in Nepal. Call us now, and our team can assist you with your queries.
Best Time to Go on The Nar Phu Trek
Nar Phu Valley gives a unique trekking experience of the Annapurna Region to travelers. Each season has its unique features. However, considering the ease, natural extravagance, and cultural engagement, we would recommend spring and autumn. During the spring months from March to May, you will find fair weather with less rainfall. The journey to Nar Phu is more relaxed as you will find lush forests and wildflowers along the trail. Since the skies are clear, you can also relish the sight of the mountain vistas during the trek.
Likewise, autumn months from September to November are equally beautiful. The autumn foliage takes over the landscape and the forests display an exuberant hues of gold, yellow, and orange. The clouds are vibrant and the atmosphere throughout the region is refreshing.
While the trek is still possible in the winter and monsoon seasons, these aren’t recommended to all trekkers. You need to be a seasoned traveler with expertise in the Himalayas. Also, we recommend carrying proper gear to combat the tricky weather.
Monsoon months from June to August experience high rainfall. The trails are slippery and there are high risks of landslides. Likewise, expect excess snowfall in the winter from December to February. Rainfall and snow can disrupt your plans and compel you to make changes. However, the trekking provides travelers with unique experiences. While the monsoon trek introduces you to a more lush landscape, you will find snow-covered terrains allowing you to view the region with a new perspective.
Choose your trekking time properly. Since most trekkers have individual preferences, what is considered ideal for one may not be suitable for the other. However, plan your trek ensuring top notch safety precautions.