What Are The Foods And Accommodations In Nar Phu Valley Trek

Foods Available in Nar Phu Valley Trek

We get a limited variety of foods on treks to remote areas at high altitudes like Nar  Phu Valley. The following are the foods that are available in the region:

Food Options In Teahouses At Lower Elevations

Tea Houses, including the Nar Phu Valley, are the Primary accommodation option in Nepal’s trekking region. Small families run these houses, and you get to eat locally prepared meals. Tea houses in lower elevations have a comparatively wider variety of food than those in higher elevations.

Dal Bhat: It is a traditional Nepalese meal consisting of steamed rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. It is high in carbohydrates and protein, providing sustained energy.

Momo: It is a handmade Tibetan dumpling with vegetables, cheese, and meat. It is a light yet filling snack popular in Nepal.

Thukpa: Thukpa is a traditional Tibetan noodle soup with the perfect blend of spices, vegetables, and meat. It warms the body and is ideal for high-altitude and cold regions.

Sherpa Stew: It is a thick soup of vegetables and noodles enriched with grains and sometimes Yak meat. It is high in carbohydrates and keeps your body warm.

Pasta and noodle dishes: Basic spaghetti, pasta, chow min, or instant noodles with vegetables and eggs are Common for foreign trekkers to use for quick energy.

Potato dishes: Potatoes are grown locally and served in various forms, such as boiled, mashed, fried, or curried. They are rich in carbohydrates. 

Eggs and Breakfast Items: To start your Trek, you will get an omelet, pancakes, porridge, chapati, scrambled eggs with honey, and jam.

Tea, Coffee, and Hot Drinks: You can have Butter tea(a Tibetan drink made of Yak butter, salt, and tea that offers warmth and fatty energy), black tea, ginger lemon honey(a natural remedy for altitude sickness), milk tea and coffee, masala tea, and green tea.

In Remote Areas (Nar And Phu Villages)

Due to difficult transportation, food options are limited in remote areas like Nar and Phu Villages. Porters and mules carry supplies to the high altitude, adding to the cost of the food. Fresh vegetables and fruits are scarce, especially in winter. 

However, trekkers can try local and traditional regional dishes to keep up their energy while hiking. You can try foods like:

Locally grown buckwheat and barley dishes

Tibetan bread is a traditional fried or pan-cooked flatbread popular in the Himalayan Region. It is served with honey or jam.

Tsampa is Roasted barley flour mixed with butter, tea, or milk. It is high in energy and a staple for locals.

Yak cheese and butter are everyday dairy products that give us high energy and keep us full for extended periods.

Dried meat! Occasionally, yak meat is available. However, we recommend not eating meat on these high-altitude trails to protect your gut health.

Accommodations in Nar Phu Valley Trek

There are different means of accomodation in Nar Phu Valley, ranging from basic tea houses to hotels, lodges, and camping options.  Different types of 

Accomodation along the way is discussed below:

Types of Accommodations Along the Route

The Nar Phu Valley trek offers different types of lodging based on location, expanding its area from comfortable tea houses to lodges and camping. Here is what you can expect for your stay along the way:

Kathmandu and Besisahar: It offers comfortable hotels and guesthouses with modern facilities, such as WiFi and a decent variety of foods.

Koto: In this area, you can see Simple teahouses with local food and basic sleeping arrangements. You can also eat dal bhat, noodles, and tea, a modest energy-giving meal.

Meta, Phu, and Nar Villages: Accommodations include Stone-built teahouses with essential bedding and wood stoves to heat the dining area. Due to their remoteness, facilities are limited.

Ngawal & Pisang (Extending to Annapurna Circuit): This area offers more developed lodges with better, more comfortable mattresses, hot showers, and a slightly developed menu. It lies on one of the popular trekking routes in Nepal: the Annapurna Circuit.

Facilities Available: 

The level of luxury depends upon the elevation at which the place is situated. You will get the following facilities in the  Nar Phu trek:

WiFi and charging: They are available in tea houses but are Limited and expensive in remote areas. Trekkers might have to pay per device to charge their devices. 

Hot Showers: Tea houses offer solar heaters or bucket heater showers, but these come at an extra cost

Toilets: Squat-style toilets are primarily available in remote areas, whereas western-style toilets are found in lodges. It is highly recommended that you carry toilet paper.

Bedding: Tea houses offer essential bedding, but it might not be enough. Bring a sleeping bag or rent it from Kathmandu to stay warm and cozy.

Conclusion

The lifestyle in remote areas is as remote and magnificent as it seems. We suggest you prepare your mind and body well for fewer varieties of food and limited lodging options. Let’s be clear that this hidden gem will give you limited resources and a beautiful view from its highest elevation.

Bring a quality sleeping bag, thermals, and a down jacket to stay warm and comfortable throughout the trek. However, you can save extra money by taking a power bank and sanitary essentials alone. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difficulty Level Of The Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Nar Phu Valley is located in the northern region of the Annapurna district in Manang. Because of its distance, altitude, and terrain, it is a moderate to highly challenging Trek. We suggest you maintain your cardio exercises weeks before the Trek to increase your stamina.

Which Are the Best Places to Stay in Nar Phu Valley?

Lodging in Nar Phu Valley is generally essential. However, one hotel stands out in terms of hospitality and warm meals. Fellow trekkers rate the New Everest Guest House, Hotel Trekkers’ Inn in Koto, Meta Guest House in Meta, Samdu Lodge, Restaurant, and Himalayan Hotel Phu in Phu Village higher.

How Much Does The Nar Phu Valley Trek Cost?

The cost of the Nar Phu Valley Trek depends upon food, accommodation, transportation, and whether you hire a guide or a porter.

• Permits: The Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs around $120 per person, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) costs $30, and a TIMS card costs $20.
• Accommodation cost: It is 5-15$ in tea houses; the price is higher in higher elevations.
• Food and Drink price: You will need $5-8 per meal, and tea and coffee cost around $2-5.
• Guide and Porter: A guide costs 25-35$ per day, and a porter costs 20-25$ per day. 
• Transportation: A bus from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar costs 10-25$, and a jeep costs 20-30$. 

Why Nar Phu Valley Trek Should Be On Your Bucket List?

Nar Phu Valley is worth keeping on your bucket list because of its remoteness and Tibetan-influenced culture. You can experience it live, visit centuries-old monasteries, and celebrate festivals. Because of its high-altitude location, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of endless snow-capped mountains.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The most favorable time to visit Nar Phu Valley is in Spring, from March to May. The second best option is Autumn, which lasts from September to November. Clouds are more vibrant, with clear skies and pleasant weather in these seasons. You see the rhododendron forest blooming at its best in Spring.