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Wrapped in remote corners of the Annapurna region, the Nar Phu Valley remains an untouched, beautiful, and culturally rich hidden gem of Nepal. It is an unharmed Paradise where time seems to stay still. It was opened for trekking only in the early 2000s, and a special permit is required to enter. The trek is considered moderately complex for the physically fit.
Nar Phu Valley is a remote and isolated region in the Annapurna Conservation area of Nepal in the Manang District. It lies in the northern part of the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Valley consists of two villages, 'Nar' and 'Phu', home to Tibetan-influenced communities, making it culturally rich.
This trek differs from the popular Annapurna and Everest treks because it is not commercialized, making it less popular among trekkers. It also requires a special permit to enter. Unlike the popular treks, this Place offers ancient Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
This trek generally requires 9-12 days, depending on the itinerary and accommodation. Highlights include exploring the Tibetan culture and lifestyle, crossing the highest pass, Kang la Pass(5320m), with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and witnessing untouched Tibetan and Buddhist cultures and Monasteries.
When going on a Trek, consider the time and season to visit the Place. We suggest you visit Nar Phu Valley in Spring (March to May) and in Autumn (September to November).
The spring season starts in March and ends in May. It’s the best time to trek to this place because of its mild weather, and we all know that flowers bloom at their best in the spring season. You get to witness the forest of the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, which ranges in shade from Red to pink and White.
Autumn lasts from September to November and is considered the second-best season to visit Nar Phu Valley because of its Vibrant clouds and atmosphere.
However, we suggest you not go during the monsoon and winter seasons because of their adverse weather effects. The region suffers from extreme rainfall, making trails muddy, slippery, and prone to landslides. The wet, warm season, when leeches come out, can add more hindrance to the trail. Extreme fog is anticipated to block the beautiful panoramic views and make navigation difficult.
Nar Phu Valley, being a restricted area, requires a special Nar Phu Valley permit to enter. The permit cannot be issued for solo trekkers in the Nar Phu Valley. One must be a part of a group or at least two trekkers and hire a licensed trekking agency. The process involves:
Book a Trek with a Registered Trekking Agency like Nature Excursion, and they will handle the permit application on your behalf. You will have to provide the required documents for the application, which include a valid passport ( at least 6 months old), a Nepalese Visa (ensure it covers the trekking duration), and Passport-sized photos.
The process will take 1-2 working days. The cost of the Nar Phu Valley permit varies between the two most favorable seasons. In the spring season, it will cost you 100 USD for the first 7 days and 15 USD per day afterward, while in the summer season, it will cost you 75 USD for the first 7 days and 10 USD per day afterward.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is compulsory for anyone trekking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp(ABC). Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Nar Phu Valley, and Tilicho Lake.
ACAP is required because it helps conserve the environment and biodiversity in the Annapurna Region. It also ensures proper record-keeping of trekkers for safety and rescue operations. The funds collected will support sustainable tourism and local community projects.
The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card must keep a database and ensure safety and security. TIMS card fees for non-SAARC nationals is NPR 2000 (approximately US$17), and for SAARC Nationals, it is NPR 1000 (approx US$7.50). You can contact a government-registered trekking agency in Nepal, like Nature Excursion, to get it hassle-free. You will have to provide the required documents for the application, which include a valid passport ( at least 6 months old), a Nepalese Visa (ensure it covers the trekking duration), and Passport-sized photos. However, if you want to take it individually, go to the office of the Nepal Tourism Board with the required documents.
Always hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Since Nar Phu Valley is a trek in the high-altitude range, one has to be innovative while packing, especially for this trek. Following are the gears required for the Nar Phu Valley Trek:
Nar Phu Valley is at a high altitude, which means the wind can blow and leave you cold. Essential gear like hiking boots, down jackets, sleeping bags, etc., is necessary. You can also pack gloves, a hat, sunscreen, headlights, and sunglasses for extra safety.
Places at high altitudes have less oxygen in the air, leading to altitude sickness. We suggest you take a first aid kit, water purification, and altitude sickness medication for this trek to ensure safety.
Although this is an era of digitalization, Nar Phu Valley still requires paper maps or offline maps and actual cash because of its remoteness and the perseverance of its culture. We suggest you bring Passport Copies, cash, maps, and travel insurance (just in case).
Due to its high altitude, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is challenging. To ensure a pleasant trip, one must be strong physically and mentally. You should be aware that you will be away from the world of the internet and closer to the beauty of nature. You should have strong endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and leg strength to walk at least 5-7 hours daily. This requires excellent stamina.
Since Nar Phu Valley reaches an altitude of 5000m, proper acclimatization is crucial to ensure adaptation and avoid altitude sickness. Start cardiovascular fitness and leg strength exercises daily to maintain stamina and endurance.
Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high elevations too quickly, and your body struggles to adapt to low oxygen levels.
The following tips will prevent altitude sickness in Nepal Trek:
Nepal's breathtaking High-altitude treks, such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Nar Phu Valley, require proper Acclimatization to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Without a well-planned acclimatization schedule, Trekkers risk severe health issues. That's why we advise you to spend nights in Nar and Phu villages so that it will be easier to adapt to the environment. Also, bring altitude sickness medications and supplements to stay safe, just in case!
Nar Phu Valley offers diverse food and accommodation options, such as Tea houses, lodges, and camping. Many tea houses are along the trail and serve rice, noodles, and curry. Regarding the accommodation, you can get twin rooms without an attached bathroom. However, we will take care of your basic needs. That option is also available if you are also considering spending nights camping. Certain places are predetermined for camping, but you must hire a local guide and a porter.
The most common food on the trail is Rice, Noodles, momos, Tabitean Bread, eggs items, Pizza, and curry, which will give you high energy and help you get going. Knowing about the limitations is always best rather than having expectations and being disappointed later.
We recommend you purchase High-altitude trekking insurance while traveling to remote areas of Nepal. You never know when the weather will change rapidly, and your health will degrade unexpectedly. In some cases, you might also require emergency rescue, where a patient gets airlifted and brought to the city area with hospitals. If you have insurance, it can cover the expenses.
Hiring a guide and Porter for the Nar Phu Valley trek is best. They will make navigating and communicating easier because you might not speak the Nepali language. Taking a guide and porter in Nar Phu Valley is a must. Hiring a porter in Nepal costs $24 per day, and hiring a guide costs $28-30. The trek will be comparatively more straightforward if you take a guide and a porter with you, as they will be there to support, guide, navigate, care for you, and provide you with a comfortable trip.
Nar Phu Valley, located in the remote corner of the Annapurna region, must be on your bucket list. If you have already gone on popular treks to Everest base camp and the Annapurna circuit, then this is a must-do trek because it opened its trekking route in the early 2000s and requires a special permit. It is sacred, serene, magical, remote, welcoming, and culturally rich, which allows you to witness unique and rare experiences like never before.
However, we motivate trekkers to plan the trek responsibly, mainly because it is located at a very high altitude where the amount of oxygen will be less. We suggest you take preventive measures like keeping warm, using medications, proper acclimatization, and increasing your physical and mental strength.
This trek is highly challenging. If you have already been to other trek destinations in Nepal, we recommend that you plan this trip. We also suggest increasing your strength by doing cardiovascular and stamina exercises.
It is best to take Altitude sickness medications, ascend gradually, acclimatize, stay hydrated, and eat healthily.
The cost varies according to the level of luxury you are looking for. Including all the expenses and permits, it costs USD 700-900 per head, which is under budget. The Standard plan is USD 1100-1300, and the luxury plan can cost up to USD 1500+.
You can expect neat and tidy twin bedrooms in tea houses and lodges without attached bathrooms. We will handle your basic needs like food, hot water, and accommodation. You will get a decent Nepali meal, including Rice, dal, curry, and noodles.
It is less explored, but it offers unique experiences, such as witnessing and living the lifestyle of Tibetan-influenced culture and visiting monasteries. It is at the highest altitude, and the magical panoramic views are to die for!
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