One of the most secluded and tranquil hiking routes in the Annapurna region, the Nar Phu Valley trek (4,110m) offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Tilicho peak, and other peaks.
A blend of a cultural, adventurous, and scenic phenomenon is the Nar Phu Valley Short Trek. The trip’s primary attractions include a herd of yaks and wild goats, Gombas, glaciers, isolated ancient villages, ranging river forming deep gorges, attractive forests, magnificent rock arrangement, and medieval distinct Tibetan culture handed down from their ancestors.
This location was made accessible to tourists from outside the country in 2002, but it wasn’t until locals began to host them in their homes starting in 2010 that it gained popularity. Prior to it, camping was the only option.
The Annapurna Circuit’s traditional starting point is Besisahar, from where the trip immediately deviates into the secluded Nar & Phu valleys and away from more heavily traveled paths.
You can hang out with locals in Phu as they go about their everyday lives and spend the night in the Nar Phedi monastery while traveling past vibrant Tibetan chortens and prayer stones into deep canyons and gorges.
These are the best ways to discover what it’s like to live in Nepal’s high mountains. If you feel up to it, you can also choose to hike up to Himlung Himal Base Camp.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Route
The trek through the Nar Phu Valley begins in Koto. The track travels in a round path that goes through the Kang La pass (5.240 m). The journey terminates at the precise location where you started your circle. The tour starts with a drive along the Lamjung road from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule.
After landing in Chyamje, we go out on foot via Koto and Meta till we reach the settlement of Phu. One of the top 108 monasteries in the world, the famed Tashi Lakhang Monastery is one of the places we go in Phu village. With Lamjung Himal, Tilicho, Annapurna, and a number of other peaks as our guardians, we continue on the moraine towards Nar Village.
After traversing the Kang La Pass, we’ll make our way back through the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Our journey will take us across Muktinath and the renowned Thorong La Pass before ending with a breathtaking flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Permits and Documents
The Nar Phu Valley requires two distinct kinds of licenses for visitors. You must be in a company of at least two trekkers and be escorted by a certified guide because the Valley is a part of the restricted area.
- Each person had to pay USD 30 for an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit.
- Permit for Restricted Areas (September – November) USD 100 for each individual/week
- Permit for Restricted Areas (December – August) $75 per person per week
To receive the Nar Phu valley trek permit, you must have a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the original passport with the visa stamp.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Accommodation
The Nar Phu Valley has little trouble providing travelers with basic lodging because tea houses have started to appear in every settlement area. For a small group of no more than six to ten hikers, it is not a problem.
One twin room costs between $5 and $7 per person per night when two people share it. If you want the entire room to yourself, the price will increase by USD 5-7. Please be aware that even if you are able to pay for the extra bed on your own, you might still have to share a room if it is exceptionally busy, as is the case in other trekking destinations.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Difficulty
The long days and significant elevation gains make this a difficult climb. There are few accommodations available along the route, which limits the flexibility in the distances that can be completed each day, leading to the lengthy walking days.
The daily altitude rises are fairly significant, and the effects of altitude on the body are seldom predicted. The best candidates for this expedition are individuals who have extensive mountaineering expertise and who are in good physical shape.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Best Season
This trek is accessible during the monsoon season (June to August), as well as the two busiest travel times (March-May and September-November). Although the road access in the highlands to and from Besisahar could be hampered by mud and landslides during the monsoon, the walk is still delightful. The high pass may become impassable in the winter (December to February) due to snow.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Cost
The cost for Nar Phu Valley depends on the itinerary and lodging you select. The typical fee ranges from USD 1000 to USD 2000, depending on how long the hike takes. The cost includes a local jeep or local bus to and from Kathmandu, a certified guide, a porter, basic food and lodging, a permit, and all of these things. Depending on the size of the group and the company you choose, the price may vary slightly.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Meal During the Trek
You can select what you want from the menu at the lodges. The meal is hygienic. But it’s not like the food in cities. Non-vegetarian foods are not advised. It is not clean and fresh.
- Breakfast: A straightforward meal (Eggs any item has-brown potato, toast or Tibetan Bread, Pancake, Muesli, Oat Porridge etc.)
- Lunch options include Macorani, Spaghetti, Potato Item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Friend Rice, Fried Noodles, French Fries, etc. Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil Soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam,Tomato Hot Spicy, Chicken Curry Optional) is a traditional meal served in Nepal.
- Dinner options include Macorani, Spaghetti, Potato Item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Friend Rice, Fried Noodles, French Fries, and Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil Soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetables, Papadam,Tomato Hot Spicy or Pickle, Chicken Curry Optional).
- Dessert: Fresh fruit is served as a sweet dessert. Examples include apples, oranges, pomegranates, bananas, and any seasonal fruit.