Trekking in Nar Phu Valley 2026 | 10-Day Itinerary and Price

The Nar Phu Valley lies in the Manang District of the Annapurna region in north-central Nepal. This remote valley sits between the Damodar Himal and the Annapurna range, bordering Tibet to the north. The trekking route branches off from the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Koto and rejoins it at Ngawal.

The Nar Phu Valley trek rates as moderate to challenging due to its remote terrain and high altitude. Beginners with strong physical fitness can complete the trek but must prepare for long daily hikes of 6 to 8 hours. The route lacks the luxury lodges found on the Annapurna Circuit, requiring adaptability to basic facilities. Acclimatization remains critical for novice trekkers attempting the 5,320-meter pass.

Nar Phu Valley offers a quieter, more rugged alternative to the crowded Annapurna Circuit. The restricted area preserves ancient Tibetan culture and limits visitor numbers, unlike the commercialized teahouses of the main Annapurna trail. Trekkers experience raw wilderness and medieval villages in Nar Phu, while the Annapurna Circuit features wider roads and modern amenities. The Nar Phu route eventually merges with the Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal.

Trekkers can combine the Nar Phu Valley with the Manaslu Circuit by connecting the trails at Dharapani. Most itineraries complete the Manaslu Circuit first, exit at Dharapani, and then enter Nar Phu via Koto. This extended adventure requires approximately 20 days and multiple restricted area permits. The combination allows hikers to cross both the Larkya La and Kang La passes in one trip.

Autumn (mid-October to mid-December) offers the best conditions for the Nar Phu Valley trek with clear skies and stable trails. Spring (March to May) ranks second, featuring blooming rhododendrons and warm days. Climate change has shifted these windows, making autumn start later. The valley’s rain shadow location permits monsoon trekking (June to early October), though landslides may affect approach roads. Trekkers must prepare for anomalies like the October 2025 snowfall by carrying flexible gear.

Mobile network coverage remains intermittent and unreliable throughout the Nar Phu Valley. Nepal Telecom (NTC) provides better connectivity in high-altitude areas compared to Ncell, but signals disappear after leaving villages, in trails and are only available in villages.

The Nar Phu Valley operates as a designated restricted area to preserve its unique Tibetan heritage and fragile ecosystem. Foreign trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued by the Department of Immigration. Solo trekkers cannot enter this region; regulations mandate a minimum of two hikers accompanied by a licensed guide. Checkpoint at Koto strictly enforces these permit requirements before entry.

Nepal Telecom (NTC) provides better connectivity in Nar Phu Valley compared to Ncell. Network signals function primarily within village settlements like Nar, Phu, Chyakhu, and Kyang. Connectivity drops completely on the trails between villages, during trekking hours, leaving trekkers isolated.

Teahouses in Koto, Meta, and Nar provide Wi-Fi connectivity for a fee. Signals remain slow and unstable, suitable only for basic messaging apps rather than streaming. Phu Village often lacks connectivity entirely due to its isolation. Trekkers typically pay USD 2 to USD 5 per session to access these satellite-linked networks.

Foreign trekkers must hire a government-licensed guide to enter the Nar Phu Valley restricted area. The Department of Immigration requires a minimum group size of two hikers to issue the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). You cannot apply independently; a registered local trekking agency must process all documentation using your original passport and visa. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited in this region to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You need two primary permits: the Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The RAP grants access to the restricted villages of Nar and Phu, while the ACAP covers entry into the conservation zone. A TIMS card is not required as no government agencies implement it currently.

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD 100 per person for the first week during the autumn season (September to November). In the winter, spring, and summer seasons (December to August), the price drops to USD 75 per person for the first week. Extending your stay beyond the initial week costs USD 15 per day regardless of the season.

No, you cannot obtain a Nar Phu Valley permit without hiring a government-licensed guide. The Nepal government strictly enforces this rule for all restricted areas to ensure safety and compliance. Solo trekking is also prohibited; you must have a minimum of two people in your group to issue the permit.

Restricted Area Permits (RAP) are issued only by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Foreign trekkers cannot apply for this permit themself; a registered trekking agency must process the application on your behalf. The agency submits your documents and itinerary to the immigration office. ACAP permits can be obtained separately at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

To obtain the permits, you must provide your original passport with a valid visa stamp, a copy of the passport, and passport-sized photos. Agencies also require a detailed itinerary and the guide’s insurance documents to process the application. Some sources mention requiring 2-3 photos, so carrying extras is advisable.

Yes, all foreigners, including children, require permits to enter restricted areas like Nar Phu Valley. The regulations for Restricted Area Permits apply to all passport holders regardless of age. Minors must also be part of a group with a guide, and parents should check with agencies for specific documentation for minors.

No, the Restricted Area Permit fee is non-refundable and non-transferable once issued. If you cancel your trek or cannot complete it, you will not receive money back for the permit. Agencies often advise acquiring travel insurance to cover such financial losses in case of cancellation.

Locals manage simple teahouses and homestays throughout the Nar Phu Valley trek. These family-run lodges provide basic wooden beds with thin mattresses and blankets. Solo trekker needs to share a double room in the peak season. The dining area features a wood stove for warmth in the evenings. Nar Phedi offers unique accommodation inside a working monastery.

No, luxury lodges do not exist in the Nar Phu Valley. The accommodation remains basic and functional compared to the commercialized Annapurna Circuit. Trekkers must prepare for modest facilities with shared squat toilets and minimal furniture.

Teahouse kitchens serve traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes to trekkers. The menu features Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), Thukpa (noodle soup), and Tibetan bread with honey or jam. Potatoes, grown locally in the valley, appear in various forms like boiled, fried, or curried. Western options like spaghetti with cheese and pancakes are also available.

No, trekkers should avoid eating meat to prevent digestion issue. Freshness is difficult to guarantee in remote areas like Nar and Phu due to a lack of refrigeration. Yak or goat meat is often dried or carried for days before serving. Stick to vegetarian options like egg curries or lentil soups for safer digestion.

Yes, teahouses offer hot showers using solar heating systems or gas geysers for an additional fee. Facilities are limited, and water may not be hot on cloudy days due to reliance on solar power. Trekkers often pay USD 3 to USD 5 per shower in villages like Koto and Meta. Bucket showers serve as the primary alternative in the most remote sections.

No, standard teahouse trekking routes do not require a tent. Lodges in all major stops, including Meta, Nar, and Phu, provide adequate shelter. Tents become necessary only if you plan off-beat exploration beyond the main villages or expedition-style climbing. The monastery in Nar Phedi also replaces the need for camping in that sector.

Yes, teahouses sell boiled water for USD 1 to USD 3 per bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are discouraged. Trekkers should carry water purification tablets or a UV filter to treat tap and stream water. Drinking untreated water poses a high risk of waterborne illness in this region.

No, attached bathrooms are not available in villages like Meta, Phu, Nar, and Kyang. Most teahouses in Nar and Phu feature shared squat toilets located outside the main sleeping building. Trekkers use a bucket of water for flushing in these basic facilities. Carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer is essential.

Yes, teahouse menus accommodate vegetarian diets easily, but strict vegan or gluten-free options require careful selection. Dal Bhat (without butter/curd) and boiled potatoes are safe staples for vegans and gluten-sensitive trekkers. Travelers with severe allergies should bring their own gluten-free bread or snacks. Always communicate your dietary restrictions explicitly to the trekking company and your guide.

The total cost for a 10-day Nar Phu Valley trek ranges from USD 600 to USD 460 per person, not including meals and porters. This price covers the permits (RAP and ACAP), guide, salaries, accommodation, and local transportation.

Trekkers should budget around USD 20 per day for food. This amount covers three meals (USD 5–8 each).

Porters cost USD 20 per day and carry around 25 kg of luggage, which includes their food, insurance, and accommodation. We can also provide a “Porter-Guide” option for USD 28–30 per day to balance cost and assistance.

Standard packages often exclude personal expenses like hot showers (USD 3), Wi-Fi usage (USD 2), and battery charging (USD 2 per hour). You must also pay for boiled drinking water, which costs USD 1 per bottle at higher altitudes. Tipping the crew and buying snacks or alcohol also falls outside the quoted package price.

You should carry approximately NPR 20,000 to 30,000 (USD 150–220) per person in cash for personal expenses. This fund covers hot showers, charging, extra snacks, and tips for the guide and porter. ATMs are unavailable beyond Besisahar, so you must withdraw sufficient Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu before departure.

No, standard teahouse trekking routes do not require a tent. Lodges in all major stops, including Meta, Nar, and Phu, provide adequate shelter. Tents become necessary only if you plan off-beat exploration beyond the main villages or expedition-style climbing. The monastery in Nar Phedi also replaces the need for camping in that sector.

Yes, teahouses sell boiled water for USD 1 to USD 3 per bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are discouraged. Trekkers should carry water purification tablets or a UV filter to treat tap and stream water. Drinking untreated water poses a high risk of waterborne illness in this region.

No, attached bathrooms are not available in villages like Meta, Phu, Nar, and Kyang. Most teahouses in Nar and Phu feature shared squat toilets located outside the main sleeping building. Trekkers use a bucket of water for flushing in these basic facilities. Carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer is essential.

Yes, teahouse menus accommodate vegetarian diets easily, but strict vegan or gluten-free options require careful selection. Dal Bhat (without butter/curd) and boiled potatoes are safe staples for vegans and gluten-sensitive trekkers. Travelers with severe allergies should bring their own gluten-free bread or snacks. Always communicate your dietary restrictions explicitly to the trekking company and your guide.

Yes, a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -20°C is recommended for the Nar Phu Valley trek. Teahouse have blankets but they are washed infrequently due to low temperature. Cleanliness standards vary, so a personal sleeping bag ensures hygiene and warmth. You can rent high-quality down bags in Kathmandu.

Yes, tipping is customary in Nepal’s travel industry to show appreciation for the crew’s hard work. Trekkers typically tip 10% to 15% of the total trek cost. A standard guideline suggests USD 10–15 per day for the guide and USD 5–10 per day for the porter, handed over at the trek’s end.

Booking directly with a Kathmandu-based local agency, Travel To Nepal, is significantly cheaper than using an international operator. Travel To Nepal offers trek packages at USD 540. Other standard local agencies offer packages around USD 900 to 1,200, whereas international companies often charge over USD 2,000 for similar services. Local operators cut out the middleman fees while still providing licensed guides and permits.

You book the Nar Phu Valley trek by contacting Travel To Nepal via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +977 9847693070. We need a scanned copy of your passport and a deposit of 30% to confirm the reservation. We use these documents to secure the Restricted Area Permit from the Department of Immigration. We accept payments through secure bank transfers.

Last-minute bookings are possible but require at least two to three working days in Kathmandu for permit processing. The Department of Immigration issues Nar Phu Restricted Area Permits only on weekdays (Sunday to Friday). Immediate trek start is not possible due to the strictly enforced regulatory requirements.

Cancellations made 30 days before arrival qualify for a full refund. Requests submitted 20 days in advance receive 70% of the total trek amount. This refund decreases to 40% if you cancel 7 days prior. Cancellations within 7 days or no-shows receive no refund. However, we allow rescheduling for natural causes or unexpected emergencies, preserving your booking for a later date instead of charging a penalty.

You must pay 30% of the total trip cost at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is typically paid upon arrival in Kathmandu before the trek commences. We accept bank transfers for advance payments, while final balances are best settled in cash (USD or NPR) to avoid international payment bank charges.

Yes, you can change trek dates if you notify the us before we issue the permits. Once the Department of Immigration issues the Restricted Area Permit, the dates are fixed and non-changeable. Modifying dates after permit issuance requires purchasing a completely new permit at full cost (USD 75–100).

Booking with a local Nepali agency, Travel To Nepal, saves you money and directly supports the local economy. Local companies employ guides and porters directly, ensuring fair wages and better local knowledge. Communication is also faster as you deal directly with the ground team.

We reschedule the trek if weather blocks passes or roads. If the entire trip is cancelled due to force majeure, we will withhold the deposit to cover incurred costs like permits and advance booking. Comprehensive travel insurance protects you by reimbursing non-refundable trip costs.

No, attached bathrooms are not available in villages like Meta, Phu, Nar, and Kyang. Most teahouses in Nar and Phu feature shared squat toilets located outside the main sleeping building. Trekkers use a bucket of water for flushing in these basic facilities. Carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer is essential.

No, we do not refund the trek cost if you return early due to altitude sickness or injury. This is same for other travel agencies, both local and international. We spend the funds on permits, guide salaries, and logistics which cannot be recovered. You must claim these financial losses through your travel insurance provider. Your policy should explicitly cover medical expenses and trip curtailment to ensure reimbursement.

Booking 2 to 3 months in advance ensures the best availability for experienced guides and accommodation during peak seasons. Autumn (Mid-October-Early-December) and Spring (March-May) see high demand for limited teahouse space. Early booking allows us sufficient time to prepare permits and coordinate logistics. Last-minute bookings risk guide shortages and permit processing delays.

The we handle the entire process for obtaining the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP permit. Government regulations prohibit individual trekkers from applying for these restricted permits directly. You must provide your original passport and visa details to the us in advance. We physically take your documents to the Department of Immigration for verification and issuance.

We accept international wire transfers (SWIFT) for advance deposits. You can pay the remaining balance in Kathmandu using US Dollars, Euros, or Nepali Rupees cash. Cash remains the most preferred method for the final balance to avoid banking delays and extra bank charges. Payment made through international wire transfers incur bank charges, which is covered by guests.

Helicopter companies require a payment guarantee before dispatching a rescue flight for emergency evacuation. You must provide your insurance policy details, and we coordinate the guarantee with the insurance provider. If insurance validation fails, guest must pay the cost upfront. You must ensure your insurance policy covers evacuation up to 6,000 meters to avoid financial liability.

Yes, the Nepal Government mandates a licensed guide for the Nar Phu Valley trek due to its Restricted Area status. Checkpoint at Koto strictly enforce this rule and turn back trekkers without authorized staff. You cannot obtain the required Restricted Area Permit (RAP) unless a registered agency assigns a guide to your group.

Yes, licensed guides speak English to bridge language gaps with locals in Nar and Phu. They complete language training as part of their government certification process. Guides facilitate interactions with the Khampa people, who speak a dialect distinct from standard Nepali.

No, hiring a porter is not legally mandatory but highly recommended for the challenging Nar Phu terrain. Porters carry 20 to 25 kg of gear, allowing you to focus on hiking the steep ascents to Nar and Phu. This support significantly reduces fatigue and altitude strain.

Guides must hold a valid license from the Ministry of Tourism and complete government training. Essential certifications include high-altitude safety, first aid, and trekking leadership from the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM). Verifying this license ensures your guide meets national safety standards.

The daily fee covers the guide’s food, accommodation, and insurance. You do not need to pay extra for their meals or lodging at teahouses.

The risk of altitude sickness is minimized with our one-day acclimatization plan in Phu village. Trekkers body will be well suited to the altitude of 5,320 meters in Kang La Pass after they hike up to Himlung Base Camp (4,900 meter) on day 8.

Victims of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) suffer from persistent headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The body signals distress through fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping at high altitudes. Severe cases escalate to shortness of breath and confusion, indicating High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Recognizing these early signs saves lives by prompting immediate descent.

The Kang La Pass crossing rates as challenging due to its steep ascent and 5,320-meter elevation. Trekkers face physically demanding scree slopes near the summit. The descent into Ngawal tests endurance with its relentless, knee-straining gradient. Successful crossing requires excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude hiking experience.

The Nar Phu Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, making it relatively safe for monsoon trekking. The valley itself receives less than 200mm of rainfall, keeping upper trails dry. However, the approach road from Besisahar to Koto frequently suffers from landslides and blockages due to heavy rain.

You must descend immediately to a lower altitude if symptoms of severe sickness or AMS appear. Trekkers are recommended to carry medications like Diamox to manage mild conditions temporarily (guides are not legally allowed to provide any kind of medicine to guests). For serious emergencies, your guide will coordinate a helicopter evacuation. Staying at high altitude while sick worsens the condition rapidly.

You need warm layers, including a down jacket and thermal base layers, for freezing nights. Essential gear includes a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -20°C, waterproof trekking boots, and a 40-50L backpack. Don’t forget sun protection like UV sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Carry a basic first aid kit, water purification tablets, and a headlamp with extra batteries.

Yes, you should carry microspikes or crampons for the Kang La Pass, especially in early spring or late autumn. The pass at 5,320 meters often has icy patches that make the descent dangerous without traction. Rental shops in Kathmandu offer them cheaply, so it’s a smart safety addition even if you don’t use them.

Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support are best for the rugged Nar Phu terrain. The trail includes rocky paths, loose scree, and potential snow on the pass, requiring rigid soles for stability. Ensure you break them in for at least 4-6 weeks before the trek to prevent blisters.

Yes, you can easily rent high-quality gear like sleeping bags and down jackets in Kathmandu’s Thamel district. Prices are affordable, typically around USD 1-2 per day for a sleeping bag or jacket. Rental shops require a deposit and a copy of your passport. Inspect the gear carefully for zippers and cleanliness before renting.

Focus on cardio exercises like running, swimming, or cycling 3-4 times a week to build stamina. Incorporate leg strength training with squats, lunges, and step-ups to prepare for steep climbs. Weekend hikes with a weighted backpack simulate the actual trekking conditions effectively.

The Lama, Ghale Gurung and a few Sherpa people inhabit the villages of Nar and Phu. These communities descend from Tibetan settlers and are often referred to as “Bhotias” due to their linguistic and cultural roots. The population remains small, creating a tight-knit society where the entire village functions like an extended family.

The local population primarily practices Tibetan Buddhism infused with elements of the ancient Bon Po religion. Villages feature numerous chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags that reflect deep spiritual devotion. Monks play a central role in daily life, guiding rituals and maintaining the centuries-old monasteries.

Yes, the valley houses several significant monasteries, including the renowned Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu Village. Trekkers also stay overnight at the Nar Phedi Monastery, which functions as a monastic school and residential complex. These sites serve as spiritual hubs for the local communities.

The people speak a distinct Sino-Tibetan dialect known as Nar Phu (or “Narpa”), which relates closely to the Manang languages. This unique dialect remains preserved due to the valley’s geographical isolation. Most locals involved in tourism also speak Nepali and basic English to communicate with trekkers.

Tashi Lhakhang Monastery is famous for being one of the top 108 Buddhist monasteries in the world. It dates back over 700 years and serves as a vital historical and spiritual landmark in the region. The monastery also receives blessings from high-ranking lamas like Karma Sonam Rimpoche.