Nar Phu Valley Trek

Useful Information

Itinerary Disclaimer

If you want to make any changes to our Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary, inform us while confirming the trip. The change in the itinerary may increase or decrease the package cost. We will stick to our confirmed itinerary unless circumstances ask for a modification. 

Likewise, trekking in the Himalayas comes with uncertainties like unpredictable weather, road blockages, altitude sickness, etc. There can be unseen political disturbances that may affect the track course. Even though things like this rarely happen, you have to understand the threats.

In events like these, the trek leader will make a wise decision that will benefit all the trekkers in the group. He will inform you about ongoing occurrences and decide in the best interest of the group.

Airport Pickup and Drop

At the start and the end of the trek with us, our representatives will take care of your airport pickup and dropoff from/to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It is a complimentary service in our trek package. We use private vehicles and make sure you have a hassle-free and comfortable commute. 

*Note: If you want further transportation assistance during your time in Nepal, let us know. We will arrange the best vehicle for you as per your requirements. Additional costs incur. 

Safety and Security

Nar Phu Valley trek is a safe venture because you will be trekking with an expert and experienced guide. Our office team will book you a safe hotel in Kathmandu and help you with anything in the city. While on the trail, our guides and porters will be your reliable companion. Trust our team and be aware of your surroundings. Other than this, you do not have to worry much while traveling with us, Mountain Ram Adventures in Nepal.

Below are some safety tips:

• Do not wander alone in shady areas (especially at night), whether you are in cities or mountains. Even though Nepal is a very safe country for travelers in terms of human threats, you should be a bit cautious.
• Maintain your pace while trekking. Nar Phu Valley trail is rugged, with many steep ascents and descents. Keep your composer and do not rush. If you feel nervous in sections of the trail, ask for help with your guide. It will help you a lot to avoid any physical injury while trekking.
• Always drink boiled/purified water while trekking. Avoid drinking water directly from a tap or stream in the mountain.
• Keep your documents, cash, and emergency funds accessible. Make copies of your travel documents. 

Minimum Age

There is no minimum age for Nar Phu Valley trekking. However, this doesn't mean anyone can do this trek. Trekking with underage trekkers requires an identified guardian with him/her on the trail. As the Nar Phu Valley trek is very demanding, anyone (regardless of their age) planning to do this trek should be physically and mentally fit.

If you wish to do the Nar Phu Valley trek with your kids, contact us for more information. 

Solo Travelers

Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area in Nepal, so there are a few special rules that travelers have to follow to travel here. Solo trekking is not allowed in Nar Phu Valley, and you have to trek in a group of at least two trekkers. On top of that, you are only allowed to do the Nar Phu Valley trek in Nepal with a registered local trekking company like us, as restricted permits are not issued directly to trekkers or independant guides. 

Whether you are trekking alone or with your friends, you can do this trek with us. Solo travelers can join our group and trek with other trekkers from around the world. If we do not have any departure during your desired time, we will find a pair or a few other trekkers for your trip as we work closely with local trekking companies in Nepal.

How much Money do I need for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The Nar Phu Valley trek cost is a bit on the expensive side because it is a restricted area in Nepal. Our Nar Phu Valley trek package starts at USD 1,100 and goes up to USD 2,200 per person. It is still much more affordable than the Western travel operators who sell the same packages for over USD 2,000 per person for the same service. 

Our Nar Phu Valley trek cost includes all your accommodation and meals during the trek, breakfast and accommodation in Kathmandu, expenses of the guide and porter, permits, taxes, domestic transportation as per the itinerary, and service charge of the company. You will be getting great value for your money by doing the Nar Phu Valley trek with Mountain Ram Adventures. 

Accommodation on the Nar Phu Valley Trek

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a nice three-star tourist hotel. There will be all the modern amenities with free WiFi, AC, TV, etc, in the room. During trekking, the accommodation is tea houses. The Nar Phu Valley trail has basic accommodation services for travelers. The houses are usually stone/wood made more like huts. There are dining halls, kitchens, and common bathrooms most of the time in these tea houses. 

The tea houses are runned by the native villagers, so you can expect a similar living experience to the locals themselves. The rooms are mostly twin-shared, and single rooms are only made available on prior notice. There is not much in the room, given the small space, but you will have a cozy night. The bedding is clean. In Besisahar, Koto, and Ngawal, the accommodation facility is much better. 

*Do note that the Nar Phu Valley trek route has not long opened, and the tourist inflow is also low, so the services along the trail are limited, compared to the famous trekking routes in Nepal.

Tips:

• Carry a good quality sleeping bag and pillow for better sleep. Pillows are optional. 
• You can pay a few extra bucks for additional blankets. 
• The dining area is more like a common room. You can spend time here chatting with the locals and other travelers. 
• Carry ample toilet paper and tissues with you. Also, get a portable torch.
• Usually, trekkers are not allowed to enter the kitchen. If you are curious, ask permission before entering. 

Food on the Nar Phu Valley Trek

The meal options on the Nar Phu Valley trek are not extravagant like EBC and ABC but are decent. Nepali and Tibetan dishes are quite common. Dal bhat, Tibetan bread, paratha, thupka, thenduk, chow-mein, and momos are the most common dishes. Dal bhat will be your staple meal on this trek. It is a flavorful and nutritious option. Meat items are available too, but do ask the owner how old the meat is before having it. 

For breakfast, you will get toast, eggs, jam, butter, soup, porridge, parathas, oats, etc. There are not many tea shops available along the trail, and the prices of the snacks are very high. We recommend packing your favorite snacks, bars, and drinks to last you during the trek. Likewise, you can get free boiled drinking in all tea houses in the lower altitude, whereas at the upper part of the trail, it may cost USD 1.5 to 4. 

*Note: For additional purification, use water purification tablets. A 2-liter water bottle is recommended. You can use one water purification tablet for every two liters of water. 

Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits

Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area and also joins a section of the Annapurna Circuit trail. Therefore, you will need the restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit for Nar Phu Valley trekking. A TIMS card is not needed for this trek. Nar Phu Valley is close to the Tibetan border and carries significant natural and cultural importance, so the region is a restricted area. 

Only a government-licensed trekking company like ours can help you get the Nar Phu Valley trek permit. The cost of the restricted permit for Nar Phu Valley varies as per the season. 

Restricted area permit cost:

• From September to November (Autumn): USD 100 for the first 7 days and USD 15 for every additional day spent in the restricted area
• From December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer): USD 75 for the first 7 days and USD 15 for every additional day spent in the restricted area.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit cost:

• Fee for SAARC nationals: NRs. 1000 per person (USD 10 approx)
• Fee for other nationals: NRs. 3000 per person (USD 30 approx)

Documents needed for the permits:

• Photocopies of your passport (with at least six months validity)
• One scanned photograph (to be uploaded for Nar Phu Valley RAP's online form)
• 1-2 passport-size photos 
• Travel insurance papers (includes helicopter evacuation of up to 6,000 meters)
• Nepal tourist visa

Trekking permits policy:

• Trekkers under age 10 do not require any permit.
• You cannot get a refund or transfer the permit to someone else's name.
• Both permits are valid for a single entry.
• You have to follow the regulations of Nepal's National Park and Wildlife Conservation ACT 2029 B.S. (1973).
• You have to carry the permits throughout the trek and show them at official checkpoints along the trekking route.
• Taxes are exclusive of the permit costs, but as we will obtain the permits on your behalf, the package cost includes all taxes.

The Best Time to Trek to Nar Phu Valley

The time of the year you pick to do the Nar Phu Valley trekking does impact your overall trekking experience and the difficulty of the trek. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best time to do the Nar Phu Valley trek, whereas summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are the offseasons.

Off-seasons are not considered an ideal time for trekking because of high instability in the weather and obstructed views. Peak trekking seasons have fantastic weather, a pleasant climate, a low chance of precipitation, and breathtaking mountain views. Likewise, the peak trekking season sees an abundance of vegetation and lets you witness a wide variety of flora and fauna. 

Nar Phu Valley Trek in Spring and Autumn

Spring is the season of flowers in the lower part of the Nar Phu Valley trek route. From the national flower of Nepal, rhododendrons, to vegetation like fir, pine, maple, oak, etc, decorates the entire trail. Likewise, you may also get to see exotic wild animals and birds. The fresh snowfall makes the mountains enchanting, and you can feel warmth in the air as the season proceeds towards summer.

Autumn is another great time of the year for Nar Phu Valley trekking. It is the season of festivals in Nepal, quite contradictory to spring, but the trekking experience in this season is unmatched. The festivity in the air will make your time in Kathmandu, Besisahar, and on the trail spectacular. And, of course, you will see a diverse flora and fauna found in autumn. 

Nar Phu Valley Trek in Winter

Trekking in the winter season allows you to enjoy low restricted area permit costs along with a sensational winter panorama. You will also get discounts on accommodation and meals, as not many travelers do the Nar Phu Valley trek in winter. But the downside is the trek difficulty increases because of extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and blockage of the trail. Some tea houses also closed because of the cold.

The views are often obstructed because of fog, especially in the morning hours. The days get shorter, so you have to start walking early to reach the next village before the night falls. And you have to carry lots of heavy warm clothes and other additional essentials to survive the freezing cold. However, the trekking experience is very unique, and the views you will get to see are unlike any other place.

General Information of Facilities during the Nar Phu Valley Trek

• Internet: The internet service is not that great in the Nar Phu Valley. Even the cellular network is not reliable in all parts of the trail. You should get a Nepali tourist sim with data to stay connected with your loved ones, but keep your network expectations low. 
• Hot Shower: Hot showers are available in many tea houses at an additional cost of USD 5 in general. At the higher part of the trail, a hot shower may not be possible sometimes. Body-wet tissues will come in very handy. You can get baby wipes as well. 
• Charging: Usually, it costs USD 2 to 4 to charge your devices in the tea houses. In the upper part of the trail, locals mainly rely on solar power, which makes charging services payable. For treks like Nar Phu Valley, a solar charger is highly recommended. You can also carry spare batteries and power banks. 
• ATM: There is no ATM on the Nar Phu Valley trek route. So, get Nepali cash in Kathmandu or Besisahar to use during the trek. Our package cost covers all major expenses, but it is good to have additional money for personal expenses like hot showers, WiFi, charging, etc. 
• Luggage: You have a 10 kg weight limit for your duffel bag and 5 kg for a backpack. Any additional luggage you can store in our office or the hotel's locker room free of cost. Our one porter carries duffel bags of two trekkers. You will use the backpack to keep essentials, money, and documents with you. 

Guides and Porters during Nar Phu Valley Trek

We have native guides and porters for Nar Phu Valley trekking. You will be trekking with guides with in-depth knowledge about the region and the locals. You do not have to worry about anything while trekking with our guides, who will take care of you in the mountains. Likewise, our porters are also very friendly and kind. 

Talking about the expertise of our trekking guides, they have numerous years of leading groups. Likewise, they are trained in various wildlife survival, first aid, leading groups, etc, which makes them very reliable. Trekking with a guide not only supports the local economy but also lets you enjoy the journey to the fullest and safely. 

Tipping the guide and porter

Tippin to guides, porters, and drivers is normal while traveling to Nepal. It is also expected at the end of their service. As our Nar Phu Valley trek costs do not involve tips for them, you are free to tip as much as you wish according to their service and your satisfaction level. Many trekkers choose to tip 10% of the package to the trek guide and porters, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 2 to drivers. 

Insurance for the Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley is not connected to developed parts of Nepal. There is no roadway either to travel in a jeep or car. Likewise, the health infrastructure is also very limited. Trekking in a region like this demands travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation and medical bills. Travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. 

You cannot buy travel insurance in Nepal, so get one in your home country. You need to give us a travel insurance document before the trek starts. In case of any emergency, we will use the travel insurance to provide you with a quick rescue from the trail. 

Risks During Nar Phu Valley Trek

There are not many concerning factors while trekking to Nar Phu Valley apart from injuries or altitude sickness. Our guide will monitor your health on a daily basis and provide you with first aid if necessary. If you have any allergies or illnesses that may get triggered during the trek, inform us in advance. It will help us to be well-prepared for any adverse situation.

Stomach problems

Stomach problems are normal because of changes in air, water, and food. You do not have to be very concerned about it. Meet your doctor and get some general medicines to carry with you while trekking in case you see any stomach problems like indigestion or diarrhea during the trek. Try sticking to a vegetarian diet while trekking and drinking boiled water purified by water purification tablets. 

Preventing Altitude Sickness (AMS)

Altitude sickness is normal on treks like this because of the increase in elevation. You can avoid it by doing certain things like drinking plenty of water, maintaining your pace, getting ample sleep, and not consuming alcoholic drinks. If you adopt these things, you can do Nar Phu Valley trekking without getting any symptoms of altitude sickness that are:

• persistent headache
• loss of appetite
• breathing issue
• vomiting
• nausea
• insomnia

Personal Expenses

Our Nar Phu Valley trek cost covers all major expenses included in the journey. For detailed information, check out the cost inclusion section on the package page. Things like transportation services, accommodation, and meals out of our itinerary will incur additional charges. Your international flight tickets, travel insurance, tips, and shopping are also not covered in our Nar Phu Valley trek cost. So, you have to budget for these things as well. 

The services like charging, WiFi, hot showers, etc, in the tea houses along the Nar Phu Valley trail cost an additional few bucks. These are your personal expenses and are not included in our package cost. A budget of USD 10 to 15 daily will be sufficient to address these expenses. The number may vary as per your requirements. 

Arrival Complications

You may see arrival complications while traveling to Nepal. It can be anything from your flight getting delayed to baggage delay and not getting in touch with our team at the airport. We hope you do not have to face any of these things, but you have to be prepared for unseen circumstances. 

If your flight is delayed, inform us on time so that we can rearrange your airport pick-up and hotel reservation. Likewise, if you happen to not find our team at the airport, get in touch with us using the airport's WiFi or ask for call support from local authorities. Similarly, make sure your visa documentation is on your hand with the needed visa fee for a quick visa process. 

Emergency Contact

We provide our guests with a dedicated emergency contact number they can reach out to 24/7 in case of any complications or unexpected situations. Likewise, our team constantly monitors guests' journeys to address any complications. This is our emergency contact number that you can reach out to at any time without any hesitation- +977 9851074270. This number has both WhatsApp and Viber. 

Visas and Entry Requirements

If you are trekking in Nepal, you have to obtain a travel visa. Nepal offers the convenience of getting a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and several land border crossings. This process is generally straightforward and efficient. Alternatively, you can apply for a tourist visa online through the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal or visit the nearby Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office. 

*Note: If you are planning to get an on-arrival travel visa in Kathmandu or any other border, make sure to check the travel visa status for your country. There are a handful of countries that are not eligible for an on-arrival Nepali travel visa. 

Essential documents needed to get a travel visa: 

1. Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.
2. Visa application form: If applying upon arrival, you'll need to complete a visa application form. This form is available at the airport and border crossings.
3. Passport-sized photos: Keep a few recent passport-sized photos on hand.
4. Trek confirmation letter: We will provide you with a trek confirmation letter that you can use to obtain a travel visa for Nepal.

Laundry

Given the limited resources in these remote areas, it's wise to pack enough trekking clothes to last you through the duration of your trek without needing frequent laundry. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabrics are your best companions, as they allow for easy washing and drying.

In remote areas like Nar Phu Valley, laundry facilities might be limited. However, the local teahouse owners often offer the option of hand washing your clothes for a small fee. This traditional method ensures your clothes are cleaned and dried by the time you continue your journey.

Tips:

• To minimize your environmental impact, carry biodegradable soap for hand washing your clothes.
• Keep a few resealable plastic bags to store damp clothes separately from your dry ones in your backpack.

Money Exchange

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), often denoted by the symbol "रू" or "Rs." Notes are available in various denominations, including 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rupees. One of the most common ways to get Nepalese currency is by exchanging your home currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) at banks, exchange counters, or authorized money changers in major cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara.

ATMs are readily available in urban areas and even in some famous trekking hubs. However, the Nar Phu Valley trek route has no ATM. Likewise, credit and debit cards are accepted at some upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas; they are not accepted in this trekking region. So you have to keep ample Nepali cahs with you

*Note: Be sure to check with your card provider about international transaction fees.

Tips for money exchange:

• Exchange rates can vary between different money exchange points. Compare rates before making a transaction.
• Stick to authorized money changers and banks to ensure fair rates and avoid scams.
• Carry a mix of small and large denomination notes. Small notes can be handy for purchases in local shops and for tipping.
• US dollars are widely accepted in Nepal, especially in the tourism industry.
• Estimate your daily expenses and carry enough cash for additional food, drinks, and services in the tea houses while trekking. 

Emergency Fund

While you may have planned for your trek's expenses, unexpected costs can arise. This could include medical emergencies, unforeseen accommodation changes, or transportation delays due to weather conditions. So, set aside a specific amount of money as your emergency fund. This should be in addition to the funds you've budgeted for your trek.

*Note: An emergency fund is not meant for everyday expenses but should only be used for genuine emergencies.

Learn Useful Nepali Phrases & Etiquette

If you are all set to travel to Nepal, one thing that can take your time in this beautiful country to the next level is learning a few basic Nepali phrases and etiquette. It will help you immensely connect with locals and be respectful of their beliefs. It's these small gestures that can make your journey through Nepal not just a sightseeing experience but a true cultural exchange that leaves you with lasting memories and meaningful connections.

Basic phrases:

• Namaste (नमस्ते): Hello/Greetings (with folded hands, a common way of greeting in Nepal).
• Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद): Thank you.
• Kripaya (कृपया): Please.
• Sundar (सुन्दर): Beautiful.
• Kasto Cha? (कस्तो छ?): How are you?
• Maaph garnuhos (माफ गर्नुहोस्): Excuse me/Sorry.
• Khana khanu bhayo? (खाना खानु भयो?): Have you eaten?
• Ke ho? (के हो?): What is this?
• Maile bujina (मैले बुझिन): I don't understand.
• Ghar (घर): House/Home.

Etiquette and cultural tips:

• Respect for elders: Nepali culture places great importance on respect for elders. Use "ji" or "dai" (for men) and "didi" (for women) as a sign of respect when addressing them.
• Removing shoes: It's customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, a temple, or a monastery.
• Dress modestly: While urban areas are more cosmopolitan, in rural and religious areas, it's respectful to dress modestly.
• Circumambulation: When visiting temples or stupas, always walk clockwise around them as a mark of respect.
• Using your right hand: The right hand is considered cleaner and more respectful for handing items, giving and receiving, and shaking hands.
• Tipping: Tipping is not a widespread practice, but it's appreciated. A small amount as a tip for good service is sufficient.
• Accepting offers: If offered food or drinks, it's polite to accept, even if you take just a small amount. 
• Public displays of affection: Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Keep physical affection modest and private.
• Be mindful of photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in more remote or traditional areas.

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Packing Tips

Nar Phu Valley trek is no doubt a once-in-a-lifetime trek, and preparing wisely for the trip will make the journey smooth for you. From packing proper trekking clothes and gear to all the small essentials are crucial. Below, we have made a comprehensive packing list for this trek and mention some tips that will help you a lot:

*Remember- by packing smart, you'll be well-prepared to embrace the beauty and challenges of the Nar Phu Valley trek route while minimizing unnecessary weight on your journey.

• Essentials: Sun cap, scarf, gloves, woolen cap, hat, raincoat, cotton socks, woolen socks, clothing (4-5 pairs of each item), dry tees, underwear, trekking shirt and pants, down jacket, fleece jacket, windbreaker, thermal wear, rain pants, daypack and rain cover, backpack and rain cover, duffle bag (provided by the company), water bottle, water filter, sleeping bag & liner, trekking poles, stuff sack, hiking shoes or boots
• Personal kit: Toilet paper, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, lip balm, sanitizer, wet wipes, cold cream, face cream, comb, sunglasses, toothbrush & paste, hand wash
• Personal Medical kit: Insect repellent, paracetamol, band-aid, Vomistop, antifungal cream, cotton, ORS or electoral powder, antiseptic cream, bandage and spray for sprained joint, necessary medications
• Electronic Gadget: Charger, spare batteries, power bank, camera, headlamp/LED torch 
• Documents: Permits, passport, visa, photo, identity card, travel insurance documents

Below are some of the tips:

• Layering is key: The weather can vary significantly during the trek. Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer for rain or snow.
• Warm clothing: Nights at higher altitudes can be chilly. Include warm clothing like fleece jackets, thermal leggings, and a beanie or hat, even during the spring and autumn seasons.
• Trekking boots: Invest in sturdy, well-fitting trekking boots with ankle support. Break them in before the trek to avoid blisters.
• Camp shoes: Lightweight sandals or slip-on shoes are great for wearing around the lodges after a day of trekking.
• Sleeping bag: A warm sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures is a must. Check the temperature rating and choose accordingly.
• Sleeping pad (optional): A compact sleeping pad adds an extra layer of comfort during your nights in lodges.
• Chargers and adapters: Ensure you have chargers for your electronic devices and the necessary power adapters for Nepal