Nar Phu Valley Trek Preparation | All You Need to Know

Hidden deep in the heart of the Himalayas, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is still unknown to many. Located in the Annapurna region, the Nar Phu Valley is a rare gem waiting to be explored. The remote valleys, Nar and Phu, offer a raw and authentic adventure through archaic Tibetan villages of the Annapurna region. However, to witness the high-altitude landscapes and alluring mountain views, trekkers are required to have proper Nar Phu Valley Trek preparation.

Trekking in these regions is not just about getting your bag ready and lacing up your boots, but it demands trekkers’ perseverance and being ready for whatever comes next. Proper planning and training are required to scale this rugged, restricted region of Annapurna.

Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a novice, curious adventurer, we, Himalayan Masters, provide a well-planned, achievable, and exciting Nar Phu Valley itinerary. Rest assured, we will arrange everything: food, accommodation, permits, transportation, etc.

This guide will walk you through all the things that you need to consider and know to conquer the Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Things to Know Before Preparing for the Nar Phu Valley Trek

Even before stepping foot into the trek trail, there are a few essential things that the trekkers need to know regarding Nar Phu Valley Trek preparation. They need to gather all the information about permits, weather, difficulty level, route, required gear, etc.

For complete and up-to-date information, remember to get in touch with Himalayan Masters. We are here to assist you through every step of your Nar Phu Valley journey.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare like a pro.

Permits and Special Permits / Restricted Permits

As mentioned before, the Nar and Phu Valleys are restricted areas. So, you must acquire a special Restricted Area Permit to enter these regions. Additionally, these valleys fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you must issue an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit to enter the conservation area.

To issue these permits, you must hire a registered trekking agency. These permits can be issued in Kathmandu by the Nepal Tourism Board. Your permits will be checked first at Koto and then registered in Meta.

However, if you are trekking with Himalayan Masters, we will arrange all the required permits for the trip, included in the trip package.

Suitable Weather and Best Time to Trek

No doubt, the best times to trek Nar Phu Valley are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), like any other treks in Nepal. During these times, the weather in the Nar Phu Valley route is stable, with clear skies, giving one of the best views of panoramic mountain ranges. You can see mountains like Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Himlung, Kangaru, and Annapurna massif.

In contrast, due to monsoon (June-August) rain, the route becomes slippery and increases the risk of leech bites. Meanwhile, winter (December-February) comes with extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

So, choosing a suitable season to trek is crucial for a safe, thrilling, and memorable trip.

The Difficulty of the Trek and the Physical Preparation Required

Although the trek can be categorized as moderately difficult, don’t underestimate this trek. The trek reaches a significant elevation of 5320 meters (17,454 ft) at Kang La Pass. To pass these passes, one needs to be physically prepared and have prior trekking experience.

We suggest training at least 2-3 months before the trip and focus on building endurance, strength, and stamina. Doing some cardio, hiking, and strength training is good.

Necessary Tools and Materials

Smart Nar Phu Valley packing is key to a successful journey. Packing sturdy, waterproof boots and warm clothes (according to season) is important. Likewise, pack a sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -20°C), a durable backpack (50-70 L), sunglasses, gloves, socks, caps, neck gaiters, etc.

Don’t forget to pack high-altitude gear like trekking poles, crampons (especially for winter trekking), and a first-aid kit. Likewise, packing skin care products like sunscreen, lotion, and lip balm is recommended.

Additionally, packing extra batteries, a power bank with good backup, a portable camera, etc., is wise.

Trekking Routes and Main Attractions

The Nap Phu Valley route is a complete trek trail. That said, trekkers need to drive up to Besisahar and might encounter a few motorable roads up to Kota. Also, you will be driving back from Nawal when returning.

Besides, the trek route traverses through lush forests along the Naar and Phu Rivers and ancient Tibetan villages like Nar and Phu.

The most challenging and exciting part of the journey is conquering Kang La Pass, where you will be awarded with great views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

Food and Accommodation

As you might be wondering about what type food will I eat and where will I sleep while Nar Phu Valley Trek preparation, which is obvious.

This is a remote trek, so the teahouses and food they serve on the route are basic. Teahouses offer simple but hearty local foods like Dal Bhat (unlimited servings), Tibetan bread, noodles, tea, potato items, eggs, etc.

Since the options are limited, we suggest packing some snacks for the route.

Furthermore, the teahouse provides a normal bed, blanket, and a pillow to sleep. So, packing a warm sleeping bag could really come in handy. Additionally, they offer Wi-Fi, hot water, electronics charging, etc., facilities, with some extra charge.

Communication, Health, and Safety Measures

Mobile network coverage is limited in the Nar Phu Valley, and the Wi-Fi facility is available on most trek routes.

NTC (Nepal Telecom) and NCELL are the most popular network providers available on the route. You can get the NTC network in almost all parts of the route, though it might not be available at higher altitudes and gorges. At the same time, the NCELL network is only available in the lower regions of Nar Phu, below Meta and Nawal Villages. So, we suggest you carry both Nepali SIM cards and use them where available.

Meanwhile, Wi-Fi connectivity in teahouses is satisfactory enough. Teahouses on Nar Phu Valley offer Wi-Fi with an extra fee, though it might not be compatible with heavy uses or downloads. Nevertheless, forget about the internet and try to enjoy the journey.

Moreover, you might need to stay connected to update about your condition with your loved ones. It is a quiet high-altitude trek, so chances of altitude sickness are significant, for which proper acclimatization is essential. Further, you might need a helicopter evacuation in the worst case. Therefore, for safety purposes, communication is important.

One more advice: get good travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuation, and medical bills.

Estimated Expenses and Budget Planning

9 days long Nar Phu Valley trek is not a cheap trek. Since it is a remote, restricted village, supplies, food, and accommodation are a little expensive. So, you can expect to spend about $900 to $1500 for this trek.

However, if you choose to trek with Himalayan Masters, you can complete the whole trek at the most affordable trip package at just $995 per person. The trip package includes all your permits, food, accommodation, transportation, and guide and porter.

Moreover, you might be spending about $15 to $20 each day on snacks, additional services in the teahouse, tips for the teahouse owners, offerings in the monasteries, etc. Additionally, there is a tip for your guide and porter after completing the trek.

Connecting With Valid Local Agencies

Solo trekking is not an option here. You must hire a registered, local trekking agency like Himalayan Masters. Managing all the permits, logistics, guides, routes, and so on by yourself is no joke. So, you will need a local agency’s expertise for a safe and well-organized trek so that you can only focus on enjoying the trip.

How to Prepare for Nar Phu Valley

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is not a walk in your backyard; it’s a test of endurance, resilience and adaptability. For a successful trip, you need to plan accordingly for the Nar Phu Valley Trek preparation.

Here are some of the things you need to consider to prepare for the Nar Phu Valley:

Physical Preparation

To physically overcome the high-altitude challenges during the Nar Phu Valley trek, we suggest you do some cardio exercise, strength training, and long hikes. Running, stair climbing, and cycling help in building endurance, while squats and lunges strengthen your legs. Aim to train with a loaded backpack to simulate trekking conditions.

Mental Preparation

Since Nar Phu Valley is remote and lacks modern facilities, mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. Expect long days of walking, basic accommodations, and unpredictable weather. Reading past trekkers’ experiences and mentally preparing for possible discomfort will help you stay motivated.

Although being mentally prepared or having positive thoughts might not be helpful, it makes your journey merry.

Technical Preparation

There are no technical climbs that you need to do in this trek. Having said that, having the right skills can make your trek comfortable. Learn to use trekking poles efficiently, pack your backpack correctly, and adjust your pace to avoid exhaustion.

Learning the uses of a first-aid kit and being aware of early symptoms of altitude sickness is vital for your safety.

Special Training

If this is your first high-altitude trek, or you have never trekked over 3000 meters (9800 ft) elevation, consider doing some short hikes. Likewise, practice breathing techniques and carry out altitude simulation training to help you adapt.

Also, learning some Nepali or Tibetan phrases to greet and appreciate can be beneficial in interacting with the locals.

Connect With Us to Prepare for the Nar Phu Valley Trek

Ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime? For a safe and relaxing trekking experience, book your Nar Phu Valley Trek with Himalayan Masters. We are a trusted local trekking company located in Thamel, Kathmandu.

We are here to assist and help you organize a comfortable, memorable, in the restricted, pristine, and picturesque villages like Nar and Phu. Contact us today at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +977-9823636377 and start preparing for the trek of your dreams!