Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

The 19-day trek package for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit cost starts from USD 1690.00 per person. This comprehensive package includes all the necessary facilities and support, such as accommodation, transportation, and meals, to ensure a seamless and hassle-free adventure.

Most of the cost goes to the guides and porters who help you with navigation, cultural and natural insights, safety, and luggage transfer. Moreover, it accounts for administrative expenses, such as staff insurance and emergency support planning. 

As part of the package, we will arrange the necessary permits to enter the restricted area of Nar Phu Valley and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit for a trek around Annapurna.

The standard package includes 3-star accommodations in Kathmandu/Pokhara and local teahouses on the trek. However, you can upgrade your accommodations to luxury lodges in a few places for a few extra hundred dollars. These lodges will have comfortable bedding, attached bathrooms, high-speed internet, in-room charging facilities, etc.

Additionally, you can upgrade your road transportation (Pokhara to Kathmandu). You can upgrade from a tourist bus to a private vehicle or commercial flight for more comfort. It’ll cost an extra USD 200 if you choose a private car and USD 200 to 250 for a flight option.

If you’re planning a Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek in a group, we also provide a group package option. We offer a special discount of USD 60 to 120 per person, depending on the group size. 

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permit and Cost 

You must acquire two permits for Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (NPRAP)

Since Nar Phu Valley is in a Restricted Zone, you need a special restricted area permit to access the region. This permit is designed to ensure the safety of trekkers and protect the delicate ecosystem. It also helps to regulate sustainable tourism and preserve the centuries-old cultural heritage of Nar Phu Valley.

Where can you get the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (NPRAP)?

Ans - You can acquire the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (NPRAP) from the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. The price of this special trekking permit varies by trekking season. It costs USD 100 during the peak season of September to November and USD 75 for the rest of the year.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)

Another permit you need is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP). The conservation entry permit fee significantly supports environmental conservation by protecting wildlife habitats and fragile ecosystems. Moreover, the permit fees contribute to tourism sustainability by funding trail maintenance and infrastructure improvements. They also contribute to waste management programs to enhance the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.

Where can you get the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)?

Ans - The ACAP permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the park entry gate in Besisahar. It costs NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals (including tax).

How difficult is Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit?

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit is a strenuous trek, considering its high altitude, remote location, and rugged terrain. The trail does not require technical skills. But it includes rocky paths, narrow ridges, steep ascents, and less-maintained sections, adding to the challenge.

On the 19-day Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll spend 10 successive nights over 3,000 meters. Moreover, you’ll have to cross two mountain passes above 5,000 meters, i.e., Kang La Pass (5,320 meters) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). At such elevation, the air pressure and oxygen level drop significantly, increasing the risk of high altitude sickness.

You can expect to walk 6 to 8 hours a day with an average ascent of around 500 meters. The Nar Phu Valley trail demands high physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Although the entire route is navigable, the remoteness of the regions adds to the challenge. Until the trek adjoins the route of Annapurna Circuit, you must fit in with basic accommodations and amenities in the Nar Phu Valley.

If you plan to trek to Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit during the winter, make sure you’re prepared for extra setbacks. The weather conditions often get extreme in the upper sections of the trek. It will be excessively cold temperatures, strong winds, and snowy trails.

Crossing Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass can be extremely difficult with excessive snowfall. Poor visibility, occasional snowstorms, and freezing temperatures make the trek very difficult in the winter.

Training for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek demands proper preparation and a training plan to ensure a successful experience. Its challenging terrain, long-distance walking, and high altitude demand high-level physical fitness, mental resilience, and recovery time.

The level and intensity of training can depend on your fitness level. However, we recommend you start your fitness training 8 to 10 weeks before the trek.

Conditioning Hikes

The best way to prepare for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is by mimicking the challenges you’ll likely endure during the trek. Find a decent hiking trail around your hometown and schedule weekly or bi-weekly hikes on terrain.

We recommend carrying a backpack and counting elevation gain to simulate real-life conditions. Start slowly with 3 to 5 kilometres and gradually increase the distance, intensity, elevation, and pack weight over time. This training helps you feel comfortable in your trekking gear, including backpack, boots, and clothing. It also helps to build your stamina, fitness, and mental readiness to endure long-distance walks.

If there aren’t any decent trails, you can practice conditioning hikes by climbing up and down your home stairs with a weighted pack.

Cardio Training

Cardiovascular fitness is crucial for multi-day trekking at high altitudes and varying terrains. We suggest steady-state cardio exercises such as brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, or rope jumping. These exercises help build the stamina required to tackle steep ascents and descents. 

Consistent cardio training enhances lung capacity and overall heart health. It is essential for reducing oxygen levels and air pressure at higher altitudes.

We recommend aiming for 4 to 5 cardio sessions per week. You can start with slow to moderate-intensity workouts of 30 minutes and gradually increase to hour-long sessions.

Strength Training

Building strength, especially in your core, leg muscles and upper body, is crucial for enhancing stability, refining balance, and preventing injuries.

Strong legs help you navigate rough, uneven trails for an extended period with less fatigue and aches. A strong core and upper body also help improve body posture and balance the weight distribution while carrying a backpack.

To strengthen your leg muscles, focus on calf raises, step-ups, squats, stair masters, and lunges. Likewise, focus on core exercises like planks, leg raises, deadlifts, Russian twists, and upper body exercises.

We recommend adding 3 to 4 weekly strength sessions. You can perform three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for each exercise.

Stretching Workouts

The rugged and uneven terrains on Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit demand good flexibility and balance. Hence, your training regimen should incorporate dynamic stretching, yoga practices, and balance exercises such as leg swings and hamstring stretches.

These exercises will enhance your flexibility, joint mobility, and overall agility, reducing the likelihood of injuries. Moreover, regular stretching significantly improves blood circulation, aids muscle recovery, and supplies oxygen-rich blood to your body. 

We recommend you add 3 to 4 stretching sessions per week into your routine to prepare for the trek.

Altitude Preparation

The Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek requires crossing two mountain passes over 5,000 meters: Kang La Pass (5,320 meters) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). The high-altitude nature of the trek demands proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.

You can not simulate high altitude while training for the trek. However, adding endurance workouts to improve your aerobic capacity and practising deep breathing techniques can help in altitude preparation.

We recommend spending a few days at a moderate altitude before heading to the Himalayas. This will help your body adjust to the elevation and thin air in the atmosphere.

Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are vital for any successful training regimen, and this is no different! You should allow your body to repair and strengthen with proper rest and recovery sessions.

We recommend including at least one or two days of rest per week. During rest days, you can engage in light activities like walking or yoga to stay active. These recovery sessions are crucial for boosting your overall performance, restoring energy, repairing muscles, and preventing burnout.

In addition to these sessions, you must prioritize at least 7 hours of sound sleep, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with a balanced diet.

Best Time for Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit

Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit offers unique experiences across various seasons. There are four seasons in Nepal for trekking in the Himalayas. Each season showcases the region’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and varying weather conditions. 

Spring from March to May and Autumn from September to November are the best times for Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Here’s a brief overview of trekking to Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit in different seasons.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is hands down the most popular trekking season for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit. The post-monsoon weather brings stable, moderate, and dry temperatures, perfect for long-distance walks.

The sky remains clear and bright during this time of the year, offering excellent daily visibility. Hence, the mountains and natural scenery are at their absolute best. Besides, the trails are much safer and accessible in autumn due to its stable and dry temperatures. 

However, autumn is the peak trekking season in Nepal, and trails and teahouses of Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit can often be packed with trekkers.

Recommendations for the Autumn Season

• Pack warm layers, as the mornings and nights bring extreme cold at higher altitudes.
• Book your hotels and teahouses in advance to avoid peak-season congestion. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the second-favourite season for Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek after autumn. It brings a different mood to the trail. The temperature stays warm and pleasant in the lower reaches, ideal for long-distance treks.

Likewise, the morning often stays warm, bright, and clear, while the afternoons bring thick cloud cover and occasional rain showers. Hence, you can savour the mountain views in the mornings before it gets cloudy.

One of the major highlights of the spring season is the full bloom of biodiversity in the Nar Phu Valley trek route. At this time of year, the trails are decorated with vibrant hues of orchids, rhododendrons, and other wildflowers. It is the perfect season for nature enthusiasts who appreciate blooming flowers and lush greenery.

Like autumn, the trails and teahouses of Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit can be crowded with trekkers.

Recommendations for the Spring Season

• Pack lightweight rain gear if you’re trekking in the late spring, as light showers are frequent at this time of the year.
• Carry trekking poles to manoeuvre through slipper trails during rain showers. 

Monsoon (June to August)

Often considered cold deserts, Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit lie in Nepal's rain-shadow region. These regions experience significantly less rainfall, so the monsoon season isn’t as bad in these regions as in other parts of the country.

The alpine pastures of Nar Phu, Manang, and Mustang valleys are in full bloom, with lush greenery and colourful flowers during this time of the year. However, you’ll have to deal with occasional downpours, mudslides, and poor visibility. The temperature remains warm during the day, and the nights remain cooler.

Monsoon is also an excellent season for cultural enthusiasts. If you plan your trip right now, you can enjoy the Grand Yartung Festival in Nar Phu, Manang, and Mustang regions.

Note that there are several landslide-prone areas and slippery cliff sections along the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit route. Hence, you should be extra cautious about these sections during monsoon season.

Recommendations for the Monsoon Season

• Pack sturdy trekking boots and heavy rain gear to stay protected from the wet conditions.
• Book your accommodation in advance if you plan your trip during the Grand Yartung Festival. 

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the least favourable season for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek, considering it includes two mountain passes over 5,000 meters. Although the daytime temperatures are tolerable, the night can get extreme, dropping below 20°C. 

In winter, the trails are usually covered in thick snow and icy conditions, making the journey more challenging, particularly on the high passes. The season also brings safety risks, including occasional snowstorms, excessive snowfall, blocked trails, and avalanches. There is also a higher risk of acute mountain sickness, hypothermia, and snow blindness.

However, this is the least favourable time to enjoy the stunning mountain views in solitude. Very few trekkers make their way to these regions during winter.

Recommendations for the Monsoon Season

• To stay protected from the extreme cold, carry sturdy trekking boots, heavy-duty down jackets, sleeping bags, crampons, and snow gear.
• Prepare your mind before you hit the road. Stay aware of the extreme challenges you’ll likely endure during the trek, and ensure you’re mentally ready to face them.

Acclimatization and Safety

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a strenuous, multi-day adventure in Nepal’s high altitudes. During the trek, you’ll spend 10 successive nights over 3,000 meters before passing two high passes over 5,000 meters. The high passes of this trek are Kang La Pass (5,320 meters) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), respectively.

At such high elevations, the risk of altitude sickness is substantial. Hence, it is crucial to acclimate and be aware of altitude sickness to mitigate its risk and ensure a safe trekking experience.

Things You Should Do to Acclimatize

• Maintain a slow and steady pace, even if you feel you can push harder. Also, take frequent breaks if necessary and let your body adjust to the elevation naturally.
• Carry a water bottle and drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every single day. Add hot drinks, soups, or lentils if drinking 3 to 4 liters of water seems too much.
• Pack proper clothing for extreme conditions! Wear extra layers to protect your body from rain showers, cold temperatures, and strong wind. So, pack a high-quality fleece jacket, windbreaker, and poncho raincoat. We also recommend covering your head, neck, and arms to prevent excessive heat loss.
• Take advantage of the acclimatization days at Phu and Manang. During these days, you'll do short hikes to higher altitudes and return to lower altitudes to sleep. This will allow your body to adapt to the increasing elevation more effectively.
• Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants, as these substances exaggerate dehydration, blood pressure, and heart rate.
• Once you cross the 3,000-meter altitude threshold, restrict your daily ascent to 500 to 600 meters. Stick to the itinerary, as it is strategically designed with gradual altitude gain, reasonable walking distance, and acclimatization days. 
• While losing appetite at higher altitudes is common, we recommend eating well and maintaining enough nutrients and calories. Choose high-energy, carbohydrate-rich foods. These foods are easier to digest and will provide the necessary energy for trekking.
• Be aware of the early symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and nausea. If you feel any symptoms, stop ascending and inform your guide immediately so he can assess your condition.
• Although we recommend you acclimatize through proper pacing and rest, you should consider taking Diamox (Acetazolamide).

Accommodation

Before and after your trek, you’ll stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel on a BB basis in Kathmandu. These luxury hotels offer air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour hot water, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping service, luggage storage facilities, etc.

The accommodation along the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit will be in local teahouses like most high-altitude treks in Nepal. However, you will likely find a stark contrast between the accommodation in these two regions.

The teahouses in Nar Phu Valley are more basic and rustic. The rooms are often small and have basic amenities, such as twin or triple beds, foam mattresses, a couple of pillows, and blankets. Apart from a few lodges in Koto and Nar, the teahouses offer shared toilets and bathrooms.

On the other hand, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options after crossing Kang La Pass and entering the Annapurna Circuit. You can choose from basic dorms to high-end hotels in Ngawal and Manang. However, the options will be limited, and the facilities will be basic in the Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. Apart from a few teahouses in the upper section, most offer attached toilets and bathrooms in the Annapurna Circuit.

The teahouses and lodges in Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit do not provide in-room heating facilities. They’ll have a common dining area, routinely lit with an evening fire, to keep the area warm and cozy. The dining section is usually spacious and well-decorated, as most trekkers gather here for meals, relaxation, and socializing.

Note: All your accommodations (including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and during the trek) are twin-shared. If you do not like to share rooms with other members, we can arrange a single supplement for an additional cost. However, arranging a single supplement may not always be possible, especially in the upper sections of the trek. There are limited teahouses in the upper section of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Meals

Along the route of Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit, you can expect a wide variety of food and drink options. Nepali and Tibetan cuisines are predominant in the Nar Phu region. Meanwhile, Annapurna Circuit has decent menus that combine Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and continental dishes.

Common local meals include Dal Bhat, momo, thukpa, thenthuk, fried rice, chowmein, potato dishes, and Tibetan bread. Likewise, popular continental options include pancakes, pasta, macaroni, sandwiches, and spaghetti.

There are also many cafes and bakeries, particularly on the Annapurna Circuit. These shops sell bread, cookies, rolls, doughnuts, and freshly baked apple pies. Some places in Ngawal, Manang, and Mustang also serve Espresso coffee.

Note: The package price includes breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara and full-board options (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the trek.

Drinking Water

Usually, the teahouses in Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit offer tap and boiled water. While it is common for locals to drink directly from the tap, we do not recommend you do so.

One of the primary causes of diarrhoea while trekking in remote regions is untreated and unfiltered water. Therefore, you should carry a water bottle with a straw filter to remove bacteria, microplastics, and protozoa from the tap water. 

Moreover, we highly recommend using chlorine—or iodine-based water purification tablets to purify your water for extra safety. The teahouses often charge around USD 2 to 4 per litre for boiled water.

Although bottled water is available in most teahouses and local shops, we do not recommend buying it to minimize plastic waste.

Hot Shower

Hot showers are available throughout the Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit Trek. In the lower regions, like Koto, Ngawal, Manang, and Jomsom, the teahouses provide gas—or solar-powered hot showers. Some of them even have en-suite bathrooms.

However, running hot water will not be available as you go higher on the trek. If you want to take a hot shower in the upper regions, you should manage with the bucket showers. However, taking showers anywhere near or above 4,000 meters is not recommended.

Hot showers can cost anywhere from USD 2 to 6 on this route.

Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity

There is network coverage for both NTC and Ncell in Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit. However, due to its remote location, the signal strength is weak and unreliable in most parts of Nar Phu Valley.

A decent signal is available in the lower section of Nar Phu Valley. The connectivity often becomes sparse, irregular, and nonexistent as you ascend the valley.

The network coverage becomes much better once you cross Kang La Pass and enter the Annapurna Circuit. Except for a few locations in the upper section, most parts of Annapurna Circuit deliver exceptional network coverage.

While you may find patchy 3G signals in the lower section of the trek, they can often be spotty and unavailable. The coverage rarely extends in the upper section due to the remote locations.

You must rely on Wi-Fi services for better internet access. Wi-Fi service is available in a few locations in Nar Phu Valley. You will get the Wi-Fi services everywhere in Annapurna Circuit route. The teahouses may charge around USD 2 to 5 for Wi-Fi per device.

Electricity

Almost all parts of Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit, especially the lower sections, are powered by hydroelectricity. So, charging your electronic devices and mobile phones is easy and convenient throughout most of the trek. 

A handful of local lodges and teahouses in the lower sections have charging sockets in the rooms. This means you can charge numerous devices simultaneously in the comfort of your room without paying extra fees.

However, a few settlements, such as Phu, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi, are powered by solar panels. In these regions, the teahouses do not have charging sockets inside the rooms. They usually have one communal charging station in the dining area, which is jam-packed with devices during the peak seasons.

Besides that, you’ll have to pay a small fee of USD 2 to 3 to charge your mobile phone and camera. Although nearly all regions of the trek have access to electricity, you should not solely rely on it, as technical issues and weather conditions can often disrupt it. To avoid such inconvenience, it is best to carry high-capacity power banks or solar chargers. Charging your phone and camera, even without electricity, is very useful.

ATMs and Money Exchange

It is essential that you carry some cash for extra expenses for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek. Although very few teahouses accept foreign currencies, most prefer Nepalese rupees (NPR).

You can find many ATMs and reputable money exchange centers in Kathmandu, especially around Thamel. Unlike other parts of the country, you can expect a decent exchange rate for your currency in Thamel. However, visiting a few exchange centers to get a sense of the standard exchange rate and get the best value for your money is always a good idea.

You can also find a few exchange centres in Besisahar. However, we do not recommend exchanging money here unless it is necessary. Most exchange centres in Besisahar will likely bargain at the exchange rate and offer slightly less favourable rates.

Likewise, if you need to withdraw cash from an ATM, do so in Kathmandu. Although there are a few ATMs in Besisahar, Manang, and Muktinath, they are not to be relied upon!

Travel Insurance

Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging high-altitude treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. It involves multi-day walking in remote regions, sleeping over 3,000 meters for several consecutive nights. It also includes crossing two mountain passes over 5,000 meters. 

This trek poses a high risk of physical injuries, accidents, and altitude sickness. Hence, it is mandatory to have a travel insurance policy to sign up for this trek with Nepal Gateway Trekking. 

Here are a few things you should consider while buying an insurance policy for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Buy a policy with an altitude coverage of 5,500 meters as you’ll cross two passes over 5,000 meters.
• Considering its difficulty, we recommend buying a policy covering the cost of emergency evacuation by ambulance and helicopter.
• Buy a policy that covers medical expenses and hospital bills for altitude sickness. Make sure it also covers for general illness, physical injuries, and accidents.
• Make sure your policy covers trip cancellation and compensates flight change/cancellation fees.

Guide and Porter Information

Our guides and porters are the unsung heroes in making your trek successful, enjoyable, and unforgettable. They are highly experienced professionals with over a decade of experience in high-altitude treks in the Himalayas of Nepal.

What truly sets our guides apart is their intimate understanding of the trails, local communities, and ecosystems. Their expertise ensures you navigate the remote regions properly and stay safe throughout the trek. With their knowledge, you gain deep insights into the region’s natural, cultural, social, and historical aspects.

Moreover, they are trained in first aid, altitude sickness, wilderness survival, and responsible practices. Hence, they can provide critical first-aid treatments, assess your health, and handle minor injuries.

Likewise, our porters are incredibly skilled, strong, and reliable, with the proper work ethics and personal care. Most of them have years of experience in the industry and a deep understanding of the needs of trekkers and overall logistics to ensure the smooth running of the trek.

At Nepal Gateway Trekking, we are committed to ensuring our guides and porters are treated with respect at every step and are fairly compensated for their hard work. We pay them above industry standards and adhere to ethical practices that promote proper working conditions, high-end gear and supplies, and community well-being.

Gratitude to the Trekking Crew

If you’re satisfied with the support and services provided by the trekking crew, it is a good idea to show gratitude and acknowledge their efforts in making the trek successful and enjoyable. Your small contribution can mean a lot for these individuals. 

Here are a few things you can do to show gratitude and acknowledge their hard work

The best way to show gratitude is by tipping the crew members a certain amount. Note that tipping is not mandatory in Nepal but is expected and appreciated. The tipping amount is a personal choice and typically depends on the trek duration and the service quality provided by the trekking crew.

Buy or donate trekking clothes, accessories, and essential gear. You can denote hiking boots, down jackets, sleeping bags, sunglasses, water bottles, backpacks, and trekking poles. Crew members happily accept pre-owned items as long as they are in good condition. But if you prefer to give them new items, you can purchase them in the outdoor shops around Thamel.

Invite them for lunch or dinner in Pokhara or Kathmandu after the trek. If you’re short on time, you can host a small farewell program on the final day of the trek and celebrate it with all the crew members.

Share your positive experiences on Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek by writing reviews. You can write on popular online platforms like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor, including the crew members’ names. Also, recommend them to your friends or family planning a trip to Nepal.