Nar Phu Valley Trek - 14 days

Accommodations in the Nar Phu Valley Trek are mostly teahouses or lodges operated and owned by local natives. The teahouses in the mountains are basic and comfortable. Additional facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot water, and attached bathrooms at the lower altitudes with additional charges. At higher altitudes, sharing must be done but basic facilities are provided. During winter, a facility of heaters, blankets, and a bucket full of hot water for a shower. There is a fire in the commonplace on winter nights to keep the room warm. Confirm the availability of working electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi before booking a room. Learn about the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the locals if one wishes to by interacting with them. Be kind and respect the customs during the stays in the Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Meals during the Nar Phu Valley Trek are basic but appropriate and healthy for the trekkers. Carbohydrate, nutrition, and protein-based foods are required for trekkers in the mountains. It helps to keep them energized throughout the trek. Enjoy the authentic Nepali staple diet: Dal Bhat along with vegetable curry and fresh salads. Trekkers can also enjoy international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) but menus are basic as options are fewer in the mountains. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at the destined stopovers. Also, carry some chocolate bars and light snacks, or can buy them at nearby small shops to have them during the trek. One thing to keep in mind is that meal prices rise as the altitude rises.

Drinking water in the Nar Phu Valley Trek is abundant throughout the Annapurna region. Freshwater streaming from the mountains, or from taps can be consumed directly or by performing water treatment using purifying tablets or drops. For quick water treatment, one can carry a portable water filter. Else, one can fill water at water filling stations paying an extra charge in case of any doubt or to be safe. The water is kept boiled at these stations and can be found at various stops on the trail. Since plastic water bottles are forbidden in the Annapurna Conservation Area it is handy to carry reusable water bottles. Keep on drinking water to prevent altitude sickness in the mountains.

The phone network and internet facility in the Nar Phu Valley Trek are stable at lower altitudes. As you go higher, a high chance of an unstable network or no network at all. Use Wi-Fi at teahouses paying an additional cost. Or purchase a local Sim for calling and using data to use the internet. But, at high altitudes, there is poor or no availability of the signals. For emergencies, a satellite phone facility is there.

The starting point of the Nar Phu Valley Trek is from Besisahar. This 14-day trek commences from Kathmandu to Besisahar. A long 6-7 hour drive on a public bus from Kathmandu to reach Besisahar. You can also book a private jeep from Kathmandu if you wish for comfortable travel and the fare is slightly expensive.

i. Nar-Phu Special Permit

USD 100/week per person + USD 15/person per day (beyond a week) [Sep-Nov]

USD 75/week per person + USD 10/person per day (beyond a week) [Dec-Aug]

ii. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Foreigners- NPR 3000/person

SAARC- NPR 1000/person

Travel Insurance safeguards trekkers from the risk of unexpected events. It works as a protective shield against medical and other travel-related expenses. An essential tool to make a comfortable traveling experience. Get proper travel insurance that covers all medical extremities, luggage loss, theft, flight cancellations, emergency evacuations, and high altitude.

Nar Phu Valley Trek is moderately challenging but adventurous at the same time. The trail is blended with high ascends, steep descends, rough trails, and flat roads. It is very good for trekkers to hike for months including such features before starting the real Nar Phu Valley Trek. Trekkers need to cross Kang La Pass at an elevation of 5,320m. Trekkers who have normal physical fitness and good health condition under the proper guidance and planning can easily complete the trek. First-time trekkers can enjoy more during the peak seasons as trekkers’ flow are high. Trekkers should have strong determination and a confident approach while accomplishing the Nar Phu Valley Trek. A guide and a porter to companion you give delightful and great learning experiences about the Annapurna region.

Altitude sickness is popularly termed mountain sickness. It is common for trekkers who trek over 3000 m at the mountains/high altitudes. Trekkers have to ascend and descend several times during the trek. Therefore, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent altitude sickness. So, HST has properly designed an acclimatization day at Nar Village for resting the body.

Altitude Sickness Primary symptoms:

• Headache, Hangover, Nausea, Breathlessness, Vomiting, Fatigue, Dizziness, Loss of Appetite, And Sleep

Altitude Sickness Extreme cases:

• Hallucinations, Unconsciousness, and a rise in primary symptoms
• Only a few trekkers suffer from altitude sickness below 3000 m but with proper guidelines and medications, it can be well-treated. If anyone has a symptom of altitude sickness immediately inform the guide and necessary actions are taken.

Some points to prevent altitude sickness:

• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the journey for the day.
• Drink an adequate amount of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you’ve walked then. Set yourself to urinate further throughout the day and night.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don’t push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually.
• You need to have an applicable balanced diet throughout the journey. Avoid too-much salty food, cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol throughout the trek.
• If necessary take the capsules for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable descend immediately.

The best time to do the Nar Phu Valley Trek depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Nepal and what you can expect during each one:

Spring (March-May)

Spring is considered the best season for trekking in the Nar Phu Valley. The days are warmer and more comfortable, with clear skies and good visibility. The rhododendron flowers are in bloom, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The trails can be a bit more crowded during this time, as it is the peak trekking season in Nepal.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is the second-best season for trekking in the Nar Phu Valley. The weather is generally clear and dry, with warm days and cool nights. The trails are in good condition, and the visibility is excellent, making it an ideal time to enjoy the stunning mountain views. The autumn season is also the time when the biggest Hindu festival Dashain is celebrated in Nepal. So, you may be able to experience some traditional Nepali culture during your trek.

Winter (December-February)

Winter is the dry and cold season in Nepal which can be a good time to trek in the Nar Phu Valley. The days are usually sunny and clear, with cold temperatures and occasional snowfall at higher elevations. The trails are generally less crowded during this time, so you may have a more peaceful and private trekking experience. Mid-Feb is the best time to trek. However, it can be very cold at night, so you need to pack warm clothing and equipment.

Rainy (June-August)

Rainy/monsoon season in Nepal is from June to August. Hence, trekking in the Nar Phu Valley can be tough during this time due to heavy rainfall and muddy & slippery trails. The continuous rainfall makes it uncomfortable for trekking. However, if you don’t mind the rain and are prepared for the challenging conditions, you may be able to find some good deals on trekking packages during the off-season. We recommend you plan carefully.

Porters make the trekking journey comfortable. They perform an admirable job by carrying heavy luggage on their back with the help of a strap band. They climb uphill and downhill on the rough, slippery, and zigzag trails. Porters carry the luggage of two trekkers. So, considering their health, and difficulty level the maximum luggage limitation for a porter is 18-20 kg.

HST guides and porters are professional experts, well-trained, and skilled with over one decade of experience. For us, the safety of the trekkers is the topmost priority. The guides always carry personal protective equipment and first-aid kits with them. They are technically skilled, friendly, have spotless judgment, and have proven safety acts with no fatalities. The guides and porters accompany you to make the trekking journey memorable, safe, and easy. HST is always concerned about the trip safety of international clients. We are readily available to fulfill various needs and provide better service for our clients to have a safe, satisfying, and unforgettable experience.

Yes, we suggest you book at least 2 weeks prior to the date you’ve planned to arrive here. It will give us enough time to plan and prepare everything. Last-minute booking doesn’t cost extra but the cancellation policy might differ.

The essential equipment checklist for Nar Phu Valley Trek is listed below:

• A pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
• A windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket
• Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments
• Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
• Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
• Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles
• Duffel bag and a day pack
• First-Aid Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness
• Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based)
• Waterproof clothing items and boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks ( For Monsoon Trek)
• Lightweight Woolen clothing items and socks (For Winter Trek)

Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessities of the trekkers.

Trekking in the higher regions of Nepal is adventurous but full of unpredictability at the same time. It is sensible to carry extra cash as there is no availability of banks and ATMs at higher altitudes. For the following purposes, one needs to carry extra cash:

• For your Travel Insurance
• Extra or personal porter
• Gears and Equipment
• Hot showers, internet access, battery charging, laundry, and other extra services in the mountains
• Emergency evacuation cost
• Souvenirs from the Himalayas, such as medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things
• Flight cancellation/Extra stay
• Any kind of drinks, energy bars throughout the trek, tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek

Tipping in Nepal is a good culture and is widely accepted. Based on the services provided by the guides and porters one can tip them. It is completely your choice to tip them but a general rule is to tip about 10% of your trekking cost.

• Our experienced team of over one decade has accomplished treks in Nar Phu Valley Trek and other treks too.
• Our guides are fluent in English, and Nepali dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Annapurna region through & through.
• HST provides you with the best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team. Thus, in case of an emergency first-aid kit or provision of rescue teams as a requirement.
• We are a government-registered company providing you with real care services at the best reasonable rate.
• Our company also has 70% repetitive clients over the years which shows their trust in us.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.