Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit – 14 Days

Useful Information

When is the best time to trek the Nar Phu Valley in conjunction with the Annapurna Circuit?

The best time to explore the Nar Phu Valley trek, combined with the Annapurna Circuit, is autumn. Spring is the peak trekking season in Nepal. The region is also suitable during summer because it lies in the rain-shadow area (monsoon) as it lies in the trans-Himalayan rain shadow area.

In the spring (March, April, and May), the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna circuit are busy with serenity in the freshly blooming National flower of rhododendrons and numerous wildflowers, and autumn offers the most suitable weather conditions.  

The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit can be done throughout the whole year, except in the winter when the valley witnesses heavy snowfalls, and the temperature will be below freezing, making it difficult to pass the Kang La and Thorong La passes without proper gear and essential equipment.  

Maximum High Altitude

The trek ranges from 830 m to 5,416 m above sea level. Nar Phu and Annapurna trek routes offer a vital high-altitude trekking experience with perspectives of remote villages, Culture, and nature. This journey's highest point reaches 5,416 meters, Thorong La, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Weather conditions

The temperature and weather conditions in these areas depend on the season. Areas below 2,000 meters are generally warmer than higher elevations. December, January, and February are cold and snowfall seasons in Nepal. However, June, July, and August are summer/Monsoon seasons with heavy rain and landslides. The Best time to trek in the Nar Phu and Annapurna region is the Autumn Season (September, October, and November) and the spring season (March, April, and May). During this time, clear blue skies provide magnificent Himalayan views.

Transportation services

The trek includes walking on the trek and road transportation. First, we take a local bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar. After that, we take a shared jeep with local people to the Koto village. You can take a bus from Jomsom to Pokhara, an alternative to reach Pokhara by flight, but the cost is not included in our Package trip. We take a tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Meals & accommodation during the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Along the journey, you will stay in local teahouses and homestays during the trek, you will stay at most of the teahouses. Twin rooms are generally available, but availability can be limited during peak season. It is hard to get a single room. Even if you get one, the cost will be high or double; the rooms are cozy and well-managed. There will be basic facilities.

During the trek. You can enjoy a variety of meals at teahouses or homestays, which provide the menu, and you can choose the food yourself. Dal Bhat Tarkari is one of the most staple and energizing foods that will provide energy throughout the journey. Also, you get Noodle soup, Fried Noodles, Momo, Chowmin, Spaghetti, Bread, Macaroni, Fried eggs, or any style, or many more items.

Safe drinking water

You get a bottled mineral water at a shop or teahouse along the trip. But the price is high because mineral water must be brought from the city carried by porters. When you reach a very high place, the price will be too high, so we do not advise drinking bottles of Mineral water. If you are worried about the drinking water along the trek. No worries. We have some suggestions. You can use the purify tablet for one tablet per litre, or you can use the water filter. You can refill from taps or the river.  

Safety and Security

Himalayan Local Guide Pvt. Ltd is a reputed trekking and tours company that takes client safety and security seriously. It is our highest priority. Moreover, we care about our customers and their priorities. We carefully assess trekking routes and conditions before every trip. Therefore, you can feel free and rejoice in your time trekking with us. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit trek. It should cover high-altitude trekking, medical bills, and emergency helicopter rescue. Please ensure coverage for trekking above 5500 meters.  

Physical fitness and experience requirements for Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Nar Phu Valley trek with the Annapurna circuit is a part of the Annapurna region. So, you need to be physically fit and mentally prepared. However, you do not need any previous trekking experience or physical fitness. 

Before coming to Nepal. You can do some cardiovascular and strength exercises such as morning walking, day hiking, cycling, swimming, and running.

Apart from physical fitness, health and mental health also matter during the trek. You must have confidence in yourself. 

Furthermore, if you have heart or lung disease. We do not recommend trekking high-adventure treks in Nepal. There may be a high chance of getting high-altitude sickness. It is effective for your body. We encourage only treks below 3,000m treks in Nepal. 

Can I get an on-arrival Visa at Kathmandu Airport?

You will get an on-arrival visa in Nepal. You can obtain a tourist visa at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Or you can apply for it at the Nepalese Embassy in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at border crossings like Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepaljung, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar, where the visa can be obtained.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs

• 15 days – USD 30 or equivalent
• 30 days – USD 50 or equivalent
• 90 days – USD 125 or equivalent

Note: You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport. Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website. 

Local Guide and Porters Team

We provide you with a guide and a porter team as part of our 14-day trekking plan. This trek route required a government-registered, license-certified trekking guide. We managed the expert trekking guide who has extensive experience leading treks in the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna regions, and porters from the Himalaya areas.

We provide you with two trekkers for one porter who will carry your luggage of 15 to 20kg. If you are an expert trekker with luggage you can carry yourself, and save money on the porter's salary. But this trip is not an easy route; we recommend that one porter be enough for two trekkers. Also, you can enjoy it without carrying heavy luggage. It is an alternative idea.

Permits Required for the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit

As an adventure journey in remote regions, trekking in the Nepal Himalayas requires obtaining the necessary permits. Remember, you’ll be trekking in a restricted area. At this moment, a single trekker can also obtain the Nar Phu restricted area permit, but you have to join with the government-registered trekking company. The following two permits are needed for trekkers:

• Special Nar Phu Valley Permit.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits.

Our company will obtain the permits for you before the trek. These two permits are included in our package, so do not worry about them.

TREKKING EQUIPMENT LIST:

Body Clothing

• Sleeping Bag
• Down Jacket
• Three pairs of trekking t-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Thermal Shirt for colder places
• Fleece Jacket
• Warm wool Sweaters
• Waterproof and windproof Jacket
• Cotton Trekking pants with folding
• Waterproof and windproof pants

Head and Face

• Sun Hat
• Wool or fleece hat
• Headlight
• Sunglass
• Sunscreen 50
• Face wipes and a towel

List of Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• 3–4 Pairs of Cotton or Trekking Socks
• Crampon
• One pair of extra sports shoes

Necessary Gears

• Gaiters, just in case of snow
• Gloves and Thick Gloves
• Big rucksack above 40 L
• Waterproof Bag Cover
• Rain Coat
• Trekking Pole (if needed)
• Laundry Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush
• Toilet papers
• Water purification tablets
• Bottle for drinking water
• Pen and Notebook
• Notebook and guidebook
• Camera
• Battery charger
• Memory card
• Cell Phone and Charger
• Money Wallet
• Altimeter and playing cards

First Aid Kit

• Diamox
• Cotton bandages
• Paracetamol
• Painkillers
• Loperamide to control diarrhea (just in case).
• Water purified tablets
• Lozenges
• Elastic bandages
• Thermometer
• Moleskin and sling.