Nar Phu Valley Trek - 17 days

Best Season for Nar Phu Trek

If you are wondering about the ideal time for Nar Phu Valley Trek then Spring, Monsoon, and Summer are the best seasons to start this adventure to Nar Phu Valley. The skies are clear and the temperature is mild blending perfectly with the climate. This valley is also known as one of the rainshadow areas, which means the valley remains dry with less rainfall and is incredibly charming throughout the year. 

However, it is highly suggested to avoid this trek during the Winter season as the temperatures drop to -5 degrees Celsius causing heavy snowfall. The trails are completely covered by snow at this period making it difficult to trail especially in high passes like Throung La and Kang La.

To sum up, every season has something special and unique to offer you on the trail of Nar Phu. Here is a little breakdown of detailed information to help you understand what would be a suitable time for you to begin this journey:

What to expect in Spring (March to May)?

The spring season stands out being one of the best seasons for trekking/hiking. As the temperature is neither hot nor cold offering a mild temperature to hike in this valley. On top of that, it is also known as the blooming season where the valley is fully covered with greenery and wildflowers adding colors and tones to the landscapes and mountains. It is also regarded as the peak season of the year, so the trails are quite crowded. However, that remains one of the fascinating points, as we can make many new friends and interact with them on the trails, making our trek fully enjoyable and visually pleasing with the spectacular views of the mountains on the backdrop.

What to expect in Summer/ Monsoon (June to August)?

If it were any other trek, then undertaking an expedition in the monsoon would never be recommended. However, as this valley falls in the rain shadow area there is a minimum chance of rainfall. The trails are quite peaceful this time making it an incredible season to hike peacefully without a huge crowd. 

What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?

Autumn is supposedly another peak season for this trek. As this season falls just after the monsoon, it offers perfect stable weather with crystal clear skies, greenery, and fresh alpine air offering a clear and close visibility of snowy peaks. Trekking to Nar Phu or any other region in this ideal time is a meaningful experience as the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar fall right between October and November. While staying at the lodges/teahouses along the route, you can have a lively experience of these two festive along the eye-appealing views of nature surroundings. 

Difficulty Level of Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek as expected. As the trail passes through steep ascends and descends by narrow canyons. The trek becomes quite challenging in the high sections as we navigate by the snowy trails in Throung La and Kang La Pass.

Ascending to such a high altitude with challenging terrains for 5-7 hours each day is not an easy task. The trek is quite challenging and one needs to be prepared for other possible challenges like altitude sickness and unfavorable weather conditions.

The hike to Meta is moderate to trail whereas the demanding section soon comes after we start our trek to Phu, but there’s nothing to worry about as after hiking for straight some days our body gets used to the obstacles. 

However, The trails are well-maintained and this itinerary is set with proper acclimatization days. So, you can trek easily without worrying about altitude sickness and prior experience. Even if you are a beginner, Do not Panic! We are here to guide you in every step. Please consider involving in some sort of cardio/physical exercises that help to boost your stamina and make your trek easy to complete. 

Nonetheless, the Nar and Phu Valley offer incredibly captivating views making us forget our leg muscle pain. Just focus on your perseverance, persistence, and patience level this trek can be easily completed with a blink of an eye. 

Preparation for Nar Phu Valley with Thorong La and Kang La Pass

As the name says, this trek to Nar Phu navigates through the two highest passes making it a bit challenging if you don't have any prior experience. There are no measurements of the unseen challenges that might occur in the mountain areas but being mentally and physically fit before commencing the journey surely makes our trip one hundred percent easier 

Physical Preparation:

Before starting any expedition, it is necessary to engage in some sort of cardio exercise to make ourselves confident enough that we can do this trek. Preparing physically doesn't mean building up the muscles, you can simply be ready by cycling, swimming or also hiking with some loads in your bag at home on the staircase. We highly recommend you do 4-5 hours of short hiking back in your homeland before arriving here so that you'll know how far you can go. 

Mental Preparation:

As expected, we'll be walking in the Annapurna circuit route which is a remote area. Far away from city life, the facilities are quite basic and simple which might be quite frustrating for beginners. For someone who has never been to remoteness, that could be a great shock however in a positive way. Another thing you must consider is; that as we walk by the steep ascends, stone sections, and narrow canyons it can be tiring. But, being mentally prepared and setting a mindset of " I can do it" makes this trip 90% easier. So create a positive mindset and push off your limits to the mountains.

Accommodation during the Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Our 16-day Nar Phu Trek package offers one of the best tea houses and hotels available in the region. In the starting point, Kathmandu and Pokhara, you'll be accommodated at 3-star hotels according to your choice (if you have any) with an incredible buffet breakfast. 

As you enter the Annapurna Circuit Trail, the lodges are quite simple and basic, as it is locally run by the families. However, the rooms are clean and hygienic and most of the tea houses have attached bathrooms. The rooms are quite cozy and warm as it is made out of wood. Moving to the upper sections, the facilities of the room will be quite minimized in terms of the attached toilet (that means a common washroom), with no electric socket in the room but is available in the dining area. 

Although the room sounds basic they are well maintained and the locals make sure that you have having comfortable time there. In every tea house, warm blankets, mattresses, and pillows will be provided. However, if you are quite allergic to colds then, we'll offer you an extra blanket or sleeping bag (before the trek begins) to use during the trek. 

Meals during Nar Phu Trek

As this trek passes through one of the famous trekking trails, the Annapurna Circuit route foods here cater to the taste of every trekker. Whether it's Western, Tibetan, Asian, or local cuisine, you will get a variety of options so that you don't have to compromise your taste and liking. 

During breakfast time, you'll be provided a menu with the breakfast options mentioned on which you can choose from. For early morning breakfast, inform the guide what you want to have by checking out the menu and it'll be prepared right in the morning after we wake up. From toasted bread, chapati (Indian bread), muesli, french toasted bread with butter, and jam to Tibetan breakfast like Tibetan bread, potatoes, and omelets you can choose whatever you want.

Our lunch mostly happens en-route of the hike or after we reach our lodge where we'll be staying overnight. If the trek is long, then you'll have lunch in between the trek, lunch is made freshly from the village-grown crops off the terraced fields. Multicuisines are served, according to your demand. It is cooked freshly and hygienically after you order the meal. However, as the trekking is quite tiring we recommend you have "the ultimate Dal-Bhat that is filled with nutritious side dishes like Rice, curry, Lentil soup, pickle, and spinach. The best part is! you can refill it. 

Dinner and lunch options are quite similar, just go through the menu and savor the delicious foods and make your tummy happy. 

Packing List for Nar Phu Valley Trek 

There are no specific requirements regarding the packing list for the Nar Phu Valley, but some of the essentials for sure make your trek quite easy to complete. As the amenities are limited in the route of the Annapurna circuit, it would be a great idea to carry everything in your backpack. Here are some of the lists that are a must to carry for this trekking:

• Down jacket and Tshirt with a fleece inside
• Hiking boots/ Trekking shoes (it is a must)
• Crampons (as we must pass through some of the snowy trails in high passes)
• Warm shocks, hats, gloves, and jacket 
• 2 trekking poles/sticks
• Dry fit t-shirts and pants
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen (to protect from ultralight)
• Headlamp or a simple light
• Purifying water tablets
• Basic medical kit (also carried by guide)
• Sleeping bags (if allergic to harsh coldness; provided by us)
• Personal medicines/ daily medications

Travel Insurance

As we have already mentioned, Nar Phu Valley Trek is done in restricted areas, so it is necessary to be well-prepared for any sort of unfortunate situation. Travel insurance isn't compulsory but it acts as a safety net for you. The trekking trails have no proper facilities mainly in the upper areas, having insurance will help us to send emergency evacuations quickly. 

It would be great if you arrange documents in your home country. Make sure it covers evacuation, theft, flight cancellation, and medical bills. 

Booking Procedure

For the confirmation of your trip, we require 10% advance payment after the reservation is made, please send us your necessary documents such as a copy of your passport, passport-sized photos, and arrival flight information (if made) within a few days.

You can send booking amounts through bank transfer and online from our websites. After your booking is done we’ll arrange everything for you that are necessary for the trip. After you arrive in Nepal, you can make payments through Credit card, Cash, or bank transfer for more detailed information please mail at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com or WhatsApp +977 9851016814, +977 9851146814.