What are the best seasons for the Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Considering the safety, visibility of the mountains, and temperature conditions, the best seasons for the Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit Trek are Spring and autumn. During these idyllic seasons, you can expect the weather to blend perfectly with the temperature and climatic conditions, offering unhindered views of mountains and landscapes at the same time, with the sky remaining bright for longer days, where you can amusingly explore the Himalayas, at the best form, without worrying about the future precipitation, as the chances of high rainfall, and snowfall, remaining low.
Whereas, if you have prior experience and a craving to mark new heights of Thorung La Pass and Kang La Pass, pushing off limits, then winter might be the best option as well. Nonetheless, each season has unique, distinct features to present; here is a detailed overview of what each season has to offer you.
What to expect in Spring (March to May)?
Spring stands out to be one of the ideal seasons for trekking in Nepal, and it stands no different for this trip to Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit as well, where the temperature only ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius, and doesn't fall below - 5 degrees Celsius, at night or high elevation, allowing a perfect time, to venture out for hiking, cozy nights to settle in and also, to cross high mountain passes.
Besides, the woodland at the lower elevations is dotted with the blooming red rhododendrons, along the Annapurna circuit route, whereas, while covering the valleys of Nar and Phu, you get to catch the insight of locals engaging in some kind of terraced field farm works, artistic works, and also thrive in the festivals of Lhosar and Yartung Festivals. If you are someone who loves colorful surroundings fully boasting in nature's vibrant aura and rich tapestry of culture, then spring is for you.
What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?
Autumn also tends to be the ideal season for this trek, where the weather conditions remain stable, without any rainfall or snowfall (heavy), as it arrives right after the end of the monsoon in Nepal. Especially, while you are opting for mid-September to late November, the weather doesn't lead to high humidity, and you can expect to hike the route in favorable conditions, without draining yourself totally out at first hand.
Also, due to the foglessness in the sky and surroundings, the clear views of the Himalayan peaks and landscapes reward you with their best form. Whereas, as it is a peak time of the year, you can mingle with other fellow hikers and create some memories as well, the highlighted part is that the major festive season of Dashain and Tihar falls between Oct to Nov, hence, you can thrive, enjoy the vibrant festival up in the highlands.
What to expect in Winter (December to February)?
Suppose the peak seasons do not collide with your holiday duration. In that case, you can consider the Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter as well, but make sure to have ample preparations beforehand, and carry the right gear. Apart from that, you must consider the right favorable climate as well, as during the high snowfall, in winter, the pathway gets blocked to the pass of Thorung La and Kang La as well. In winter, the peaks are beautifully dotted with snowy, frosty flakes, and the landscapes blend perfectly, with the mountains showcasing breathtaking vistas and the uniqueness of the trailhead.
To conclude, no matter what timing you are looking forward to opting for, we at Destination Himalaya Treks offer an all-year-round trek to the Nar Phu Valley Trek with the Annapurna Circuit route, with a crafted itinerary according to your pace level, and holiday duration, that suits you idyllically, so your trip is in safe hands along the pro expert guidance.
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek?
As it is a combined trip of both adventurous expeditions, this Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek falls under the challenging treks to undertake in Nepal, with a coverage of 9 to 15 kilometers per day, depending on the route; hence, the expedition is strenuous considering the distance itself. Besides, the daily hike demands at least 5 to 6 hours of the trail, with several kinds of terrains, from forested areas, to dry, rugged areas, stone, and rocky pathways, to slippery sections at higher elevations, so to be honest; for beginners, it might be frustrating to handle the length duration, however, experienced hikers, won't find any challenges if the preparation is made beforehand.
On top of that, this trek also crosses two major high passes, first at Kang La Pass - 5322 meters, and Thorung La Pass - 5416 meters, which tends to be the highest elevation of this trip; hence, there won't be any doubt, how this expedition can be harsh to those who have never experienced a high elevation trek. However, even if you are an experienced hiker, preventive guidelines must be highly taken care of to avoid the risk of altitude sickness, as in such mountain areas, there is some kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) that is always circulating around.
Besides, as the first half of the Nar Phu route goes through the isolated section, accommodating low-facility tea houses can be frustrating to some, where the terrain itself seems like somewhere totally out of mankind. Despite that, while covering the Annapurna Trail, you will love the well-equipped luxury rooms at such high altitudes, so the marvelous terrains will amuse you for sure. Even though in such a harsh landscape, with the breathtaking surroundings of local villages, mountains, and the thrill of challenges, it will inspire you to conquer further high passes or new heights.
While the terrains and remote trailhead, with high elevation, are quite challenging for beginners, someone who has been on other expeditions can succeed in the trip in an easy way; however requires ample preparations.
How safe is crossing both high passes of Thorong La and Kang Ma La, is for beginners?
While this trek is considered a strenuous adventure in Nepal, crossing the high passes of Thorong La (5416 m) and Kang Ma La (5322 m) can be safely and smoothly undertaken, if proper preventive guidelines are followed, a gradual ascent approach is done, and proper preparedness is ensured. Meanwhile, the safety at the same time, also depends on how your itinerary has been set, and what kind of pace level your physical strength holds, and the assistant supporting crews like guides and porters, leading you, whether they are experienced or not.
However, rest assured! As our 18-day Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek itinerary is well customized with the help of a professional team, that only takes a slow pace ascent, ensuring that your body gets used to the rising elevation, avoiding the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). On the other hand, the experienced guides, who are medically equipped, will assist you in navigation, right from the very start, till the end, following the well-marked route, and avoiding the trail, having avalanches, landslides, and possible risks.
The route passes through the well-facilitated amenities, established tea houses, and includes an acclimatization stop at Phu and Nar, above 4000 meters, before crossing the two passes of Thorung La and Kang La, so the first-time trekkers can take enough time to acclimatize and follow the safety guidelines further. Thus, you can rest assured that, no matter whether you are a beginner or just have been introduced to the world of mountains, this trip can be experienced safely, with a moderate fitness level, and prior preparations.
What is the possibility of altitude sickness, and what are the guidelines to avoid the risk?
As thisNar Phu Trek with Annapurna Circuitascends at such a high elevation, more than 3000 meters per day, the risk of AMS is there, not only at this expedition, but any kind of Himalayan adventure that you look forward to. Hiking at such high altitud
es is no joke, especially through remote terrains over 3500 m, where the oxygen level is low, with thin air; hence, you must follow proper guidance to avoid such risk. This trek reaches the highest altitude of 5416 meters, which is surely a wild height to reach. If you are wondering whether you are safe or not, in such a rugged terrain, then do not worry! As our itinerary includes a gradual ascent of 300 to 500 meters each day, without going over the threshold, thus, the possibility of altitude sickness is minimal.
Even though the possibility of AMS is rare, there are some preventive guidelines one must follow comprehensively to avoid the risk of high mountain sickness:
- Make sure to track your health line right from the start, please review how your body is acting up recently, if you feel any kind of discomfort, like a severe headache, nausea (feeling like vomit), dizziness - losing control, or skin turning pale, then, pls make sure to follow quick emergency protocols, informing the guide, about your health condition.
- While settling down, at every stopping point, use an oximeter to check the pulse rate, which will be provided by us, and ensure that your oxygen level is in line with the mountain elevation.
- Avoid consuming, smoking, or consuming too much coffee after crossing 3000 meters, and also at the same time, avoid drinking alcohol, which could lead you to go totally out of breath.
- Please, do not change the itinerary of the expedition quickly, yes! You can slow down the itinerary if you feel challenged, but don't overpace the hike, as it can lead to sudden elevation gain, leading to AMS.
How can I be prepared for the Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Before venturing out on this off-beaten Himalayan adventure for this trek, one must be prepared physically, mentally, and consider other preparedness factors, as well, for a hassle-free journey. As this trek is physically demanding, it requires at least 5-7 hours of daily trekking hours covering from 8 to 12 kilometers of distance per day, which means you must have proper physical strength to navigate the long hours of walking trail, through different kinds of terrains.
To be physically prepared, you do not have to break the walls, or do abs, or biceps; what you must do is engage in cardiovascular exercises, such as walking on the road, street or just at the treadmill is fine, or if you got time, then, you can do short hikes at weekends of 5-6 hours, in between the elevation of 3000 - 4000 meters, near your city. Or else, if you have a gym membership, or are willing to join a gym, then engaging in cardio like swimming, cycling, or muscle-strengthening exercises such as dumbbell lifting, deadlift, leg press, back exercises, helps you to strengthen your core, muscles, and leg stamina, highly contributing to making the long adventure easier.
On the other hand, being mentally prepared is as vital as being physically strong, as the trekking route, is not like strolling around the parks, or disney land, or you know somewhat like, holiday in top cities, you must know, that, you are heading somewhere, where the basic amenities, are luxuries, and the access to medical help line is challenging. Hence, one must be positively enthusiastic, carry a strong mindset, and proceed ahead with an optimistic determination, that experience is all that matters, where I must enjoy every new endeavor, insights, and even the basic tea house lifestyle. With that mindset, the trek becomes far easier than it actually is.
Whereas, while undertaking the long duration of 8-10 hours of hiking, while taking a cross over through Kang La Pass and Thorung La Pass, keeping up with the positive insights, motivating yourself, and enjoying the hurdles, fascinates you more than the challenges. Thus, before opting for this trek, being physically and mentally prepared for the 18-day Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek makes the trip pass by smoothly and soundly.
Is Travel Insurance required for this trek?
As we are familiar, several risks are always associated with such highlands, where the basic amenities become luxury, with few access to medical facilities, travel insurance is required for this trip or any other Himalayan odyssey, so, even though such challenges arise, you can hike with ease. Meanwhile, while attaining the travel insurance policy, ensure that it covers all the requirements like medical injury, luggage loss or theft, trip cancellation, and delays, and amongst all, it compulsorily has the helicopter evacuation, including over 3000 meters. Having a good policy contributes to saving thousands of dollars, and also manages the rescue helicopter from the point, at such a high altitude, quickly, without any problem.
Before you purchase the insurance, ensure that it covers everything mentioned above. Considering the long duration of the itinerary, it is always best to acquire it from your own home country, and also, check thoroughly before you pay a deposit, as many insurance companies have a nonrefundable policy, which might create chaos, and make you lose money in vain.
Accommodations during the Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit Trek
As expected in such mountain areas, the lodges and tea houses are basic and simple, without any luxury facilities, to accommodate traditionally influenced style rooms. Our 18-day Nar Phu Trek with Annapurna Circuit package covers the lodging throughout the expedition and before and after the trek, in Kathmandu. In the first half, the trail passes through the route to Nar Phu, where the tea houses are simple and old-style, with small bedrooms and not many facilities, with wooden beds, pillows, a basic mattress, and shared washrooms, showing the ancient Tibetan culture and local lifestyle at the same time.
Meanwhile, while covering the trail to the Annapurna circuit, you will get rooms with double beds that are well-facilitated, with standard amenities, like attached washrooms, wifi, laundry, charging, hot shower services, and many more. Besides, you can even upgrade the rooms to luxury ones, if you want; however, to experience the lifestyle of locals and get to know the Himalayas in a better way, it is always best to stay at the tea houses. Even though the rooms are simple, not like city areas, your heart will be amused and filled with joy, due to the warm hospitality and the breathtaking views that you get to gaze at from the place you are staying at.
In Kathmandu, 3-star categorized rooms will be provided to you, with all the premium facilities that star-rated hotels provide, with a buffet breakfast; however, if you want to upgrade the rooms to 5-star, then you can go for it by adding extra cost. Nevertheless, throughout your trip, safety, comfort, and the best services are highly looked after, and the rooms will be hygienically maintained.
Note: For female travelers, single bedrooms will be arranged for you, ensuring that you feel comfortable settling in, and for others, make sure to do pre-booking, so the single rooms with attached washrooms will be managed with ease, even at peak times.
Meals on the Annapurna Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trek
Throughout this trek, you will find a variety of meal options, from the very start to the end of the journey, from western, continental, Asian, and Indian to local foods, the trail caters to the tastes of everyone. Our standard package includes: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with a cup of either tea or coffee per day, you just have to check out the menu, and order, what choose your taste palette, and also health at the same time, while making your order, ensure to mention, if you are allergic to some kind of food items, which could affect you, or you just can inform us before the trip; so we will give an overview of your food choices, and choices to the guide, who will assist you during 18 days of the trip.
For the breakfast option, one can find breakfast options like toasted bread served with jam, butter, and any kind of eggs (omelet, poached, and boiled ones), muesli, oats, granola, rice pudding, and even apple pies. Whereas, for lunch and dinner, you can find Western options like pizza, rolls, sandwiches, noodles, ramen, dumplings, etc, and local foods include the ultimate - Dal Bhat with 5 other side dishes, which can be refilled, contributing high to keeping your body energized throughout the trip. For the beverages, you will find Diet Coke, hot coffee, hot chocolate, juices, energy drinks, and many other options.
Even though you will get many food items, veg to non-veg, make sure to avoid red meat after crossing a high elevation of 3000 meters, as they are not fresh and cannot be digested well, and also the same time, do not consume smoking or drinking alcohol throughout the journey, instead try nutritious food, that keeps you energizes throughout the journey.
Communication and WIFI Facilities
Throughout this Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit Trek, you won't find any challenges in communicating with your loved ones back home, as every tea house has Wi-Fi facilities and a telephone; however, it is located in the dining area, not in the room, as the electricity is provided through satellite. To get WIFI access, you have to move the dining area, by paying $ 2 to $ 4 per day, depending on the tea house, whereas for the charging as well, at higher elevations, it can be accessible in the dining area, as the electric sockets are not available in the room.
Along the trail, the internet might not work at high altitudes and in forested areas. To communicate easily, buy an NTC SIM card while you are in Kathmandu. You can use 4 G data, which can be purchased by paying NPR 110/- for a week, which lasts for 7 days.
How to get to the starting point of the trailhead: Transportation Facilities
To reach the Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit route, you will be transported to the trailhead, via tourist bus, a deluxe one from Kathmandu directly to Jagat, as in 2025, the roadway to Chame was finally completed, and the bus goes to Chamje. The bus is comfortable with sofa seater, hence you won't find any hassle, till Besisahar, whereas, from Besisahar, expect the road to be a bit bumpy, as it is still in maintenance, but, it lasts for only 1-2 hour. One can upgrade the transportation to a private jeep as well, with additional cost, that can be shared with other 4 to 5 hikers, in a 4WD Jeep.
The walking trail concludes at Jomsom via Muktinath Temple, from where we will take a direct flight to Pokhara, to save extra hours, and also explore the city for the whole day. The trip concludes, after getting back to Kathmandu, from Pokhara in a sofa-seated luxury tourist bus. All the transportation facilities are included in our package, except the private ones if in case you want to upgrade to a private jeep.
What permits are required for the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek?
To get access, to such remote areas, and also restricted terrain, you must acquire two permits, firstly Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP), costing approximately NPR 3000/- per head (USD 26) that is necessary to enter any corner of the Annapurna region, and highly contributes in the protection of the route, pristine Himalayan fauna and the local economy, whereas another tends to be TIMS Card - Trekkers Information Management System Card, pricing around USD 20 i.e, NPR 2200 per person, which is required for any treks you venture out in Nepal, and lastly and the most important one, stands out to be Restricted Area Permit, to enter the high protected restricted confined area.
To acquire the permits for Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit Trek, there are three major rules that one must follow:
- Solo trekking is prohibited, which means you must have a travel partner to hike with, excluding the supporting teams. That means if you are alone, then entering here is impossible.
- One must hire a registered, licensed local trekking guide to hike along for safety navigation, as in the Himalayas, the risk is always circulating, excluding the hiking partner, which means 2 hikers with 1 assistance of a guide.
- The required permits must be applied for through a registered local company and obtained with their assistance.
Note: After your booking is made or confirmed with us, the paperwork and required permits will be arranged by us, at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition.
Guides and Porter
As an experienced licensed guide is compulsory to hire for this trek to Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit, we offer a top-notch experienced registered guide who will assist you throughout your 18-day journey, who has led thousands of hikers to the Annapurna region and is completely aware of the emergency protocols and safe navigation, and let you get an in-depth interaction with locals as well. A skilled guide is crucial to complete any Himalayan adventure with ease, where your well-being is highly looked after, not only that, but also ensures that you get to explore the best out of the Himalayas, letting you cover every aspect of the mountains, cultures, lifestyles, and so on.
Our guides are medically trained and equipped, and basically follow every preventive measure for safe ascent, and care for your comfort level at the same time. Just like a pro guide, a strong porter also highly contributes to making your trip go smoothly, as they carry your backpack, helping you with easy coverage of long-duration hikes, and tend to protect your essentials throughout the 18-day Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit Trek. 1 porter can carry 20 to 22 kgs of weight, which can be shared between 2 hikers; hence, 1 porter is enough for 2 trekkers. Our package includes both porters and guides; hence, you do not have to pay separately. However, tipping is expected for the hardship they go through during the trip.
What are the Packing List and Essentials that must be considered for a Smooth Journey?
The following gear and packing list essentials for the trip to Nar Phu with Annapurna Circuit must be carried throughout the journey, considering the safety, weather conditions, and high elevation, for a smooth expedition.
- Dry Fit T-shirts - 2 to 5 pairs that are easily washable, and also the sweat gets absorbed easily
- Fleece Long Sleeve T-shirts - To protect from the sun's exposure
- Water and windproof jackets - useful day hike
- Puffer or Down jackets - higher elevation
- Any kind of comfortable T-shirt to wear at the tea house
- Inner Fleece and Thermals
- Hiking Pants - 2 pairs at least
- Comfortable Fleece or trousers (2 - 3 pairs)
- Hiking shorts or long fleece pants
- Hiking Boots with proper grip
- Comfortable shoes as an alternative
- Flip flops or slippers - to wear at the tea house
- Cotton socks (at least 4 pairs) and Long Hiking socks (warm ones)
- Headlamp, chargers, power bank, extra batteries, cameras, etc.
- Toiletries - toilet paper, towels, soaps, shampoos, brushes, toothpaste, etc.
- Basic skin essentials - moisturizers, sunscreen 40 +, lip balm, etc.
- Basic First Aid Kit - including oximeter, prescribed medicines, water purification tablets, etc.
- Duffle Bag, or Hiking Backpack 20 to 35 L, and waist bag
Note: If you are already here in Kathmandu, then you can buy the required gear, or rent it here at Thamel at an affordable price, whereas some gear will also be provided by us as a complimentary service without any additional cost, so for the cost of the required ones, won't burn off your pocket going all way out.
Booking Procedure
To make your booking for the 18-day Nar Phu Trek with Annapurna Circuit package, you just have to pay 10% of the total trip cost, where there are several payment methods, ensuring feasibility for every client across the globe, for the payment just visit the "Book My Trip" section, and select the number of pax, that your group comprised of, and choose the payment gateway selecting the date and tine, to confirm the booking. Being a member of TAAN (Trekkers Association Agency of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), your booking is fully secured with us, as we've been organizing treks, tours, and peak climbing for more than 2 decades. Besides, the remaining amount can be paid after you arrive in Nepal via Cash, Debit Card, Credit card, and many other payment options, whatever is feasible for you. If you have any other confusions, then feel free to contact us through email: info@destinationhimalayatreks.com or just WhatsApp or call us at +977 9851016814, anytime.
Last Minute Booking
To make your last booking, before the trip gets started, like before 1 or 2 days, you must pay 100% of the total trip cost, as the arrangements must be made in a rapid peak time.
