Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek in the Annapurna and Manang region combines two remote villages Nar and Phu. The less-traveled and less-crowded trail provides a unique blend of medieval Tibetan culture. The natural rawness of Nar Phu villages is the prime attraction of this trek along with traversing the highest Kang La pass standing at 5322 m. The Himalayan vistas, panoramic views, stunning scenery, and alpine views throughout the trek are mesmerizing. Ancient Buddhist monasteries like Tashi Lhakhang and Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Muktinath Temple visits are not to be missed. Navigate through attractive villages with views of glaciers, greenery, diverse flora, and fauna. Experience authentic local hospitality and be a part of their culture, and tradition. The Annapurna circuit with the Nar Phu Valley trek is a must-do experience and requires a special permit to commence this trek.
Lodges or teahouses with basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and pillows are accommodation types during the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek. The availability of attached bathrooms is there in the lower regions only. As you go higher, the bathrooms are outside the teahouses. The additional facilities like using Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, laundry, hot shower, etc. pay an extra charge.
The 3-course full-board meals are provided during the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek. Meal options are limited as Nar Phu is a remote region. Dal-Bhat is the primary option with some options like soup, eggs, noodles, hot tea, etc. available.
Bottled water, Tap water, and boiled water are drinking water options during the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek. Pay an extra cost for boiled water at teahouses or lodges or buy bottled water as a preference. For safe drinking water, carry water purification kits and a water bottle for ease.
Internet and Phone networks during the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Treks are stable mostly in the lower regions. In the higher regions, networks are unstable. For the use of Wi-Fi, pay an additional cost at teahouses.
Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek. The clear weather, stable temperatures, awesome panoramic vistas, and comfortable trekking trails make these seasons ideal for this trek. The rainy (Jun-Aug) and winter (Dec-Feb) seasons are not ideal due to unpredictable and unstable weather and temperature. The trekking trails are slippery, muddy, or snowy, and the availability of accommodations is limited. But the Nar Phu trek is doable in these seasons with proper planning and preparation.
The highest elevation during Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek is Kang La Pass which lies at 5322 m. Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek is difficult considering its ascends and descends, high elevations, daily long hours of walking, rough trails, and limited availability of teahouses or lodges. Also, the chances of getting altitude sickness are common. Thus, acclimatization rest is essential. With proper preparation, this trek is possible.
Altitude Sickness is common in the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek. To prevent it, acclimatization rest is essential. Thus, utilize rest days properly to adapt to the surroundings.
Symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, and breathing issues. Inform your guides if you experience any symptoms during the trek.
Preventive measures for Altitude Sickness are:
Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek is demanding due to its challenging terrain, daily long hours of walking, high elevations, several ups and downs, and rugged trails. Thus, a strong fitness level is a key factor for this trek. Therefore, we recommend trekkers participate in physical exercises and short hikes for a few months, and necessary physical check-ups before commencing this trek.
Travel Insurance is a safety tool for trekking in the mountains. It should cover all emergencies including medical costs, loss of goods, flight delays, evacuation, and high elevations above 5000 m. For a worry-free and smooth Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek, getting travel insurance is beneficial.
Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Trek compulsory requires a guide. Porters are optional but for a comfortable trekking experience hiring a porter is the ideal decision. Our guides and porters are professional and have lots of experience in the mountains. Our team ensures trekkers’ safety as it is the top priority.
The required permits for Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Treks are as follows:
1.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
USD 30/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC)
2.Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
USD 20/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC)
NPR 500/person (Foreign Officials)
3.Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
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]
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes: Sun hat, Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears, Sunglasses with UV protection, Headlamp, Neck warmer
Hand: Liner gloves, Heavier shell gloves
Core Body: T-shirts (2), Lightweight expedition thermal tops, Fleece jacket or pullover, Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric), Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs: Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms, Nylon hiking shorts, Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants, Water/windproof trousers, Casual pants
Feet: Liner socks, Heavyweight socks, Waterproof hiking/trekking boots, Light shoes/sneakers, Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Other Essential:
Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of yours)
Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
Water bottle/bladder
Water purification Iodine tablets
Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)
Medicines and First Aid Kit:
Excedrin (for altitude-related headaches)
Ibuprofen (for general aches and pains)
Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules (for upset stomach or diarrhea)
Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness
Anti-infection ointments
Band-aids
Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Optional: Adjustable trekking poles, Favorite snacks, Paperback books, cards, Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)
Days: Activities
1: Arrival in Kathmandu
2: Permits Procedure and world heritage sites Sightseeing ( 4 – 6 hrs)
3: Drive to Dharapani by Jeep. 1,300 m, 7-8 hour drive
4: Trek from Dharapani to Koto 2600m (5/6 hours)
5: Trek from Koto to Meta 3570m (6/7 hours) (Nar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Entry)
6: Trek from Meta to Phu 3900m (6/7 hours)
7: Exploration Day
8: Trek from Phu to Nar 4100m (6/7 hours)
9: Trek from Nar to Kang-La 5322m to Ngawal 3660m (6/7 hours) (Nar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Exit)
10: Trek from Ngawal to Manang 3540m (3/4 hours)
11: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka 4018m (4/5 hours)
12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 4450m (4/5 hours)
13: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong-La Pass 5416m to Muktinath 3800m (7/8 hours)
14: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom 2710m (4/5 hours)
15: Fly To Pokhara (25 Minutes)
16: Drive Back to Kathmandu By Tourist Bus
17: Departure Day