• Updated on Dec 24, 2023

Notice: Nepal bans solo trekking for foreigners, which came into effect on 1st April 2023

Nar Phu Valley is one of the exotic off-the-beaten trails of the entire Annapurna region hidden between the two most popular eight-thousander mountain ranges of Manaslu and Annapurna. The trail to Nar Phu will take one to the ancient civilization of the Tibetan settlement.

Its beauty cannot be uttered until you experience it. With a limited flow of trekkers, Nar Phu Valley has been able to maintain its uniqueness and beauty, as the valley falls under the restricted area of Nepal.

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The Government of Nepal has declared 15 different areas as restricted zones to control the flow of travelers and Nar Phu Valley is one of them.

You will need a special restricted area permit to hike to Nar Phu Valley and this can only be obtained from the immigration department of Nepal, situated in Kathmandu but to obtain this restricted permit you need to follow the strict provisions of the government of Nepal.

Solo travelers are prohibited from entering Nar Phu Valley which means at least two foreign travelers must meet to obtain the restricted area permit for Nar Phu Valley.

Apart from this, you must apply for the restricted permit through the authorized agency of Nepal and must have a guide or porter (license holder) to accompany you throughout the trek of the restricted zone.

When all these requirements are met, you will be able to trek to one of the popular restricted zones of the Annapurna region which is, without doubt, the Nar Phu Valley.

Moreover, to enter Nar-Phu Valley you must have two different permits, which are a Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit but if you want to extend your trek, or merge the trip to Annapurna Circuit Trek then an additional of TIMS Permit is required.

Here in this article, we try to figure out the required permits for the Nar-Phu Valley trek and how this trip can be merged into different trails of the Annapurna region. This is solemnly through my personal touch sharing my experience.

Special Restricted Area Permit for Nar-Phu Valley Trek

 

15 different areas in Nepal have been declared restricted zones by the Government of Nepal to control the flow of foreign tourists and Nar Phu Valley is one of them.

But you can enter the restricted zone through a special permit which can only be obtained from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, Nepal.

For this, you need to follow a special provision; which includes that at least two trekkers must meet for the permit and this permit can only be obtained through the authorized trekking agency of Nepal.

Apart from this, you need to have an authorized government license holder guide to accompany you at least throughout the restricted area.

Permit Cost:

→ December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 additional charge from the eight days onwards per person for each day, if being in the restricted zone only.

→ September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 additional charge from the eight days onwards per person for each day, if being in the restricted zone only.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

 

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit is the other permit required for the Nar Phu Valley trek. This is so because Nar Phu Valley comes under the Annapurna Conservation Area.

This ACAP permit can be used for an unlimited number of days if you are planning to merge your trek into the different trails of the Annapurna region which also includes the Annapurna Circuit trek.

ACAP permit fees cost USD 30 per person for a single entry for an unlimited number of days and remain the same throughout the year.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit

nar phu valley trekking

TIMS is not a mandatory permit for the Nar Phu Valley trek but if you are planning to extend your trip towards Annapurna Circuit trek, then a TIMS permit will be mandatory.

TIMS permits cost USD 20 for independent trekkers and if obtained through a registered agency in Nepal for an unlimited number of days.

How Can Nar Phu Valley Trek be diverted into different regions of the Annapurna region?

Nar Phu Valley Trail lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal and the valley is surrounded by two different Himalayan regions Annapurna and Manaslu regions. This makes the valley hidden in between the two giant Himalayas.

As Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area of the Annapurna region which starts from across the town of Koto and until Kang La passes then you can merge the trail towards the Annapurna circuit. This can be extended into a couple of days or a couple of weeks, this depends upon your time frame.

When you divert your trail into other areas of the Annapurna region through the same ACAP permit. You will be able to explore Tilicho Lake, Thorung La Pass, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha Village, Tatopani, Ghorepani-Poonhil, Ghandruk, Mardi Himal Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and many more.

Annapurna is one of the diverse regions of Nepal and you can extend your trail into different directions according to your interest and time limit, but the Annapurna region is limitless in terms of the trial.

For further details regarding the Annapurna region trail, please let us know, we will assist you to give ample view to make your journey magical.

Frequently Asked Questions for Nar-Phu Valley Trekking:

Do I need a guide for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Yes, a registered trekking guide or porter is mandatory for the Nar Phu Valley trek because this falls under a restricted area of the Annapurna region, where solo trekkers are forbidden to enter.

Is it mandatory to have an agency (to) obtain a restricted area permit for Nar Phu Trek?

Yes, solo or group trekkers are prohibited from obtaining restricted area permits in Nepal by themselves. To make it easy going with the permits of the restricted area, you need to have an authorized trekking agency in Nepal, who on your behalf can arrange permits and take responsibility for the entire trip.

How expensive is the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

The price of the Nar Phu Valley trek mainly depends upon your starting point of the trek. If you centered Kathmandu as your starting point and ending point for the entire trek then the price is USD 75 (December-August) and USD 100 (September-November).

This price is only for the first 7 days, from the date you enter the restricted area. An additional USD 15 will be charged per day if you cross the number of days in the restricted area.

Trekking in Nepal for any gender is a safe destination. Nar Phu Valley is a remote area trek of the restricted region and it is mandatory to have at least two trekkers to obtain a special permit with a registered guide (mandatory).

This makes trekking in the Nar Phu Valley a safe destination, your guide will communicate with the locals arrange lodges, and lead you through the trail.

Can we obtain a Nar Phu Valley restricted area permit before we arrive in Nepal?

Yes, this is possible only in the case that you have a valid visa for Nepal which can be obtained from the embassy or diplomatic mission of Nepal in your home country.

If you obtain a visa before you arrive in Nepal, you can contact your travel agency in Kathmandu and send them your visa details and printed color photocopy through the mail.

On your behalf, they will arrange a special restricted permit to save you an extra day in Nepal for the official process of the permit.

When can we obtain the Nar Phu Valley restricted area permit?

Restricted area permits for Nar Phu can be obtained through the immigration office in Kathmandu only. This office is open from 10 Am to 4 PM from Sunday to Thursday and 10 AM to 2 PM on Friday.

And make sure Saturday is the weekend in Nepal and offices will also remain closed on other official holidays declared by the government. So, keep an eye open to save your extra day/days in Kathmandu, or contact your agency.

How long does it take to issue a Nar Phu Valley restricted area permit?

Obtaining a restricted area permit for Nar Phu is an easy process, but time mainly is used in uploading all documents of trekkers and the agency which has to be done at the immigration office.

However, it will not exceed more than 2-3 hours to complete this process and hold the permit in your hand.

Where can I obtain a Nar Phu restricted area permit?

Nar Phu Valley restricted permit can only be obtained through the immigration office of Kathmandu, situated at Kalikasthan.

Do I need to have a TIMS Permit for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

TIMS permit is not mandatory for the Nar Phu Valley trek unless you plan to merge Nar Phu with the Annapurna Circuit trek descending through Thorung La Pass.

Do children need to have separate permits in Nepal?

In Nepal, children below 10 years are waived with any form of permit requirement but make sure you hold the legal documents of your children below 10 years. This includes passport or travel documents etc. as officials will try to figure out to verify the age through the documents.

For more information or assistance WhatsApp: +977-9841161593 or Email: info@discoveraltitude.com

Kumar Lamsal

Kumar Lamsal

Kumar is one of the Co-founders and Managing directors of Discover Altitude holding 18 years of experience in the tourism sector of Nepal. He has trekked to almost all the popular regions of Nepal and is an authorized trekking and tour guide.

Started his career as a porter to support his study, now holds MPhil and LLB degree, and is doing his Ph.D. in religious studies. He loves traveling to the Himalayas and has deep knowledge about religion, culture, and history.

Kumar is also involved in the teaching sector as a part-timer to deliver his research related to the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal and is the one who mostly answers your queries giving them his personal touch through his decade-long experience.