Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit

Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit: Overview

Nar Phu Valley Trek which is also known as the Kang La Pass (5320 m) trek is situated in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. This famous trekking destination is renowned for breathtaking beauty of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri and several mountain peaks.

Numerous nature enthusiasts, hikers, and explorers visit this area annually to take in the amazing topography. Nar Phu Valley journey takes you to the incredible Nar And Phu village. However, you will need two permits to enter this Nar And Phu Village – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Special Restricted Area Permit. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The ACAP is mandatory for all trekkers in the Annapurna region, including Nar Phu Valley. The price for ACAP varies depending on your nationality.

For SAARC countries(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) the price of an ACAP is NPR 1,000 (around USD 8). For other foreign nationals the price of the ACAP is NPR 3,000 (around USD 25).

Where can I get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)?

Trekkers can obtain the ACAP permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This is their website: https://ntb.gov.np.

Nar Phu Valley Trek Special Restricted Area Permit 

Obtaining the Restricted special Nar Phu Valley trek permit is essential in order to enter this beautiful region. The cost of the special permit varies according to the trekking season and days on the itinerary.

December through August: For the first seven days, each individual must pay USD 75; after that, there will be an extra USD 15 fee per person per day if they are in the restricted area alone.

September through November: From the first seven days, each individual must pay USD 100; beyond eight days, there will be an extra daily fee of USD 15 if they are in the restricted area only.

Please keep in mind that you cannot obtain the special Nar Phu Valley Trek permit on your own; instead, you must go through a recognized trekking agency in Nepal. To make your Nar Phu Valley Trek adventure as stress-free as possible, Eco Nepal Trekkers provides you with these permits.

Documents That Are Required To Obtain The Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit

• Original passport with Nepal entry visa and arrival stamp.
• Three passport-sized images (if you have one online passport photo, you will just need two printed ID photos).
• Travel insurance that provides emergency evacuation up to 6,000 meters.
• And money, of course.

Important Things to Know Before Applying Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit

• To Obatin Nar Phu Valley Trek permit, you must engage at least one approved person from the local trekking agency, either a professional guide or a porter/guide with a valid license.
• Each group must have at least two individuals (excluding the guide and porter).
• You must apply for your special permit through an authorized local trekking service.
• A ghost permit allows for one hiker, but you must check with a local agency to see if they are capable of doing so.

Worth reading: Nar Phu Valley Trek Ultimate Guide

Importnace of Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the necessity of Nar Phu Valley Trek permit and its significance for both trekkers and the local environment.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

During the Nar Phu Valley Trek, trekkers need to pass through the Annapurna conservation area which protects the endangered species of animals like, Danphe, blue sheep, snow leopard, red panda, medicinal plants, endemic plants and many more.

Cultural Preservation

The region is home to the Nar and Phu people, who still follow their traditional cultures, dialects, and beliefs. The system of tourism trek permits aids in controlling the quantity of guests, guaranteeing that the visitor the number does not overwhelm these villages.

Safety and Security

The trek permit system makes sure that the number of hikers in the area is known to the government, which can be important in an emergency. Local law enforcement can keep a close eye on the region and react quickly to any difficulties. Additionally, a registered permit system increases awareness of the trekking conditions, potential hazards, and accessibility for rescue operations, all of which add to the trek’s overall safety.

Regulation of Tourism Flow

In Nar Phu Valley, trek permits are also necessary in order to control the number of trekkers. Overcrowding on well-traveled routes can result from unsupervised tourism, which can negatively affect local resources and visitors’ experiences. The government can regulate the amount of trekkers visiting the area and maintain the area’s sustainability by implementing a permit system.

Economic Benefits for Local Communities

Not only do trek permits serve as a legal need, but they also boost the regional economy. The Nar and Phu regions’ roads, schools, and medical facilities are among the infrastructure projects that benefit directly from a share of the permission costs. Hikers who trek through this area also indirectly contribute to the livelihoods of the locals by visiting homestays, tea houses, and local guides, promoting long-term economic prosperity.

Awareness and Education

Lastly, the need for a trek permit makes hikers more conscious of and knowledgeable about the area they are visiting. It often offers valuable tips on appropriate hiking methods, local cultures, and environmental care.

Nar Phu Valley Trek: Itinerary Outline

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat

Day 02: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani

Day 03: Trek from Dharapani to Koto

Day 04: Trek from Koto to Meta

Day 05: Trek from Meta to Phu Gaon

Day 06: Trek from Phu Gaon to Nar

Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Nar

Day 08: Trek from Nar to Ngawal via Kang La Pass

Day 09: Trek from Ngawal to Manang

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Day 12: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

Day 13: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

Day 14: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara and then return to Kathmandu by flight

Note: To read detail about the itinerary check here: 14 – days Nar Phu Valley trek Itinerary. With the help of the knowledgeable staff of Eco Nepal Trekkers, you can even customize the itinerary if you so wish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card for the Nar Phu Valley Trek ?

No, after you have the special restricted permit for the Nar Phu Valley trek, you are not required to obtain a TIMS Card.

Can I pay my Nar Phu Valley trek permit fees in US dollars, or do I require Nepali rupees?

To pay for Nar Phu Valley trek permits, you must have Nepali rupees. Please keep in mind that Nepali rupees are the only currency accepted in the Annapurna region. 

If I have a local guide with me, does he need ACAP and  Special Restricted Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit ?

Yes, your local guide will need both the ACAP and the  Special Restricted Area Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit for trekking in the Nar Phu Valley.

Can I obtain the Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit in advance from my home country?

No, you cannot obtain theSpecial Restricted Area Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit from your home country; you must enter Nepal and apply for it through a registered trekking agency.

From where can I obtain the Nar Phu Valley Trek Permit?

The ACAP can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit can only be obtained from the Department of Immigration. Please keep in mind that while you can obtain an ACAP permit on your own, obtaining a restricted permit requires you to go through a licensed trekking organization.