How to Obtain Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits?

Nar Phu Valley, situated in the northern parts of the mystical Manang region, requires a special permit to trek. This untouched valley was open to trekking only in 2002. It has since held the status of a restricted area, requiring a special permit to trek. An interested trekker needs to obtain two Nar Phu Valley Trek permits; Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP).

The ACAP can be applied and obtained by the trekker from the designated offices in Kathmandu or Besisahar. However, only a registered Nepali trekking agency can apply for and collect the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on behalf of the trekker.

Travelers can wander to Nar and Phu villages to experience the real Himalayan wilderness. The highlight of this lost valley is witnessing historical Tibetan culture, ancient trade routes, extreme canyons, rock formations, and one of the high passes.

We have mentioned below all the details on obtaining the Nar Phu Valley permit:

Permits For Nar Phu Valley Trek and its cost:

1. Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley

Nar Phu Valley is designated a restricted area by Nepal's government because it is close to the Tibetan border. Its restricted status helps with border security, tourism control, and ancient culture and heritage protection.

For this reason, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for all trekkers to enter this region. As Nar Phu is located in the Manag region, the relevant Restricted Area Permit (RAP) that you acquired covers Narpa Rural Municipality (the wards of 1 to 5) and Nasho Rural Municipality (the wards of 6 and 7).

Your government-registered, licensed Nepali trekking agency can only obtain this permit on your behalf. Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs depend on the season you travel, and the days you stay in the restricted areas. It is costlier than other restricted areas, thus increasing the overall Nar Phu Valley trekking cost. 

Permit Cost

(As of July 2022, issued by Department of Immigration, Nepal):

• From September to November (Autumn): is US$ 100 for the first 7 days and then US$ 15 for every additional day spent in the restricted area.
• From December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer): it is US$ 75 for the first 7 days, then US$ 15 for every additional day spent in the restricted area.

2. Annapurna Conservation Area Project

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is mandatory for the Nar Phu valley trek because the trekking trail passes through the Annapurna conservation area, stretching over Manang. The fee is required to develop trails and protect the Annapurna region's flora and fauna.

ACAP Cost:

• Fee for SAARC nationals: NRs. 1000 per person (US$ 10 approx.)
• Fee for other nationals: NRs. 3000 per person (US$ 30 approx.)

Required Documents For Nar Phu Valley Trekking Permit

The Nar Phu Valley Trekking permit requires you to show the following documents during the application process:

• 1-2 Passport-size photos (For ACAP permit)
• One scanned photograph (to be uploaded for Nar Phu Valley RAP's online form)
• Photocopies of your passport (with at least six months validity)
• Travel insurance papers (includes helicopter evacuation of up to 6000m)
• Nepal tourist visa
• Details of Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary

If you want to reconfirm the documents, you can ask your hired trekking agency to assist and ensure that you prepare these documents and apply for them.

Nar Phu Valley Trekking Permits Terms and Conditions:

Following are the terms and conditions to be considered before and during your trek in the Nar Phu Valley: 

• A child under ten does not require a permit, so it is free.
• Both the permits are non-refundable, non-transferable, valid for single entry only, and individual trekkers only.
• Permits can only be issued by designated offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Besisahar but not from checkpoints along the trekking trail.
• While entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, one must follow the regulations of the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973)
• You must carry the entry permits throughout the trek and show them to concerned officials as and where required at the checkpoint.
• Both the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP costs are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes.
• You must strictly prohibit filming in the restricted area without any permission.
• Permit holders can only visit the designated areas inside the conservation and restricted areas as mentioned in the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions for Nar Phu Valley Trekking Permit

1. Where and how to obtain the Nar Phu Valley trekking permits?

Below mentioned are the details on where to obtain the Nar Phu Valley trekking permits:

Annapurna Conservation Area permit: The trekkers can collect this permit either from Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Besisahar. As you will be passing by Kathmandu and Besishar, those are your best options.

• Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board, Pradarsani Marg is open from Saturday to Sunday except on public holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Besisahar, Lamjung: ACAP Entry Permit counter, Besisahar, open from Saturday to Sunday except on public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.
• Pokhara: Nepal Tourism Board, Lakeside is open from Saturday to Sunday except on public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.

This permit can be obtained by trekkers themselves or the representing trekking agency.

Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit: Trekkers cannot obtain it, so it should be applied for and collected by a valid Nepali trekking agency on their behalf. Trekkers will submit all the documents and required details to the agency, which will apply online for the permit. They will collect the issued permit from the Trekking Department of Nepal Immigration office based in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. Please note that Nepal Tourism Board or TAAN does not issue it.

Do you need a TIMS card for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

You do not require a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. This is because the mandatory Restricted Area Permit (RAP) covers the trekker's information along with the route, emergency contact, and more.

2. Do you need a guide for the Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Yes, you do need a licensed professional guide for the Nar Phu Valley trek because it is a restricted area with an undefined off-beat trail. The benefits of taking a guide are many - from security and protection to communicating with the locals and understanding the area's history, ethnicity, and traditions. Your contributions also help in their livelihood and the Nepali economy by uplifting their living standard.

3. Can you do the Nar Phu Valley trek solo?

It is mandatory to have a minimum of two trekkers (including one guide) for the trek, so solo trekking is prohibited. If you are a solo traveler and don't have a trekking group, you can ask your trekking agency to pair you with a guide or a bigger group.

4. How difficult is Nar Phu Valley Trek?

Nar Phu Valley is classified as a moderate to difficult trek in terms of difficulty level. It is best for both professional and novice trekkers. Nar Phu valley trek height is a maximum of 5,320m/17,450ft at Kang La Pass, one of Nepal's highest passes. You might be prone to altitude sickness, so it is best to follow the standard 12 days Nar Phu Valley Trek itinerary with 6 days of trekking and one 1-day acclimatization. Along the trail, you will walk an average of 5 to 6 hours per day with a max of 8 hours and a minimum of 2 hours some days.

5. When is the best season to do Nar Phu Valley short trek?

Nar Phu Valley trek is best done during the Autumn season from September to November, because it is the peak trekking season with amazing views and weather. However, the summer/monsoon season from June to August is another good time for trekking in Nar Phu Valley. As it is located near the Tibetan plateau between the Annapurna and Manaslu region, the Himalayan ranges restrict most rainy clouds making the area dry most of the year. Check Best Trekking Season in Nepal

Conclusion

The Nar Phu Valley Trekking permit can be obtained only by hiring a professional trekking agency based in Nepal. A trusted trekking agency ensures that your required documents are in place and that you get the permits on time.

Agencies like Third Rock Adventures have exceptionally professional and experienced teams planning and organizing trips in the Nar Phu Valley for a long time. We can promptly and effortlessly help you acquire the required Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP. Feel free to contact our representatives to discuss your opportunity to explore the mystical Nar Phu Valley.