One of my first emails this morning was about very frequently asked questions over the internet that highlighted today’s topic. Can I do Nar Phu Valley Trek solo? After I finally answer those questions, I quickly realize I should publish an article so more people will have access to those answers. Here is the detail of “How do hikers trek Nar Phu Valley solo” Or even is it possible to trek Nar Phu Valley without a guide?.
An isolated mountain valley that features raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture, Nar Phu Valley is located in the western region of Nepal. Little less than 3,000 tourists only visit this area makes one of the most popular off the beaten trail in the Himalayas. After the tea house starting to spring up in this region, trekking in Nar Phu is a privilege. Many of my blog reader questions, “can we do Nar Phu valley trek independently? In this article, I am so keen to offer everything I know about Nar Phu region and the necessary steps for a hiker to get in.
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Is it Possible to Hike Nar Phu Valley Solo?
The answer to these questions is both YES/NO. If you are independent hikers, you can’t hike Nar Phu Valley solo. It requires at least two group members accompanied by a registered trekking guide. Let’s say you are a solo hiker but willing to hire a guide. Can you do this trek? Yes, you can, but you have to pay double the permit fee and travel with a ghost partner and the guide. It may sound confusing, but the fact is Nar Phu Valley is one of the parts of the restricted area of Nepal’s great Himalayas. So you should complete the trekking permit guidance. But, if you don’t want to hire a guide, hike entirely on your own, is that possible? The answer is no.
How Expensive to trek solo in Nar Phu Valley
Trekking alone is indeed expensive in Nepal compear to if you trek with one another person. There are cost-sharing factors trekking alone may cost higher when you are solo, but it also gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to planning an itinerary. In Nar Phu Valley, If you plan to trek alone with a ghost permit, It is the requirement you should hire a guide or a porter/guide. You have to pay the salary amount and his ground transportation from Kathmandu to the trailhead. And service fee to the local company for arranging a permit.
The restricted permit cost for Nar Phu Valley is slightly more expensive compear to the other restricted area like, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, etc. Trekking with ghost permit is quite a common practice in Nepal. The one week, the permit fee will cost USD 100 for one person during the month between October /November, while the rest of the year, it’s USD 75. If you are single but looking for Nar Phu Valley Solo adventure, you need to pay double the amount and trek with a ghost partner.
Overall, trek cost could be compear with any other treks in Nepal. But what you can’t compear Nar Phu Valley with any other trek in Nepal is the mountain view. Remoteness, less crude, and the culture of its people that this region has to offer.
Can I hire a Porter Guide in the trailhead
Someone who has previously explored the Everest region of Nepal, They often ask me if we can hire a guide in the trailhead of Nar Phu Valley. It is so common to hire a porter or even a guide in Lukla Nepal (which is the gateway for EBC trek) in the Everest region. But in Nar Phu, it is different, you may hire a local porter along the way, but you can’t hire a guide there. It is all because the Nar Phu valley region required a registered guide with proper training, skilled, received a license from the government for that region.
Due to the various reason, you have to consider hiring a guide or a porter from Kathmandu and pay their salary and ground transportation.
Conclusion
No doubt, Nar Phu trek is getting popular each season, as it sits within the Annapurna conservation area. More and more hikers drown to this magical place that this region has to offer. It is indeed the number of tourists are increasing in the popular trail like Annapurna Circuit Trek. So, the Nar Phu is an excellent alternative if you are looking for a peaceful but off the beaten trek in Nepal. By chance If you are looking for an experienced guide for Nar Phu and perfect itinerary, NEST Adventure is one of the local operators who operate multiple treks each season in this area. We are happy to help you get along with one of our experienced guides. And remember Nar Phu valley trek solo is not allowed.
NEST Adventure is one of the experienced trekking agencies in Kathmandu for this region. If you would want to check how our previous customers have said about this hike with us please visit our Tripadvisor page to find out more about our team.
