Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits and Cost

A Nepalese expedition to NarPhu Valley leads visitors to an isolated region that borders Tibet and is situated in the Annapurna mountain range. The restricted status of the area requires all trekkers to obtain two permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). 

Tourists visiting Nar and Phu villages need to get the RAP permit whereas the ACAP permit serves to protect wildlife along with nature in the conservation area. Every journey to the region demands at least two companions along with a professional guide appointed by a recognized local agency. 

Travelers must pay USD 100 as RAP fees during the first 7 days starting from September to November and USD 75 for all remaining months in the year. The extended stay permit requires an additional USD 15 charge for every day beyond the first seven days. The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 (around USD 25). 

A guide together with permits along with food, accommodation, and transport requirements must be considered for the trip. Travelers must expect the Nar Phu Valley Trek to cost more than regular treks because it grants them an exceptional tranquil experience. 

Why Permits Are Required for Nar Phu Valley Trek 

Na Phu Valley Trek requires permits because Nepal has classified this location as a restricted area. The region is situated by the border of Tibet with a minority population who maintain different cultural customs and practices. 

The government manages the number of visiting tourists to protect both the local customs and environmental integrity as well as border defense protocols. The authorities manage area access through permit approval for registered trekkers to track visitors. 

The issuance of permits helps to maintain responsible trekking activities. The destination allows entry only when trekking with a two-person minimum and guided by officials from registered trekking agencies. The rule exists to keep the visitors of the Nar Phu Valley safe because this remote region contains limited facilities. 

Types of Permits Needed for the Trek 

To complete the NarPhu Valley Trek you must acquire both permits. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is the primary requirement for the trek. The Restricted Area Permit serves as an essential requirement since both Nar and Phu reside within a protected region located close to Tibet's border.

The Nepal government regulates access to the area to protect both nature, local traditions, and local people. The permit process requires at least two travelers with their guide from a registered trekking agency. 

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD 100 per person for 7 days from September to November but reduces to USD 75 for all other periods throughout the year. The daily cost for extended stays amounts to USD 15. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the second essential permit. A protected area within this zone works to conserve both wildlife and plant life and natural aspects. The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 25) per person. 

This charge supports the maintenance of trekking trails and environmental protection work. Keep your permits accessible throughout the journey because you need to show them at each check post. 

Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) 

A special permit called the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) serves as the essential requirement for Nar and Phu village trekking. These Nepali villages are located near Tibet as protected region. The government manages the visitor numbers through its special permit system. 

The RAP functions as a protective measure which protects both the traditional lifestyle of the region, environmental aspects, and security aspects. This permit becomes unavailable for individual trekkers. 

Traveling to the Nar and Phu villages requires having a minimum group size of two people plus a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency. 

Information about RAP permit pricing depends on which season you choose. You need to pay USD 100 per person from September to November to obtain the RAP for your first seven days. From December to August the permit fee amounts to USD 75 for the first consecutive seven days of trekking. 

A stay that extends beyond 7 days requires an additional USD 15 payment by day. You have to keep your permit ready to present it at every checkpoint you encounter throughout the trek. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) 

Foreign visitors must secure the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for authorized entry into both Annapurna Conservation Area and Nar Phu Valley. 

The government established restricted access to this place as a way to protect nature, animals, plants, and traditional cultural heritage. The collected money from this permit functions to maintain trekking paths while supporting local people.

Every foreign trekker needs to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit as their first step before the trek begins. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) costs NPR 3000 (approximate value USD 25). 

Foreign trekkers who obtain this permit can enter once at no time restriction. The ACAP is available at Nepal Tourism Board offices operating between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Every trekker needs to present their permit to authorities at checkpoints throughout the journey. 

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card – Is It Required? 

Trekking through Nar Phu Valley requires no necessary Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. 

Since the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) serves as the mandatory document for this trek it contains all required information about the trekker regarding their details, trekking route and emergency contacts. 

A compulsory TIMS card needs to be obtained whenever you decide to merge your Annapurna Circuit experience with the Nar Phu Valley by traversing the Thorong La Pass. 

The TIMS card serves as a tracking instrument that authorities use to handle and track trekkers inside the complete Annapurna region. 

The purchase price of a TIMS card amounts to USD 20 for independent trekkers but registered trekking agencies only need to pay USD 10 for acquiring it. 

Where and How to Get the Trekking Permits for Nar Phu? 

The permits for Nar Phu Valley Trek require you to use a registered trekking agency in Nepal for their acquisition. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) cannot be obtained independently. 

The agency assists clients with completing paperwork while creating necessary documents applying for permits. 

Your trekking agency requires a copy of your passport, two passport-size photos including information about your planned travel dates. A Registered Trekking Agency retrieves the RAP document through Department of Immigration based in Kathmandu. 

You can acquire the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) located in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Trekkers who engage with agencies can let their representatives obtain the necessary permits for them. 

The permit acquisition requires your passport copy along with two passport photo submissions. The trek requires you to bring both permits with you all the times since checkpoints will need proof of your permits.

Cost of Nar Phu Valley Trek Permits 

There are two essential permits needed to undertake the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) requires USD 100 from each person for seven days visit during September to November but costs USD 75 from September through August. 

You must pay USD 15 for every additional day spent beyond seven days in the restricted area because over seven days requires a permit. Visitors must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) since each needs to pay NPR 3,000 which corresponds to approximately USD 25. 

A 11-day trek with permit expenses, guide fees, porter expenses, transportation costs and accommodation fees and food costs totals USD 1,275 on average for each trekker. Cost cover fundamental necessities like daily meals while staying in local tea houses along with support staff. 

Your financial preparations should include expenses for additional services cost. The additional expenses on the trek involve Wi-Fi access together with hot showers and mobile device charging stations as well as snacks and bottled beverages with personal items. 

The tea houses separate expenses for additional services from their standard rates making them differently charged. Extra cash should be carried for personal comfort options. 

Permit Cost Breakdown by Nationality 

Permit Cost Breakdown for Foreign Nationals 

Foreign trekkers must obtain the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which amounts to USD 100 for the first 7 days during September to November while costing USD 75 for visits from December to August. 

Additional time required for extended treks will result in an additional cost of USD 15 per day. Additionally, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs USD 25 (NPR 3,000). 

The complete cost of Nar Phu Trek permits for foreign nationals reaches USD 125 to 150 considering the days of the trek. 

Permit Cost Breakdown for SAARC Nationals 

The total price structure for SAARC nationals in Annapurna Region includes USD 30 for RAP and NRs 1,000 for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. 

When visiting Nepal's restricted regions through trekking SAARC country citizens such as India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh need to purchase the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) worth USD 30 between the first seven days. 

The extra fee for extended treks is USD 15 which applies daily after the initial seven-day period. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs NPR 1,000 (around USD 8.50).

SAARC nationals can obtain their permits for a total price of USD 40 to 50 to support conservation efforts but pay less than foreign trekkers do for similar permits. 

Documents Required to Apply for Permits 

Two essential documents are needed when getting permit applications for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Your application for permits in the Nar Phu Valley Trek requires a passport that demonstrates both your nationality and personal identification. 

Receiving Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) requires successful submission of valid documents. The permit applications require submission of two standard passport photos for their approval. 

The RAP application requires two or more people to team up with a licensed trekking guide. To obtain permits you must provide a filled permit application form and essential supporting documents. 

Getting an ACAP permit requires only your passport information alongside required images. The Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara provide access to obtain an ACAP. 

You must keep all needed documents with you during trekking since authorities will require documentation at different control points. 

Group and Guide Requirements for Restricted Area 

When visiting the Nar Phu Valley Trek destination visitors must follow special guidelines about group visits with official guides as part of the Restricted Area Permit system. 

The RAP application requires groups of two or more individuals to participate in the trek. The government establishes rules to ensure safety of trekkers as well as their proper guidance during their trek through the area. 

Trekking into the restricted area requires both a licensed guide and a minimum of two travelling companions. The trekking guide must receive official registration by the government and should have experiences regarding this trek and distinct areas. 

A guide accompanies you during the trail through the Nar Phu Valley while protecting and showcasing the most beautiful locations. The guide will manage all permit paperwork because getting the RAP requires official documentation. 

Permit Validity and Trekking Duration 

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) provides access to the Nar Phu Valley Trek for a time of seven days. The restricted area duration extends up to 7 days with a USD 15 and additional fee is  required if you stay for extra days. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is highly considered for your stay within the protected area with no specified time frame.

Typically a NarPhu Valley Trek requires between 10 to 12 days for completion. You will need to schedule time for breaks, additional exploration based on your calculated speed and weather conditions. Your trekking permits must extend beyond the timeline of your complete journey.