The Nar Phu Valley has lodges, but they are simpler than those on the main Circuit. Rooms are small, walls are thin, bathrooms are shared and often outside, and menus are short. Preparing for that, and packing for cold and distance, makes the difference between a trek you enjoy and a trek you endure.
Lodges
In Phu and Nar, expect family-run lodges with twin rooms, a shared dining room heated by a stove in the evening, and basic toilets. Hot showers may not be available, or may be a bucket of warm water for a fee. Outside the main villages, in places like Meta and Kayang, lodges can be seasonal and very simple. In busy weeks a lodge may be full, which is why a guide who calls ahead is valuable.
Food
Menus are limited to what can be carried or grown: dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, soup, eggs, potatoes, porridge and tea. Meat is rare and often tinned or dried. Fresh vegetables decrease the higher you go. Bring snacks you like, such as nuts, chocolate and energy bars, and consider electrolyte tablets to make water more drinkable.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink untreated. Use purification tablets, a filter or boiled water bought from the lodge. Plastic bottles are discouraged in the conservation area, so a refillable bottle and purification are better. Our blog has a full guide to water purification while trekking.
Power, signal and cash
- Charging is limited and often paid by the hour. Bring a power bank of at least 10,000 mAh.
- Phone signal can be absent for days. Tell your family your plan in advance.
- Carry enough Nepali rupees for the whole loop, including meals, tips and emergencies. There are no ATMs.
- Keep cash in small notes; change is hard to find.
What to wear
- Base layers of merino or synthetic fabric, not cotton.
- A mid-layer fleece and a down jacket rated to at least minus 15 degrees Celsius.
- A waterproof, windproof shell jacket and trousers.
- Sturdy, broken-in boots with ankle support, plus camp shoes.
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and liner gloves.
- Buff or balaclava for the pass.
What to carry
- A 40 to 50 litre daypack or duffel (your porter carries the heavy bag).
- A sleeping bag rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius or lower.
- Trekking poles, headlamp with spare batteries, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- Basic first-aid items, blister care and your own prescriptions.
- Water purification tablets or a filter.
- Dry bags to protect electronics and clothes.
What not to bring
Leave excess cotton, heavy books, bulky toiletries and single-use plastic behind. Every kilo you carry slows the porter and the group. Plan to take every item of rubbish back out of the valley.
Cooking and fuel
Kerosene, gas, firewood and yak dung are the main fuels. At high villages wood is scarce and carried far, so cooking is slow and menus short. Ask in advance if you want something special, and be patient. Do not expect meals to arrive quickly.
Lodging etiquette
- Take shoes off in dining rooms if asked.
- Keep noise down after 8 p.m.
- Use the toilet provided and flush with the bucket supplied.
- Do not dry clothes on the stove.
- Pay for extras at the end and tip staff.
Common questions
Are there hot showers in Nar Phu?
Rarely. Some lodges offer a bucket of warm water for a fee, but do not expect regular hot showers.
Can I charge my phone in Phu or Nar?
Often yes, but for a fee and with limited capacity. Carry a power bank.
Is a sleeping bag needed?
Lodges give blankets, but a warm sleeping bag rated to about minus 15 degrees Celsius is strongly recommended for the high villages and the nights before the pass.
