Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400m) where our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The afternoon is dedicated to trek briefing and permit verification — the Nar Phu restricted area permit requires passport copies, photos, and police check documentation. Your guide walks you through the 14-day itinerary and reviews the specialized gear requirements for this high-altitude restricted zone trek.
Kathmandu's Thamel district surrounds you with the energy of a city that has been the launching point for Himalayan expeditions for decades. Outdoor shops carry everything from down suits to altitude medication, while temple bells and incense create a spiritual undercurrent beneath the commercial bustle. If you arrive early, visit Swayambhunath Stupa for sunset views across the Kathmandu Valley — the ancient Buddhist shrine atop its hillock is a powerful introduction to the faith traditions you will encounter in the remote valleys ahead.
Prepare meticulously for this trek — the Nar Phu Valley is genuinely remote, with no shops, ATMs, or medical facilities beyond the trailhead at Koto. Carry all personal medication, sufficient cash for emergencies, and gear suitable for temperatures down to -15°C. Your guide carries a satellite phone and first aid kit, but self-sufficiency is essential. Withdraw cash in Kathmandu and pack it securely — NPR small denominations for the trail and USD for emergencies.
