Trek Into Hidden Ancient Tibetan Villages Deep in the Himalayas

Discover Nepal's last untouched pockets on this 12 day journey.

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Discover Nepal's Nar Phu Valley Over 12 Unforgettable Days

Trip Location: Nepal

Total Duration: 12 days

✓  Travel Window: November - May

Group Size: 4-12 People

Difficulty Level: 5/5

GBP £1555

GBP £1399

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What You'll Experience

Trek to Remote Tibetan-Influenced Villages

Visit ancient Tibetan-influenced cultures in stone villages far removed from modern life in one of Nepal's most restricted regions.

View Iconic Peaks of The Himalayas

Sweeping views of the Annapurna massif, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho Peak.

Interact With The Local Culture

Discover the rich history and culture of Nepal and the Mustang region with a certified local adventure guide.

Cross Challenging High Altitude Terrain Up to 5,320m

Cross the Kang La Pass (5,320m) for a spectacular panoramic reward. Gain genuine achievement from traversing some of the more demanding conditions the Himalayas can offer.

Immerse In Nepal's Spiritual & Natural Sites

Immerse in a rare blend of spiritual and natural beauty with stays at sacred gompas and remote valleys.

Stay In Local Tea Houses

Stay in traditional local tea houses and enjoy authentic local hospitality and delicious local meals.

Your Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals Included

Dinner

Walking Duration

Short walks to sites

Meet your guide in the afternoon and set out for a short but rich walking tour. Visit the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal with stunning views over the valley. Wander through Kathmandu Durbar Square before strolling into the buzzing alleys of Asan Bazaar and Thamel. In the evening, meet your group for a welcome dinner and trek briefing.

Durbar Square

Swayambhunath Stupa

Alleyways in Durbar Square

Hotel Room

Day 2: Drive to Koto (2610m)

Accommodation

Local Lodge

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration

10 Hours

A long but scenic drive takes you deep into the Himalayas, passing terraced fields, waterfalls, and remote mountain roads. After lunch at Besisahar, continue to Koto along the original Annapurna Circuit route. This rustic mountain town marks the edge of the Nar and Phu region.

Crossing Checkpoints during drive

Local Lodge

Small village of Koto

Delicious local meal of momos (dumplings) and noodle soup

Day 3: Trek to Meta (3560m)

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals Included

Hotel

Hiking Distance

Dinner

Ascent / Descent

+1410m / -420m

Today the adventure begins in earnest. Cross a suspension bridge and enter the restricted Nar and Phu valleys. The trail follows the river through dense pine forests, cave shelters, and narrow gorges before climbing steeply to the open plains of Meta. Expect expansive views and your first real taste of isolation.

Stunning views on trek to Meta

Delicious local soup and spring roll

Waterfall crossing

Tea hut accommodation

Day 4: Trek to Chyako (3,820m)

Accommodation

Local Tea House

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

8 Km

Ascent / Descent

+300m / -100m

An easier but scenic day. After a golden sunrise over Annapurna II, follow the trail past ancient chortens and rock walls, keeping the Kanguru icefall in view. In Chyako, feel the remoteness and heritage of a village once central to Tibetan Khampa rebels.

The remote village of Chyako nestled in the mountains

Stunning mountain views from Chyako

Buddha statue in Chyako Village

Rooms in the tea house

Day 5: Trek to Phu (4,080m)

Accommodation

Local Tea House

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

11 Km

Ascent / Descent

+460 m / -180 m

A short but dramatic day. Trek through a surreal landscape of red cliffs and colorful prayer stones, past the village of Kyang and over suspension bridges, eventually reaching the ancient fortress-like village of Phu. This hidden gem is home to centuries-old monasteries and just 150 residents living traditionally.

Sweeping landscapes on trek towards Phu

Local family prepares a delicious local meal

First view of the ancient Phu Village nestled in the mountains

Rooms in the tea house of Phu

Day 6: Exploration Day at Phu

Accommodation

Local Tea House

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

Short hikes

Choose your adventure. For a cultural immersion, explore the village and visit the 600-year-old Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. Or opt for a challenging hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,920m) for epic glacier views and high-altitude solitude.

Hiking up to Tashi Lhakhang Gompa

Stunning mountain backdrop of Phu village and its stone houses

Tashi Lhakhang Gompa

Buddha statue in Phu village

Day 7: Trek to Nar Phedi (3,550m)

Accommodation

Gompa

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

15 Km

Ascent / Descent

+470m / -1000m

Descend through a landscape of stone mani walls, remote caves, and timeless views. Sleep in the monastery at Nar Phedi—a simple but peaceful stay, surrounded by meditating monks and stunning quiet.

Suspension bridge crossing

River that runs in front of the Monastery

Experience peace at solitude at Nar Phedi Monastery

Cosy rooms

Day 8: Trek to Nar (4,200m)

Accommodation

Local Tea House

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

8 Km

Ascent / Descent

+750 m / -100 m

Climb steeply up to Nar Village, the largest and most vibrant settlement in the region. Today’s views are especially dramatic: the Nar Khola gorge, the immense Kanguru peak, and large Tibetan stupas create a deeply spiritual setting.

Vast landscapes at Nar

Unique stone houses

Hike up to visit the statue of Buddha

Stunning view of ancient Tibetan stone stupa

Tea house rooms

Day 9: Cross Kang La Pass (5,320m) to Ngawal (3,660m)

Accommodation

Local Tea House

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

14 Km

Ascent / Descent

+1120m / -1660m

The hardest and most rewarding day of the trek. Begin before sunrise and ascend to the Kang La Pass, where a 360° panorama of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak awaits. After photos and a break, descend steeply on scree trails into lush lower valleys and arrive in Ngawal for a comfortable stay. Ngawal, on the route of the Annapurna Circuit, is certainly very different from the ancient villages just visited. The lodges are big, the menus much more comprehensive and there will be Wifi and phone signals in most lodges.

The final few hundred metres

Water bodies seen near the top of the pass

Stunning mountain backdrop on the way down

View of the Annapurna range

Day 10: Drive to Bandipur (1,317m)

Accommodation

Village Inn

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distance

6 Hours

Leave the trail behind as you travel by jeep to Bandipur, a perfectly preserved hill town that feels frozen in time. Explore its car-free streets, restored mansions, and panoramic views over the Himalayas.

Beautiful views seen on the drive

Stunning backdrops on drive

Mountain backdrop in Bandipur

Walking through the streets of Bandipur

Day 11: Return to Kathmandu

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration

6 Hours

Drive back to Kathmandu, unwind at the hotel, and reflect on your incredible Himalayan journey or explore the city on your own.

Comfortable hotel stay after a long trip

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals Included

Breakfast

Driving Duration

30 minutes

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

Illustrated Map Of Your Journey

5320

METRES MAX
ELEVATION

73

KILOMETRES
IN TOTAL

6

DAYS OF
TREKKING

4500

METRES TOTAL
ASCENT

What's Included

Inclusions

Accommodation

All your accommodation throughout the trip is fully covered (2 nights in hotels, 2 nights in lodges 6 nights in local tea houses, 1 night in a monastary)

Meals

All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 12 breakfast, featuring local cuisine and dietary accommodations

Transportation

All internal ground transportation, and airport transfers throughout the journey

Local Guide

Certified local adventure guide throughout the journey

Entry Fees

All trekking permits, national park entry fees, and local access charges

Luggage Transport

You'll have an allowance of 15kg carried for you on camping days. We'll arrange storage and logistics of any extra baggage you may have

Cultural Visits & Monastery Stays

All cultural visits included in the itinerary and monastery stays are covered.

Exclusions

International Flights

International flights to/from Nepal

Travel Insurance

Personal travel insurance (mandatory) - must include high altitude and trekking coverage

Personal Equipment

Personal trekking gear like sleeping bags, trekking poles etc.

Tips

Tips for guide and support staff

External Activities/Meals

Any activities or meals not specified in the itinerary

Next Departures

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11th October 2026

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2027

11th April 2027

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16th May 2027

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Tips on gear, preparation, and what to expect each day

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Clarity on any other questions you might have

FAQs

Why is this trek so special?

The Nar Phu region only opened to trekkers in 2002 and remains one of Nepal's most restricted areas. Here you'll experience authentic Tibetan-influenced culture in villages with fewer than 200 residents, some unchanged for centuries.

The government enforces strict entry regulations, including special permits, mandatory certified guides, and minimum group sizes. It’s not a place you can trek independently or without permission/preparation.​

The combination of special permit requirements, challenging logistics, and remote location means only a few hundred trekkers visit each year, making this one of the most exclusive trekking experiences in the Himalayas. This limited access is what preserves the authentic culture and untouched landscapes that make the region so special.

What makes Kang La Pass a more demanding achievement than Everest Base Camp?

While Everest Base Camp (EBC) reaches 5,364m - slightly higher than Kang La Pass at 5,320m - the Kang La crossing presents a significantly more challenging achievement.

EBC spreads its 2,800m elevation gain over 12 days with multiple acclimatization stops, allowing gradual adaptation to altitude.​

In contrast, Kang La Pass demands a massive 1,120m ascent in a single day from Nar village (4,200m), all at very high altitude where oxygen levels are already reduced. This sustained climb requires exceptional endurance and mental fortitude as you push through increasingly thin air without the luxury of staged camps and equipped rest points.

​The technical challenge is also greater - EBC follows well-established trails with consistent foot traffic, while Kang La involves navigating loose scree, steep switchbacks, and unmarked terrain. The pass itself is a true mountain crossing, requiring you to commit to the full ascent and descent in one continuous effort.​

This makes crossing Kang La Pass a more concentrated test of high-altitude mountaineering ability - a genuine achievement that demonstrates your capacity to perform under some of the more demanding conditions the Himalayas can offer.

When is the best time of the year to do this trek?

The optimal seasons are March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn).

Spring offers clear mountain views and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn provides the most stable weather and crystal-clear visibility.

Winter (December-February) is extremely cold with potential snow blocking high passes, and summer (June-August) brings monsoon rains to lower elevations.

Do I need previous trekking experience and what kind of physical fitness is required for this trek?

This trek is not suitable for beginners. You should have previous multi-day trekking experience, preferably at altitude. If you're new to high-altitude trekking, we recommend starting with less demanding treks to build experience (see our Pakistan trek)​

This is a challenging trek rated 5/5 for physical difficulty. You'll gain 4,500m in elevation and descend 3,450m over the 6 trekking days, with a maximum sleeping altitude of 4,250m. The trek includes steep ascents, high-altitude walking, and crossing the demanding Kang La Pass at 5,320m. No technical climbing skills are required, but excellent fitness is essential.

You should be comfortable hiking 4-8 hours daily at altitude, often on steep, uneven terrain. We recommend at least 3 months of preparation including regular hiking with a loaded backpack, cardio training, and strength exercises focusing on legs and core.​

Our team is happy to provide more in-depth guidance for physical preparations and personalized training plans to help you get ready for this adventure. If you have any concerns about the physical demands feel free to contact us to discuss the specific requirements and preparation strategies in more detail.​

We do recommend that you consult with your doctor before embarking on any physical activity, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

What should I know about high altitude trekking?

At high altitude, the air contains less oxygen, which can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping - this is normal as your body adjusts.

Our itinerary is specifically designed with strategic, gradual ascents to maximize acclimatization, including a crucial rest day in Phu village at 4,080m.​

Your guide will conduct regular blood oxygen level checks using a pulse oximeter to monitor how well you're adapting to the altitude. We follow strict "climb high, sleep low" principles and will never rush ascent schedules. The trek reaches a maximum sleeping altitude of 4,250m, with the Kang La Pass at 5,320m being the highest point.​

Warning signs that require immediate descent include severe headaches, vomiting, confusion, or difficulty walking. Our guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and carry emergency medication if needed and are trained in emergency evacuation procedures.

What weather conditions can I expect?

Temperatures vary dramatically by altitude and season. Expect warm days and cool nights at lower elevations, while higher altitudes can be freezing even in optimal seasons. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so be prepared for all conditions.

What happens if weather affects the itinerary?

Mountain weather is unpredictable. Our experienced guides may adjust the itinerary for safety, including alternative routes or additional rest days. While we aim to complete the full program, flexibility is essential for mountain travel.

How do you ensure participant safety during the tour?

At Found Expeditions, your safety is our absolute priority throughout every stage of your adventure. We understand that mountain environments can present unexpected challenges, which is why we've developed comprehensive safety protocols refined through years of experience in the Himalayan region.

​Our certified local guides are trained in wilderness first aid, high-altitude safety, and emergency response. We conduct thorough risk assessments for each activity and location, continuously monitoring weather and trail conditions to adjust plans as needed. We maintain direct communication with local authorities and ensure all equipment meets international safety standards.​

We require mandatory travel insurance with high-altitude coverage, provide detailed pre-departure safety briefings, and maintain small group sizes (4-12 people) for personalized attention. Our proactive approach to safety management ensures you can focus on creating incredible memories with complete peace of mind.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation is mandatory. Your policy must cover helicopter rescue from remote areas.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations require written notification to our offices. Cancellation charges are:
●︎     More than 60 days before departure: Deposit only (30% of the total tour price)
●︎     More than 30 days before departure: 50% of total trip cost
●︎     30 days or less before departure: 100% of total trip cost

What accommodations will be provided during the tour?

During this Nar Phu Valley adventure, you'll enjoy:
●︎     2 nights in a Kathmandu Hotel - Comfortable, centrally located with modern amenities
●︎     1 night in a Bandipur Lodge  - Ideally located in the heart of the mountain town
●︎     2 nights in Lodges at Koto and Ngawal
●︎     6 nights at Teahouses during trekking - Fully supported and locally owned teahouses.

All hotel accommodation is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities.

Solo travelers will be paired with another single client of the same gender, though single accommodations are available for an additional cost during the trek.

Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can be arranged and single room supplements are available for hotel stays.

Will airport transfers be arranged?

Yes, the trip leader will meet all clients arriving on day one at Kathmandu Airport and arrange transfers to the group hotel. Similarly, transfers will be arranged for clients back to Kathmandu Airport on the last day of the holiday.

What about meals and dietary requirments?

All meals are included (full board). Expect traditional Nepali dal bhat, noodle soups, and simple but hearty mountain food. Vegetarian options are readily available. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated - discuss this during your booking consultation.

We encourage fully embracing the local culinary experience, as eating traditional foods is not only more sustainable but also deepens your cultural connection. Clean drinking water is provided and we discourage single-use plastics.