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Visit ancient Tibetan-influenced cultures in stone villages far removed from modern life in one of Nepal's most restricted regions.
Sweeping views of the Annapurna massif, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho Peak.
Discover the rich history and culture of Nepal and the Mustang region with a certified local adventure guide.
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 a rare blend of spiritual and natural beauty with stays at sacred gompas and remote valleys.
Stay in traditional local tea houses and enjoy authentic local hospitality and delicious local meals.
Hotel
Dinner
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.




Local Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.




Tea House
Hotel
Dinner
+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.




Local Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8 Km
+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.




Local Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11 Km
+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.




Local Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.




Gompa
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15 Km
+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.




Local Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8 Km
+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.





Local Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14 Km
+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.




Village Inn
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.




Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6 Hours
Drive back to Kathmandu, unwind at the hotel, and reflect on your incredible Himalayan journey or explore the city on your own.

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


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)
All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 12 breakfast, featuring local cuisine and dietary accommodations
All internal ground transportation, and airport transfers throughout the journey
Certified local adventure guide throughout the journey
All trekking permits, national park entry fees, and local access charges
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
All cultural visits included in the itinerary and monastery stays are covered.
International flights to/from Nepal
Personal travel insurance (mandatory) - must include high altitude and trekking coverage
Personal trekking gear like sleeping bags, trekking poles etc.
Tips for guide and support staff
Any activities or meals not specified in the itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.