The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
The Nar Phu Valley is one of the least visited corners of Nepal. Tucked between the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits, this restricted valley sees only a handful of trekkers each year. With the trek to the hidden villages Nar and Phu in the Nar Phu Valley you explore it entirely at your own pace.
The journey starts in Kathmandu with a pre-trip meeting. Then a long jeep ride to Dharapani brings you to the edge of the restricted zone. From here, the trail climbs steadily through forested gorges and alpine meadows, past mani walls and small stone settlements, until the valley opens up and the Tibetan plateau comes into view.
The first major destination is Phu Village at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, an ancient settlement tucked into the hillside with a 600-year-old monastery above it. The culture here is deeply Tibetan. The language, the dress, the rhythm of daily life. Time moves differently in these villages. It always has. We spend two nights here, with an acclimatisation hike to Himlung Base Camp at 4,900 m / 16,076 ft. Then we cross to Nar Village, the highest village in Nepal, before crossing the Kang La Pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft.
On the other side of the pass, the trail descends steeply to Ngawal and continues to Chame, where a jeep takes us back towards Kathmandu. In 14 days, we travel through rugged terrain, ancient Tibetan culture and across one of Nepal’s most dramatic high passes. It is unlike anything else in Nepal.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary. Your trip is custom-made to fit your wishes and experience. Tell us what your preferences are. We’ll draft a personalised day-to-day program.
No. Trekking to Nar Phu Valley is a remote and demanding trek. The trail remains above 3,500 m for most of the route and crosses a pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is essential.
Not sure if this is for you? Just get in touch and we will give you an honest answer.
Yes. This trek involves walking at altitude. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking 5 to 6 hours a day at altitude.
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and we’ll give you an honest answer.
This is how we suggest trekking to Nar Phu Valley. Not how it has to go.
Get in touch and we’ll create a trek that fits your level of fitness and experience.
Yes, we can easily combine this trek with other destinations in Nepal. Just get in touch, and we’ll discuss the options.
Absolutely. Check our Nepal Group Trek to Nar Phu Valley for the departure dates and more details.
💡 Opened to the world in 2002
The Nar Phu Valley was closed to foreign trekkers until 2002, making it one of Nepal's newest trekking destinations despite its ancient history. Today it remains a restricted area, requiring a special permit that can only be obtained through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Fewer than 500 trekkers visit each year. That number is not a marketing claim, it is enforced by daily checkpoint registrations at the valley entrance.
What’s included
The price of this sample trek to Nar Phu Valley is per person, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
Are you travelling solo or with a larger group? We are happy to make you a custom price proposal. Just send us a message and we’ll get back to you with the options.
Included in this trip
- Airport transfer (arrival and departure)
- Comfortable hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu (including breakfast) – 4 nights
- Pre-trip meeting and gear check in Kathmandu
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back
- Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek – 9 nights
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through the Calamity Fund
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Porter (on request)
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Insurance covering rescue and evacuation
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
Day-to-day program
This page shows you how this sample Nar Phu Valley Trek is structured, day by day.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on the walking pace.
You land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide waits outside arrivals and takes you directly to the hotel. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Namaste. Welcome to Nepal. 🙏🏽
Hopefully you had a good first night and recovered a bit from the journey to Nepal.
After breakfast, we have our pre-trip meeting. We go through the itinerary together and check our gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted. Got everything you need? Take the rest of the day to recover from the jetlag, explore Thamel at your own pace or venture a little further into the city.
Sightseeing
Want to go for a small walk in the afternoon? Here are some ideas on walking distance from your hotel.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath sits on a hilltop about 20 minutes west of Thamel. The climb up the stone staircase is steep, but the reward is a panoramic view over Kathmandu and a stupa surrounded by dozens of resident monkeys. The all-seeing eyes painted on the tower watch over the city from every angle. One of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
About 15 minutes on foot from Thamel, Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic heart of the old city. The square was the seat of the Malla and Shah kings for centuries and is still used today for religious ceremonies, including those of the Kumari, the living goddess whose residence is located within the complex. The temples, courtyards and wooden carvings date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Some structures are still being restored after the 2015 earthquake, but the square remains one of the most compelling places in the city. Walk there from Thamel and take the back streets: the journey is half the experience.
Early morning, we board the jeep and head west towards the Annapurna region. The road winds through hills, river valleys and terraced farmland.
By late afternoon, we reach Dharapani, the gateway to the Nar Phu Valley. The restricted area permit is checked here. From this point on, the trail belongs to us.
Our Nar Phu Trek begins! A shorter walking day to ease into the trek.
We follow the Marsyangdi river upstream through forest and past stone villages until we reach Koto, where the trail into the Nar Phu Valley begins.
We leave the Annapurna Circuit behind and follow the Phu Khola river upstream through a narrow, shaded gorge. Small stone settlements appear along the way, places where the owners cook and eat together in the kitchen and chickens wander past the door. The trail climbs steeply in the final hour before we reach Meta on its high plateau.
We leave the forest behind. The landscape opens up into wide alpine terrain, snow-capped peaks appearing on all sides. We pass through the tiny outposts of Chyaku and Kyang. With yaks on the hillside, a football field, and a handful of teahouses. Then the final climb to Phu Village, tucked dramatically into the hillside at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. Above the village, a 600-year-old monastery watches over everything.
🧂 Phu and the ancient salt trade
For centuries, Phu Village was a key stop on the ancient salt trading routes between the Tibetan plateau and the lower valleys of Nepal. Traders carried salt, wool and livestock over the high passes, sustaining both economic and cultural exchange between Nepal and Tibet. That trade has largely disappeared, but the routes remain.
Today’s a rest day. But an active one; walk high, sleep low. So we hike up to Himlung Base Camp at 4,900 m / 16,076 ft, with views of the Himlung Himal and the surrounding peaks.
We return to Phu by afternoon, to explore the village, visit the monastery and let the altitude settle.
🙏 Tashi Lhakhang: "the blessed house of gods"
Above Phu Village stands Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in the Manang region. It is listed among the 108 great Buddhist monasteries of the world and is believed to be the last monastery built by Karmapa Rinpoche. The Dalai Lama has blessed it in person. Inside, monks still perform the same rituals that have been practised here for centuries.
We leave Phu and retrace our steps to Meta, then cross a bridge over the gorge to the other side. The trail climbs to Nar Phedi Monastery, a good place to rest and explore. From here, a shorter climb brings us to Nar Village: stone houses with colourful roofs, horses and dogs roaming the lanes, and a sky that feels enormous. This is the highest village in Nepal.
🐑 "Nar" means "the place of Blue Sheep"
The name Nar comes from the local word for Blue Sheep, the bharal, which still roams the high ridges above the village. The original inhabitants descended from Tibet's ancient Shang Sung Kingdom, arriving in the 8th century. They converted from Bon to Buddhism, and the monasteries they built have been active ever since.
The big day! We start early. The climb to Kang La Pass is long and exposed, about six hours to the top at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft. At the top, the entire Annapurna range stretches out in front of us … 👀
Then the descent begins: steep, loose and demanding. Microspikes may be needed in icy conditions. We reach Ngawal by late afternoon. Tired, proud and ready to eat.
A long descent back into the Annapurna Circuit. The air gets thicker and the vegetation greener. We join the trail at Manang and continue down to Chame, where the altitude finally eases and the body sighs with relief.
Congrats! We crossed the Kang La Pass and completed the Nar Phu Valley. That was something special. 🙌
We swap our boots for a seat in the jeep and head down the valley. The road follows the Marsyangdi river downstream through terraced farmland and river gorges. By midday, we reach Besi Sahar.
We board the bus back to Kathmandu. Outside the window, the mountains slowly give way to hills, then valleys, then the familiar chaos of the city.
Back at the hotel: a hot shower, clean clothes and a soft bed. And the satisfaction of knowing what we just completed. 😁
A buffer day in case anything shifted along the way; weather on the pass, a rest day needed, a delayed jeep.
Everything went smoothly? The day is yours. Visit Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple or the ancient streets of Bhaktapur, or simply find a quiet spot to just relax.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an ancient city with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Want to explore the city today? Here are some ideas.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
About 13 km east of Kathmandu lies Bhaktapur, a medieval city that feels like it has barely changed in centuries. The Durbar Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Palace of 55 Windows, the five-story Nyatapola Temple and the ornate Golden Gate. Behind the square, Pottery Square is still a working craft centre where local artisans shape clay by hand, just as they have done for generations.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath is the spiritual heart of the Tibetan community in Kathmandu. Walking the kora, the circular path around the stupa, alongside monks, pilgrims and locals is an experience that stays with you. The whitewashed dome, the prayer flags and the steady hum of chanting make this place unlike anywhere else in the city.
Pashupatinath Temple
The holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, protector of animals. The temple complex sits on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, about 5 km from Thamel. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the surrounding complex is open to all. From the eastern bank of the river, you can watch the cremation ghats and the daily rituals that have taken place here for centuries.
Your international flight departs from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Goodbye friends! We hope you will cherish the memories we’ve made together forever. And see you on the next adventure! 🙏🏽
Walking & pace
We usually start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the teahouse around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, drink something, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
More information
This is a demanding trek through one of Nepal’s most restricted and least visited regions. Over 9 trekking days, you walk an average of 6 hours per day through forested gorges, high alpine terrain and ancient Tibetan villages. The route stays above 3,500 m / 11,483 ft for most of the trek and crosses the Kang La Pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Because this is a custom trip, the pace is yours to set. Want an extra acclimatisation day in Phu or Nar? Prefer a slower start? Tell us what works for you and we will build the itinerary around it. The Kang La crossing involves steep, loose terrain and may require microspikes in icy conditions. Your guide will assess on the day.
Quick facts
- Route type: point-to-point
- Total distance: approximately 88 km / 55 mi (including hike to Himlung Base Camp
- Starting point trek: Koto (2,600 m / 8.530 ft)
- Highest point trek: Kang La Pass (5,320 m / 17,454 ft)
- End point trek: Chame
- Number of trekking days: 9
- Highlights along the way:
Phu Khola gorge-
- Phu Village and 600-year old monastery
- Himlung Base Camp
- Nar Village
- Kang La Pass
-
- Highlights along the way:
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this trek. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check — to make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
The best preparation is simply walking. Preferably several days in a row, with a backpack and elevation gain. In the months before departure, build up to walking days of 5 to 6 hours. Work on your overall fitness with cardio training (running, cycling, swimming) and don’t neglect your legs: squats, lunges and stair training work wonders.
Just as important: break in your hiking boots in time. New boots in Nepal are a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Ideally, start your training 3 months before departure.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Regardless of age, fitness or experience. Even the most seasoned mountain walkers can struggle with it.
The best prevention is going up slowly. That’s why our itinerary deliberately includes acclimatisation days where needed. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the programme if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
For more information, read our blog about altitude sickness.
Possibly.
There may be snow on the Kang La Pass. Depending on conditions, crampons or spikes may be required. Your guide will assess the conditions before the ptr-trip meeting and advise. We can arrange rental gear in Kathmandu, if needed.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and freshly cooked dal bhat in the shared dining room. Dal bhat is the classic Nepali dish of rice, lentils and vegetables. Simple, warm and surprisingly good after a long day on the trail.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Yes. The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area requiring a special permit on top of the standard Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Both are included in the price of the trip. We take care of all the paperwork.
Complete Nepal Trip – Nar Phu Valley Trek, the Hidden Villages
- Trek through one of Nepal's most remote and restricted valleys
- Phu and Nar: two hidden Tibetan villages frozen in time, far from any tourist trail
- Cross the dramatic Kang La Pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft between two ancient villages
Nepal Group Trek – Manaslu Circuit
Ask a question about this group trek
Nepal Group Trek – Pikey Peak with Dudh Kunda
Ask a question about this group trek
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The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
The Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larkya La Pass takes you through one of the most remote and unspoiled mountain regions in Nepal. Over 14 days, the landscape shifts completely: from lush river valleys and bamboo forests to high alpine terrain with a distinctly Tibetan character. The Manaslu Circuit is rugged, quiet and varied. Every day looks different from the one before.
The trip starts in Kathmandu with a pre-trip meeting: you meet your guide and porters, go through the itinerary and do a gear check. The following morning, a bus takes you to Seti Khola, where the trek begins.
For 12 days, you follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream, passing mani walls, stone villages and narrow gorges, while the landscape slowly transforms from green and lush to raw and high. Acclimatisation days in Samagaon and Samdo give your body the time it needs to adjust before the high section begins.
The absolute highlight is the crossing of the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m / 16,752 ft. An early start, a long climb through ice and stone, and then the summit: prayer flags in the wind and a view you will not forget. The descent to Bhimtang is its own reward.
The trek ends in Tilje. From there, a jeep and bus take you back to Kathmandu.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary. Your trip is custom-made to fit your wishes and experience. Tell us what your preferences are. We’ll draft a personalised day-to-day program.
Spring (February through mid-May) and autumn (September through November) are the best seasons for this trek. The weather is stable, the skies are clear and the chance of snow on Larkya La Pass is at its lowest.
Autumn is slightly busier. Spring is a little quieter, with rhododendron forests in full bloom along the route.
You don’t need to be a top athlete, but this trek does ask something of you. Think 4 to 7 hours of walking per day, several days in a row, at altitude. If you’re used to multi-day mountain hikes, you’ll generally be fine. The day to the summit of Tserko Ri (4,985 m) is the most demanding section: steep and possibly icy.
Not sure? Just get in touch. We’re happy to look at your experience level together and see whether this route suits you.
This is a suggested itinerary. A plan that shows what a trek like this can look like. Not how it has to go.
Want to add an extra acclimatisation day, start from a different point? Or make this a complete Nepal trip, including time elsewhere in Nepal? Get in touch and we will build a trip that fits your pace and preferences.
Get in touch and we’ll create a trip that fits you.
This is not a beginner’s trek. The route is long, remote and reaches high altitude. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking for 5 to 7 hours a day over multiple days. Prior trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and we will give you an honest answer.
⛰️ Manaslu means "Mountain of the Spirit"
The name Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning intellect or soul. At 8,163 m / 26,781 ft, it is the 8th highest mountain in the world. The first successful summit was reached by a Japanese expedition in 1956.
What’s included
The price of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is per person, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
Are you travelling solo or with a larger group? We are happy to make you a custom price proposal. Just send us a message and we’ll get back to you with the options.
Included in this trip
- Pre-trip meeting and briefing in Kathmandu
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Private transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back
- All teahouse accommodation during your trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through the Calamity Fund
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Porter (on request)
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Insurance covering rescue and evacuation
- Tips
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
Day-to-day program
This is an example itinerary. It shows you how a trip like this is typically structured, day by day. Because we tailor every journey to your wishes and experience, the exact program may vary.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on your pace.
The day before the trek begins. You meet your guide, go through the itinerary and check your gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted.
Got everything you need? Take the rest of the day to recover from the jetlag, explore Thamel at your own pace or venture a little further into the city.
Early morning, you board the bus and head northwest towards the Gorkha region. The road is smooth until Dhading Besi. After that, it becomes rougher and more remote. Villages, terraced fields and river valleys pass by the window. By late afternoon, you reach Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek.
🚙💨 Prefer a jeep?
That's possible. It's faster, a bit more flexible and includes some great stops along the way. Get in touch for details.
The trek begins. You follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream, crossing swaying suspension bridges and walking through small riverside settlements. Halfway through the day, you pass the natural hot springs of Tatopani, such a tempting stop.
The trail climbs through forest and rocky terrain before reaching Jagat, the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
🚫 One of the last restricted trekking areas in Nepal
The Manaslu Conservation Area requires a special restricted area permit. This was introduced to protect the fragile ecosystems and Tibetan-influenced cultures along the route. As a result, the trail sees far fewer trekkers than the Annapurna or Everest regions.
You leave Jagat and climb over a rocky ridge towards Salleri, then descend to Sirdibas. The trail continues through rhododendron forest and Himalayan pine, past mani walls and Buddhist prayer flags. You cross the Siyar Khola bridge and pass the junction where the trail splits towards Tsum Valley. By the end of the day, you reach the Buddhist village of Deng.
Countless Tibetan mani walls line the path today, their stones carved by hand with Buddhist texts. The trail winds through narrow gorges and colourful forests of spruce, oak and rhododendron. At the end of the day, you reach Namrung.
🌊 The Budhi Gandaki flows the entire length of the route
From Machha Khola to the high camps below the Larkya La, the Budhi Gandaki river is our constant companion. The trail follows its course upstream for most of the trek, climbing from subtropical valley floors to glacial terrain above 5,000 metres.
You climb gradually into alpine terrain. For the first time, Manaslu North and Manaslu itself appear on the horizon. You spend the night in Lho Gaon.
👫🏽 Locals in Lho Gaon still wear traditional Tibetan clothing
In Lho Gaon and other villages in the upper Nupri region, you will see locals wearing the chuba, a traditional Tibetan robe. This part of Nepal has strong historical ties to Tibet, and the culture, language and religion reflect that connection clearly.
A shorter day, designed to let your body adjust. You walk through a gorge thick with moss and rhododendrons. There is time to breathe, look around and arrive slowly in Samagaon.
Walk high, sleep low. Today you stay in the area around Samagaon. The day hike takes you to Pungyen Gompa and the glacial lake Birendra Tal, past the monastery destroyed by an avalanche in 1953, all the way to the ice-blue lake at the foot of the glacier.
Another shorter day above the tree line. Past yaks, marmots and high mountain meadows. Samdo is a yak-herding village at the junction of three valleys. On a clear day, you might spot traders from Tibet.
🏘️ Samdo sits at a crossroads of three valleys
The small yak-herding village of Samdo lies where three valleys meet, close to the Tibetan border. Historically, it was a trading point between Nepal and Tibet. On a clear day, you can sometimes see Tibetan traders crossing the high passes above the village.
From Samdo, you follow a wide path, cross the Budhi Gandaki and walk alongside a long mani wall. The trail climbs towards the Larkya glacier. You reach Larkya Phedi with views over a deep gorge. An early night. Tomorrow is the big day.
Today is the day. You start before sunrise and move steadily through ice and stone, past frozen lakes, towards the pass. At the top, prayer flags snap in the wind. You made it. The descent to Bhimtang is long, but the sense of achievement carries you through.
⛰️ The Larkya La Pass is one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal
At 5,106 m / 16,752 ft, the Larkya La is a serious crossing. The trail over the pass involves glacier terrain, frozen lakes and a long exposed ridge. Most groups start the crossing before 5am to avoid afternoon weather. The descent to Bhimtang drops more than 1,300 metres in a single day.
We cross a glacial stream and descend into a forest of rhododendrons and tall pines. With Manaslu still in view, you continue along the Dudh Khola through farmland to Tilje.
It’s the final walking day. Tired, satisfied and with a pack full of memories, we reach the end point of the trek.
You pack your bags for the last time on the trail. From Tilje, a jeep takes you to Besi Sahar. The road follows the Marsyangdi valley and runs alongside the construction works of the hydro power project. Dusty and busy, but the mountains are still with you.
After breakfast, we catch the bus back to Kathmandu. Time to rest, reflect and let it all sink in.
Congrats! You did it! You completed the Manaslu Circuit with the high Larkya La Pass. 🎉
🚙💨 Prefer a jeep?
That's possible. It's faster, a bit more flexible and includes some great stops along the way. Get in touch for details.
Walking & pace
We start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the lodge around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, drink something, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
About the Manaslu Circuit Trek
This trek takes you through a remote and restricted mountain region, circling the world’s 8th highest mountain over 13 walking days. You walk an average of 6 hours per day. The itinerary includes two acclimatisation days; one in Samagaon and one in Samdo, to give your body time to adjust before the Larkya La Pass.
The paths vary from wide river valley trails to narrow gorge paths, forest tracks and high alpine terrain above the tree line. The final day over the pass involves glacier terrain and a long descent. Trekking poles and warm layers are essential.
Quick facts
- Route type: loop
- Total distance: approximately 177 km / 110 mi
- Starting point: Machha Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft)
- Highest point: Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft)
- End point: Besi Sahar (760 m / 2,494 ft)
- Number of trekking days: 10
- Highlights along the way:
- Tatopani hot springs
- Lho Gaon and the first views of Manaslu
- Samagaon and Birendra Tal glacial lake
- Samdo yak village
- Larkya La Pass
- Bhimtang
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this trip. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Regardless of age, fitness or experience. Even the most seasoned mountain walkers can struggle with it.
The best prevention is going up slowly. That’s why our itinerary deliberately includes acclimatisation days where needed. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the programme if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Yes. The Manaslu Conservation Area requires a restricted area permit, which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency. This permit is included in the price of your trip. We take care of all the paperwork.
The best preparation is simply walking. Preferably several days in a row, with a backpack and elevation gain. In the months before departure, build up to walking days of 5 to 6 hours. Work on your overall fitness with cardio training (running, cycling, swimming) and don’t neglect your legs: squats, lunges and stair training work wonders.
Just as important: break in your hiking boots in time. New boots in Nepal are a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Ideally, start your training 3 to 6 months before departure.
Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check, to make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
Yes. Our individual trips are custom trips, and hiring a porter is optional and can be added to your booking. Most people travelling as a pair share one porter. The porter carries a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs) in a duffel bag, which we provide on loan for the duration of the trek.
Hiring a porter is more than a practical choice. It is one of the most direct ways to contribute to the local economy. Portering is an important source of income and often the first step into the tourism sector for young people from mountain communities. It is how most of the guides started out. They learn the trekking routes, work with international travellers, pick up English and other languages, and build the experience needed to become a guide themselves.
If you feel uncertain about hiring a porter, there is no need to. At By Mountain People their work is valued, the pay is fair and the opportunity matters. If you would like to add a porter to your trip or have questions, get in touch and we will put together a proposal.
Nepal Trek – Manaslu Circuit with Larkya La, the Remote Trail
- A full loop around Manaslu, the world's eighth highest mountain
- Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m / 16,752 ft at your own pace
- Deep into restricted Tibetan culture, villages and landscapes few trekkers ever reach
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek & Jungle Safari
Ask us a question
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek
Ask us a questionWhat our customers have to say
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Excited to explore Nepal?
Now let's make it real. Browse our trips or request a quote. And we will get back to you personally ASAP.
The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
The Khopra Danda Family Trek is a friendly trek for families with children, through the quiet heart of the Annapurna region. Over 12 days, we walk through traditional Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forests and open alpine ridgelines, at a pace that works for everyone.
From Pokhara, a short drive brings us to Kande, where the trek begins. The trail climbs through Landruk, Ghandruk and Tadapani before entering quieter terrain towards Dobato and Dhankarka. The higher we climb, the fewer trekkers we meet. By the time we reach Khopra Danda at 3,660 m / 12,008 ft, the views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu stretch out in every direction.
We spend two nights on the ridge. The rest day is for everyone to enjoy at their own pace. Relax at the lodge, take a short hike in the surroundings or simply sit and watch the mountains. No pressure, no agenda.
The descent takes us through Chitre to Tatopani, where natural hot springs sit beside the river. A warm soak after days on the trail. Kids and adults agree this is the best part of the last day.
The trek ends with a short drive back to Pokhara.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary. Your trip is custom-made to fit your family’s wishes, pace and experience. Tell us what your preferences are. We’ll draft a personalised day-to-day program.
We recommend this trek for children from age 8. The daily stages are short and the terrain is varied but not technically demanding. A reasonable base fitness and a positive mindset are enough, no prior trekking experience is needed.
Between 3 and 5 hours per day on most days. The stages are kept deliberately short to maintain a pace that works for the whole family. There is always time to stop, explore and take things in.
Halfway through the day, we stop at a mountain lodge for a warm lunch. Think: pancakes, toast, rice or noodles, freshly cooked and never rushed.
Spring (February through May) and autumn (mid-September through November) are the best seasons for trekking in Nepal. The weather is stable, the skies are clear and the chance of snow at Khopra Danda is at its lowest.
Autumn is slightly busier. Spring is a little quieter, with rhododendron forests in full bloom along the route.
The highest sleeping point is Khopra Danda at 3,660 m / 12,008 ft. At this altitude, altitude sickness is possible but unlikely for most people, including children. We climb gradually and take it slow.
It is important to drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the program if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
Yes. This is a custom trip built around your family. If someone needs an extra rest day, a shorter stage or a different pace, we adjust. That is exactly what a custom trip is for.
Yes. This family trek is listed as trek-only itinerary, but we are happy to take care of the full journey. Think airport transfers, hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara, domestic flights, a jungle safari in Chitwan or anything else you would like to add.
Get in touch and we will discuss your wishes and put together a personalised proposal.
This is a suggested itinerary. A plan that shows what a family trek in Nepal can look like. Not how it has to go.
Get in touch and we’ll create a trek that fits your and your family’s level of fitness and experience.
What’s included
The price of the Khopra Danda Family Trek is per person, based on two people travelling together.
Are you travelling with a larger family? We are happy to make you a custom price proposal. Just send us a message and we’ll get back to you with the options.
Included in this trip
- Pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu
- Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (including breakfast) – 1 night before the trek
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Experienced mountain porter (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Private transport from Pokhara to the trailhead and back
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Travel health insurance covering rescue and evacuation — mandatory in Nepal
- Tips
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
Day-to-day program
This is an example itinerary. It shows you how a family trek to Khopra Danda is typically structured, day by day. Because we tailor every journey to your wishes and experience level of you and your kids, the exact program may vary.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on your walking pace.
The day before the trek begins. You meet your guide, go through the itinerary and check your gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted.
Got everything you need? Take the rest of the day to recover from the jetlag, explore Thamel at your own pace or venture a little further into the city.
We take the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The road winds through hills, river valleys and terraced farmland.
Along the way, we make regular stops to stretch our legs, grab something to eat or drink and use the facilities. By late afternoon, we arrive in Pokhara.
🚙💨 Prefer a private vehicle or domestic flight?
That's possible. It's faster and a bit more comfortable and flexible. Get in touch for details.
A short drive from Pokhara takes us to Kande, where the trek begins. 🙌
We lace up our boots and step onto the trail. The path descends through terraced fields and rhododendron forest. And … with good weather, the mountains appear!
A shorter day through terraced hillsides and traditional Gurung villages. Along the way, we can see local families who live here. They’re very curious, friendly and often very interested in your family. Many of them walk to a neighbouring village six days a week just to go to school. Saturday is their one day off. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal: stone houses, narrow alleys and Annapurna South rising directly above.
We climb through dense oak and rhododendron forest, with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre growing closer with every step. Tadapani sits on a ridge with wide views in all directions.
We leave the forest behind and climb into quieter, more open terrain. Moss-covered rocks, silent paths and the first real sense of being far from the crowds. Dobato is basic and beautiful.
A shorter day through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The trail is quiet here. Yaks, wind and mountain views. Dhankarka is a small, simple settlement where the pace slows right down.
The final climb to Khopra Danda. As we reach the ridge, the mountains open up completely: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu. All can be visible at once.
Khopra Danda is as simple as it gets. A single small lodge on an exposed mountain ridge, with around ten rooms for trekkers and a handful of locals who cook and keep the place running. No village, no shops, no crowds. Just the mountains and the views. We spend two nights here.
Today the choice is yours. Rest at the lodge, or go for a short hike up.
💪 Family with fit and older kids?
At 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, there's the remote Khayer Lake. This lake sits higher than Annapurna Base Camp and is almost always deserted. The lake is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Once a year, during the Janai Purnima festival, pilgrims trek up here to pray and bathe in the glacial water. It's an adventurous destination for a full day hike.
We leave the ridge and begin the descent. The landscape shifts back to forest and terraced hillsides. Chitre is a quiet village with warm teahouses and the first signs of lower altitude.
A long descent to Tatopani, a village known for its natural hot springs beside the Kali Gandaki river. After days at altitude, the warm water is exactly what the legs need.
We board our vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. The trek is done.
Congrats! 🎉 You walked through the quiet heart of the Annapurna region, stood on one of its finest ridges and earned every step.
Walking & pace
We usually start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the lodge around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, play a game with the kids, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
More information
This is a family trek through the southern Annapurna region over 9 walking days. Daily stages are kept short and manageable, between 3 and 5 hours per day. The route is suitable for children from age 8 with a reasonable level of fitness. No technical terrain, no glacier crossings, no high passes.
The trails vary from stone staircases and forest paths in the lower sections to open ridgelines and alpine meadows higher up. The highest sleeping point is Khopra Danda at 3,660 m / 12,008 ft. Altitude sickness is unlikely at this height, but worth being aware of.
Quick facts
- Route type: point-to-point
- Total distance: approximately 105 km / 65 mi
- Starting point: Kande (approx. 1,770 m / 5,807 ft)
- Highest point: Khopra Danda (3,660 m / 12,008 ft)
- End point: Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft)
- Number of trekking days: 9
- Highlights along the way:
- Landruk and Ghandruk village with Gurung culture
- Rhododendron forests (blooming in March)
- Tadapani sunrise
- Khopra Danda ridge
- Tatopani hot spring
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the family trek to Khopra Danda. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
Once your Nepal family trek is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check, to make sure you and your family have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
The most important preparation is getting used to walking. In the weeks before departure, go on regular walks with the whole family. Preferably with some elevation gain and a light daypack. Building up gradually is more effective than one long walk the weekend before you fly.
On the trail, the right gear makes a big difference: well-worn walking boots, moisture-wicking layers and a good rain jacket. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential at altitude.
One tip that experienced trekking families swear by: bring a small game or activity for the evenings. A puzzle book, a reading book or a deck of cards. Light to carry, easy to enjoy and a great way to wind down together after a day on the trail.
Yes, and we recommend it. A porter helps with carrying bags so your family can focus on walking and enjoying the surroundings.
We usually arrange one porter per two people, carrying a maximum of 16 kg / 35 lbs per porter. We provide a sturdy duffel bag on loan for the duration of the trek. Your gear goes in the duffel, which the porter carries, while the kids (and you) carry a small daypack with the essentials for the day.
Hiring a porter also directly supports the local economy. Get in touch and we will include a porter in your custom itinerary.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Nepal Family Trek – Khopra Danda, the Quiet Annapurna Trail
- A little-visited Annapurna trek, perfect for families with kids from age 6
- Your guide is a parent too; patient, experienced and attuned to the pace of a family on the trail
- Relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani at the end of the trek
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek & Jungle Safari
Ask us a questionBird Watching: Annapurna Trek
Ask us a questionWhat our customers have to say
Don't just take our word for it. Discover what travelers before you wrote about traveling in Nepal with us.
Excited to explore Nepal?
Now let's make it real. Browse our trips or request a quote. And we will get back to you personally ASAP.
The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
The Nar Phu Valley Group Trek takes us through the remote and restricted trekking region in Nepal. Over 14 days, we follow the Phu Khola river deep into a valley that sits between the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits. It’s a world apart from both.
The trek starts in Kathmandu with a group dinner and a pre-trip meeting. Then, a long jeep ride to Dharapani brings us to the edge of the restricted zone. From here, the trail climbs steadily through forested gorges and alpine meadows, past mani walls and small stone settlements, until the valley opens up and the Tibetan plateau comes into view.
The first major destination is Phu Village at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, an ancient settlement tucked into the hillside with a 600-year-old monastery above it. The culture here is deeply Tibetan. The language, the clothing, the rhythm of daily life. Time moves differently in these villages. It always has. We spend two nights here, with an acclimatisation hike to Himlung Base Camp at 4,900 m / 16,076 ft. Then we cross to Nar Village, the highest village in Nepal, before crossing the Kang La Pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft.
On the other side, the trail descends steeply to Ngawal and continues to Chame, where a jeep takes us back towards Kathmandu. In just 14 days, we travel through rugged terrain, ancient Tibetan culture and across one of Nepal’s most dramatic high passes. It is unlike anything else in Nepal.
No. The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the most remote and demanding treks in Nepal. The trail remains above 3,500 m for most of the route and crosses a pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is essential.
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and we will give you an honest answer.
Yes. This trek involves walking at altitude. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking 5 to 6 hours a day at altitude.
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and we’ll give you an honest answer.
Absolutely. Most people who join our group trips come on their own. You’ll share the experience with a small group of like-minded travellers and a guide who knows everyone by name.
Yes, that is possible at an extra cost. You’ll find the applicable supplement on the “Pricing & dates” tab. Our group trip prices are based on shared rooms for two or three people as standard.
Yes. You can add days before or after the group trip, in Kathmandu or anywhere else in Nepal. There’s so much more to explore in Nepal! Get in touch and we’ll build it into your trip.
Absolutely. Get in touch and we’ll send you a tailor-made price proposal including your flights.
💡 Opened to the world in 2002
The Nar Phu Valley was closed to foreign trekkers until 2002, making it one of Nepal's newest trekking destinations despite its ancient history. Today it remains a restricted area, requiring a special permit that can only be obtained through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Fewer than 500 trekkers visit each year. That number is not a marketing claim, it is enforced by daily checkpoint registrations at the valley entrance.
Pricing & Dates
The price of the Nar Phu Valley Group Trek is per person, based on sharing twin rooms.
Prefer your own hotel room in Kathmandu? The single room surcharge is 97 euro.
Included in this trip
- Airport transfer (arrival and departure)
- Comfortable hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu (including breakfast)
- Group dinner on the day of arrival
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Local mountain porter (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back
- Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Travel health insurance covering rescue and evacuation — mandatory in Nepal
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
| Date | Availability | Participants | Price p.p. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 25 Apr 2027 | Available | from 1,715 EURO | Join this group | |
| Sat, 4 Dec 2027 | Available | from 1,715 EURO | Join this group |
Day-to-day program
This page shows you how the Nar Phu Valley Group Trek is structured, day by day.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on the walking pace.
You land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide is waiting outside arrivals and takes you and the rest of the group directly to the hotel. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
In the evening, the group heads out for dinner together. A great moment to meet each other and get to know one another. Welcome to Nepal. 🙏🏽
Hopefully you had a good first night and recovered a bit from the journey to Nepal.
After breakfast, we have our pre-trip meeting. We go through the itinerary together and check our gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted. Got everything you need? Take the rest of the day to recover from the jetlag, explore Thamel at your own pace or venture a little further into the city.
Sightseeing
Want to go for a small walk in the afternoon? Here are some ideas on walking distance from your hotel.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath sits on a hilltop about 20 minutes west of Thamel. The climb up the stone staircase is steep, but the reward is a panoramic view over Kathmandu and a stupa surrounded by dozens of resident monkeys. The all-seeing eyes painted on the tower watch over the city from every angle. One of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
About 15 minutes on foot from Thamel, Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic heart of the old city. The square was the seat of the Malla and Shah kings for centuries and is still used today for religious ceremonies, including those of the Kumari, the living goddess whose residence is located within the complex. The temples, courtyards and wooden carvings date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Some structures are still being restored after the 2015 earthquake, but the square remains one of the most compelling places in the city. Walk there from Thamel and take the back streets: the journey is half the experience.
Early morning, we board the jeep and head west towards the Annapurna region. The road winds through hills, river valleys and terraced farmland.
By late afternoon, we reach Dharapani, the gateway to the Nar Phu Valley. The restricted area permit is checked here. From this point on, the trail belongs to us.
Our Nar Phu Trek begins! A shorter walking day to ease into the trek.
We follow the Marsyangdi river upstream through forest and past stone villages until we reach Koto, where the trail into the Nar Phu Valley begins.
We leave the Annapurna Circuit behind and follow the Phu Khola river upstream through a narrow, shaded gorge. Small stone settlements appear along the way, places where the owners cook and eat together in the kitchen and chickens wander past the door. The trail climbs steeply in the final hour before we reach Meta on its high plateau.
We leave the forest behind. The landscape opens up into wide alpine terrain, snow-capped peaks appearing on all sides. We pass through the tiny outposts of Chyaku and Kyang. With yaks on the hillside, a football field, and a handful of teahouses. Then the final climb to Phu Village, tucked dramatically into the hillside at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. Above the village, a 600-year-old monastery watches over everything.
🧂 Phu and the ancient salt trade
For centuries, Phu Village was a key stop on the ancient salt trading routes between the Tibetan plateau and the lower valleys of Nepal. Traders carried salt, wool and livestock over the high passes, sustaining both economic and cultural exchange between Nepal and Tibet. That trade has largely disappeared, but the routes remain.
Today’s a rest day. But an active one; walk high, sleep low. So we hike up to Himlung Base Camp at 4,900 m / 16,076 ft, with views of the Himlung Himal and the surrounding peaks.
We return to Phu by afternoon, to explore the village, visit the monastery and let the altitude settle.
🙏 Tashi Lhakhang: "the blessed house of gods"
Above Phu Village stands Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in the Manang region. It is listed among the 108 great Buddhist monasteries of the world and is believed to be the last monastery built by Karmapa Rinpoche. The Dalai Lama has blessed it in person. Inside, monks still perform the same rituals that have been practised here for centuries.
We leave Phu and retrace our steps to Meta, then cross a bridge over the gorge to the other side. The trail climbs to Nar Phedi Monastery, a good place to rest and explore. From here, a shorter climb brings us to Nar Village: stone houses with colourful roofs, horses and dogs roaming the lanes, and a sky that feels enormous. This is the highest village in Nepal.
🐑 "Nar" means "the place of Blue Sheep"
The name Nar comes from the local word for Blue Sheep, the bharal, which still roams the high ridges above the village. The original inhabitants descended from Tibet's ancient Shang Sung Kingdom, arriving in the 8th century. They converted from Bon to Buddhism, and the monasteries they built have been active ever since.
The big day! We start early. The climb to Kang La Pass is long and exposed, about six hours to the top at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft. At the top, the entire Annapurna range stretches out in front of us … 👀
Then the descent begins: steep, loose and demanding. Microspikes may be needed in icy conditions. We reach Ngawal by late afternoon. Tired, proud and ready to eat.
A long descent back into the Annapurna Circuit. The air gets thicker and the vegetation greener. We join the trail at Manang and continue down to Chame, where the altitude finally eases and the body sighs with relief.
Congrats! We crossed the Kang La Pass and completed the Nar Phu Valley. That was something special. 🙌
We swap our boots for a seat in the jeep and head down the valley. The road follows the Marsyangdi river downstream through terraced farmland and river gorges. By midday, we reach Besi Sahar.
We board the bus back to Kathmandu. Outside the window, the mountains slowly give way to hills, then valleys, then the familiar chaos of the city.
Back at the hotel: a hot shower, clean clothes and a soft bed. And the satisfaction of knowing what we just completed. 😁
A buffer day in case anything shifted along the way; weather on the pass, a rest day needed, a delayed jeep.
Everything went smoothly? The day is yours. Visit Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple or the ancient streets of Bhaktapur, or simply find a quiet spot to just relax.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an ancient city with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Want to explore the city today? Here are some ideas.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
About 13 km east of Kathmandu lies Bhaktapur, a medieval city that feels like it has barely changed in centuries. The Durbar Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Palace of 55 Windows, the five-story Nyatapola Temple and the ornate Golden Gate. Behind the square, Pottery Square is still a working craft centre where local artisans shape clay by hand, just as they have done for generations.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath is the spiritual heart of the Tibetan community in Kathmandu. Walking the kora, the circular path around the stupa, alongside monks, pilgrims and locals is an experience that stays with you. The whitewashed dome, the prayer flags and the steady hum of chanting make this place unlike anywhere else in the city.
Pashupatinath Temple
The holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, protector of animals. The temple complex sits on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, about 5 km from Thamel. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the surrounding complex is open to all. From the eastern bank of the river, you can watch the cremation ghats and the daily rituals that have taken place here for centuries.
Your international flight departs from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Goodbye friends! We hope you will cherish the memories we’ve made together forever. And see you on the next adventure! 🙏🏽
Walking & pace
We usually start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the lodge around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, drink something, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
More information
Nar Phu Valley Trek is a remote and a more demanding trek in Nepal. We walk an average of 6 hours per day over 9 trekking days. The route remains above 3,500 m / 11,483 ft for most of the trek, reaching a maximum of 5,320 m / 17,454 ft on Kang La Pass. Two acclimatisation days are built into the itinerary. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended.
The trails vary from forested river gorges in the lower valley to exposed alpine terrain above 4,000 m. The Kang La crossing involves steep, loose descent and may require microspikes in icy conditions.
Quick facts
- Route type: point-to-point
- Total distance: approximately 88 km / 55 mi (including hike to Himlung Base Camp
- Starting point trek: Koto (2,600 m / 8.530 ft)
- Highest point trek: Kang La Pass (5,320 m / 17,454 ft)
- End point trek: Chame
- Number of trekking days: 9
- Highlights along the way:
- Phu Khola gorge
- Phu Village and 600-year old monastery
- Himlung Base Camp
- Nar Village
- Kang La Pass
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this group trek. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check, to make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
The best preparation is simply walking. Preferably several days in a row, with a backpack and elevation gain. In the months before departure, build up to walking days of 5 to 6 hours. Work on your overall fitness with cardio training (running, cycling, swimming) and don’t neglect your legs: squats, lunges and stair training work wonders.
Just as important: break in your hiking boots in time. New boots in Nepal are a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Ideally, start your training 3 months before departure.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Regardless of age, fitness or experience. Even the most seasoned mountain walkers can struggle with it.
The best prevention is going up slowly. That’s why our itinerary deliberately includes acclimatisation days where needed. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the programme if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
For more information, read our blog about altitude sickness.
Possibly.
There may be snow on the Kang La Pass. Depending on conditions, crampons or spikes may be required. Your guide will assess the conditions before the ptr-trip meeting and advise. We can arrange rental gear in Kathmandu, if needed.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and freshly cooked dal bhat in the shared dining room. Dal bhat is the classic Nepali dish of rice, lentils and vegetables. Simple, warm and surprisingly good after a long day on the trail.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Yes. The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area requiring a special permit on top of the standard Annapurna Conservation Area permit. Both are included in the price of the trip. We take care of all the paperwork.
Every group trip includes a porter; one porter per two people. Your porter carries a maximum of 16 kg / 35 lbs in total, which means up to 8 kg / 18 lbs per person.
We provide a duffel bag on loan for the duration of the trek. Everything you do not need during the day goes into the duffel, and your porter takes care of the rest. Our porters often set their own pace and walk ahead, so by the time you arrive at the next teahouse, your bag is usually already waiting for you.
Keep your valuables and anything you need on the trail in your own daypack. Like passports, cash, snacks, water, rain jacket, camera. These items stay with you.
If you feel uncertain about hiring a porter, there is no need to. For porters, this work is the first step towards becoming a guide. They learn the routes from the inside. They gain experience working with international travellers. And they pick up English and other languages along the way. The porter carrying your bag today may well be leading his own group through these mountains in a few years.
Nepal Group Trek – Nar Phu Valley
- Trek through one of Nepal's most remote and restricted valleys
- Cross the dramatic Kang La Pass at 5,320 m / 17,454 ft between two ancient villages
- Phu and Nar: two hidden Tibetan villages frozen in time, far from any tourist trail
Nepal Group Trek – Manaslu Circuit
Ask a question about this group trekNepal Group Trek – Pikey Peak with Dudh Kunda
Ask a question about this group trekWhat our customers have to say
Don't just take our word for it. Discover what travelers before you wrote about traveling in Nepal with us.
Excited to explore Nepal?
Now let's make it real. Browse our trips or request a quote. And we will get back to you personally ASAP.
The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
The Langtang Panorama Trek to Tserko Ri Peak takes you into the heart of the Langtang Valley in a short amount of time. This is one of the most beautiful trekking regions near Kathmandu. From the city, we drive to the start of the route. From there, we walk through dense forests of pine, bamboo and rhododendron, climbing gradually to the alpine meadows of Kyanjin Gompa, the last Tibetan village in the valley.
The highlight of this trip is the ascent of Tserko Ri (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). A solid climb, but one that pays off twice over. From the top, we have a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. On clear days, you can even see the Tibetan plateau.
Although the Langtang Valley is relatively close to Kathmandu, it is less well known than the Everest and Annapurna regions. And that is exactly what makes it so special. It’s quieter, authentic and surprisingly diverse in landscape.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary. Your trip is custom-made to fit your wishes and experience. Tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll take care of the rest.
Spring (February through May) and autumn (mid-September through November) are the best seasons for this trek. The weather is stable, the skies are clear and the chance of snow on Tserko Ri is at its lowest.
Autumn is slightly busier. Spring is a little quieter, with rhododendron forests in full bloom along the route.
You don’t need to be a top athlete, but this trek does ask something of you. Think 4 to 7 hours of walking per day, several days in a row, at altitude. If you’re used to multi-day mountain hikes, you’ll generally be fine. The day to the summit of Tserko Ri (4,985 m) is the most demanding section: steep and possibly icy.
Not sure? Just get in touch. We’re happy to look at your experience level together and see whether this route suits you.
This is a suggested itinerary. A plan that shows what a trek like this can look like. Not how it has to go.
Want more time to acclimatise? Or prefer an extra day in Kyanjin Gompa? No problem. Want to combine the trip with a few extra days in Kathmandu before or after the trek, or perhaps a visit to another region in Nepal? That’s possible too.
Get in touch and we’ll create a trip that fits you.
What’s included
The price of this trip is per person, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
Are you travelling solo or with a larger group? We are happy to make you a custom price proposal. Just send us a message and we’ll get back to you with the options.
Included in this trip
- Pre-trip meeting and briefing in Kathmandu
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Private transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back
- All teahouse accommodation during your trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through the Calamity Fund
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Porter service (on request)
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Insurance covering rescue and evacuation
- Tips
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
Day-to-day program
This is an example itinerary. It shows you how a trip like this is typically structured, day by day. Because we tailor every journey to your wishes and experience, the exact program may vary.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on the pace of the group.
The day before the trek begins. You meet your guide, go through the itinerary and check your gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted.
Got everything you need? Take the rest of the day to recover from the jetlag, explore Thamel at your own pace or venture a little further into the city.
Early in the morning we board the bus to Syabrubesi, the starting point of the trek. After arriving and having lunch, we take our first steps towards Bamboo. Along the way, the landscape gradually opens up and the Himalaya reveals itself. We spend our first night in the mountains in Bamboo, a simple Tamang village surrounded by nothing but nature.
🚙💨 Prefer a jeep?
That's possible. It's faster, a bit more flexible and includes some great stops along the way. Get in touch for details.
After an early breakfast beside the rushing river, we set off on a long but rewarding day. The trail follows the Langtang Khola upstream through lush forest. We walk mostly in the shade, which makes the climbing much more pleasant. Along the way, there’s a good chance of spotting monkeys, and various bird species, and possibly wild honey in autumn. We reach Ghoda Tabela early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and explore the surroundings.
From 3,000 metres, the first views of the surrounding peaks start to open up. The trail is relatively peaceful, though fully in the sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses are not a luxury here. Along the way, we pass more and more Tibetan villages, with small restaurants and locals in traditional dress. The Langtang Valley reveals itself here for the first time.
⚠️ The 2015 earthquake
In April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake triggered a massive avalanche from Langtang Lirung. It buried the entire village under millions of tons of rock and ice. More than 240 people lost their lives here, both locals and trekkers. When you walk through Langtang Village today, you're not walking through the original village. The community rebuilt on a new site, slightly higher up the valley and away from the couloir that channelled the destruction in 2015. A more sheltered spot. Not the old place. The mani wall near the trail carries the names of everyone who died here. Take a moment when you pass it.
Today is an easier day, and that will probably feel good after the previous stages. After breakfast, we walk to Kyanjin Gompa in around four hours, the last village in the valley. After lunch, we take a short walk to explore the village. Kyanjin Gompa is a remarkable place: an ancient monastery, surrounded by a glacier and high mountain peaks.
🧀 Cheese factory
In 1955, Swiss dairy expert Werner Schulthess came all the way to Kyanjin Gompa to set up Nepal's first commercial cheese factory. At nearly 3,900 metres above sea level. The milk comes from female yaks, known locally as naks, grazing the high pastures around the village. The cheese is hard, nutty and rich. You can visit the factory, watch the process up close, and buy a block to take with you. The best snack for the walk back down.
Active rest: a few ideas for the afternoon
Today is a short day. That doesn’t mean lying still. Walking up to a higher point during the day, then back to the lodge for the night, helps your body adjust to the altitude. Below you’ll find a few options for the afternoon. Pick what suits you, or take it easy at the lodge.
Visit Kyanjin Monastery
The monastery is the spiritual heart of the valley. It is around 300 years old, and the thangka paintings on the walls were brought here from Tibet some 400 years ago. Villagers, not monks, take turns opening and maintaining it. Step inside in the early morning, when butter lamps are still burning. And walk around it clockwise, as the locals do.
Hike Kyanjin Ri
The classic half-day hike from the village. You climb to 4,773 m / 15,659 ft and look out over Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and the entire valley below. The trail is steep and short. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Shishapangma across the Tibetan border.
Hike to the glacier
A flatter walk north of the village, along the moraine of the Langtang Lirung glacier. No big climb, just you and the ice. Every now and then, you can hear the glacier crack and shift beneath the surface. A reminder that this landscape is alive.
An early start today. We set off around 5:00 AM towards the summit, with breakfast packed in our bags. The climb is demanding: over 1,200 metres of elevation gain in around five hours. But at the top, a 360-degree panorama awaits over the Langtang peaks, Dorje Lakpa, Shishapangma and on clear days even the Tibetan plateau. After a well-earned rest on the summit, we descend back to Kyanjin Gompa.
After an early breakfast beside the rushing river, we set off on a long but rewarding day. The trail follows the Langtang Khola upstream through lush forest. We walk mostly in the shade, which makes the climbing much more pleasant. Along the way, there’s a good chance of spotting monkeys, and various bird species, and possibly wild honey in autumn. We reach Ghoda Tabela early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and explore the surroundings.
This is the last day of walking. We descend further to Syabrubesi, with a well-earned lunch along the way. We’ve completed a beautiful multi-day trek through the Himalaya, with the cherry on top being the summit of Tserko Ri.
🚙💨 Return to Kathmandu
Prefer to take an evening jeep back to Kathmandu? That's possible. Get in touch for details.
After breakfast, we catch the bus back to Kathmandu.
Walking & pace
We usually start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the lodge around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, drink something, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
About this trip
This trek takes you through the foothills of the Langtang range. You walk an average of 5 to 6 hours per day, without high passes along the way. We have built no formal rest days, but 2 lighter walking days. The paths are mostly well-maintained mountain paths. Expect stone steps, rocky sections and possible snow or ice on the higher sections.
Quick facts
- Route type: out-and-back
- Total distance: approximately 80 km / 50 mi
- Starting point: Syabrubesi (1,462 m / 4,797 ft)
- Highest point: Tserko Ri (4,985 m / 16,355 ft)
- End point: Syabrubesi (1,462 m / 4,797 ft)
- Number of trekking days: 7
- Highlights along the way:
- Langtang Village
- Kyanjin Gompa
- Tserko Ri
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this trip. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Regardless of age, fitness or experience. Even the most seasoned mountain walkers can struggle with it.
The best prevention is going up slowly. That’s why our itinerary deliberately includes acclimatisation days where needed. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the programme if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Yes. Our individual trips are custom trips, and hiring a porter is optional and can be added to your booking. Most people travelling as a pair share one porter. The porter carries a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs) in a duffel bag, which we provide on loan for the duration of the trek.
Hiring a porter is more than a practical choice. It is one of the most direct ways to contribute to the local economy. Portering is an important source of income and often the first step into the tourism sector for young people from mountain communities. It is how most of the guides started out. They learn the trekking routes, work with international travellers, pick up English and other languages, and build the experience needed to become a guide themselves.
If you feel uncertain about hiring a porter, there is no need to. At By Mountain People their work is valued, the pay is fair and the opportunity matters. If you would like to add a porter to your trip or have questions, get in touch and we will put together a proposal.
The best preparation is simply walking. Preferably several days in a row, with a backpack and elevation gain. In the months before departure, build up to walking days of 5 to 6 hours. Work on your overall fitness with cardio training (running, cycling, swimming) and don’t neglect your legs: squats, lunges and stair training work wonders.
Just as important: break in your hiking boots in time. New boots in Nepal are a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Ideally, start your training 3 to 6 months before departure.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check, to make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
Nepal Trek – Tserko Ri Peak, the Langtang Panorama Viewpoint
- From Kathmandu quickly into the mountains
- A 360-degree panorama from the summit of Tserko Ri
- Tibetan Buddhist villages, gompas and prayer flags
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek & Jungle Safari
Ask us a questionBird Watching: Annapurna Trek
Ask us a questionWhat our customers have to say
Don't just take our word for it. Discover what travelers before you wrote about traveling in Nepal with us.
Excited to explore Nepal?
Now let's make it real. Browse our trips or request a quote. And we will get back to you personally ASAP.
The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
During the Khopra Danda Trek you walk through the quiet part of the Annapurna region, far from the busy trails that most trekkers follow. Over 12 days, we walk through traditional Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forests and open alpine ridgelines to the Khopra Danda ridge. This is a place where the mountains fill the horizon. 👀
From Pokhara, a short drive brings us to Kande, where the trek begins. The trail climbs through Landruk, Ghandruk and Tadapani before entering quieter terrain towards Dobato and Dhankarka. The higher we climb, the fewer trekkers we meet. By the time we reach Khopra Danda at 3,660 m / 12,008 ft, the views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu stretch out in every direction.
We spend two nights on the ridge. On the rest day, there is an optional hike to Khayer Lake at 4,500 m / 14,763 ft. It’s a sacred glacial lake revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and one of the most remote and rewarding highlights of the entire route.
The descent takes us through Chitre to Tatopani, where natural hot springs(!) sit beside the river. Then a short drive brings us back to Pokhara.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary. Your trip is custom-made to fit your wishes and experience. Tell us what your preferences are. We’ll draft a personalised day-to-day program.
Spring (February through May) and autumn (September through November) are the best seasons for this trek. The weather is stable, the skies are clear and the chance of snow at Khopra Danda is at its lowest.
Autumn is slightly busier. Spring is a little quieter, with rhododendron forests in full bloom along the route.
You don’t need to be a top athlete, but this trek does ask something of you. Think 5 to 7 hours of walking per day, several days in a row, at altitude. If you’re used to multi-day mountain hikes, you’ll generally be fine. The optional hike to Khayer Lake (4,600 m / 15,090 ft) is the most demanding section.
Not sure? Just get in touch. We’re happy to look at your experience level together and see whether this route suits you.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Regardless of age, fitness or experience. Even the most seasoned mountain walkers can struggle with it.
The best prevention is ascending slowly. That’s why you walk high and sleep low(er). This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the programme if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
This is a suggested itinerary. A plan that shows what a trek like this can look like. Not how it has to go.
Get in touch and we’ll create a trek that fits your level of fitness and experience.
What’s included
The price of the Khopra Danda Trek is per person, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
Are you travelling solo or with a larger group? We are happy to make you a custom price proposal. Just send us a message and we’ll get back to you with the options.
Included in this trip
- Pre-trip meeting and gear check in Kathmandu
- Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (including breakfast) – 1 night before the trek
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Private transport from Pokhara to the trailhead and back
- All teahouse accommodation during your trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through the Calamity Fund
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Porter (on request)
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Insurance covering rescue and evacuation
- Tips
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
Day-to-day program
This is an example itinerary. It shows you how our trek to Khopra Danda is typically structured, day by day. Because we tailor every journey to your wishes and experience, the exact program may vary.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on your walking pace.
The day before the trek begins. You meet your guide, go through the itinerary and check your gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted.
Got everything you need? Take the rest of the day to recover from the jetlag, explore Thamel at your own pace or venture a little further into the city.
An early start. We board the tourist bus to Pokhara. The ride takes about 6 hours through hills, river valleys and terraced farmland.
🚙💨 Prefer a private vehicle or domestic flight?
That's possible. It's faster and a bit more comfortable and flexible. Get in touch for details.
A short drive from Pokhara takes us to Kande, where the trek begins. 🙌
The trail descends through terraced fields and rhododendron forest to the Gurung village of Landruk. The first steps. And … with good weather, the mountains appear!
A shorter day through terraced hillsides and Gurung villages. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal. With stone houses, narrow alleys and Annapurna South rising directly above. It’s time to explore the village and rest before the climb ahead.
We climb through dense oak and rhododendron forest, with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre growing closer with every step. Tadapani sits on a ridge with wide views in all directions.
We leave the forest behind and climb into quieter, more open terrain. Moss-covered rocks, silent paths and the first real sense of being far from the crowds. Dobato is basic and beautiful.
A shorter day through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The trail is quiet here. Yaks, wind and mountain views. Dhankarka is a small, simple settlement where the pace slows right down.
The final climb to Khopra Danda. The ridge opens up completely: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu all visible at once. We spend two nights here.
Today the choice is yours. Rest at the lodge, or hike up to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. It’s a full day of walking with no facilities along the way, so we bring food and water.
Active rest
Today is built for acclimatisation. That doesn’t mean lying still. Walking up to a higher point during the day, then back to the lodge for the night, helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Relax at the lodge
There are very few places in the world where you can sit outside with a book and have Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre as your backdrop. No village, no noise. Just a ridge, a teahouse, and all the time in the world.
Hike to Khayer Lake
At 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, Khayer Lake sits higher than Annapurna Base Camp and is almost always deserted. The lake is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Once a year, during the Janai Purnima festival, pilgrims trek up here to pray and bathe in the glacial water. Next to the lake stands the Khayer Barahi temple. Keep your eyes open for rare birds on the way up.
We leave the ridge and begin the descent. The landscape shifts back to forest and terraced hillsides. Chitre is a quiet village with warm teahouses and the first signs of lower altitude.
A long descent to Tatopani, a village known for its natural hot springs beside the Kali Gandaki river. After days at altitude, the warm water is exactly what the legs need.
We board our vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. The trek is done. 🎉
You walked through the quiet heart of the Annapurna region, stood on one of its finest ridges and earned every step.
Walking & pace
We usually start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the lodge around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, drink something, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
More information
The Khopra Danda Trek takes you through the southern Annapurna region over 10 trekking days. We walk an average of 4 to 5 hours per day on well-maintained mountain trails. The optional hike to Khayer Lake is the longest day at around 8 hours. There are no high passes on this route. One rest day is built into the itinerary at Khopra Danda.
The terrain varies from stone staircases and forest paths in the lower sections to open ridgelines and alpine meadows higher up. No technical sections, no glacier crossings.
Quick facts
- Route type: point to point
- Starting point: Kande (approx. 1,770 m / 5,807 ft)
- Highest point on main route: Khopra Danda (3,660 m / 12,008 ft)
- Highest point with Khayer Lake: 4,500 m / 14,763 ft
- End point: Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft)
- Number of trekking days: 10
- Highlights along the way:
- Landruk, Ghandruk and Gurung culture
- Tadapani ridge
- Khopra Danda viewpoint
- Khayer Lake
- Tatopani hot springs
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the trek to Khopra Danda. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
Once your Khopra Danda Trek is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check, to make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
The best preparation is simply walking. Preferably several days in a row, with a backpack and elevation gain. In the months before departure, build up to walking days of 5 to 6 hours. Work on your overall fitness with cardio training (running, cycling, swimming) and don’t neglect your legs: squats, lunges and stair training work wonders.
Just as important: break in your hiking boots in time. New boots in Nepal are a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Ideally, start your training 3 to 6 months before departure.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Yes. Our individual trips are custom trips, and hiring a porter is optional and can be added to your booking. Most people travelling as a pair share one porter. The porter carries a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs) in a duffel bag, which we provide on loan for the duration of the trek.
Hiring a porter is more than a practical choice. It is one of the most direct ways to contribute to the local economy. Portering is an important source of income and often the first step into the tourism sector for young people from mountain communities. It is how most of the guides started out. They learn the trekking routes, work with international travellers, pick up English and other languages, and build the experience needed to become a guide themselves.
If you feel uncertain about hiring a porter, there is no need to. At By Mountain People their work is valued, the pay is fair and the opportunity matters. If you would like to add a porter to your trip or have questions, get in touch and we will put together a proposal.
Nepal Trek – Khopra Danda, the Quiet Annapurna Trail
- A route through a little-visited part of the Annapurna region
- Views of 3 eight-thousanders: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu
- With an optional day hike to the remote Khayer Lake
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek & Jungle Safari
Ask us a questionBird Watching: Annapurna Trek
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Don't just take our word for it. Discover what travelers before you wrote about traveling in Nepal with us.
Excited to explore Nepal?
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The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
With the Nepal Group Trip Self-drive 4×4 Upper Mustang Road, we explore Nepal from behind the wheel. Through ancient kingdoms, high-altitude desert and jungle, all in 13 days. This trip is organised by our partner Off The Grid 4×4, specialists in extreme offroad adventures across the world. We are the local partner on the ground in Nepal, taking care of guidance, logistics and local expertise along the way.
The journey starts in Kathmandu. After a day to settle in and explore the city, we head west to Pokhara and from there into the Lower Mustang. A landscape of ancient monasteries, deep gorges and traditional Thakali villages. Then the road climbs higher, into the Upper Mustang, towards Lo Manthang: a walled Tibetan city that was completely closed to the outside world until 1992. A special permit is required to enter this region.
After two nights in Lo Manthang, we drive back through the mountains to Pokhara and then south to Chitwan National Park. A full day on safari by boat, on foot and by jeep, in search of the rare one-horned rhinos, crocodiles and the elusive Bengal tiger. The trip ends back in Kathmandu with a day of guided sightseeing before flying home.
You can book this trip is directly through our partner Off The Grid 4×4. Visit their website at offthegrid4x4.com for questions, pricing and availability.
This trip is an exclusive collaboration between Off The Grid 4×4 and By Mountain People. Off The Grid 4×4 organises the overall program and the itinerary. We are the local partner in Nepal, providing on-the-ground guidance, local knowledge and logistical support throughout the journey.
This trip is booked directly through Off The Grid 4×4. Visit offthegrid4x4.com for questions, availability and pricing. You can also get in touch with us if you have questions about Nepal specifically.
Each team of two drives a full-size 4×4 SUV. The vehicle is included in the trip price.
Max. 20 vehicles. We keep our groups deliberately small. That means personal attention on the road and less impact on the villages and landscape we pass through.
Get in touch with offthegrid4x4.com for current group size and availability.
You need a valid driving licence and be comfortable driving in challenging conditions: steep unpaved roads, river crossings and narrow mountain passes. No prior offroad experience is required, but confidence behind the wheel is essential.
The vehicle price is based on two people sharing one car. A private hotel room is available at an additional cost. Get in touch with Off The Grid 4×4 for the single occupancy rate and current availability.
Pricing & Dates
The price of this trip is per person, based on sharing a vehicle and twin rooms.
Prefer your own room? Contact offthegid4x4.com for the rate and availability.
Included in this trip
- Return flights Amsterdam to Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation (based on shared twin rooms)
- Breakfast and dinner throughout the trip (lunches on rest days are not included)
- 4×4 full-size SUV (based on two people per vehicle)
- Local guide with knowledge of the country, culture and roads
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit
| Date | Availability | Participants | Price p.p. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 10 Oct 2026 | Last spots | from 6,875 EURO | Join this group |
Day-to-day program
Learn how the Self-drive 4×4 Upper Mustang Road Group Trip is structured, day by day.
We land in Kathmandu after an overnight flight via Doha. A day to settle in, adjust to the climate and explore the city. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple are all within reach. Lively streets, colourful markets and the first glimpse of the Himalaya above the city skyline.
We leave Kathmandu and head west towards Pokhara. The city chaos gives way to green hills and open countryside. A long but rewarding drive with the Annapurna range appearing on the horizon as we approach the lake city.
We enter the Lower Mustang, gateway to the Upper Mustang and one of Nepal’s most dramatic landscapes. Ancient monasteries, traditional Thakali villages and the deep Kali Gandaki gorge pass by the window. The sacred temple of Muktinath is one of the highlights along the way. The landscape shifts from subtropical green to something altogether more austere.
The road climbs higher and the landscape becomes wilder. The Upper Mustang has a distinctly Tibetan character. Vast, rugged and extraordinary.
The destination is Lo Manthang: a walled city on Nepalese soil, right on the border with Tibet. Closed to the outside world until 1992, today only accessible with a special permit. We spend a full day here to experience the Tibetan atmosphere and, for those who want to, drive further towards the Chinese border.
We drive back through the mountains towards Pokhara. Temperatures rise, greenery returns and the snow-capped peaks remain in view the entire way. A night in our 4-star hotel in Pokhara — time to wash off the dust and rest.
We head south into the jungle. The Terai lowlands are a world apart from the mountains: flat, warm and teeming with wildlife. We spend a full day on safari at a top-class resort on the banks of the Rapti River — by boat, on foot and by jeep. One-horned rhinos, crocodiles and gharials are almost certain. A Bengal tiger is always possible.
A spectacular mountain road brings us back to Kathmandu. Hundreds of bends, narrow passes and no heavy traffic. A final full day in the city with a guided tour of Kathmandu’s highlights. Then the flight home, with a full head and heart.
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this Nepal self-drive trip. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out with offthegrid4x4.com.
The self-drive trip runs outside the monsoon season. October is the main departure date, with additional dates in March. During the monsoon, the Upper Mustang Road is largely inaccessible.
Yes, you need a tourist visa.
The 15-day tourist visa costs 30 USD.
Yes. An international driving licence is required to drive in Nepal. Make sure you arrange this before departure.
Yes. The restricted area permit for the Upper Mustang, valued at USD 500, is included in the price and arranged by Off The Grid 4×4 before departure.
Nepal Group Trip – Self-drive 4×4 Upper Mustang Road
- Drive about 200 km per day in your own 4×4
- Cover the Upper Mustang Road, to the hidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang
- Travel across Nepal, from the high mountains to lush jungles
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek & Jungle Safari
Ask us a questionBird Watching: Annapurna Trek
Ask us a questionWhat our customers have to say
Don't just take our word for it. Discover what travelers before you wrote about traveling in Nepal with us.
Excited to explore Nepal?
Now let's make it real. Browse our trips or request a quote. And we will get back to you personally ASAP.
The organisation with a local team and European reliability. The best of both worlds.
By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income close to home.
Financially protected through VZR Garant and the Calamiteitenfonds.
In a nutshell
The Inner Expedition is not a standard trekking trip in Nepal. It is a 13-day journey that invites you to slow down, turn inward and reconnect with what truly matters. The mountains, the temples and the silence do the work. You just have to show up.
The journey is guided by two people who each bring their own expertise. Rosalie Teeuwen from Lighting Up is a coach and facilitator with over 15 years of experience in personal leadership. Govinda Dhakal, co-founder of By Mountain People, was born and raised in Nepal and knows the country from the inside out. Together they create this safe space for movement, depth and rest. Outside and within.
The trip takes you from the living chaos of Kathmandu to the stillness of a Buddhist Monastery, the calm of Pokhara and the mountain villages of the Annapurna foothills. Along the way, there are moments of silence, reflection, optional Kundalini sessions, a multi-day trek through the Himalaya. And there’s enough time to speak individually with the facilitator. The pace slows naturally. The landscape does what no city ever could.
This is not a trip you just do. It is a trip that stays with you. Long after you are home.
Rosalie Teeuwen is a coach and facilitator at Lighting Up with over 15 years of experience in personal leadership.
Govinda Dhakal is co-founder of the travel company By Mountain People, born and raised in Nepal.
Together they guide this trip from start to finish.
Rosalie creates space for reflection throughout the journey: through group conversations, silence, Kundalini sessions if you like and moments of individual attention. This is not therapy. It is gentle, grounded guidance that supports whatever needs to surface.
Kundalini NRGY Awakening is an energetic practise that uses touch and music to support inner awakening and connection. It is an invitation to return to your true essence. Kundalini is an ancient tradition rooted in the Vedic scriptures. This practise helpt you move out of the mind and deeper into the body and emotional awareness.
We work with your own intelligent energy field and do not force anything. Your body knows exactly what it needs.
Max 14 people. The group is kept small to ensure personal attention and a safe, intimate atmosphere.
No. The trek is suitable if you walk regularly and are in reasonable physical shape. No prior trekking experience is required.
🤲 The Inner Expedition
Where silence breathes, and you return to yourself.
What’s included
The price of The Inner Expedition is per person, based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
Prefer your own room? The single room surcharge is 385 euro.
Included
- Personal intake, opening session and closing session with Rosalie and Govinda
- Personal guidance throughout the journey by Rosalie (Lighting Up)
- Travel guidance in Nepal by Govinda (By Mountain People)
- International flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Nepal and back
- All transfers in Nepal
- Pre-trip meeting and briefing in Kathmandu
- Welcome dinner on the first evening in Nepal
- Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast (Hotel Barahi) – 4 nights
- Authentic homestay in Namo Buddha Monastery – 2 nights
- Breakfast & dinner with the monks in Namo Buddha Monastery
- All required hiking permits
- Local mountain porter during the hike (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Authentic homestay accommodation during the hike
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the hike
- Authentic homestay in Tashi Palkhel Monastery, Pokhara – 2 nights
- Breakfast & in Tashi Palkhel Monastery
- Guided UNESCO heritage tour in Kathmandu – 1 day
- Secured booking with Calamiteitenfonds (natural disaster and civil unrest coverage)
- Secured booking with VZR Garant (insolvency protection)
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Tourist visa (approx. 25 euro)
- Travel health insurance covering rescue and evacuation (mandatory in Nepal)
- Lunch and dinner in the cities
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Heritage entrance fees (approx. 20 euro)
- Tips
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
| Date | Availability | Participants | Price p.p. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 3 Jan 2027 | Available | View | from 4,995 EURO | Join this group |
Day-to-day program
How The Inner Expedition is structured, day by day.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on the walking pace.
Today it begins. We meet at Schiphol Airport, some of us strangers still, some already familiar faces. There is something about an airport departure hall that sharpens the senses: the hum of rolling luggage, the smell of coffee, the quiet anticipation of what lies ahead.
Before we board, we take a moment. What are we leaving behind? Old patterns, expectations, the weight of the familiar. Some things do not need to travel with us.
Tonight we fly to Nepal via Delhi, about 13 hours in total. With a time difference of nearly 5 hours, we arrive the following morning, a little tired and perhaps already a little lighter.
If the skies are clear on approach, the Himalayas appear above the city like a wall at the edge of the world. Then the plane descends and Kathmandu unfolds: woodsmoke, incense, prayer flags, horns, chaos, life. What is the chaos in your own life?
A transfer takes us to our hotel in the city. We check in, freshen up and come together for a welcome dinner. The first meal. The first evening. The Inner Expedition has begun.
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu is a five-star hotel on the edge of the travelers neighborhood Thamel, steps away from the neoclassical Garden of Dreams and within easy walking distance of the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square. The location strikes the right balance: quiet enough to escape the bustle of the city, central enough to explore it on foot.
After breakfast, we drive to Namo Buddha. Hills, terraced fields, the city falling away. At the top, the monastery appears. Prayer flags. Chanting. Something shifts.
This place carries a story of pure compassion. We slow down, let the silence do its work and go deeper in an optional Kundalini session. The evening ends with dinner alongside the monks. Simple food. A sky full of stars.
Guest House at Namo Buddha Monastery
The guest house sits directly on the grounds of Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites. At roughly 1,500 metres, the hilltop setting offers open views over the surrounding valleys.
This is as close to monastery life as you can get: meals are shared with the monks, morning prayers start at 6 AM and the rhythm of the day follows the monastic schedule.
Today we stay. A day of silence. No agenda, no words, just presence. An optional Kundalini session for those who want to go deeper. For the rest: hike, sit, breathe, look at the mountains.
In the evening, we gather again. Not to talk, but to arrive. What lives between the inhale and the exhale? Today may have offered a first glimpse.
Guest House at Namo Buddha Monastery
The guest house sits directly on the grounds of Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites. At roughly 1,500 metres, the hilltop setting offers open views over the surrounding valleys.
This is as close to monastery life as you can get: meals are shared with the monks, morning prayers start at 6 AM and the rhythm of the day follows the monastic schedule.
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the monastery and drive back to Kathmandu. From the domestic airport, a short flight takes us to Pokhara, about 30 minutes, with the Himalayan range visible from the window on a clear day.
Pokhara receives us differently than Kathmandu. Quieter. Softer. And then there is Phewa Lake. Still, mirror-flat, reflecting the snow-capped peaks above. The outer world and the inner world, side by side. What does the water show when you look long enough?
TBD
Follows
After breakfast, we meet our porters and drive into the mountains. About 45 minutes later, we step out and … there it is. The foothills of the Himalaya, all around us. The air is cleaner here. The pace slower. The body notices before anything else does. It’s moving.
The trail descends through rhododendron forest, the sacred double-peaked Machhapuchhre rising ahead. With every step, the ground feels more solid. The breath deeper. By afternoon, we arrive in Landruk. Simple rooms, local food, a warm welcome.
Homestay
During the trek we sleep in homestay’s: simple mountain homes with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower, wifi and charging your electronics is usually possible, for a small extra fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list from By Mountain People that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
The trail drops to the Modi Khola river, crosses a suspension bridge and climbs again through terraced fields and Gurung villages until Ghandruk appears on the hillside. Stone houses, narrow alleys, mountains close enough to feel rather than just see.
Walking through a place like this asks a quiet question: what does home really mean to you?
Homestay
During the trek we sleep in homestay’s: simple mountain homes with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower, wifi and charging your electronics is usually possible, for a small extra fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list from By Mountain People that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
After breakfast, we walk down to Nayapul, the final steps of the hike. Then we board our vehicle and drive back to Pokhara.
In the afternoon, we reach a Tibetan monastery and refugee camp on the outskirts of the city. From mountain stillness to human story. The transition is part of the journey. What has moved in you these past days, in the body, the heart, the mind?
Tashi Palkhel
The guest house sits directly on the grounds of Tashi Palkhel, in one of Nepal’s most Tibetan Refugee Camps.
Again, just like at Namo Buddha, this is as close to monastery life as you can get: meals are shared with the monks, morning prayers start at 6 AM and the rhythm of the day follows the monastic schedule.
Today we spend the day in stillness at Tashi Palkhel. Rest, breathe, write. Attend an optional Kundalini session with Rosalie, join a Buddhist ceremony in the monastery, or contribute to the community through a donation or voluntary work.
No agenda. Just presence.
Tashi Palkhel
The guest house sits directly on the grounds of Tashi Palkhel, in one of Nepal’s most Tibetan Refugee Camps.
Again, just like at Namo Buddha, this is as close to monastery life as you can get: meals are shared with the monks, morning prayers start at 6 AM and the rhythm of the day follows the monastic schedule.
🙏🏽 The monastery
Tashi Palkhel is one of four Tibetan refugee settlements in Pokhara, established in 1962. Thousands of Tibetans built a new life here after fleeing their homeland, a community held together by faith, craft and quiet resilience. The monastery at its heart has been chanting ever since.
We leave Pokhara behind and transfer back to Kathmandu. The mountains slowly give way to the valley. The inner journey and the outer world begin to meet again.
How do we carry what we have found here, back into the noise, the pace, the ordinary?
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu is a five-star hotel on the edge of the travelers neighborhood Thamel, steps away from the neoclassical Garden of Dreams and within easy walking distance of the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square. The location strikes the right balance: quiet enough to escape the bustle of the city, central enough to explore it on foot.
After breakfast, we visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Two of Nepal’s most sacred sites, and two very different encounters with the same truth.
At Pashupatinath, the cremation fires burn at the edge of the Bagmati River. Life and death, side by side, without apology. At Boudhanath, we walk the kora, the circular path around the stupa, alongside monks and pilgrims. Every step a small letting go.
This is the theme of the day: impermanence. What the river carries away. What the circle brings back.
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu is a five-star hotel on the edge of the travelers neighborhood Thamel, steps away from the neoclassical Garden of Dreams and within easy walking distance of the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square. The location strikes the right balance: quiet enough to escape the bustle of the city, central enough to explore it on foot.
This morning, we gather one last time before the journey home. Rosalie and Govinda close the expedition with a final ritual, a small gesture of blessing for the road ahead.
You do not leave as the same person who arrived. Something was left behind. Something was found. The Inner Expedition does not end today, it continues in how you return.
Kort het afscheid en de terugkomsessie benoemen?
Walking & pace
The Inner Expedition includes a 2-day hike through the Annapurna foothills. The walking days cover the villages of Dhampus, Landruk and Ghandruk, at altitudes between roughly 1,000 and 2,000 metres. The paths are well-marked and the terrain is varied: forest trails, stone steps and ridge walks with wide views.
You do not need to be an experienced trekker. A reasonable level of fitness is enough. The pace is gentle and the group moves together. The focus is not on distance or elevation. It is on being present.
Route
Altitude
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about The Inner Expedition. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
For questions about the sessions and guidance during the trip: reach out to Rosalie.
For questions about Nepal, the route and accommodations, contact Govinda.
Yes, always.
The homestay’s menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the homestay’s kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette or local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls or pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Most likely. Please, consult with your travel doctor (GGD) for personal advice.
During the trek you sleep in homestay’s: simple mountain homes with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
We do not have a strict rule, but we do have a sincere request: use your phone as little as possible.
The Inner Expedition is designed to help you feel and experience things consciously. Having a screen works against that. Notifications, scrolling and the habit of capturing everything can quietly pull you out of the very moments you came here for. We encourage you to be present instead. Your photos will be beautiful. But what you feel when you put the phone down will last longer.
We advise skipping alcohol during this trip. Not as a rule, but as an invitation, to stay present, stay open and to go deeper into your own consiousness.
Nepal Group Trip – The Inner Expedition
- A journey through Nepal, and through yourself
- Guided by Rosalie (Lighting Up) and Govinda (By Mountain People)
- Trekking, sacred sites and personal guidance in one trip
Bird Watching: Annapurna Trek & Jungle Safari
Ask us a questionBird Watching: Annapurna Trek
Ask us a questionWhat our customers have to say
Don't just take our word for it. Discover what travelers before you wrote about traveling in Nepal with us.
Excited to explore Nepal?
Now let's make it real. Browse our trips or request a quote. And we will get back to you personally ASAP.