Tea, Trails & Giggles: My First Laugh-Filled Adventure on the Nar Phu Trek

I recently returned from the trekking to Nar Phu valley, and I’ve got to say: tea, trails, and timeless traditions never made more sense or more fun.

From the very first step, I fell into a rhythm of hot butter tea, winding trails, and local greetings. I didn’t go for a trophy summit. I went for smiles. And wow, did I find them.

The route and the vibe

We started at a low dusty hamlet, then climbed into high valleys where the air felt crisp and every turn showed a new view. The trek hits places like Nar and Phu villages, sitting at around 4,100–4,200 meters. Fewer tourists go this way. One guide said we were likely among just a few dozen each season to visit.

The tea part

Every lodge offered butter tea, salty, warm, weird at first sip, but comforting five minutes later. Between sipping and trail walking I chatted with locals whose homes are built from stone and wood, where yaks outnumber luxury hotels.

The trails

Some days we walked 6–7 hours. One day we crossed the gorgeous Kang La Pass at 5,306 m, rising above clouds and past sleepy villages. At times I thought I might be lost (helped by my own sense of direction being sad), but the guide always laughed and pointed me onward.

Timeless traditions

In the villages, people still spin prayer wheels, herd yaks, and tell stories by fire. I felt less like a visitor, more like a guest in a world paused from modern buzz. Their laugh when I tried butter tea twice? Priceless.

What surprised me

I expected a tough trek. I got tough terrain, yes — but also endless laughter, warm greetings, and those moments when the sun hits snow and everything glows. And the fact that we had to use special permits because the area is restricted? That added swagger to the journey.

Why it’s worth it

Because a trek doesn’t just mean legs and lungs. It means heartbeats, shared tea mugs, and stories you’ll tell later when someone asks, “So what did you see?” My answer: people, peaks, tea, and laughs in a place many don’t even know exists.

If you’re thinking of doing the Nar Phu Trek, don’t wait for perfection. Grab your boots, your sense of wonder, and join the trail. The summit is nice. But the laughter? That’s unforgettable.