Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Trekking is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Circuit. Starting with an overland drive to the mid-hills of Lamjung area following the raging glacier-fed Marsyangdi River upstream right up to its source in Manang area.
A fascinating and superb trekking destination Annapurna Circuit Thorong La trekking with everyday views of magnificent high snow-capped peaks, from the start to an end of this awesome adventure. The great combination of high mountains, traditional cultural villages and interesting Buddhist monasteries on route trekking trails.
The highlight of this adventure crossing high Thorang la pass 5,416 m and downhill to Kaligandaki River Valley. After visiting holy Muktinath area and then into apple country of Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche village and into world deepest Kaligandaki gorge near Tatopani.
This amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek concludes at picturesque Pokhara Valley a popular and famous touristic place in Himalaya region, after grand time around Ghorepani and Poon Hill with a stunning sunrise over an array of snow-capped peaks.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Jagat 1,290 m via Beshishar 800 m - 08 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Dharapani 1,920 m - 05 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Chame 2,670 m - 05 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m - 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m - 05 hrs.
Day 07: Rest day at Manang for local hikes and acclimatization.
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m - 04 hours.
Day 09: Trek to Thorong High Camp 4,600 m - 04 hrs.
Day 10: Cross Thorong-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m - 07 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Marpha 2, 670 via Jomsom 2, 715 m - 06 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Lete 2,480m - 06 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Tatopani 1,190m - 06 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Ghorepani 2,750 m - 06 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,500m - 05 hours walk.
Day 16: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 18: International departure homeward bound.
On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, received by View Nepal Treks staff then transfer to respective hotels Kathmandu city, after refreshment rendezvous with other members for briefing by our guide / leader regarding Annapurna Circuit & Thorang-la trekking, lodges on route with do and don’ts and evening group welcome dinner.
Morning a long and interesting overland towards Nepal mid west, leading at Beshishar town, from here on the dirt road to Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi following Marsyangdi River upstream, continue drive through rice terraces and villages, on leaving Marsyangdi River reaching our first overnight halt at Jagat village.
After a refreshing stop at Jagat starting the morning walk on a gradual winding trail to Chamje, and towards Marsyangdi River crossing the eastern bank leading into forested area, with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. Walk continues to Tal Besi village, another 3 hours walk brings at Dharapani village for overnight stop.
Morning walk leads along winding path into rhododendron, pine forest through Bagachap and Danque village, then to Timang village. From here onwards into Buddhist culture area with view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft. From Timang village few hours trek leads to Koto and then to Chame town for overnight stop, a large and major town and headquarter of Manang area.
Adventure continues into cooler area from here onwards closer to mountainous region, trekking through nice alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill through alpine woodland overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak, after lunch break at Dukuri Pokhari walk descends to lower Pisang village for overnight stop.
Pisang village with great views of mountains walk leads through woodland with short uphill and views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s and Pisang peak. As the walk leads to Hongde village, from here tree lines disappear for barren, landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate. Before Manang, visit old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics and then an hour walk brings at Manang village. The houses here are built up in traditional Tibetan style and Manang people are known for their rich cultural and traditions.
A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading higher elevation, explore Manang village, located beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range and Manang glacial Lake.
After a good rest at Manang, morning walk leads towards Ghunsang village on the uphill path to Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude trekking with super views of snowcapped mountains, then crossing a small stream river to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement with tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Morning heading high area, to the base of Thorang-la after a climb along the river bank, walk leads at Thorung Phedi, from here an hour of steep climb brings at Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.
The main day of this adventure, with early breakfast trek follows a long climb up to Thorang-la with steep haul on the winding path to Thorung La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft. The highest point of this trip, the pass offers super views of awesome sceneries of snowcapped peaks after feeling high reaching the main highlight, and then a long descend leads to Muktinath at 3,800 m. On reaching Muktinath for overnight stop, a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
After Muktinath, rest of the walks is moderate walks with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, and to Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang region with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. From Jomsom few hours walk reaches at Marpha, one of the most charming villages of all Himalaya regions with whitewashed houses, paved streets and numerous well kept lodges. Here celebrate with local apple products like cider, brandy and juice this area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for its delicious apple and its product.
From Marpha walk is enjoyable following Kaligandaki river downstream, reaching Tukuche village, beneath Tukuche peak and Dhaulagiri with Mt. Nilgiris, from here back into tree line of pines, oaks and rhododendron, and then to a nice Kalapani village, after a short stop walk to another lovely village with grand views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri, a short downhill brings at Lete village for overnight stop.
From Lete onwards leads to dramatic change in landscapes, walking between two high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna forming world deepest gorge. From Ghasa village a southern end of Mustang area, dominated by Thakali people and then heading at Tatopani (Hot Spring) village with sub-tropic climate. Tatopani another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.
After Tatopani, morning walk leads across a bridge over Kaligandaki River and then our route diverts heading uphill on terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, after a steep section through dense alpine forest reaching at Chitre and to Ghorepani- village with super views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also known Annapurna Fang.
Morning an hour hike up to Poon Hill at 3,210m, offering stunning sunrise views over chain of mountains including majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre “The Fish Tail”, after a wonderful time at Poon Hill, walk through beautiful rhododendron forest on gradual trail and then a long descend from Ulleri village all the way to Tirkhedhunga for last overnight stop in the hills of Annapurna Himalaya.
From here, the last walk of this amazing adventure morning leads through many farm villages and terraces into warmer area and ending the trek on the road connecting Baglung-Pokhara at Nayapul town, from here a few hour drives to famous touristic Pokhara after a wonderful time up in the high mountains.
Morning a scenic drive to Kathmandu, after a wonderful memorable trip Annapurna Circuit trekking, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to respective hotels with afternoon free at leisure. (Options by air of 30 minutes scenic flight back to Kathmandu).
Today, last day in amazing Nepal with great experience and fond memories of Annapurna Circuit & Thorang-la trekking, as per your time for international flight, View Nepal staff transfer you to airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.
This scenic and fabulous trek starts with moderate walks with short downs and up hills, where you can walk with your own slow pace, as the altitude gains breathing gets short, walk leads on good path, the only hard day of this trips is crossing Thorang-la which is done slowly, for some downhill is harder than uphill climb.
Morning and night time can be cold higher above 2,500 meters day time are usually sunny and pleasant most of the months in high altitude, required sunscreen due to high altitude above 3,000 m with strong UV. In spring and summer above 2,300 m with 15°-18° C average and minimum of 0° to 5° C, autumn / winter day time 15°-16° C and can get below -5° C during morn / night time.
This is a pleasant trek starting from low elevation acclimatizing during each day of walking and we have ample rest day on reaching above 3,000 to 4,000 meters. Some might get sick with other problem mainly diarrhea which is common due to change of meals and environment, we carry medical kit and our guide goes through medical training course every 6 months, they will advice what is best and in case of serious illness and accidents emergency evacuation required by any means of transport or by helicopter to reach the nearest hospital.
On treks we carry Satellite phones also, but at present there are many places and lodge with ISTD / STD system including local Cell phone works as well.