Thorong La Pass Trek

Beautiful Manang Village
At a Glance
  • Duration12 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude5416m
  • ActivityTrekking
  • Group Size1-12
  • StartsKathmandu
  • EndsPokhara
  • Best SeasonMarch,April,May and September,October,November
Thorong La Pass Trek Highlights
  • Immerse yourself in the world's most renowned trekking trail  
  • Challenge and reward yourself with the spectacular view submitting Thorong La Pass 
  • Marvel at spectacular vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri 
  • Visit the Holy temple, Muktinath, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists nestled on the lap of Tharongla
  • Traverse through the charming villages, home to the ethnic communities of Gurungs, Magars, and Thakalis

 

Venture into one of the most iconic treks in the world. The Thorong La Pass Trek also called Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular and breathtakingly beautiful trekking route offering a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and challenging mountainous terrain. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to arid high-altitude deserts, the trans-Himalayan region, and provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including the mighty Annapurna massif.

Within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trail winds through terraced fields, quaint villages, and rhododendron forests, gradually gaining elevation to rough terrain and into the trans-Himalayan region and through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Along the way, you will encounter friendly locals from different ethnic communities of Gurungs, Magars, and Thakalis as you traverse charming villages, including the Holy site Muktinath, which holds great religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists. 

Summiting the Thorong La Pass and standing at an altitude of 5,416 meters rewards the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Along the trek, you will also witness the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains. 

Along the way, you will encounter friendly locals from different ethnic communities of Gurungs, Magars, and Thakalis as you traverse charming villages, including the Holy site Muktinath, which holds great religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists. 

The 11 Days Thorong La Pass Trek is the adventure of a lifetime, allowing you to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas, immerse yourself in local culture, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Itinerary

Begin your drive to Bulbule with an early morning breakfast. The drive takes approx. 6 - 7 hrs through the picturesque view along the Trishuli River alongside traditional villages with their terrace farms and of course, glimpses of the Himalayas. 

The drive takes you through Prithivi Highway and then to Besisahar, the gateway to the Thorong La Pass. From Besisahar, drive north off-road to Bulbule.

Upon arrival, check 

    After breakfast, begin the trek. Today, we trek to Jagat. 

    Begin walking on a winding trail on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. Then, walk into the forest trails. Make sure to keep your watch on the Himalayan Langur. 

    Once you cross the forest, you will enter a small Gurung village followed by Tatopani, meaning hot water. You can take a warm shower or deep your feet to relax your muscles. Continuing forward, you will reach Doban and cross the suspension bridge, followed by some uphills and downhills leading you to Jagat. 

      After breakfast, follow the rocky trail along the Marsyangdi River, where you will catch glimpses of magnificent waterfalls. 

      The trail then leads uphill to Tal, the first village in the Manang District. Continue walking along some farmland, and you will reach Kodo, one of the biggest villages in the Manang Valley.

      From Kodo, cross a suspension bridge followed by an uphill hike along a stone staircase leading to Dharapani. 

        Breakfast at the lodge.

        The trek begins with a walk along the Marsyangdi River and an ascend to Timang. The train then leads through the mystic forest of pine, fir, oak, and maple trees overlooking the incredible views overlooking the valley and of Annapurna II. En route, you reach an administrative center in the Manang District offering a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. 

        Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, surrounded by lush green forest, and presents you with impressive views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. 

          After breakfast, you will be trekking to Upper Pisang.

          Walk past a prayer wheel and enter into a dense pine forest. The valley narrows with impressive gigantic rocks towering from both sides. 

          The valley then opens, offering a view of the Himalayan peaks and a massive rock wall, the Paungda Danda Rock, considered sacred by the local people as the Gateway to Heaven. This impressive natural landmark is a curved rock face rising 1500m from the Marshyandi River. 

          From here, descend to the Manang Valley and the Pisang village. Make your way uphill a little further and you will reach Upper Pisang.

            After breakfast begin walking uphill enjoying the view of the north face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. The trail then passes through some small Tibetan settlements with grazing pastures. 

            Heading Manang, the trail splits into to which meets the same point in the villages of Mungji and Braga. 

            The southern route leads through a  gentle climb alongside the  Marsyangdi River, while the northern route leads through a steep climb but offers a stunning view of the Annapurna Range. Following either way, you will reach Braga, which consists of a Buddhist monastery, Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang. 

            After visiting the monastery, follow the trail, and you will reach Manang, the buzzing tourist hub of the Annapurna Circuit trail. 

              Manang is an ideal place for acclimatization. You have quite a lot of places to explore.
               
              For an easy and short hike, you can visit a Monastery located behind Manang. This short uphill hike offers an impressive view of the Annapurna range and the massive icefall that can be seen crashing down from Gangapurna.

              If you are looking to explore more, you can opt for a bit more challenging hike to Gangapurna & Ice Lakes, which offers views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks.

              Regardless of both hikes, you can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraja village in the afternoon. 

              Evening, relax at the lodge enjoying the sun sets over the Himalayas.

                Begin by crossing a small stream leading to Tenki village, then head out of Marshyangdi Valley northwest to Jar Sang Khola Valley. The trail then ascends through a few pasters. Once you reach Gunsan, walk past the pasture and cross a small wooden bridge leading to Yak Kharka, offering a mesmerizing view of the surroundings. 

                At Yak Kharka, stroll around the pasture or relax admiring the view. 

                  Today the trek is relatively short. 

                  You will walk to the last settlement before the famous pass, Thorong-la Pass. Since the place lies just on the foot of Thorong La Pass, it is called Thoromg Phedi. 

                  The trail begins with a gentle climb to the ridge. Then descend to cross the Marsyangdi River over a wooden bridge and continue climbing following a narrow trail. With a final short downhill walk, you reach Thorong Phedi. 

                    Today is yet another big climb.

                    Since you have already crossed three passes, it might be easy to trek to Thorong La compared to other travelers. But do not underestimate the high altitude, and make sure you walk slowly and steadily and remain hydrated since the trail is steep compared to other passes. 

                    The trek for the day ends once you enter a sacred temple, Muktinath. The temple holds significant importance for both Hindus and Buddhists.  Also known as Chumig Gyatsa -in Tibetan, it means "Hundred Waters." the temple consists of 180 water sprouts. It is believed to purify sole who take a bath in this icy water that originates directly from the Himalayan Glacier. 

                      Today after breakfast we take a jeep or bus from Muktinath to Pokhara. On the way to Pokhara, we follow the bumpy road and thrilling drive which your trek more exciting and memorable. After an 8-10 hours drive to reach Pokhara.

                      Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to the hotel, where the remaining day is at leisure, or the next day you back to Kathmandu. Our 11 Days Throng La Pass Trek ends in Pokhara City.

                        NOTE: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, considering the current situation of the itinerary. But please note that the changes might occur at any time despite our best efforts to improve our program or due to logistical regions such as traffic jams, flight schedules, weather conditions, governmental policies, or any external reasons.  

                        If you are not satisfied with the above itinerary please you can customize it yourself and follow the below Customize Link.


                        B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner 

                        What's Included
                        • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
                        • 01 Nights Twin sharing 3-Star accommodation in Pokhara twin Sharing.); Breakfast included.
                        • All your standard Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
                        • Standard Guest House accommodation while trekking time on a twin-sharing basis.
                        • Both-way transportation for Kathmandu-Besisahar-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Bus.
                        • Well-English speaking Government License Holder  Experienced Trek leader/Guide.
                        • Porters to carry your bags(1 porter for 2 guests).
                        • Food, Accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment are for all staff.
                        • Free Mount Glory  Duffel, and T-shirt.
                        • Annapurna Conservation Area Permits and TIMS  for trekking.
                        • All government, hotel, and other applicable taxes.
                        • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
                        • Trip Completion Certificate.
                        • Official expenses.
                        What's not Included
                        • International Airfare and taxes
                        • Travel insurance for emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
                        • Nepal entry visa(visa is obtained in Nepal Airport immigration on arrival.USD 25 per visa for 15 days, USD 40 per visa for 30 days, and USD 100 per visa for 90 days. All the visas are multiple entry *visas. Please carry 02 passport-sized photographs for the visa.
                        • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
                        • Hotel In Kathmandu.
                        • Personal expenses.
                        • Guides tips, porters tips, and driver fares.
                        • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the 'Price Include' section.

                        Note: Please bring 4 Passport-size photos, a copy of your passport, and travel insurance at Our First Meeting In Our Office.

                        Dates & Availability

                        Select a Departure Month
                        Starts: ThursdayMay 02, 2024
                        Ends: MondayMay 13, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable
                        Starts: MondayMay 06, 2024
                        Ends: FridayMay 17, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable
                        Starts: FridayMay 10, 2024
                        Ends: TuesdayMay 21, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable
                        Starts: TuesdayMay 14, 2024
                        Ends: SaturdayMay 25, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable
                        Starts: SaturdayMay 18, 2024
                        Ends: WednesdayMay 29, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable
                        Starts: WednesdayMay 22, 2024
                        Ends: SundayJun 02, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable
                        Starts: SundayMay 26, 2024
                        Ends: ThursdayJun 06, 2024
                        PriceUS$770
                        StatusAvailable

                        Useful Information

                        Accommodation and Facilities During Thorong La Pass Trek:

                        Thorong La Pass Trek(Annapurna Circuit Trek)is a well-maintained trail in Nepal, with typical accommodation facilities. 

                        Most of the accommodation has shared bathrooms. However, you will have the luxury of the attached bathroom in Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom. Most of the additional facilities are applicable for an extra cost, such as showers, Wi-Fi, and hot drinking water. 

                        You also have quite an option for food. Dal Bhat is the most common and recommended food during the trek. You get enough carbs and some vegetable and chutney options. The option of meat is available but is recommended not to, as it might not be fresh. You have a standard charging station in the dining hall, and though they are usually free, some places might charge you extra. 

                        The evening might be surprisingly cold, and the dining hall is the place where you want to be. Like most of the local lodges in every region, the Annapurna trail also has a standard heater or open fire room in the dining hall, and it’s for a valid reason, to interact with other groups.  


                        Who can join this Thorong La Pass Trek?

                        Considered a moderate to difficult trek, Thorong La Pass Trek will challenge you physically and mentally. So make sure to be prepared way before your journey. 

                        You will venture past the high pass of Thorong La Pass, both 5,000m, through scenic yet challenging paths. So make sure you indulge in some physical activities and consult the doctor. 

                        We recommend you get travel insurance covering a highland rescue.


                        Guide & Potters for the Thorong La Pass Trek:

                        Through the Thorong La PassTrek is a well-tracked route; having a guide is essential. A knowledgeable guide will not only lead you through the trail providing insights into the region's history and secrets and assisting you in removing the cultural barrier making your journey more enjoyable. While you do not have to care about making hotels and other land arrangements. 

                        Furthermore, it is now mandatory to hire a guide for trekking in any part of Nepal.

                        It is advisable to hire a porter as well. Trekking at high altitudes can be physically challenging, and having a porter to assist you will allow you to travel more freely and fully enjoy your journey. 


                        Safety and Security During Thorong La Pass Trek:

                        The locals are very friendly and helpful, make sure that you walk along the path guided by your guide and potters, and you are all safe. 

                        Just make sure that you have proper travel insurance, including heli rescue, and your medication, and remain hydrated, you are all good to go. 

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