ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT & HIGH THORANG-LA PASS TREK
Trip Facts
Duration
11 N- 12 D
Trip Grade
Moderate to Adventurous.
Maximum Altitude
On top Thorang-La Pass 5,416 m /17,697 feet.
Best Time
spring, autumn/fall
Overview
Annapurna Circuit & High Thorang-La Pass Trek with the guidance of Dhan Kumar Rai. An expert and veteran guide of the Nepalese company Kirat Society Adventure and Hiking.
Annapurna Circuit and High Thorang La Pass Trek, regarded as the world’s top 10 adventure destinations. An exciting trek around the massive mountain ranges of the world’s 10th highest Mt. Annapurna. The adventure takes you from east to north face, then towards the west and south of the massive Annapurna Himalayas. The trek leads from low-warm fields of Lamjung areas towards cooler high mid-hill of Manang district. Exploring lovely traditional villages enriched with strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage cultures towards scenic high windswept Manang Valley. Enclosed within towering peaks of the Annapurna ranges with Chulu’s and Pisang Peaks in the north.
Annapurna Circuit and Thorang La Pass Trek, is one of the most fascinating adventures to experience, once in a lifetime.
Besides the grand vista of staggering snow mountains ranges, trekkers will soak within its colorful age-old cultures. The trek follows through the traditional mountain villages lined with Buddhist prayer wheels and religious walls of stone slabs. As the trek enters the scenic high Manang Valley the walk leads to gradual ups and downs. Slowly the altitude gains on reaching the main Manang Village, located on the shelf of Masrsyangdi River.
A lovely village of Manang with close views of towering Gangapurna Himal, Manang glacial lake towards south. Includes the grand vista of Annapurna, the northern face of A-II, A-III and IV with Chulu peaks towards north.
Enjoy a pleasant rest day at scenic Manang to support acclimatization before heading towards high Thorang La Pass.
After Manang Village, the route follows at the end of Valley rim towards an isolated corner to Phedi. The base of Thorang-La Pass has several guest houses and lodges. A short climb takes you to High Camp for last overnight stops around the Manang region.
The next early morning climb meanders with winding ups towards the highest spot of the adventure at Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, Chulu’s, and Damodar Himal.
Including magnificent views of Dhaulagiri Himal range, the walk heads to Muktinath. Located within Mustang district, the holy site of Muktinath temple is regarded as a sacred pilgrimage hub for the Hindu.
From Muktinath an overland journey down towards Kaligandaki River Valley.
The route follows through the large town of Jomsom, and towards Marpha and Tukuche lovely villages. Reaching back into serene forest, the journey continues through the world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River.
The drive leads to a warmer village at Tatopani, with a natural hot spring to enjoy a refreshing hot bath. The last phase of the adventure leads uphill to another nice mountain village at Ghorepani. Situated amidst beautiful rhododendrons and pine woods, beneath the scenic Poon Hill, famous and popular spot for stunning sunrise. As well as for fabulous panorama of Western Himalayan ranges of
Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and Machhapuchare Himal the Fish-Tail Peak.
After an exciting hike to Poon Hill and Ghorepani downhill towards the end of the trek. Reaching the finishing point of the trek Hille via Ulleri Village for a short interesting drive to the picturesque city of Pokhara.
Major highlights of Annapurna Circuit & High Thorang-La Pass Trek
”An enjoyable adventure amidst dramatic change of landscapes and climates.
Journey from warm low farm land to cooler hills and towards arctic zone.
Picturesque scenery of the Himalayas from the start to the end of the treks.
Walking through lovely woods of rhododendrons, firs, oaks and pine trees.
Exploring traditional mountain villages enriched with immense cultures.
Traverse from Manang Valley to windswept Mustang via high Thorang-La”.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to a hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal Intenational Airport, after visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Outside the exit terminal our staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed at the hotel, then join with other members of Annapuna Circuit Trek for a briefing.
Briefing is done by our guide, group leader with full information of the treks, including hotels in Kathmandu. Local cultures with do’s and don’ts.
In the evening a lovely dinner and introduction to Nepali foods and culture.
Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.
Moning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around thenworld heritage sites within Kathmandu city. After an exciting and interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation and packing for trekking.
Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Kirat Society Adventure.
Day 3: Drive to Dharapani village 1, 820 m (234 Km / 146 miles) - 07 hrs.
Early moning breakfast, for a long and exciting drive of more than 6-7 hours to Dharapani village. The drive follows Nepal's busy highway, driving along Trisuli River. The drive diverts west towards Dumre and Lamjung areas at Bhesishar town. Leaving the low warm farm areas, the drive heads north towards Manang areas. The mountain road follows the Masrsyangdi River upstream to Dharapani village for ovenight stops.
Dharapani is located within the district of Manang and en route Manaslu valley and Annapuna Circuit Trek. Enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, after a long exciting drive from Kathmandu.
Day 4: Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.
A moderate pleasant winding path to start the first day of trekking from Dharapani to Chame. The headquarters of Manang district, the walk follows through a lovely forest of pines and rhododendron past Bagarchap and Danaque villages. From here onwards observe strong Buddhist religion and cultures as the trail leads along the prayer walls and religious wheels.
After Danaque a steep climb for an hour to a large village of Timang for lunch. Enjoy the grand views of Lamjung and Manaslu Himal.
After lunch a gradual descent to Kodo, a village where the route of Manang and Nar-Phu is located. The walk follows a short climb to Chame town for an ovenight halt.
Day 5: Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.
From Chame onwards towards the scenic valley of Manang, moning walk follows the river through dense alpine forest. Reaching Brathang, and then crossing a bridge with gradual climb to the hilltop. A place with few Tea-Houses and shops, for possible lunch stops facing close views of Pisang Peak.
Aftenoon walk heads downhill on a wide field below the towering Annapuna-II and A-IV. Slowly the walk ends, reaching a windswept village at Pisang for an ovenight stop in a nice simple lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.
Today a short distance walks towards the main Manang village.
Moning starts with gradual climb amidst lovely trees of pines and rhododendron to a high ridge. Enjoy the superb views of Manang Valley with snow-clad peaks of Annapuna and Chulu’s outlines of the Manang Valley.nn nnA slow descent leads to Humdre village with a small airport, where flight seldom operates from Pokhara to Humdre. From here on a gradual wide trail to Braga, a small village with an old monastery. A short climb to the monastery enriched with ancient religious arts and idols of Lord Buddha, holy Gurus. The monastery offers spectacular views of Chulu’s, and Pisang peaks with Annapuna Himalaya.
After an interesting visit of the monastery, a short walk to Manang village,nthe main major settlement of Manang district. At Manang, nice good lodges for ovenight stops, and enjoy excellent food with close views of snow-mountains.
Day 7: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.
A leisure day in Manang for acclimatization before venturing towards Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the moning exploring the traditional village of Manang adoned with Tibetan Buddhism culture and colorful heritage.
The best hike is to Gangapuna glacier and Ice-Fall, located south of Manang village a few hours walk to the river. Crossing a bridge, a short steep climb takes you close to Gangapuna Himal Ice-Fall and glaciers. Enjoying the glorious moning views of the surrounding towering peaks. Aftenoon at leisure with the grand views that surround Manang valley and the village.
Day 8: Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.
Another short day from Manang to Yak Kharka, moning walk heads west past the village of Manang. An enjoyable and pleasant trek with gradual climb on a winding path to Ghunsang. On walks views of Gangapuna, Tilicho peaks.
The walk proceeds with a close look of Chulu West peak, finally the moning hike ends at Yak Kharka. A small settlement with several nice lodges and guest-houses, enjoy lunch and an ovenight stop. Aftenoon at leisure to enjoy a short walk and marvel at the glorious views of Gangapuna, Tilicho peak and Chulu West.
Day 9: Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.
A moning hike of a few hours to the High Camp of Thorang-La Pass, the gain in altitude makes the walk slower. The walk leads on a gradual trail to Ledar, a small settlement with few Tea Houses and lodges. Located en route Chulu West Base Camp, and towards Thorang-La. From Ledar on a winding pleasant trail with a short descent to Jarsang Khola / stream. A slow climb and then on an almost level path to Thorang Phedi. Situated on a coner at the edge of Manang Valley rim, having a refreshing break. From here the last steep climb of less than an hour to High Camp. Stands on a flat ridge-top offer few simple good lodges, hidden behind massive snow peaks and rocky cliffs. Check into a room with basic facilities, this will be the highest point of the trek for lunch and an ovenight stop.
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m crossing high Thorang-La pass - 5,416 m /17,697 feet - 06 hrs.
A big day of adventure, rising early for breakfast and then starting the cool moning walks. The first part of the trek follows a gradual path for a short while.
The walk continues with a climb for an hour to a small icy pond, from this spot uphill continues. Heading up for an hour or more to Thorang-La Pass, the ridge-top festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. A sign board stands with the name of the pass with altitude. After a strenuous climb, having time to catch your breath, enjoy the overwhelming Himalayan panorama. Majestic views of Dhaulagiri Himal with peaks of Upper Mustang. Includes views of Annapuna Himal range with Damodar Himal and Chulu’s as far as Manaslu Himalaya.nn nnEnjoying a refreshing stop, walk down to the westen base of Thorang-La, located within the district of Mustang. A small place having few shelters serving as Tea-Houses, and shops. From here follows a pleasant trail to Muktinath for an ovenight stop. After a long and tough trek of the adventure.
Muktinath, is one of the holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites for the Hindu and for some Buddhist followers. After checking into a nice lodge with time to explore the Muktinath Temple premises, with 108 water spouts. The water runs from a fresh hidden spring, which is also the tributaries of Kaligandaki River. For the rest of the day enjoy relaxing with views of Dhaulagiri North West Face.
Day 11: Drive to Tatopani 1,200 m - 04 hrs
From Tatopani taking a day break from trekking, where motorable roads have reached all over the Mustang area. Walking can be quite disturbing by the vehicles movement on dusty roads. Enjoy the ride on a jeep or similar drive, the jouney takes you to a low warm farm village at Tatopani. The drive leads through Jomsom, a big town and headquarters of Mustang district. The drive continues past lovely Marpha and Tukuche villages, famous areas for delicious apples and products. The road follows the Kaligandaki River downstream through forest past the villages of Kalapani and Lete. The route then leads towards the world's deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River. Located in between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapuna Himal. The drive slowly ends reaching lower warm farm areas at Tatopani village for an ovenight. Tatopani means Hot-Water, a place with a natural hot-spring. Enjoy the refreshing dip and bathe in warm pools.
Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani 2,885 m - 06 hrs.
Day 13: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m trek to Hille 1,340 m -06 hrs.
Early moning before breakfast, enjoy the last climb of the adventure to Poon Hill.
A famous and popular hilltop for short moderate treks, enjoy the stunning sunrise views over a chain of Himalayan peaks. After an exciting refreshing moning with glorious views and sunrise, downhill to Ghorepani for breakfast.
Depart from the lodge at Ghorepani for a last day walk to reach the beautiful city of Pokhara. The walk is pleasant through lovely cool forest reaching Ulleri village and then downhill to Thirkhedhunga unto Hille. Where our walk completes, spend the last final ovenight in the comfort of a nice lodge at Hille farm village.
Day 14: Drive to Pokhara 860 m -03 hours, and transfer to a hotel.
From Hille having the last breakfast around the foothills of Annapuna Himalayas. A few hours drive to Pokhara on a nice scenic road. On arrival at Pokhara check into a lovely hotel, situated by the Phewa Lakeside. Aftenoon free to explore around the lakeside.
Pokhara is an amazing and unique place on earth with a sub-tropical climate.
Yet it is close to the Annapuna Himalayas as the crow fly. Pokhara is famous for Adventure sports activities, besides trekking and mountaineering.
One can enjoy Paragliding, Zip-Line / Flyer and Bungee Jumping as well as Ultra-Light Flight and much more.
Day 15: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.
As time for a short scenic flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Pokhara Airport for a sweeping smooth air jouney. After a grand panoramic view of country landscapes and snow peaks, then landing at Kathmandu airport.
From the airport, a short drive back to your hotels, rest of the day at leisure for solo activities.
Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities or tours.
A free day after a great adventure around Annapuna Himalayas.
Enjoy the full day at leisure and shopping or join in for a tour to Patan or Bhaktapur cities, worth a visit.
Day 17: International departure for homeward bound.
Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your intenational flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal intenational airport bidding farewell to the guide and staff. After a marvelous and enjoyable adventure on Annapuna Circuit & Thorang-La Pass trek.
Essential Information
Best Seasons for Annapurna Circuit & Thorang La Pass Trek:
One can enjoy Annapurna Circuit Trek nearly all seasons, except for the wet monsoon season from mid-June to August.
The best seasons are spring and autumn/fall. The spring begins from March to May, most days are longer with sunlight hours. Normally the morning till mid-afternoon, most days are clear for views and scenic walks. It can get overcast in the late afternoon sometime.
Expect snowfalls, cold mornings and in the nighttime, the mid-hills are covered with tall rhododendron, pine and juniper trees. A lively time with wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendrons of various colors.
The next high season is autumn/fall, starts from September and ends in November. Most days are fine with crystal clear blue sky, a pleasant time for scenic walks. Days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, cold afternoons, and nights till morning time. Expect snowfall sometimes, but with a bright starry night sky.
