Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The classic loop, over the Thorong La at 5,416 m.

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's great treks: a long arc around the whole massif, through changing country from green river valleys to the high desert beyond the range, crossing the Thorong La at 5,416 m.

Road building has shortened the classic route, and we plan it to keep you on the best trail and away from the dust, with proper time to acclimatise at Manang.

Highlights

The Thorong La pass at 5,416 m
Manang and the high Marsyangdi valley
Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki gorge

A typical 14-day shape

One of several ways to do it. We tailor the days, pace, and stops to you, nothing here is fixed.

Day 1By road
Pokhara to Chame
A long drive up the Marsyangdi valley on the Circuit road to the district town of Chame, where the trek begins.
Time
Drive day
Elevation
2,670 m
Stay
Teahouse, Chame
Day 2On foot
Chame to Upper Pisang
On foot now, climbing past the great curved rock face of Paungda Danda to the old village of Upper Pisang.
Time
5–6 hours
Distance
14 km
Elevation
3,300 m / +630 m
Stay
Teahouse, Upper Pisang
Day 3On foot
Pisang to Manang
The high route over Ghyaru and Ngawal for the best views of Annapurna II and III, dropping to Manang for the night.
Time
6–7 hours
Distance
17 km
Elevation
3,540 m
Stay
Teahouse, Manang
Day 4On foot
Manang acclimatisation
A rest day at altitude with a short climb to Ice Lake or the Gangapurna viewpoint to help the body adjust.
Time
3–4 hours
Elevation
Up to 4,600 m, sleep 3,540 m
Stay
Teahouse, Manang
Day 5On foot
Manang to Yak Kharka
A gentle climb above the treeline into yak pasture, keeping the pace slow for the altitude.
Time
3–4 hours
Distance
10 km
Elevation
4,050 m / +510 m
Stay
Teahouse, Yak Kharka
Day 6On foot
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
A short, steep day to the last lodges below the pass, resting early for the dawn crossing.
Time
3–4 hours
Distance
7 km
Elevation
4,540 m / +490 m
Stay
Teahouse, Thorong Phedi
Day 7On foot
Thorong La to Muktinath
A pre-dawn start for the long climb over the Thorong La at 5,416 m, then a knee-testing descent to the temple at Muktinath.
Time
7–9 hours
Distance
15 km
Elevation
5,416 m, then 3,760 m
Stay
Teahouse, Muktinath
Day 8On foot
Muktinath to Jomsom
Down through Kagbeni into the Kali Gandaki gorge, with the wind picking up by afternoon at Jomsom.
Time
4–5 hours
Distance
21 km
Elevation
2,720 m
Stay
Teahouse, Jomsom
Day 9By flight
Jomsom to Pokhara
The drive back down the gorge to the lake, or a short scenic flight from Jomsom if you prefer.
Time
Drive day
Elevation
820 m
Stay
Back in Pokhara

Getting there

We drive you to the trailhead at Besisahar or Chame and collect you at Jomsom or Pokhara at the end. The high crossing is on foot; lower sections can be shortened by road if you prefer.