Annapurna and Thorang La Pass

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16 days
Dharapani/Pokhara
Moderate To Strenous
Spring and Autumn

Highlights:

One of the most adventurous and most preferred trekking destinations.
Stunning views of mountain ranges, sceneries, villages, diverse cultures, and topography, contrast climatic change.
Traverse through the world’s deepest gorge of the Kaligandaki River.
Visit one of the oldest monasteries in Braga.
Explore famous Poon-Hill, and watch the sunrise with the backdrop of the highest mountain ranges.
One of the most famous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrim sites, Muktinath.
UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath.
Ascend to the highest point of the trek, Thorang La pass at 5,416 m. high.

Trip Facts:

Destination: Nepal Far North Mid-West around Annapurna Himalayas.

Starting Point: Dharapani after an exciting long drive from Kathmandu.

Ending Point: Pokhara for last overnight stop.

Max. Altitude: 5, 416 m /17, 769 feet (Thorang La Pass)

Difficulty: Moderate to Adventurous

Best Season: Spring (March to May) & autumn (Sept to Nov)

Accommodation: Hotels in Pokhara and best available Lodge on treks.
Trekking duration: 11 Nights & 12 Days with drives both ways.

Trip Duration: 15 Nights & 16 Days from arrival to departures.

Introduction:

Annapurna and Thorang La pass trek is one of the most visited, cherished, and admired treks. Offers diverse biospheres from subtropical forest to dry arid windswept landscapes. Panoramic views of the world’s three highest above 8, 000 m mountain ranges (Namely Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Manaslu) allures you to cross scenic pass over Thorang-La.

The highlight of the trek is Thorang La pass, at 5, 416 m. It demands your willingness, determination, and strength to cross through. From the highest point to the deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, you’ll get to traverse past beautiful villages. Also venture powerful spiritual places, glacial terrains, and deep canyons.

The trek begins with a picturesque drive to Bhesisar. Followed by a gentle walk from Dharapani, gradually leading to the Chame and Pisang village. On walks notice the change in vegetation and topography, as you gain the elevation. You’ll be greeted by the North Face of massif Annapurna’s peaks that follows all the way to Thorang-La pass.

As you follow the glacial source of the Marsyangdi River to Manang valley, visit the ancient monastery and villages. Then ascend to Thorang La and descend towards scenic Mustang, after a lifetime adventure to be treasured in your memory.

From here awaits a journey to the holy Muktinath temple, famous pilgrimage sites for both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers. Further descend from the exciting town of Jomsom, and charming villages of Marpha and Tukuche. Here you'll get to enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural hot spring at Tatopani. The trek continues to cooler areas at high Ghorepani, a lovely village adorned with rhododendrons and tall tree lines.

The Ghorepani to Poon Hill trek is a paradise for mountain lovers. Where you’ll come across a 360° panoramic views of Himalayan snow peaks with gorgeous sunrise.

Finally, walk leads to a nice hill village of Ulleri to complete the trek, then drive to scenic Pokhara. A city blessed with natural beauty of Annapurna Himalayas, rolling green hills and serene lakes. Truly, a perfect and ideal place to conclude our mesmerizing adventure on Annapurna and Thorang-La Pass Trekking.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Kathmandu (1300m) - 30 min

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will receive you and transfer you to the hotel. There you'll be briefed about the upcoming tour plans and the dos and don'ts during the trek. Overnight stay at Kathmandu hotel.

DAY 2

Kathmandu city tour, Trek preparation.

Explore UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath after breakfast. Experience the grandeur of palaces and temples built during the Malla era. After lunch, visit Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. Both reflect two contrasting religions of Buddhism and Hinduism respectively. Prepare for your next day's trek after your visit to these powerful spiritual sites.

DAY 3

Drive to Besisahar (823m) - 6 hrs.

Early morning drive to Midwestern Nepal via Kathmandu and Pokhara Highway. After passing several villages and towns, you’ll reach Besisahar in the Lamjung district. Besi Sahar is a lively Gurung village, with the hustle and bustle of shops, lodges, and hotels. Overnight stay at the lodge.

DAY 4

Drive to Dharapani (1860m) - 4 hrs.

From Besisahar, drive to Syange following the upper stream of the Marsyangdi river. Passing several terraced farms and the Marsyangdi River, curving around foothills, you’ll reach Chamje.

Chamje to Tal Besi is a scenic drive with the views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. A couple-hour drive from Tal Besi will take you to Dharapani, a junction of Manaslu and Annapurna trekking trail. Overnight stay at Dharapani.

DAY 5

Trek to Chame (2670m) - 5 hrs.

Initiate your walk from Dharapani enjoying trails adorned with rhododendron and pine trees that will lead to Danaque village. From Danaque, take a few hour's walks to Koto via Timang village, enjoying the view of Manaslu in the backdrop.

Walking from Koto to Chame is a delight for trekkers as they’ll finally get to see Annapurna II. As you enter Chame, the administrative town of Manang, you’ll be welcomed by the prayer wheels and Gompa festooned with colorful prayer flags.

DAY 6

Trek to Pisang (3230m) - 5 hrs.

Take an early morning walk to the higher elevation in the exotic, chilly mountainous topography of Bhratang. Then you’ll come across Dhukur Pokhari in lower Pisang, where there are several lodges and hotels.

Savor your lunch enjoying the view of astounding Chulu and Pisang peaks. Descend in the Pisang village for an overnight stay.

DAY 7

Trek to Manang village (3450m) - 5 hrs

Wake up to the majestic views of Annapurna II, Chulus, and Pisang peaks surrounding you. From here, take an uphill walk towards the forested area where you’ll be accompanied by Gangapurna, Annapurna II, and III.

Descending down to Hongde, you’ll notice a difference in vegetation and landscape. The lush green scene will gradually change into barren landscapes dipped in shades of gray.

On the way to Manang, you’ll come across an ancient Braga monastery that treasures Buddhist relics and murals. An hour's walk from here, you’ll reach Manang.

DAY 8

Rest day at Manang for acclimatization.

Today is a leisure day, to prepare yourself for tomorrow’s tough climb. Utilize your time exploring the beautiful village in Manang and meeting with locals.

Located beneath Gangapurna and Annapurna range, the village is home to diverse natural wonders. A gentle walk uphill will offer you a magnificent view of Gangapurna glacier, mountain ranges, and pristine turquoise Tilicho Lake.

DAY 9

Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m) - 4 hrs.

The uphill climb to Ghunsang is challenging and you’ll be gaining 400m elevation. On the way, you might be accompanied by mules and yaks laden with goods.

From here trek further up through narrow paths crossing streams and suspension bridges. The jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna range are the highlight of today’s trek. Eventually, you’ll reach Yak Kharka where you’ll spend your night.

DAY 10

Trek to Thorang High Camp (4600 m) - 4 hrs.

Continue your uphill walk from Yak Kharka to the base of Thorang La pass. Crossing the bridge and leaving behind the Jarjung stream, you’ll reach Thorang Phedi. After an hour of ascending from here, gradually head towards Thorang high camp.

DAY 11

Cross Thorang La 5,416 m and descend to Muktinath (3,800m) - 07 hrs

Today is the most awaited day where you’ll be ascending Thorang La pass. A steep climb up the ridges, followed by different passes and zigzag trails, will finally lead you to Thorang La pass at 5416m, adorned with prayer flags.

Take a moment of pleasure glancing at several snow peaks including the Dhaulagiri range.

From Thorang La pass you’ll descend to Muktinath at an elevation of 3800m. A common pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists, the place is full of serenity despite its dry and arid landscape. Overnight at Muktinath.

DAY 12

Drive to Tatopani (1190m) - 4 hrs.

Wake up and have a warm breakfast in the windy land of Muktinath. You may visit Muktinath temple, a place where you can attain salvation. Then you’ll drive to Tatopani through Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang.

In a way, you’ll get to see orchards in Marpha, which is famous for its delicious juicy apples. On reaching Tatopani, you may take a dip in a holy warm spring.

DAY 13

Trek to Ghorepani (2874m) - 8 to 9 hrs.

Today you’ll again climb uphill from lower Tatopani to Ghorepani. You’ll pass through the winding trails with terraced farms. Locals taming their crops in a backdrop of mountains will once again remind you of diverse people, culture, and topography.

The strenuous stone-laid trails with altitude gain demand lots of energy. You may stop in tea houses to have a lunch break. Today’s trek ends in Ghorepani where you’ll be spending your night.

DAY 14

Hike to Poon Hill followed by a trek to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara (2860m) - 3 hrs.

Wake up early in the morning and hike to Poon Hill, one of the most popular viewpoints to watch the sunrise. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range from here during sunrise is beyond your imagination. The Crimson hue of sunray in the sparkling snow will turn the very landscape into a golden paradise.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and descend to Ulleri. From Ulleri, drive to Pokhara where you’ll be spending your night.

DAY 15

Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you can visit the lakeside area, explore Phewa Lake and the crowd of people for boating, small pubs, and restaurants in the backdrop of Fishtail Mountain. Return back to the hotel from where you’ll head towards the airport and fly to Kathmandu. Reaching Kathmandu in the evening, you may opt for shopping and sightseeing.

DAY 16

Final Departure

After the last breakfast in Kathmandu, prepare for final departure. Depending upon your time schedule for international flight to respective countries, you'll be driven to the airport. After an amazing adventure on Annapurna & Thorang La Pass Trekking, bid your final goodbye.