Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit

Trek at a Glance
Duration
11–14 days
Trip Grade
Challenging
Max. Altitude
5,416m
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group Size
1–12 pax
Region
Annapurna
Accommodation
Tea houses
Meals
Included
Start / End Point
Pokhara / Besisahar
Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Overview
Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide
The classic high-altitude circuit around the Annapurna massif, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m and descending through the wind-swept Kali Gandaki gorge, the world's deepest valley, past Muktinath and Marpha.
The Annapurna Circuit is the trek that defined Nepal trekking for a generation, and for good reason. It is one of the most complete long-distance routes anywhere in the world; you walk entirely around an 8,000m massif, starting at subtropical rice terraces and finishing through arid, high-altitude plateau country that feels more like Tibet than the Nepal most visitors imagine. The Thorong La Pass crossing at 5,416m is the centrepiece, but the pass is almost the least remarkable thing about the full circuit when taken as a whole.
The route follows the Marsyangdi river valley north from Besishahar, gaining altitude through Chame, Pisang, and Manang before the final acclimatisation push to High Camp. Crossing the pass from east to west means a pre-dawn start from around 4,500m, a 3-4 hour climb to 5,416m in thin air, and then a long, leg-consuming descent of nearly 1,700m to Muktinath. West of the pass, the landscape is transformed. Suddenly you are in the rain shadow, the vegetation disappears, the terrain is ochre and windswept, and the Kali Gandaki gorge drops between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in what is documented as the deepest river gorge on earth.
Fit trekkers seeking a complete high-altitude traverse with significant cultural variety and a genuine pass crossing above 5,400m will find this trek ideal. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly advised. The circuit requires 14-18 days of consecutive walking with no road exit between Manang and Jomsom (you cross the pass or you turn around). Anyone who commits to the circuit needs to be genuinely comfortable with the altitude profile and the commitment it requires.
Thorong La Pass
5,416 m / 17,770 ftThe climax of the Annapurna Circuit. A pre-dawn start from Thorong Phedi, five hours of steep ascent through thin air, then the prayer-flag-draped crest of the pass at 5,416m with Annapurna to the south and the Kali Gandaki rain shadow dropping away north toward Muktinath.
Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Highlights
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Visit sacred Muktinath Temple
- Stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Diverse ecosystems from subtropical to alpine
- Authentic Gurung and Manangi village culture
Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary | Max Altitude | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Pokhara to Chame via Besisahar (2,670m) | 2,670m / 8,760ft | — | 8-9 hours drive |
| Day 2 | Chame to Pisang (3,200m) | 3,200m / 10,499ft | 14km / 8.7mi | 5-6 hours |
| Day 3 | Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Ghyaru and Ngawal | 3,540m / 11,614ft | 16km / 10mi | 6-7 hours |
| Day 4 | Acclimatisation day in Manang | 3,540m / 11,614ft | — | Rest day |
| Day 5 | Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m) | 4,050m / 13,287ft | 10km / 6.2mi | 4-5 hours |
| Day 6 | Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) | 4,450m / 14,600ft | 7km / 4.3mi | 4-5 hours |
| Day 7 | Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), descend to Muktinath (3,800m) | 5,416m / 17,769ft | 16km / 10mi | 7-9 hours |
| Day 8 | Drive Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m) | 1,200m / 3,937ft | — | 6-7 hours drive |
| Day 9 | Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m) | 2,850m / 9,350ft | 14km / 8.7mi | 7-8 hours |
| Day 10 | Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630m) | 3,210m / 10,531ft | 12km / 7.5mi | 5-6 hours |
| Day 11 | Tadapani to Ghandruk, drive to Pokhara | — | — | 3-4 hours hike + 2-3 hours drive |
Day 01: Drive Pokhara to Chame via Besisahar (2,670m)
Duration8-9 hours driveAltitude2,670m / 8,760ftLong 8 to 9 hour jeep day along the Marsyangdi valley with road switchbacks above Besisahar. Skipping the lower walking section saves several days without losing the high country. Camp at Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Day 02: Chame to Pisang (3,200m)
Distance14km / 8.7miDuration5-6 hoursAltitude3,200m / 10,499ftElevation Gain+530 m5 to 6 hours through pine forest and apple country with the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face mid-day. Beautiful first views of Annapurna II open up in the afternoon. Camp at Pisang.
Day 03: Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Ghyaru and Ngawal
Distance16km / 10miDuration6-7 hoursAltitude3,540m / 11,614ftElevation Gain+340 m6 to 7 hours on the upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal. Longer and tougher than the lower trail but far better for acclimatisation, with the best ridge views of Annapurna II, III and IV in the entire valley. Camp at Manang.
Day 04: Acclimatisation day in Manang
DurationRest dayAltitude3,540m / 11,614ftElevation Gain0 mHike up to Gangapurna Lake and viewpoint and explore the medieval upper village. Important rest day for the body to adjust before the higher camps. Camp at Manang.
Day 05: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
Distance10km / 6.2miDuration4-5 hoursAltitude4,050m / 13,287ftElevation Gain+510 m4 to 5 hours of gradual ascent through scrub-juniper country and yak pasture. Short day on purpose to keep the altitude gain modest. Camp at Yak Kharka.
Day 06: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Distance7km / 4.3miDuration4-5 hoursAltitude4,450m / 14,600ftElevation Gain+400 m4 to 5 hours along the Jhargeng Khola gorge with one exposed traverse before the final climb to Phedi. Optional push up to High Camp at 4,800m if conditions and acclimatisation allow. Camp at Phedi or High Camp.
Day 07: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), descend to Muktinath (3,800m)
Distance16km / 10miDuration7-9 hoursAltitude5,416m / 17,769ftElevation Gain+966 mThe big day. 7 to 9 hours with a pre-dawn start, 3 to 4 hours of climbing in thin air to the prayer-flagged pass at 5,416m, then a long 1,600m descent to the sacred temple complex at Muktinath. Camp at Muktinath.
Day 08: Drive Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m)
Duration6-7 hours driveAltitude1,200m / 3,937ftElevation Gain-4,216 m6 to 7 hour jeep drive down the Kali Gandaki gorge through Jomsom and Marpha. Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani in the late afternoon. Camp at Tatopani.
Day 09: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m)
Distance14km / 8.7miDuration7-8 hoursAltitude2,850m / 9,350ftElevation Gain+1,650 m7 to 8 hour long uphill day through Shikha and Chitre, climbing through stone-paved villages and rhododendron forest. Camp at Ghorepani.
Day 10: Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
Distance12km / 7.5miDuration5-6 hoursAltitude3,210m / 10,531ftElevation Gain+360 mPre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri at sunrise, then 5 to 6 hours total on the forest trail through Deurali to Tadapani. Camp at Tadapani.
Day 11: Tadapani to Ghandruk, drive to Pokhara
Duration3-4 hours hike + 2-3 hours drive3 to 4 hour descent to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk for a final lunch, then a 2 to 3 hour jeep drive back to Pokhara.
Elevation Profile
Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide
Govt. License #1497Rohit Timilsina
Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks
Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina
I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.
“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”
Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Cost & What's Included
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Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Reviews
4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews
Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.
“Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.”
Jacob Mato ★
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026
“Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.”
Birendra T Xettri ★
Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026
“My first trek with Rohit, who is extremely knowledgeable. He is the mountain man of Nepal. His deep love for the mountains means he wants to give his trekkers the best experience, share his stories but above all make sure you are feeling safe, comfortable and able to complete the trek. We did Mardi Himal Trek, blessed with the weather. Do not hesitate to book with Rohit, I will be back again. Namaste”
Ange ★
Mardi Himal Trek · Jan 2026
“This was my second trek with Rohit, I first did the Manaslu Circuit with him a while ago and came back for Mardi Himal this time. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic. Rohit is professional, kind, and really knows the mountains. He always makes sure you're safe, comfortable, and enjoying yourself. He takes care of all the logistics, finds great tea houses, and adjusts the pace perfectly for everyone. Wouldn't trek in Nepal with anyone else.”
Peter Murphy ★
Manaslu Circuit + Mardi Himal · Jan 2026
“Rohit is a young, energetic, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. He took us up to Annapurna Base Camp. We had bad weather, so Rohit decided to wait a day when other guides kept going up. Due to avalanche-risk, this was the obviously the best decision. Rohit always made sure that we felt comfortable and always in a good mood. We had fun, lots of laughter and great stories. Thanks to Rohit we will never forget: Dahl Baht Power 24 Hour!”
Sander Wolters ★
Annapurna Base Camp · 2025
“Without doubt the best guide in the world... Every part of our trip was a dream. From start to finish Rohit and his team had prepared everything to perfection. I cannot recommend this young man enough, so professional, so fun and so considerate. Thank you so much for making our time so special.”
Ryan Chandler ★
Himalayan Trek · Oct 2025
“Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to his professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs!! His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again. If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again.”
Karen Smith ★
Kapuche Glacier Lake · 2025
“We did Austrian Basecamp with Rohit. I thought it was going to be a short and predictable trek but I was surely wrong. We went up and stayed for the night and on the next day we did a long return going through some of the most stunning views I've ever seen in my 37 years of life. I don't think that would have been possible without the guidance of Rohit. Also it's really nice to share with him, he is friendly, respectful and chill. And he knows everything about Nepal, its mountains and its flora and fauna.”
Arturo Cuevillas ★
Australian Camp Trek · Jan 2026
“I recently embarked on the Dhampus-Pothana-Australia Camp trek with Rohit, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever. From the very beginning, Rohit's easygoing nature and ability to connect made the journey incredibly enjoyable. Our conversations ranged from deep discussions about spirituality, mountains, and cultures to sharing our mutual love for rock and metal music. Overall, trekking with Rohit was an incredible experience. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for the mountains truly enhanced the trip.”
Fahad Rahman ★
Dhampus-Pothana-Australian Camp · 2025
“Undertook Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with Rohit in first week of April 2025. His detailed knowledge and experience of the terrain and weather helped us having an awesome experience. He was accommodative of our needs and change in plans. Two days later we undertook a motorbike ride upto Muktinath in Mustang Valley. Again his energy, knowledge and experience in the area resulted in us having a superb n memorable time.”
Prateek Johari ★
Annapurna Base Camp + Mustang · Jul 2025
“Rohit was our guide on the 12 day Manaslu circuit trek. The trek was great, nice scenery, not too hard and Rohit took good care of making sure we had a place to sleep every night, as teahouses were filling up quickly because of high season. Rohit is a cheerful guy, social and he takes good care of his guests. With Rohit you are definitely in good company.”
Sara Coessens ★
Manaslu Circuit Trek · 2025
“Had an amazing 9 day Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary Trek this June with Rohit and his team. His fantastic organisation, hosting, knowledge and professionalism makes Rohit a fabulous choice of guide. Visiting Nepal and especially the Himalayas is a life changing experience and I will never forget it.”
Rupert Potts ★
Annapurna Base Camp · Sep 2025
“Rohit (Haku) was one of the many blessings we received from Nepal. He is not only a great guide who knows how to make trips and expeditions fun and flowy. He is also an incredibly fun human to be around. It was delightful to spend some days riding to the temple of Muktinath with him. Jamming, and discovering a new young friend, full of kindness, values and knowledge.”
David Sanchez ★
Muktinath Motorbike Tour · 2025
“I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.”
Shreyassh Verma ★
Khumai Danda Trek · 2024
“Had an amazing trek, Rohit is a perfect guide especially when dealing with the unpredictability of the trek, someone who's very easy going and social however extremely professional and even other guides would come to him for advice. 100/10”
Louis Anderson ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“Rohit is the guy to go trekking with! He knows a lot and can tell you a lot about life in the mountains but also about his amazing family. This drummer of a band can show you around, but also knows that silence in walking is good when doing a hike. Super chill and easy going.”
Rutger Dankelman ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“We had an amazing time with Rohit and Yuddha. Rohit was quick to reply when planning the trip and clearly explained the route options, and on the trip his enthusiasm and knowledge were very appreciated. He seems to know all the best tea houses for food too.”
Ben Ashby ★
Himalayan Trek · 2024
“What an amazing experience! Highly recommend Rohit to guide you through the Himalayas. Nothing was too much trouble for him and his team and they went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable trip. And most importantly. SO MUCH FUN!!!”
Richard Hilliard ★
Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025
“Just had the most fantastic trek with Rohit and his team. An incredible experience that has created amazing memories and hit the reset button for me in such a positive way. Thank you Rohit.. Namaste”
Jonathan Marriott ★
Himalayan Trek · Sep 2025
“Our experience in Nepal was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to our incredible friend. He truly is a superman! From the very beginning, the tour was meticulously personalized to cater to our every need and interest, ensuring that we always had exciting activities to look forward to.”
Minhaj Ul Islam ★
Nepal Tour · 2025
Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks
Licensed & Insured
Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.
Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.
Safety First
Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.
Small Groups
Maximum 12 trekkers per group. One porter per two guests. You are a person, not a tour number.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Permits, guides, porters and taxes are all included and itemised in your quote.
Responsible Travel
Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.
Know Before You Go
The Annapurna Circuit is rated Challenging largely because of the Thorong La Pass crossing and the sustained altitude from Manang onward. The pass crossing day is 8-9 hours with 650m of ascent and 1,700m of descent, starting at 3-4am from 4,925m. The altitude at the pass is 5,416m, higher than anything on the Everest Base Camp route, and the morning cold and thin air make it physically demanding even for fit trekkers.
Daily walking on the main circuit runs 5-7 hours excluding the pass crossing day. The terrain varies from well-maintained stone trail in the lower valley to rocky open path above Manang. The Tatopani to Ghorepani section involves nearly 1,500m of ascent on the last active walking day. Good boots with ankle support are essential throughout. The circuit does not require technical climbing skills or ropes, but trekking poles are strongly advised for the pass crossing and the Tatopani ascent.
The Annapurna Circuit requires the highest overall fitness of any trek in the Annapurna region because of the combination of total days, sustained altitude, and the single hardest day at the pass. Begin training 10-12 weeks before departure. Running 3-4 times per week at 30-45 minutes, combined with long weekend hikes of 4-6 hours with a loaded pack, builds the cardiovascular and leg strength base required.
Acclimatisation: the itinerary's built-in rest day at Manang is non-negotiable. Those who try to compress this by skipping Yak Kharka have a significantly higher AMS rate.
Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.
FAQs for Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit
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