Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit

4.9

90+ Google reviewsrated 4.9 by 90+ travellers on Google5+ years guiding5+ years guiding in the Himalaya30+ countriesGuests from 30+ countriesLocal-born guidesBorn-and-raised local guides

Trek at a Glance

Price From

US$ 760 per person

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

All meals (Backpacker: breakfast)

Start / End Point

Pokhara / Besisahar

Permits

ACAP, TIMS card

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.

High Pass Crossing

Thorong La Pass

5,416 m / 17,770 ft

The 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)
2,670m / 8,760ft
Duration8-9 hours drive
Altitude2,670m / 8,760ft
Long 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)
3,200m / 10,499ft
Distance14km / 8.7mi
Duration5-6 hours
Altitude3,200m / 10,499ft
Elevation Gain+530 m
5 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
3,540m / 11,614ft
Distance16km / 10mi
Duration6-7 hours
Altitude3,540m / 11,614ft
Elevation Gain+340 m
6 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
3,540m / 11,614ft
DurationRest day
Altitude3,540m / 11,614ft
Elevation Gain0 m
Hike 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)
4,050m / 13,287ft
Distance10km / 6.2mi
Duration4-5 hours
Altitude4,050m / 13,287ft
Elevation Gain+510 m
4 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)
4,450m / 14,600ft
Distance7km / 4.3mi
Duration4-5 hours
Altitude4,450m / 14,600ft
Elevation Gain+400 m
4 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)
5,416m / 17,769ft
Distance16km / 10mi
Duration7-9 hours
Altitude5,416m / 17,769ft
Elevation Gain+966 m
The 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)
1,200m / 3,937ft
Duration6-7 hours drive
Altitude1,200m / 3,937ft
Elevation Gain-4,216 m
6 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)
2,850m / 9,350ft
Distance14km / 8.7mi
Duration7-8 hours
Altitude2,850m / 9,350ft
Elevation Gain+1,650 m
7 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)
3,210m / 10,531ft
Distance12km / 7.5mi
Duration5-6 hours
Altitude3,210m / 10,531ft
Elevation Gain+360 m
Pre-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 drive
3 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

Highest point: 5,416m (Day 7)Start: 2,670mEnd: 2,630m

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Govt. License #1497

Rohit 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.”

Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m

Meet the full team

Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Cost & What's Included

Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

All required permits and TIMS card

Licensed English-speaking trekking guide

Private vehicle transfers to and from the trailhead

Comfortable tourist-standard lodges, twin share

All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Crew salary, insurance, meals and lodging

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights and Nepal entry visa

Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance

Porter (available on request, extra cost)

Hot showers and Wi-Fi where not complimentary

Lunch and dinner in the city

Tips for your guide and crew

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

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Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

No published review names the Thorong La Pass / Annapurna Circuit yet.

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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, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.

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.

To trek the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers will need two permits. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs USD 30 per person and is required for the entire Annapurna Circuit. It is obtainable in Besishahar, Pokhara, or Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board.

The TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) costs USD 15 per person (approximately NPR 2,000). This card is required for all trekkers in the Annapurna region and is obtainable at trekking association offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Our licensed guide handles all permit paperwork.

The Annapurna Circuit has the highest pass of any standard trekking route in Nepal at 5,416m. The acclimatisation sequence is: Besishahar 840m, Chame 2,710m, Pisang 3,310m, Manang 3,540m (two nights), Yak Kharka 4,018m, High Camp 4,925m, Thorong La 5,416m (not a sleeping altitude), Muktinath 3,760m.

The compulsory acclimatisation day at Manang is the main insurance; missing it for time reasons is the single most common mistake.

The Annapurna Circuit has some of the best teahouse infrastructure of any trekking route in Nepal. From Besishahar to Manang, teahouses offer a wide range of meals and reasonable room comfort. Manang has bakeries, coffee shops, and several teahouses with proper dining rooms and heating.

Above Manang, the standard drops. Yak Kharka and High Camp are basic, cold, and crowded in peak season. The food is simpler, with staples at High Camp being dal bhat, noodle soup, and fried potato. Budget USD 30-50 per day for food and accommodation.

The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.

General

Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner

Head & Face

Sun hat or cap
Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
Buff or neck gaiter
Sunglasses with full UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries

Upper Body

Technical base layer shirts, two
Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Hiking pants, two pairs
Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse

Hands

Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions

Feet

Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
Hiking socks, three to five pairs
Liner socks if prone to blisters
Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m

First Aid & Medications

Personal prescription medications
SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
Electrolyte sachets or tablets
Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter

Other Essentials

Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics

We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.

Guide & Porter Services

Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.

Accommodation Bookings

We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.

Transportation Arrangements

All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.

Equipment Rental

A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.

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

It is rated Challenging and requires the highest overall fitness of any trek in the Annapurna region. The crossing of Thorong La at 5,416m is the single hardest day: a pre-dawn start, three to four hours of climbing in thin air, then a long descent of nearly 1,700m to Muktinath, with the day running seven to nine hours in total. Daily walking on the rest of the circuit is five to seven hours. There is no technical climbing or rope work, but previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly advised and we recommend training for ten to twelve weeks before departure.

You need a solid cardiovascular base and strong legs to handle sustained altitude over consecutive days. We recommend beginning training ten to twelve weeks before departure: running three to four times a week for thirty to forty-five minutes, plus long weekend hikes of four to six hours carrying a loaded pack. The Tatopani to Ghorepani section alone climbs nearly 1,500m on a single day, so leg strength and endurance matter as much as raw cardio. Trekking poles are strongly advised for the pass crossing and the long Tatopani ascent.

You need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at USD 30 per person, which covers the entire circuit, and the TIMS card at USD 15 per person. The ACAP can be obtained in Besishahar, Pokhara, or Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board, and the TIMS card at trekking association offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. 6K Nepal Treks arranges all permit paperwork for you with your licensed guide, so you do not need to queue at the offices yourself.

The two prime windows are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), which give the most stable weather and the clearest mountain views. These seasons also keep the Thorong La Pass open and the snow on the crossing manageable. Winter brings cold and a real risk of the pass being snowed in, while the June to August monsoon means cloud, rain, and leeches in the lower valleys, so we generally avoid it for this route.

Thorong La at 5,416m is the highest pass of any standard trekking route in Nepal, higher than anything on the Everest Base Camp trail. The acclimatisation sequence runs from Besishahar up through Chame, Pisang, and Manang, with a compulsory rest day at Manang that is non-negotiable. Trekkers who skip Yak Kharka or compress the schedule have a significantly higher rate of acute mountain sickness. Our guides carry a first aid kit with an oximeter and monitor everyone closely, and the golden rule always applies: if symptoms worsen, we descend.

The Annapurna Circuit has some of the best teahouse infrastructure of any trek in Nepal. From Besishahar to Manang the teahouses offer a wide range of meals and reasonable comfort, and Manang itself has bakeries, coffee shops, and heated dining rooms. Above Manang the standard drops: Yak Kharka and High Camp are basic, cold, and crowded in peak season, with simpler food such as dal bhat, noodle soup, and fried potato. The Standard and Luxury packages include three meals a day plus tea or coffee twice daily, while Backpacker covers breakfast and you pay for lunch and dinner on the trail, and we book the best available twin or triple-sharing rooms.

Our guided trek starts at USD 950 per person on the Backpacker tier and USD 1,100 on the Standard tier for a solo trekker, with the per-person rate dropping as your group grows, down to USD 760 on Backpacker and USD 880 on Standard for groups of three to five. The Standard price includes all ground transfers in sharing vehicles, an experienced licensed guide with all his costs covered, teahouse accommodation, three meals a day with tea or coffee twice daily, the ACAP and TIMS permits, and a first aid kit with oximeter. Backpacker keeps the guide, transport and teahouse rooms, but the ACAP and TIMS fees are not included and it covers breakfast only, with lunch and dinner paid on the trail. International flights, the Nepal visa, travel insurance, porter service, tips, and personal expenses are not included on any tier.

Crossing Thorong La from east to west means a pre-dawn start from around 4,500m, a steep climb to the prayer-flag-draped crest at 5,416m, then a long descent of nearly 1,700m to the sacred temple complex at Muktinath. West of the pass the landscape transforms completely: you drop into the rain shadow where the vegetation disappears and the terrain turns ochre and windswept, and the Kali Gandaki gorge falls between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in what is documented as the deepest river gorge on earth. The route then finishes with the classic Poon Hill sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri before descending through Gurung villages back toward Pokhara.