14-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek from Kathmandu with Thorong La Pass

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Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

• Howdy backpackers! After you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, we'll meet each other for the first time. With the exchange of benevolent greetings, you'll be transferred to your hotel by private car.
• Afterward, you'll be introduced to your trekking guide. We recommend that you take some rest and enjoy a stroll at the end of the day to get familiar with the bright-colored Nepalese bazaars.

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Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar

• Today, you'll depart from Kathmandu on a nearly eight-hour drive, depending on traffic conditions, by tourist bus. Throughout this journey into the hills on Prithvi Highway, you'll be accompanied by the untamed Trishuli and then Marsyangdi rivers, both celebrated for white-water rafting. The meandering highway reveals more of the Nepalese countryside, including lush greenery, streams, villages, agricultural lands with green paddy plants, and astounding mountain vistas.
• Upon arriving at Dumre, we turn north on a narrow but paved secondary road to Besisahar. We can enjoy picturesque mountain outlooks en route. Stay in Besisahar for the rest of the day.

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Day 03

From Besisahar to Dharapani via Tal

• We make an abrupt ascent to Chamje and continue our trek on the trail along the east bank of the meandering Marsyangdi River.
• We then move across a suspension bridge and ascend uphill through fields of corn, barley, and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons, into a large highland ahead at the village of Tal (1,511 m). Tal is the first village of the Manang district. It is situated on a flatland beside the sandy beach and river at the bottom of a huge waterfall.
• From here, we trek past the village of Khotro (1,860 m), alpine forest, and other villages, and finally make it to Dharapani (1,960 m).

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Day 04

Trek from Dharapani to Chame

• We depart from Dharapani and follow the trail that first climbs up abruptly and then makes a gentle descent to the west.
• Subsequently, we reach Bagarchhap. It is a small village influenced by Buddhist culture and consists of Tibetan-styled houses. The trail now climbs through fir and pine woodlands and then passes by bridges and waterfalls amidst higher oak and maple trees.
• Through steep stone steps, the trail finally reaches Chame (2,710 m), the headquarters of Manang district, which exhibits sublime outlooks of Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), and Annapurna II (7,937 m).

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Day 05

Trek through Forests and Valleys to Pisang

• Today, we trek on an abrupt trail through thick woodland, which bends to reveal the noteworthy curved rock face soaring 1,500 m from the river. From this point onward, forests and heavy vegetation begin to disappear.
• Afterward, we'll cross the river time and again via suspension bridges. As the trail opens and reveals the U-shaped valley of Manang situated between two massive snow-capped peaks, we witness astounding and spellbinding mountain vistas all around us.
• Eventually, we reach Pisang village (3,300 m).

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Day 06

Upper Pisang Route to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawal

• We arrive at the point where the main trail separates into two routes to reach Manang. We take the upper route that passes through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru village, which showcases charming stone houses. We also observe the alluring panorama of majestic mountains such as Pisang Himal and Annapurna nearby. Today, we take pleasure in the soft colors of the wonderful landscape along with contrasting vegetation.
• We now arrive at Ngawal. The village showcases a Gompa and aged juniper trees.
• The trail then progresses downward to Mungji and eventually leads to the celebrated Thakali village of Manang (3,519 m). En route, we can see the harsher environment created by the cold and dry climate.

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Day 07

Acclimatization Day in Manang

• It's day seven, and today you'll rest and acclimatize in Manang in preparation for the higher elevation at Thorong La. You can take medical advice regarding Acute Mountain Sickness at the Himalayan Rescue Association outpost and observe the splendid views in Manang.
• If you don't want to rest, then you can visit nearby places such as Gangapurna Lake (3,525 m) and Cave Gompa (4,000 m), which flaunt prepossessing vistas comprising the entire Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Pisang Peak (6,091 m), Chulo Peak (6,584 m), Thorong Peak (5,416 m), and many more. However, it is strongly recommended to rest and acclimatize in order to complete the entire journey safely. Never underestimate the higher elevations and their adverse effects on the human body. Negligence may result in loss of life.

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Day 08

Manang to Yak Kharka through Alpine Pastures

• Today, we follow the trail that advances across a stream, then ascends above Manang to Tenki village, and continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi valley. The trail now changes direction to the northwest, up to the valley of Jarsang Khola, and passes through pasturelands, scrub of juniper trees, and steadily gains elevation. Making our way past the small village of Ghunsa, we traverse thriving meadows to the wooden bridge across a small river.
• In the end, we arrive at Yak Kharka (4,110 m). The word 'Yak' refers to a long-haired, domesticated, short-legged ox-like mammal found in the Himalayan region, and 'Kharka' means meadows or pasture. Yak Kharka is another pastureland.

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Day 09

Climb to Thorong Phedi

• Today, the trek will be a bit difficult. We ascend along the trail for a while to the north and come across a suspension bridge that leads to the village of Ledar. With massive cliffs beside the uphill trail, we continue ascending to Thorong Phedi with a peek at exquisite Annapurna III alongside the elegant mountaintops of Syagang (6,026 m), Gundang (5,312 m), and Khatungkang (6,484 m). Thorong Phedi is the last human settlement before Thorong La Pass, positioned at the bottom of Thorong La Peak (6,144 m).

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Day 10

Cross Thorong La Pass and Descend to Muktinath

• At the break of dawn, we commence the most punishing trek of our overall journey. We begin an abrupt ascent on the trail to the world's highest mountain pass, Thorong La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 m above sea level. It is the highest point that we will reach during our adventure. The quest to conquer the celebrated Thorong La Pass will become an unforgettable experience of your lifetime, since each step toward the apex can be back-breaking. In the end, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring and tempting vistas comprising the alluring Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal (6,473 m) to the west, unrivaled by anything the world has to offer.
• Afterward, we descend beyond grasslands to Muktinath (3,800 m). Bearing religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is a sacred shrine devoted to the mighty deity Vishnu.

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Day 11

Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani via Kagbeni and Jomsom

• Blessed by Holy Muktinath, we set off to Ranipauwa village. Along the way, we'll meet many fellow trekkers, pilgrims, and backpackers heading toward Muktinath.
• Thereafter, we'll make an abrupt descent on an arid hillside to Kagbeni, continue on our way to Jomsom, and finally set foot in Marpha village (2,670 m). To achieve this feat, we will follow the trail along the plateau above the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, throughout the arid terrain that corresponds to the Tibetan Plateau.
• Finally, we arrive at Tatopani village, where we will take a hot spring bath for a couple of hours and stay at the guest house.

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Day 12

Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara

• On the 12th day, we will take a ride to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki River from Tatopani (hot spring). In your free time, explore Pokhara and stay at the hotel.

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Day 13

Return Drive to Kathmandu

• Today, you'll head back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. It takes about 7-8 hours to cover the approximately 200 km journey via Prithvi Highway, depending on traffic conditions. You'll love the scenic landscapes throughout the way.
• Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The evening in the city is wonderful, and during this time you can visit the radiant marketplaces for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

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Day 14

Departure from Kathmandu

• Today marks the end of your journey in Nepal. We hope you are satisfied with our services and expertise. We also appreciate your decision to choose us and for giving us the opportunity to help plan and implement your dream escapade. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, we'll escort you to the airport. Farewell!