Nepal · Trekking

13-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek from Kathmandu with Thorung La Pass

13 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through alpine landscapes and Tibetan settlements
02 Cross the challenging Thorung La Pass at 5,416 metres
03 Relax in Tatopani's hot springs after days on the trail
04 Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath
05 Enjoy sunrise views from Poon Hill over the Himalayas

Embark on an adventurous Annapurna Circuit trek from Kathmandu through alpine landscapes, Tibetan settlements, and high mountain villages on the way to Manang and Thorung Phedi. Cross the challenging Thorung La Pass before descending to the sacred site of Muktinath, the windswept Kali Gandaki valley, and Tatopani's revitalizing hot springs. Along the route, enjoy breathtaking Himalayan vistas, charming rural villages, and rich Buddhist culture. The journey ends with a scenic descent toward Ghorepani and Pokhara, with free time to relax by Phewa Lake.

Embark on an adventurous Annapurna Circuit trek from Kathmandu through alpine landscapes, Tibetan settlements, and high mountain villages on the way to Manang and Thorung Phedi.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Besisahar, Ghorepani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Thorong La, Tatopani, Muktinath, Dharapani

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani

A regular bus departing early in the morning will take you from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar.
Your journey to Dharapani, your final stop for the day, will continue by shared jeep.
Before reaching Dharapani, you will travel beside the Marsyangdi River through charming rural villages such as Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal.
Visitors should register their IDs and hiking permits at the Dharapani police checkpoint.

Day 02

Trek through Alpine Country to Chame

You will travel through alpine country today, where the temperature begins to decline.
After trekking through the woodlands, you will reach the Tibetan settlements of Bagarchhap and Danakyu.
Along the way, you will witness the apple-growing region, along with pine forests, farms, and views of Lamjung and Annapurna II.
After passing through the lovely towns of Timang, Thanchowk, and Koto, where the Naar-Phu road connects with the Full Annapurna Circuit Trek route, you will eventually arrive at Chame. The village's main entrance is framed by a sizable mani wall with prayer wheels.

Day 03

Trek to Upper Pisang via Dhikur Pokhari

You will pass through the villages of Talekhu and Bhratang and continue on to Dhikur Pokhari.
From Dhikur Pokhari, you can enjoy views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, Tilicho Peak, and many more surrounding summits.
After that, you will head toward Upper Pisang by crossing a suspension bridge over the river.

Day 04

Take the Upper Trail to Manang

Starting from Upper Pisang, you will take the toughest path, which includes multiple steep ascents and twists.
While trekking on the upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal, you can experience breathtaking views of Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,544 m), Glacier Dome (7,193 m), and Khangsar Kan (6,091 m).
You will notice that the air gets colder, drier, and harsher as the Annapurna Complete Circuit Trek route ascends.
You will also get the chance to learn about Buddhist culture as you pass through Tibetan settlements along the trail.
On the route to Manang, you will pass through the endearing village of Munchi and the inconspicuous hamlet of Braga.
You will eventually arrive at Manang market after passing a number of monasteries.
Along the way, you will notice that the road is lined with Buddhist temples in one of the largest settlements on the Annapurna Full Circuit Trekking route.

Day 05

Ascend from Manang to Ledar

Your Annapurna Full Circuit Trekking route will ascend from Manang village to the settlement of Tengi.
It crosses a spring and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley.
The route turns northwest and ascends the Jarsang Khola valley.
The path then proceeds northward through this valley, slowly gaining altitude as it passes a few meadows and juniper scrub.
Eventually, it reaches the lovely hamlet of Ledar.

Day 06

Trek to Thorung Phedi or High Camp

Today, you will walk to Thorung High Camp, also known as Thorung Phedi.
Depending on your physical condition and the weather, it will take 4 to 5 hours to reach Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp.
At these higher elevations, the difficulty level increases, and the area is often affected by severe winds.
Unlike the lush lowlands you crossed during the first part of the hike, the deserted and rocky environment here feels unearthly and very different.
If you are not exhausted and are eager to continue, trekking to High Camp will make the next day's journey easier.

Day 07

Cross Thorung La Pass and Descend to Muktinath

The journey you undertake today is one of the toughest in the entire Annapurna Full Circuit Trek itinerary.
You may reach the 5,416-metre Thorung La Pass by way of Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp.
After savoring the splendor and taking a few pictures, you will descend to Muktinath.
From Thorung La Pass to Muktinath, the route is entirely downhill.
In addition to being a Buddhist temple, Muktinath is also the second-largest Hindu temple.

Day 08

Descend from Muktinath to Tukuche

Today's Annapurna Full Circuit Trekking route begins from Muktinath after breakfast.
As you descend, you will pass through several charming villages, including Jharkot, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti.
The journey to Jomsom is considerably less difficult than the previous one because most of the route is downhill.
The last few sections are a little more challenging because of steep inclines.
You must ascend the mountains leading to the Kali Gandaki River and a windswept valley to reach Jomsom.
From Jomsom, you will continue your trek via Syang and Marpha to finally reach Tukuche.

Day 09

Trek from Tukuche to Ghasa

Your Full Annapurna Circuit Trek route will depart for Ghasa today after breakfast in Tukuche.
As you travel from Tukuche to Lete, you will pass through the picturesque towns of Kobang, Larjung, Kokhethanti, and Kalopani.
From Lete, you may enjoy a stunning view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
You will follow the Kaligandaki River on the journey from Lete until you reach Ghasa.
You will spend the night at Ghasa.

Day 10

Descend to Tatopani and Its Hot Springs

As the Annapurna Full Circuit Trekking route descends from Ghasa to lower elevations, subtropical flora becomes more noticeable. Rupse Chahara, a waterfall, lies along this road.
If you continue down the east bank from Kopchepani, you will arrive at Narchyang Besi, which has a power plant that provides electricity to the community.
You will pass through the villages of Dana, Duwarikhola Gaon, Guithe, and Jalthale on your way to Tatopani, your final stop for the day.
There are hot springs in Tatopani where you may enjoy a revitalizing soak.

Day 11

Climb from Tatopani to Ghorepani

After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast in Tatopani, you will set off on your Annapurna Full Circuit Trek route from the highway.
You will pass through picturesque villages with terraced and sloping farmlands, such as Ghara, Shikha, and Phalate.
Throughout the trek, you may observe how villagers live. Ghorepani is reached after a hard climb, largely along stone-paved routes.
A variety of vibrant plants can be seen along the way, and as you climb, more and more majestic mountain peaks come into view.
The next morning, even more beauty can be seen from Poon Hill.

Day 12

Poon Hill Excursion and Hike to Tikhedhunga

You must get up early for the Poon Hill excursion.
The golden summits come to life with the first light of dawn.
After about an hour of taking in the breathtaking scenery, you will return to Ghorepani for a delicious supper.
Afterward, you will continue the Annapurna Full Circuit Trek in the direction of Tikhedhunga.
To finally reach Tikhedhunga, your final stop for the day, you will walk through rhododendron woods and pass through magnificent towns such as Nangethanti, Banthanti, and Ulleri, a sizable Magar hamlet.

Day 13

Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, you will begin today's section of the Full Annapurna Circuit Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul.
To finally reach Nayapul, you will stroll through picturesque towns such as Hile, Sudame, and Birethanti.
Your hiking route follows Bhurungdi Khola from Sudame to Birethanti and then Modi Khola to Nayapul.
From Nayapul, you will take a private vehicle to Pokhara.
You will then have free time in Pokhara to spend as you choose.
You may go shopping, explore the area around your hotel, or perhaps rent a boat and cruise on Phewa Lake.

Where this trip takes you

Thorung La Pass, Muktinath, Poon Hill, Phewa Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 12 cities · 13 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guide charges and services
Guide's accommodation and food
Welcome at Pokhara Airport or bus park
Detailed trekking briefing

What's Not Included

Porter charges
Pick-up and drop transport services
TIMS and trekking permits
Client's food and accommodation

What to bring

Boots
Gaiters
Socks
Sandals
Sleeping bag
Night thermals
Walking poles
Goggles
Gloves
Torch lights
Calcium tablets
Water-purifying supplies
Portable devices for internet access
ORS (oral rehydration solution)

Know before you go

Trekking permit:
Your visa is valid only in city areas, not for countryside trekking. Therefore, issuing trekking permits from ACAP along with TIMS ensures you are ready for the trek. Note that these documents serve as your passes.
Backpacking:
The roads are brutally steep, so your backpack could feel heavy. For this reason, you may need to hire a porter along with a guide.
Basic trekking equipment:
It includes boots, gaiters, socks, sandals, a sleeping bag, night thermals, walking poles, goggles, gloves, torch lights, and so on.
Accommodation: Typical Nepali-style rooms are available. Some modernization has occurred in certain places, resulting in more sophisticated rooms in the lower part of the route.
Food and drinks: A wide variety of menu items can be seen, but some are only written on the menu and may not be available. The higher you go, the less foodstuff is available. Note that food is carried by porters. It is better to carry some of your own food, as many people develop food intoxication. Calcium tablets and water-purifying supplies are essential. Regarding drinks, three home-brewed liquors are offered: chang, raksi, and thungba (less often). Chang is best compared with beer and is typically fermented from rice. Raksi is distilled from fermented mash of grains or fruits.
Health and hygiene:
The most common syndrome is diarrhea, which can be temporarily debilitating. In addition, disrupted sleep patterns, stress, and strange or exotic food may introduce new types of bacteria. Oxygen deficiency at higher altitude is also a concern, so using ORS (oral rehydration solution) helps replenish body salts, along with drinking plenty of water. Altitude sickness may occur, so acclimatization is essential.
Communication:
Wi-Fi is available in most parts of the route, so you can carry portable devices for internet access. Note that Wi-Fi is not very fast. Local phones and cell phones also work.
Language:
Gurung, Tamang, Poon, and other communities live there, so they speak their own dialects in Nepal. Very few of them know English.
Additional info about the tour:
With its breathtaking waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and several suspension bridges, the experience of Annapurna Full Circuit Trekking will astound you.
The district seat of Manang, Chame, offers a wide range of amenities, including lodging, Internet cafes, outdoor equipment stores, banks, and communication and medical centers.
The Chame route winds through stunning pine and rhododendron woods in a small, steep valley.
The Full Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route ascends after a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River and provides stunning views of mountainous terrain, including the face of Pangdi Danda and Swargadwari Danda.
Upper Pisang offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range's Kuntu Danda, Longyo Danda, and Pisang Peak.
The little settlement of Ghusang, which consists of a collection of mud-roofed structures, is located close to where the route continues.
The trail passes through yak and horse grazing meadows known as Yak Kharka.
The path crosses a historic old mani wall in a peaceful meadow after passing a small river on a wooden bridge.
Snow on the Complete Annapurna Circuit Trek Route can make the journey take considerably longer.
Follow your guide and go gently and carefully.
You may observe herds of yaks and blue sheep grazing on the other side of the river, across from the trail.
There are not many tea places in Thorung Phedi.
Thorung La Pass offers a distant view of the Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri, and other mountains.
The Muktinath shrine receives a high number of Hindu pilgrims.
In Muktinath, there are two small ponds and 108 water taps.
A holy natural gas flame sparkles behind a grill just above the spring at Dhola Mebar Gompa, or the Jwalamai (goddess of fire) temple, a little distance away via a group of chorten.
Jomsom serves as the district's administrative hub for the Mustang area and is home to the Thakali people and traditional salt dealers.
Jomsom offers a clear view of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri.
Poon Hill, located 3,210 metres above sea level, provides some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.