Thorong La Pass Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Annapurna RegionModerate

Thorong La PassTrek

Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit, in a focused 15-day itinerary. Manang acclimatization, High Camp at 4,850m, the 4 AM crossing, and descent to Muktinath temple. From USD 1,675.

View Itinerary
15
DaysTotal trek duration
5416m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
All season
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$1,675
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

The 4 AM crossing of Thorong La is the defining moment. Headlamps in single file, the crunch of frozen ground, the slow rhythm of breathing at 5,000 meters. The sunrise hits the prayer flags at the pass and Dhaulagiri's massive wall appears across the Kali Gandaki. This is one of the most iconic pass crossings in world trekking.

Manang (3,519m) is worth the rest day. A Tibetan-influenced trading town with flat-roofed stone houses, a Buddhist gompa, and the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic that gives free altitude lectures. The optional hike to Ice Lake (4,620m) above Manang offers views of the Annapurna range reflected in a frozen alpine tarn.

The descent from Thorong La to Muktinath drops 1,600 meters in a single morning. Your knees feel every meter, but the landscape transformation is extraordinary: from frozen scree to arid desert to the temple gardens of Muktinath with its 108 sacred water spouts.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Thorong La Pass Trek is a 15-day route covering the core high-altitude section of the Annapurna Circuit: the approach through Manang, the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, and the descent to Muktinath on the western side. This itinerary skips the lower eastern approach from Besisahar, starting instead from a higher trailhead to focus on the pass crossing.

The route climbs through Chame (2,670m) and Upper Pisang to Manang (3,519m), where a mandatory rest day allows acclimatization. Optional hikes to Ice Lake (4,620m) or Gangapurna Lake help prepare for the altitude. From Manang, the trail continues to Yak Kharka (4,018m), Thorong Phedi (4,525m), and High Camp (4,850m).

The Thorong La crossing starts at 4 AM from High Camp. The 4 to 5 hour climb to the pass at 5,416m is steady but demanding in bitter cold and thin air. Prayer flags mark the summit with views of Dhaulagiri across the valley. The descent drops 1,600 meters to Muktinath (3,800m) on the western side, one of the steepest sustained descents on any Nepal trek.

Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory.

For the complete Annapurna loop, the Annapurna Circuit Trek adds the eastern approach from Besisahar and the western descent through the Kali Gandaki in 20 days. To add Tilicho Lake as a side trip from Manang, see the Tilicho Lake Via Annapurna Circuit. For a lower-altitude Muktinath approach, the Jomsom Muktinath Trek reaches the temple from the south in 15 days without crossing the pass.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
4,450m3,554m2,658m1,761m865mKathmanduChamjeDharapaniChamePisangManangYak KharkaThorang PediMuktinathJomsomPokharaKathmandu4,450m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

15 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Jeep Drive to Chamje

Chamje

4WD jeep drive to Chamje (1,750 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,750m7h trekTeahouse405m
Day04

Trek to Dharapani

Dharapani

Trek to Dharapani (1,970 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,970m7h trekTeahouse220m
Day05

Trek to Chame

Chame

Trek to Chame (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,720m6h trekTeahouse750m
Day06

Trek to Pisang

Pisang

Trek to Pisang (3,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,200m5h trekTeahouse480m
Day07

Trek to Manang

Manang

Trek to Manang (3,400 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400m5h trekTeahouse200m
Day08

Rest Day in Manang

Manang

A necessary day in Manang to rest, acclimatize, and explore the village. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400mTeahouse
Day09

Trek to Yak Kharka

Yak Kharka

Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,000m4h trekTeahouse600m
Day10

Trek to Thorong Phedi

Thorong Phedi

Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,450m5h trekTeahouse450m
Day11

Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Muktinath

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,800m10h trekTeahouse650m
Day12

Trek to Jomsom

Jomsom

Trek to Jomsom (2,700 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,700m5h trekTeahouse1,100m
Day13

Fly to Pokhara

Pokhara

Fly to Pokhara (865 m), approximately 15 minutes. Overnight at hotel.

865mHotel1,835m
Day14

Drive Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel480m
Day15

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 1,675
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

11

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara, breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Flight fare from Jomsom to Pokhara, including airport departure taxes.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.

4WD surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

8

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, laundry, and hot showers.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Thorong La at 5,416m is one of the great pass crossings in world trekking. The 4 AM start, the prayer flags, and the 1,600-meter descent to Muktinath are unforgettable.

Thrill

The focused 15-day itinerary cuts the lower approach sections and puts you at the high-altitude core faster.

Connection

Manang is a genuine Tibetan-influenced mountain town, not a trekking-village. Flat roofs, barley fields, gompas, and yak caravans.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You want the Thorong La crossing without the full 20-day Annapurna Circuit. This 15-day itinerary focuses on the pass.

You can walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 12 trekking days with one full-day pass crossing at 5,416m.

You are comfortable sleeping at 4,850m (High Camp) and crossing a 5,416m pass. Prior altitude experience above 4,500m is recommended.

You have 15 days available. This is 5 days shorter than the full Annapurna Circuit.

You want to reach Muktinath from the high side. The temple is more dramatic approached from the 1,600-meter descent than from the Kali Gandaki below.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Daypack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
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