Regd. No: 198664/075/076 · Govt. of Nepal Licensed · TripAdvisor Award Winner
Thorang La Pass Trek
Annapurna Region

Thorang La Pass Trek

14 days 5,416 m
Duration14 Days
Max altitude5,416 m
DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day
Group size1-10

Overview

Why you’ll love this trek

  • Cross Thorang La (5,416m), the world's highest trekking pass Stand at the Annapurna Circuit's dramatic climax, where prayer flags snap in thin air and the reward is a view unlike anywhere else on the trek.
  • Explore Manang, gateway to Milarepa's meditation cave Rest a day in this striking valley village, home to ancient Buddhist monasteries and the cave where the yogi Milarepa is said to have meditated for years.
  • Walk the Marshyangdi to Kali Gandaki river valleys Trek from lush subtropical forest along the Marshyangdi River into the high, dry Tibetan-plateau landscape bordering the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge.
  • Visit Muktinath, revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike Descend from Thorang La into Muktinath, one of Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites, known for its eternal flame and 108 sacred water spouts.
  • Experience genuine Gurung and Manangi hospitality along the trail Pass through Chame, Pisang, and Manang, where stone-built villages and warm local hospitality offer a real window into Annapurna's mountain culture and traditions.

Thorang La Pass which is at Annapurna Circuit Trekking is one of the famous trekking tours in Nepal. As u climb upward from subtropical forest to the dry and high region you will be passing through the uncountable biosphere. These high and dry regions assemble the Tibetan plateau.     

This Pass is a very exciting trekking trail. Its altitude is 5416 m. it is also known as the climax point of the Annapurna Circuit. It is also known as one of the hardest treks in the Annapurna circuit. Only half of the oxygen is available at that altitude. You will feel like you just ran a marathon while taking every step in this trek. 

During this trek, you can see various Buddhist monasteries, Chame, Pisang, and Manang. You will see the yogi Milarepa monasteries, a meditation cave in Manang Braga village. During this, you will see many natural habitats and animals. You can see the road of that region which has made the trek easier. 

You can see many tea houses, a restaurant in this area. This is also one of the ways for earning money for the people of that region. You get good accommodation facilities in that region. The hospitality of the Gurung and Lama people will attract you. This trek is a bit hard trek in comparison to other treks. 

In this trek, you will find many ethnic groups like Gurung and lama. You can also get a chance to see their culture and tradition and their lifestyle along with their festivals. They have been staying from long years ago. In this trek, you can see many snow-capped mountains and the eye-catching natural resources like river forest with various flora and fauna. 

This trek is taken as hard but it is not impossible trek. This trek is far from being impossible. If you are prepared and can give enough time you can do this trek. You need to give enough time for this trek to get used to that climate and altitude. Many people of different ages have trekked there and all of them are fine. 

You can find a large variety of different ethnic groups and people with cultural diversity. They all are living therewith peace and harmony. This trek helps you to visit the world’s deepest gorge which is kali Gandaki and also helps in viewing the world’s highest pass Thorang La pass. 

You can see different mountains like Annapurna (I, II, III, IV,), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and many other mountains of height 6000-8000 from near during this trek. From few years the trek has been started from Dharapani in the Marshyang river valley and ends in the Kali Gandaki valley.

Many tourists love this trail and this trekking trail is being famous day by day. you would love this trekking trail due to the hospitality given by the Gurung and Lama people of this region. The views seen from this trekking and the natural resources have encouraged people to travel to this place. This is one of the best places to enjoy trekking.

Itinerary

1DayArrival in Kathmandu (1,300m), transfer to hotelDay 1 of 14
Today we arrived at the hotel and we are transferred to the hotel. Our lodges were taken by the hotel staff and kept in our respective rooms. We got a warm welcome from the hotel. Then we were sent to our respective rooms. Rooms in the hotel were awesome and the service and fooding were also mind-blowing. The bed in the hotel was also very comfortable. We can see an amazing Kathmandu valley from the balcony of the hotel.
2DayKathmandu sightseeing and trek orientationDay 2 of 14
Today we woke up early in the morning and we were taken for sightseeing of the Kathmandu valley by our guide. We saw many old temples and palaces. We got a chance to visit Kathmandu durbar square also. Then we were taken for a trek orientation program where we were taught about the rules and difficulty that can occur during this trek. We were taught to face them too.
3DayDrive to Syange/Jagat (1,100m)Day 3 of 14
Today morning after having breakfast we start our journey to Syange/Jagat by bus. We saw many high hills from the bus too. We had amazing sightseeing by bus too. Syange/Jagat is at the height of 1100 m above sea level.
4DayTrek from Syange/Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m)Day 4 of 14
Today we woke up early in the morning and had light breakfast. Then we start moving towards Dharapani from Syange/Jagat. Dharapani is at the altitude of 1960 m above sea level. We saw many high hills and mountains on the way. The view of the snow-capped mountains was stunning. we saw many flora and fauna on the way.
5DayTrek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m)Day 5 of 14
Today we start the trek from Dharapani to Chame after a light breakfast. Chame is at the height of 2710 m above sea level. We saw many monasteries and the villages with houses made up of stone were amazing. We saw a lot of flora and fauna there. we also saw an amazing view of snowy mountains.
6DayTrek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m)Day 6 of 14
Today morning we woke up early and had our breakfast. then we start moving from Chame to Pisang. Pisang is at the height of 3300 m above the sea level. The scene that is seen from Pisang was outstanding and memorable. We saw many Gurung and lama people and other ethnic groups too. We saw a lot of flora and fauna in this place. The views of hills and mountains were eye-catching.
7DayTrek from Pisang to Manang (3,500m)Day 7 of 14
Early morning after having breakfast we start our trek from Pisang to Manang. Manang is at the height of 3500 m above the sea level. We saw an amazing Manang valley and the beautiful mountains that were full of snow. we also saw many high hills that were surrounding the Manang valley. The valley was stunning and the people of this place were very helpful and their hospitality behavior attracted us.
8DayManang (Day Rest)Day 8 of 14
Today had a day rest at Manang and enjoyed sightseeing. we saw many high hills and the amazing snowy mountains. the climate of Manang was amazing and the view seen from Manang was outstanding. we were hypnotized by the stunning view of hills and the Manang valley. the house3s was made up of stone and it is like heaven.
9DayTrek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m)Day 9 of 14
Today we woke up and start the trek from Manang to Yak Kharka after having light breakfast. This trek is taken as hard but the view seen throughout this trek makes it easy. We forget pain and difficulty after seeing the outstanding view of hills and mountains. Yak Kharka is at the height of 4110 m above sea level.
10DayTrek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,600m)Day 10 of 14
Today morning we start moving from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi. we saw many Buddhist monasteries and the villages of Gurung people. We saw their way of living and found unique. we saw many holy monasteries and Gumbas. People had many believe in these monasteries and Gumbas. Thorang Phedi is at the height of 4600 m above sea level.
11DayTrek from Thorang Phedi – Thorang La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)Day 11 of 14
Today is the day to reach our final destination of this trek. we were going to reach Thorang La from Thorang Phedi. Thorang La is at the altitude of 5416 m above sea level. From Thorang La we saw many high mountains that were full of snow and the view was eye-catching. Then we move towards Muktinath and visit the holy temple Muktinath temple. This temple is considered as the holy temple of many Hindus. It is at the height of 3800 m above sea level.
12DayTrek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,750m)Day 12 of 14
Today we are moving from Muktinath to Jomsom and on the way, we saw a lot of flora and fauna. The amazing part was the stunning view of mountains and hills. We saw Jomsom bazaar and the windblown at that place was hilarious. we were ar the height of 2750 m above sea level.
13DayFly to Pokhara to KathmanduDay 13 of 14
Today is the day to fly back to Pokhara so packed our lodges and went to the airport. Then we flew from Jomsom to Pokhara. During the flight, we saw many mountains and the amazing hills and roads of Muktinath and the stunning Machhapuchhare Himal and beautiful Pokhara city. Then we visited the lakeside of Pokhara in the evening and we did boating too. The view of the Phewa lake was amazing in the evening and the Pokhara city was amazing due to lights.
14DayFinal departure transferDay 14 of 14
Today is the day of the final departure and we packed our lodes and move to Tribhuvan international airport. We got a warm greeting and goodbye from our hotel. The services of the hotel and the suffering and enjoying a moment of this trek will remain with us forever.

What's included

Included

  • Airport picks up and drops off by the private vehicle.
  • Three-time Meal During trekking(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus/private vehicle
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (10 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits and TIMS.
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking map
  • Trekking certificate after trek.

Not included

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Private transportation except what is mentioned in the What Is Included section
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason like natural disaster and your own problems) than the scheduled itinerary Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary) International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Trekking equipment
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.) Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

Before you book

The realities of this route, told straight, so nothing surprises you later.

Thorang La (5,416m) is a serious high-altitude

You’ll go from Yak Kharka (4,110m) to Thorang Phedi (4,600m) to the pass itself (5,416m) in back-to-back days a genuinely demanding ascent rate. The rest day at Manang (3,500m) matters more here than on most treks; take it seriously, and report any headache, nausea, or breathlessness to your guide immediately rather than pushing through.

The real flight risk here is Jomsom–Pokhara

This trek doesn’t use the Lukla airstrip — the weather-dependent leg on this route is the short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara on Day 13. Wind delays are common, especially later in the morning, so keep a spare day in your schedule around this leg rather than booking a tight connection home.

Teahouse comfort shifts

Rooms through Chame, Pisang, and Manang are simple but reasonably comfortable, while Thorang Phedi, the last stop before the pass, is more basic and colder given the altitude. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging cost extra throughout and get less reliable the higher you climb.

Insurance must cover the full 5,416m

Travel and rescue insurance is excluded from the trip cost and must explicitly cover trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 5,416m. Given how quickly you gain altitude in the days before the pass, this isn’t a route to under-insure  arrange it, plus the recommended US$500 emergency fund, before you arrive.

Weather and daylight both matter

The Thorang Phedi to Muktinath day is long and crosses the trek’s highest point, so departures typically start well before dawn to avoid afternoon winds and clouds that build up over the pass. Dress in warm layers from the start; temperatures at the pass are well below freezing even when it feels mild lower down.

Useful Info

Permits required:

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card are both required for this route, arranged for you and included in the trip cost.

Visa

Nepal tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu airport for most nationalities, or in advance at a Nepali embassy. The visa fee itself is not included in the trip cost.

Recommended gear

Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots, trekking poles (particularly useful on the Thorang La descent), warm layered clothing rated for well-below-freezing temperatures, a warm hat and gloves, sun protection, a headlamp, and a personal first-aid kit. A down jacket and sleeping bag are provided as part of the package and should be returned at trip end.

Accommodation and meals

Twin-share teahouse rooms with shared bathrooms throughout the trek, with all breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on trekking days. Hotel accommodation and a guided city tour are included in Kathmandu.

Getting there

The trip includes ground transportation from Kathmandu to Syange/Jagat by bus, a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara around Day 13, and bus or private vehicle transport between Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Group size and crew

Runs for groups of 1–10, with an experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader (plus assistant guide for larger groups) and porter service (one porter per two trekkers) included as standard.

FAQ

How difficult is the Thorang La Pass Trek?

It’s rated Moderate, with 4-6 hours of walking most days over 14 days, but the days approaching and crossing Thorang La (5,416m) are genuinely demanding, both physically and in terms of altitude. This isn’t a beginner’s first trek  some prior hiking experience and solid cardio fitness make a real difference.

What's the highest point on this trek?

Thorang La itself, at 5,416m, is both the trek’s highest point and one of the highest trekking passes in the world, often described as the climax of the Annapurna Circuit.

Are flights involved in this trek?

Yes  a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara on Day 13, which can be affected by wind delays, particularly later in the morning. It’s worth keeping schedule flexibility around this leg.

Is altitude sickness a real risk on this trek?

Yes, significantly  climbing to 5,416m within a matter of days means AMS is a genuine risk for every trekker regardless of fitness. The rest day at Manang (3,500m) is built in for acclimatization, and your guide monitors the group daily in the lead-up to the pass.

Is travel insurance included in the price?

No  travel and rescue insurance covering trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 5,416m is required but excluded from the trip cost, and should be arranged independently well before departure.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

It’s better suited to trekkers with some previous hiking experience, given the altitude and the demanding pass-crossing day. Reasonable fitness alone isn’t quite enough on its own — steady, unhurried pacing in the days before Thorang La matters just as much.

What permits do I need for this trek?

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card are both required, and both are arranged for you and included in the trip cost.

Is this trek suitable for solo travelers?

Yes  group sizes run from 1–10, with an experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader accompanying every group, along with porter service (one porter per two trekkers).

From $890 / person
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  • Duration14 days
  • DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day walking
  • Max altitude5,416 m
  • Group size1-10
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