Thorong Peak Climbing

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. After completing visa formalities and collecting your luggage at the airport, please exit the arrival hall. Your tour leader will be waiting for you just outside the arrival hall and will take you to hotel in Kathmandu. Please look for a placard with your name on it at the exit of the arrival hall. Then depending on the time, you will have time to walk around the hotel and familiarize yourself near hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Max, altitude: 1,350m/4,430ft

Today is a full-day Kathmandu tour; in which you will explore various UNESCO sites in Kathmandu. We will start our tour with a visit to Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. We will witness the Hindu cremation ceremony at Aryaghat, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. And we will visit Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. We can see the rich Tibetan culture at Boudhanath. Similarly, we will end the day’s tour by visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal residence of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Max, altitude: 1,350m/4,430ft

After breakfast, we will head west and follow the Prithvi Highway along the banks of the Trishuli River to reach the homeland of the Central Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The distance from Kathmandu to Jagat is 213 km, taking about 8-9 hours by jeep. During the drive, you can learn about the rural culture and lifestyle.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 8-9 hrs
Maximum altitude: 1,290m/4,233ft.

On the first day of the Annapurna Circuit trek, we will head into the forest from Jagat village, following the winding path of the Marsyangdi River. A short walk through the vast forest will take us to Chamje village (1430 m) from where we will cross the river and walk along its eastern bank. The route will take us on a short climb to the large village of Tal (1675 m). As it is full of tea houses and lodges, it would be a good idea to have our lunch at Tal. Enjoy lunch in a peaceful environment with lovely natural views of the valleys surrounding the lake and slowly ascend to Karte village. We will cross the river at several points to reach Dharapani.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum altitude: 1,860m/6,103ft.

From Dharapani, we will head west along a dirt road to reach the Marsyangdi River. We will follow the river uphill to the Manang Valley. We will be blessed with breathtaking views of Annapurna II (7937 m) and Annapurna IV. Similarly, we will climb uphill through the forested mountains of oak and maple to Dhankyu (2290 m). Continuing along a rocky path, we will reach Latemarang village (2360 m). Passing through the forested mountains, we will reach Koto (2590 m). The downhill path from Koto will take us to Chame (2670 m), which is the administrative headquarters of the region.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum altitude: 2,715m/8,908ft.

Today we will follow the northern bank of the river through apple orchards and up to Bhratang village (2840m). This is known as an old Khampa community. From this point the terrain will change. We will follow a rocky path through a narrow valley covered with bushes. Coming out of the forest, we will meet the river which we will cross over a suspension bridge located 3040m above sea level. Where we will get our first view of the majestic Paungda mountain, a 1500m high rock wall rising from the river. We will cross a mountain decorated with prayer flags and stone cairns and reach Pisang.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum altitude: 3,185m/10,450ft

From Pisang, we will follow the northern bank of the river to Ghyaru (3,670 m/12,038 ft) and Ngawal (3,660 m/12,005 ft) and then uphill to Manang. This will be a long and slow climb as we cross the 3600 m elevation mark today as part of our acclimatization. Our climb is rewarding as we get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III and Gangapura. We will descend into the valley before proceeding to the village of Hongde (3325 m). A small airstrip is located in this village. Walking along the Mani wall, we will reach Mungali from where we have to cross the river. Walking along the northern bank, we will reach Braga (3475 m). The lifestyle of this village is heavily influenced by the neighboring Tibetans. Braga also boasts of housing the largest gompa in the district. The gompa preserves a collection of ancient Tibetan thangkas that are over 500 years old. A short walk from Braga will take us to Manang Village.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 8-9 hrs
Maximum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft.

Before proceeding to Thorong la Base camp, we will spend some active rest and acclimatization days around Manang to acclimatize our bodies to the high altitude.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Maximum altitude: 3,350m/10,991ft.

After breakfast, we will follow a narrow path to Tengi village (3620 m) above Manang. After a short climb, we will head northwest along the valley of the Jarsang River. From there, we will reach Gunsang (3930 m) through a path lined with juniper trees. We will walk through alpine meadows. From most points, we can see the Gangapurna (7454 m) and Annapurna III (7555 m) mountains. Where we will spend the night.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum altitude: 4,130m/13,550ft.

Today we will follow the difficult route from Yak Kharka to Letdar (4250 m). From Letdar, we will follow the ascent route of the Jarsang River. Walking along the eastern bank of the Jarsang River, we will ascend to Thorong Phedi (4450 m). This small settlement gets its name from its geographical location, which means the base of the Thorong Mountains. We will spend the night at Thorong Phedi.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum altitude: 4,400m/14,436ft.

Today we will reach Thorung La which is a famous pass and start the climb early in the morning to avoid the strong winds. The pass is wide which makes it relatively easy to walk but the journey can be challenging due to unpredictable weather changes and is almost impossible to cross in winter. The pass is also the highest pass in the world and offers great views of the Annapurna massif. Spend the night in a tented camp at Thorung La.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum altitude: 5,416m/17,770ft.

Today we will stay here to prepare for the climb. Climbing experts will brief us on the dos and don’ts for a safe and successful climb. In anticipation of tomorrow, we will explore the magnificent views of the surrounding area. We will also learn to use climbing equipment as we become better acclimatized to the Himalayan environment. We will spend the night at Thorong La.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 5,416m/17,770ft.

We will start climbing early so that the wind does not affect us too much. As we start the steep climb, we will be able to see the Kali Gandaki Valley. As we reach the top, we will be blessed with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. This is a great place to enjoy the Himalayan views and also for photography. From here, we will descend the steep cliffs to the small town of Muktinath. Stay overnight at a lodge in Muktinath.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 9-11 hrs
Maximum altitude: 6,144m/20,160ft.
O/N- altitude: 3,800m/12,478ft.

This day is kept as a backup in case any unforeseen event disrupts the previous day and to attempt to climb the peak and go to Muktinath today. Since the weather at high altitude can change and deteriorate in a short time, we have kept this day as a contingency. Spend the night at a lodge in Muktinath.

After breakfast, we start the trek to Jomsom where the airport has been built. The route descends through bare hills towards Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, we will go to Jomsom via Ekla Bhatti. After reaching the river bank at Ekla-Bhatti, we reach a small hamlet with about 3-4 tea houses, where we can rest for a while. From here, the afternoon can get quite windy, as our trek follows a gentle path for the next two hours until we reach the big town of Jomsom for our night camp. Jomsom, a large village town is the headquarters of the Mustang region.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum altitude: 2,750m/9,020ft.

We will take off early in the morning from Jomsom. Strong winds prohibit flying later in the day. If flights are cancelled or delayed, although rare, we have options but you will have to pay an additional fee. We will fly over the extremely rugged landscape of the region. Upon reaching Pokhara, we can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake with breathtaking views of the beautiful Machhapuchhre (6997 m). In the evening, we can enjoy a meal at the lakeside restaurants to celebrate the successful completion of the climb.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Mount View
Maximum altitude: 827m/2,714ft.

We will return to Kathmandu this day. Kathmandu is 200 km from Pokhara. The Prithvi Highway connects Pokhara to Kathmandu. It takes 7 hours to reach Kathmandu by bus from Pokhara. You will be transferred to the hotel where your stay will be enjoyable.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Duration: 6-7 hrs (drive)
Maximum altitude: 1,350m/4,430ft.

Today, your last day, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule. There are definitely stories of the Thorong Peak climbing experience and the breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range that you will share with your friends and family. If these memories inspire you to travel with us for a similar adventure soon, please contact us again.

Meal: Breakfast