Annapurna Thorong La Trek

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Annapurna Thorong La Trek

Trek through the Annapurna Himalaya, cross Thorong La at 5,416 m, and finish your journey among the wildlife of Chitwan This 13-day private adventure brings together two very different sides of Nepal: the high mountains of the Annapurna region and the subtropical wilderness of Chitwan National Park. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu into the Marsyangdi Valley before the trail leads through traditional mountain villages, pine and fir forests, ancient monasteries and the dramatic landscapes of Manang. As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes increasingly alpine, culmin

Highlight

    Annapurna Himalaya — Trek through the dramatic landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit.

    Thorong La Pass — Cross one of the world's great high mountain passes at 5,416 m.

    Mountain culture — Experience traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, chortens, mani walls and the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.

    High-altitude wildlife — Look for blue sheep, Tibetan snowcocks and Himalayan vultures along the trail.

    Chitwan wildlife — Finish among rhinos, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and hundreds of bird species, with a chance of seeing the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

    Mountain flight — Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, experiencing a dramatic transition from the Kali Gandaki Valley to the middle hills.

     

     

Trip Facts

Start & End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Duration
Best Time
Grade
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Accomodation
Hotel/Local Lodges
Meals
Max. Elevation
5,416 m

Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal and the beginning of your Himalayan adventure.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our local team and transferred to your hotel.

Today is kept relaxed, giving you time to settle into Nepal, recover from your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to take a gentle walk through the streets of Kathmandu, enjoy your first taste of Nepali cuisine, or simply rest at the hotel.

Your guide will brief you about the journey ahead, including the trekking route, altitude, weather conditions and preparations for the Annapurna section of the adventure.

Tomorrow, we leave the Kathmandu Valley and begin our journey toward the Annapurna Himalaya.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Hotel Manaslu
Meals
Meals
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude

A scenic drive to Syange via Besisahar (5–6 hrs)

We leave Kathmandu early morning and drive toward Pokhara on a private Jeep/4WL. Leaving the Kathmandu Valley, we follow the river to Mugling and arrive at Besisahar. From Besisahar, we continue to Syange for our overnight stay. Total drive time may vary depending on road conditions and traffic. 

Accommodation
Accommodation
tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
1,260 m

After a leisurely breakfast at our lodge in Syange, we begin the drive toward Dharapani village. The road winds through lush, lower Himalayan landscapes, passing terraced fields, small villages, and occasional suspension bridges spanning sparkling rivers. The drive provides a gentle introduction to the region’s natural beauty, with glimpses of forested hillsides and distant snow-capped peaks as we ascend gradually.

Along the way, we may see local farmers tending fields or children walking to school, offering a glimpse of rural Nepali life. The route is relatively calm, but expect winding sections typical of hilly terrain, with occasional steep stretches that reward you with panoramic views of the Marsyangdi River valley below.

We reach Dharapani village, nestled at around 1,890 meters, in the early afternoon. The village has a peaceful, rustic charm, with traditional stone houses, fluttering prayer flags, and the distant murmur of streams. After checking into our teahouse and enjoying lunch, the rest of the day is free to explore.

Accommodation
Accommodation
tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
1,890 m

We begin our trek today with scenic views of stunning mountains and beautiful waterfalls along the way. Today is a moderate day. After 6–7 hours of hiking, we reach Chame, the headquarters of Manang. Beyond Dharapani, we leave the jeep trail, turn sharply left, and climb a steep 40-minute stone staircase to the picturesque village of Odar. Passing traditional farms and homesteads, we trek through Galenchowk before descending to the main trail at Bagarchap (2,164m).

Continuing along the jeep track past apple orchards to Dhanagyu, we then turn sharply into the forest and undertake a longer climb to Temang, where we have lunch with magnificent views of Manaslu and Peak 29. The trail then descends through fir and pine forests to Thanchowk and further through Koto to Chame (2,713m), the administrative center of Manang district.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
2,713 m

Today we experience a dramatic change of scenery. Leaving the forested alpine regions, we enter the upper district of Manang, known as Nyeshang. Our trail initially follows the river closely through a deep canyon on the jeep track to Brathang (2,919m), where a large apple plantation awaits. We can stop for fresh coffee and cakes—or perhaps fresh apple juice—before beginning our climb.

The trail then crosses the river and leaves the jeep track, climbing on forest paths through fir and pine trees. Here, the curved rockface of Paungda Danda rises nearly 1,500m from the riverbank to Dukha Pokhari, where we stop for lunch.

Next, we veer off to the right, climbing away from the road to Upper Pisang village, where we stay in a lodge for the night. The village has an impressive monastery, which we can visit in the afternoon. From here to the pass, we are closest to the mountains, with particularly stunning views of Annapurna II (weather permitting).

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
3,300 m

Climb high above the valley on a high trail to Ngawal; afternoon acclimatisation walks | Distance: 11 km

Today is a shorter but spectacular day for acclimatisation. From Upper Pisang, we follow a high-level route toward Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal. The walk offers amazing views of the Annapurnas.

We start with a short descent through the forest to a small green lake, then climb steeply to Gyaru for a tea break. The valley views become increasingly dramatic as we ascend. From here, the trail undulates high above the river with magnificent vistas to Ngawal, where we stay tonight. After lunch at our lodge, we can explore this pretty medieval village or take an optional 6 km acclimatisation walk to a small shrine and cave (approx. 2.5 hours, ascending 420m).

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
3,650 m

Follow the high trail from Ngawal via Julu & Braga to Manang; afternoon acclimatisation walk | Distance: 9.5 km

From Ngawal, we follow a spectacular high trail contouring above the valley with stunning views of the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. Leaving Ngawal, we pass a large chorten (Tibetan Buddhist shrine) before descending to Julu village.

We climb steeply out of Julu to a plateau, contoured through forests with panoramic views across the valley to the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. The trail then descends to Braga, dominated by a large ancient gompa. From Braga, we follow the main trail for 12 km to Manang village, passing beautifully carved mani walls as we approach the base of Thorong La. We stay two nights in Manang. 

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
3,540 m

Acclimatisation day to enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and the surrounding landscapes Today is for acclimatisation and exploration.

We enjoy light hikes, sightseeing in the village, and a visit to a monastery. A short excursion leads us to the pristine Gangapurna Glacier Lake. We return to our lodge for an overnight stay.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
3,540 m

Distance: 10.8 km

We climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley, heading northwest up the Jarsang Khola valley. We enjoy increasingly spectacular views above the forests and through dry alpine terrain with scrub juniper and scattered birch. We stop at Gunsang for lunch before continuing. Tonight, we stay at a lodge in Yak Kharka. Keep an eye out for blue sheep, Tibetan snow cocks and Himalayan Vultures. Energetic trekkers can explore the hills behind the lodge in the afternoon.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
4,000 m

Short half-day walk to Phedi at the foot of Thorong La | Distance: 7 km

The scenery becomes wilder as we ascend the valley. We descend briefly to cross the Jarsang Khola, then traverse a scree slope to the lone teahouses at Thorong Phedi. Conditions here can be cold and windy. In the afternoon, we may take a walk up to Thorong High Camp (optional), about an hour above Phedi.

 

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
4,420 m

Distance: 16 km

We leave Phedi very early to climb to Thorong La Pass. The ascent starts steeply but eases closer to the top, though altitude makes the climb challenging. After several false summits, we reach the pass (5,416m) with panoramic views over the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Dolpo and Mustang. The descent begins gently and becomes steeper,following switchbacks to grassy slopes. We stop for lunch at teahouses along the way, then continue to Muktinath, visiting its famous temples. Note: Conditions on the pass vary—snow, ice, or high winds may occur.

Carry Yaktrax or microspikes (we can also provide you one if decided not to carry one) and warm layers.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
3,700 m

➢ Muktinath to Jomsom: 19 km, ~45 min - 1 hr by private 4W Vehicle

➢ Flight Jomsom → Pokhara: 15–20 min

➢ Drive Pokhara → Chitwon National Park: 3.5 – 4hrs | 160 km

We leave early in the morning to catch a early flight to Pokhara. The short drive from Muktinath to Jomsom can be again an adventurous journey passing through a landscape of bare, eroded hills with a backdrop of snow-capped high peaks (Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges) and this covers varied terrain, from the high-altitude Muktinath area to the arid, following flat Kali Gandaki Valley River and transitioning from high-altitude Himalayan terrain to the arid Mustang valley.

Upon reaching Jomsom, we’ll complete the check-in process before boarding a short, scenic but dramatic flight to Pokhara. Arriving at Pokhara’s old domestic airport, you’ll transfer to Chitwon National Park (UNECO World Heritage Site) Drive to Chitwon National Park - Although tiring, it is also a fascinating journey. Driving through the middle hills and ‘terai’ of lowland Nepal we will pass through a variety of villages and towns giving a unique insight into the Nepalese way of life. The journey takes 3.5 - 4 hours but we will take coffee breaks & photography, especially for vultures. By making an early start we will aim to reach Chitwan National Park for lunch in the afternoon. Upon arrival at the resort gate, we will be greeted by the staff with a welcome drink in the reception area. We’ll then head to the restaurant, where lunch will be waiting. Afterward, you’ll have time to settle into your rooms and explore the lodge grounds. The large swimming pool invites relaxation, perfect for a sunny afternoon of swimming or enjoying a good book with a cool drink in hand. After afternoon tea and biscuits in the main area, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to the Rapti River with a nature guide to watch the local birdlife. We’ll return to the resort for hot showers and cold drinks before dinner.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Jungle Villa Resort
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
200 m

Morning | Aftrernoon river safari by Boat | Jeep safari in the jungle Wildlife encounters: Rhinos, Crocodiles, Deer, monkeys, birds & many more.

Each morning, we’ll enjoy breakfast on the deck with a stunning river view, featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, and bacon–the perfect start to the day. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a river safari on the Rapti River.

Our journey begins with a nature walk or a short drive through the village, followed by a relaxing boat ride down the river. As we cruise through the river’s wide expanse, we’ll encounter gentle waves and pockets of rapids that propel us along. Onboard our hand carved boat, we’ll keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife and wildlife, including the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and the Marsh Mugger.

After the safari, a traditional Nepali lunch will be served at the resort. Post-lunch, you can relax on your room’s balcony with a good book or unwind by the swimming pool. In the cooler afternoon hours, when the animals are more active, we’ll meet with our naturalist fora thrilling jeep safari in the national park to experience the jungle firsthand. Feel free to ask our expert guides any questions – they are highly knowledgeable about the wildlife and the history of Chitwan National Park. During the safari, we may encounter various species of deer, monkeys, birds, and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, with a bit of luck, even the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

The Royal Chitwan National Park comprises 932 square kilometres of Sal and riverine jungle, a magnificent environment which contains a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as many mammals, reptiles and numerous insects. Mammals are likely to include the endangered Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, whilst reptiles we may encounter include Marsh Mugger Crocodile and the fish-eating Gharial. Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (wild bison) are frequently encounter! Chitwan has the largest population of Tigers in Nepal and although never easy to locate, we do have a chance of coming across one of these magnificent cats, especially in the late afternoon & early evening when they are at their most active.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Jungle Villa Resort
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
2,00 m

➢ Drive Jungle Villa Resort - Katmandu : 175 km | 5-6 hrs)

After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our scenic drive back to Kathmandu, passing through picturesque countryside, terraced hillsides, charming villages, and winding mountain roads that offer glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Please note that some sections of the road are rough and uneven, and traffic can be heavy at certain points due to ongoing road construction and local congestion. Despite these conditions, the journey provides a final opportunity to soak in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel (hotel accommodation in Kathmandu is not included and should be arranged separately by yourself). In the evening, the adventure concludes with a warm farewell dinner hosted by the travel-to Nature Asia Manager—a wonderful occasion to reflect on the memorable experiences, breathtaking scenery, and lasting friendships made throughout this remarkable journey.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Hotel Manaslu
Meals
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
1,400 m

Depending on your international flight schedule, we will then transfer you to Kathmandu’s airport for your onward journey home, bidding you a fond farewell and safe travels.

Accommodation
Accommodation
Hotel Manaslu or Similar
Meals
Meals
Breakfast
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude

Date & Cost

Include

Exclude

Accomodation

Map

Reviews

Guest

Germany

I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Himalayan Nature Treks. From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect. The pre-trip communication and planning were excellent, and the support during the journey was just as professional and caring. The guides were amazing, the organization flawless, and every detail was handled with great attention. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — I always felt safe, well looked after, and in great hands. I can wholeheartedly recommend Himalayan Nature Treks to anyone looking for a tailor-made, unforgettable trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a challenging high-altitude trek, particularly because the itinerary includes the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres. The trek involves several days of walking at increasing altitude, including an acclimatisation day in Manang before continuing toward Thorong Phedi. Good physical preparation and a steady walking pace are important.

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres (17,769 ft). The pass is crossed on the way from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath.

This itinerary is designed as a 13-day journey, combining the Annapurna trekking experience with a Chitwan National Park wildlife adventure. It includes the trek, the Thorong La crossing, travel through Jomsom and Pokhara, and wildlife activities in Chitwan.

The itinerary can also be tailor-made to suit your travel plans. Depending on your interests, available time, fitness level and preferred pace, we can adjust the number of days, add extra rest or acclimatisation days, extend the trekking experience, or include additional cultural, nature and wildlife experiences in Nepal.

Have a different number of days in mind? Talk to us and we will help design the journey around you

Yes. The itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Manang at approximately 3,540 metres. This gives you time to rest, explore the village, visit a monastery and take a short excursion toward Gangapurna Glacier Lake before continuing to higher elevations.

Because this is a private and tailor-made trek, our experienced guide will also monitor your health, energy levels and response to altitude throughout the journey. The trekking pace and daily plan can be adjusted when necessary, including allowing additional rest or acclimatisation time if required.

Your safety and wellbeing always come first. Any changes will be made in consultation with you and according to the local weather, trail and mountain conditions.

Yes. Chitwan is an integral part of this itinerary. After the mountain section, you spend time in Chitwan with wildlife activities including a river safari and private jeep safari with a local naturalist guide.

Chitwan offers opportunities to see one-horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodiles, deer, monkeys and many species of birds. There is also a chance of encountering the Royal Bengal Tiger, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

The package includes the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Yes. As a private journey, the itinerary can be discussed and adapted according to your travel dates, interests, walking pace and available time. Contact our team to discuss a customised version of the Annapurna and Chitwan experience.

You should be prepared for changing mountain conditions, particularly around Thorong La. Warm layers, suitable trekking footwear, gloves, a hat, sun protection and personal trekking equipment are important. Microspikes or Yaktrax may be useful depending on trail conditions.

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