Annapurna Circuit via Thorang La Pass

An early start to the day as we make our way out of Kathmandu and onto the trailhead at Chame. Exiting the capital city, we find the winding bends of Trishuli Highway surrounded by hilly landscapes. Mid-way through the drive, Trishuli River guides us to the station of Mugling. From here, the journey heads along the banks of Marsayangdi River. We follow the river further north onto Chame.

Exiting Chame, we begin our journey heading past the series of Mani walls towards the lush green forests. Past the hamlet of Telekhu, the journey quickly ascends towards a deep gorge continuing on towards the opening valley. Following the banks of Marsayangdi River, we make our way over to the valley of Upper Manang. Often referred to as Swarga Dwari, it is believed that the deceased souls ascend this very path on their way to heaven.

Kicking off our day with the stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) we exit Pisang heading towards the forests adorned with pine and fir trees. Through the vibrant hamlets, the journey continues past a small lake climbing onto a ridge above the Marsayangdi River. Reaching Ngawal, we ascend through stone path taking in the views of Annapurna Himalayan Range all the way to Manang.

The first of our acclimatization days, we take some time off in the Manang village to rest and explore the village. This also gives us a perfect opportunity to learn more about the local culture and way of life. The region also offers diverse destinations for the acclimatization hike including a journey to the Gangapurna Icefall. If you want to discover more about the culture and local lifestyle, the monasteries around the village are always a great option to visit.

One of the shorter days of the trek, today, we make our way over to the hamlet of Khangsar. Exiting Manang, the trail once again heads past the yak pastures and forests towards the settlement of Old Manang. Past the ruins, we find the banks of Marsayangdi River which lead us to a glacial lake fed by the northern face of Gangapurna. Navigating past the icy lake, we reach Khangsar. Here, we can observe the authentic lifestyle of the local Tibetan communities.

With the panoramic views of the entire Annapurna Himalayan rage adorning the horizon, we make our way towards the Tilicho Base Camp. Although the trip is a short one, we cover high altitude gains as we head past the tree line and towards the Himalayan wilderness. Making our way through a series of Chortens and Mani walls, we ascend to a crest adorned with seas of prayer flags. This also marks the final stretch of the journey as we head over to the base camp for the night.  

An early day begins as we make our way out of Tilicho Base Camp ascending towards the Tilicho Lake. With the views of Gangapurna (7,454m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m) and surrounding peaks, we make our way through the glacial moraines. At an altitude of 4,920m, the lake is the one situated at the highest altitude for its size. Boasting an unparalleled natural beauty and mesmerizing views of the Annapurna Range, the lake offers a lovely respite from the hectic journey. Enjoying the pleasant beauty of the lake we make our way back to Khangsar.

After a well-rested night at Khangsar, we head towards Yak Kharka. Deep into the Himalayas majority of the journey passes through complete solitude. From Khangsar, the trail steeply ascends before beginning the descent. After a brief rest at the bottom of the hill, we once again begin our ascending journey to reach Yak Kharka. The summer settlement is only occupied during summer and locals head down to warmer regions during winter.

One of the easier days of the trek, today, we head over to Thorung Phedi located at the edge of the Thorang La Pass (5416m). Heading out of Yak Kharka, we follow the Jarsang Khola for the entirety of the journey. Thorung Phedi is surrounded by vertical rock faces on all sides creating a natural valley. The settlement is a small one and like Yak Kharka many of the locals make their way down to warmer areas during winter.

An early day as we make our way out of Phedi headed towards the High Camp of Thorang La Pass (5416m). Located at an altitude of 4,925m, the High Camp is comprised of a single hotel. Navigating past the icy Himalayan trail this section of the journey takes us through the wilderness gradually ascending towards the summit. At an altitude of 5,416m Thorang La Pass is one of the biggest Himalayan passes across the globe. Additionally, it offers a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas in Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. Enjoying the beauty of the Annapurna Himalayan Range from the summit, we begin our descending journey making our way towards Charabu before descending to Muktinath.

The day begins early as we head over to the Hindu temple of Muktinath enjoying the pleasant views of the arid valley down below. Meaning place of liberation the temple is considered to be one of the 108 premium temples by the Vaishnava Sect. Taking ample time to explore the temple as well as surrounding local markets, we begin our journey descending through the arid landscape prevalent throughout Mustang. Taking a brief rest at the hamlet of Kagbeni, we find the banks of Kali Gandaki River leading to the town of Jomsom.

One of the more challenging parts of the trek, today, we make our way towards Sikha. The journey begins with a short descent over to the Kali Gandaki River beyond which lies the Ghar Khola. Crossing both rivers on suspension bridges, we arrive at the base of the hill leading towards Sikha. The ascending climb is a steep one through the lush green forests as we head past small hamlets towards Sikha.

A short day awaits us as we exit the hamlet of Sikha making our way towards Ghorepani. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and is less steep than the one leading to Sikha. From Sikha, the trail once enters the rhododendron forests as we make our journey through the stone steps. After passing Chitre, we continue our journey accompanying the pack mules and horses. The hamlet of Ghorepani is marked by a large archway and a few houses.

An early day as we make our way out of Ghorepani ascending towards the hill station of Poon Hill. Located at an altitude of 3210m, the viewpoint offers stunning Himalayan views at sunrise. Spread across the horizon are the prominent peaks of the Annapurna Range including Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), and Machhapuchhre (6,997m). Enjoying the pleasant sunrise, we descend back to Ghorepani for lunch before heading back to Ulleri.

The final day of the trek today we make our way towards the stunning valley of Pokhara. Exiting Ulleri, we find the forested trail down to Nayapul. Boarding the vehicle from Nayapul, we drive back to Pokhara enjoying the rural hilly landscapes en route. Back at Pokhara, we head directly to the hotel freshening up from the days of the journey. After a brief rest, you are free to explore the Lakeside area and enjoying the pleasant evening by Phewa Lake.

A Cold Feet representative will accompany you to the airport to catch your returning flight. We hope to see you again soon! 
 

Making our way out of Pokhara, the journey settles alongside the winding pathways of Prithvi Highway. With the Himalayas to our backs, the journey once again takes us alongside the pleasant hilly landscapes accompanied by the Trishuli River. Entering the capital city, we make our way directly to the hotel.

Our representatives will once again drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.