Annapurna Circuit Trek: Crossing Thorong La

Follow the Marshyangdi River valley up to Manang, cross Thorong La to Muktinath, and descend along the Kali Gandaki back to Pokhara.

Since the construction of the road, the mainstream approach is to skip the lower-altitude sections by jeep and only trek the middle and upper sections with the best scenery. Take the high route from Upper Pisang to Ngawal, spend an acclimatization day in Manang, and then cross the 5,416-meter Thorong La via Yak Kharka. After the pass, enter the rain shadow plateau and descend all the way to Marpha and Tatopani. The entire route offers teahouse accommodation, but the physical demands are high, with the pass-crossing day lasting 8 to 10 hours.

Thorong La may be temporarily closed due to snow, so the itinerary should remain flexible.

Day by day

Day 1 · Jeep into the Mountains to Dharapani

Kathmandu → Dharapani

Kathmandu to Besisahar takes about 7 hours, then transfer to a jeep to Dharapani for about 3 to 4 hours.

The valley road was interrupted multiple times in autumn 2026. Check road conditions before departure.

Stay: Dharapani

Day 2 · Trek through Pine Valley to Chame

Chame

Walk along the valley via the alternative trail through Koto to Chame, taking about 5 to 6 hours.

Stay: Chame

Day 3 · Trek under the Giant Rock to Upper Pisang

Manang（Paungda Danda、Upper Pisang）

Walk via Bratang and the giant rock of Paungda Danda to Upper Pisang, taking about 6 to 7 hours.

Stay: Upper Pisang

Day 4 · High Route via Ghyaru to Ngawal

Manang（Ghyaru、Ngawal）

Take the high route on the north bank, climbing up to Ghyaru and then traversing to Ngawal, taking about 5 to 6 hours.

The high route involves a steep climb but is excellent for acclimatization, offering far better views of the snow-capped peaks than the valley road.

Stay: Ngawal

Day 5 · Descend to Braga Monastery and Manang

Manang（Braga Monastery、Manang Village）

Descend to the valley and walk via Braga to Manang village, taking about 4 to 5 hours.

Stay: Manang Village

Day 6 · Acclimatization Day in Manang to See the Glacier Lake

Manang（Gangapurna Lake、Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)）

Hike light to Gangapurna Lake or climb up to Ice Lake, taking about 3 to 6 hours round trip.

Keep this acclimatization day. Pay close attention to headaches and shortness of breath before crossing Thorong La.

Stay: Manang Village

Day 7 · Ascend to Yak Kharka

Manang

Leave Manang village and walk up along the Jhyamji River valley, taking about 3 to 4 hours.

Stay: Yak Kharka

Day 8 · Via Ledar to Thorong Phedi

Manang

Pass Ledar and the landslide-prone section to reach the base camp below the pass, taking about 4 to 5 hours.

Stay: Thorong Phedi

Day 9 · Cross Thorong La to Muktinath

Manang（Thorong La Pass） → Jomsom & Lower Mustang（Muktinath Temple）

Start before dawn to climb the 5,416-meter pass, followed by a long descent. Walking takes about 8 to 10 hours for the day.

Do not push forward in heavy blizzards or strong winds; listen to your guide's decision on whether to delay.

Stay: Muktinath (Ranipauwa)

Day 10 · Jharkot and Kagbeni to Marpha

Jomsom & Lower Mustang（Jharkot、Kagbeni、Marpha）

Walk down to Jharkot and Kagbeni for about 3 hours, then take a jeep to Marpha for about 1.5 hours.

Stay: Marpha

Day 11 · South through the Gorge to Tatopani

Jomsom & Lower Mustang（Tukuche、Kali Gandaki Gorge、Rupse Falls、Tatopani Hot Springs）

Take a jeep south along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing Tukuche to Tatopani in about 3 hours.

The Beni section is prone to landslides after rain; rely on the jeep driver's information on the day.

Stay: Tatopani

Day 12 · Jeep back to Pokhara

Pokhara（Lakeside Pokhara）

Tatopani to Pokhara via Beni takes about 4 to 5 hours. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Lakeside.

Stay: Lakeside

Day 13 · Wrap up by Phewa Lake

Pokhara（Phewa Lake、World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)）

Spend a half-day walking or boating by Lakeside, then fly to Kathmandu in about 25 minutes.