Annapurna Circuit Thorung Pass Trek

After breakfast, we'll visit

1) Pashupatinath temple – regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition.

2) Swayambhunath Stupa –The Most Enigmatic Holy Shrine situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple.

3) Kathmandu Durbar Square Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, famous for Living Goddess Kumari, is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries.

The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the capital city. The palace complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese Monarchy.

After early breakfast, we set off for drive to westward placed called Danakyu (2225m) –Trek Starting Point accompanied by our trek crew. We will have lunch at Besishahar en-route and continue drive for Danakyu. From Small highway town called Dumre, beside the Marsyangdi River, we will head toward north for our final night halt point. Overnight at Danakyu (2225m) -the starting point of superb trekking.

We start our trekking from Danakyu from the morning. After some gradual straight way walk, we climb up from steep section where small waterfall and gate welcome us, continue trek for another two hours to reach wonderful village Temang. We walk straight ways passing through another remarkable village Thanchok and Koto. Koto – from where another longer and adventurous Nar Phu trail splits from the right through the section of towering rocks but we trek toward the left way through the beautiful jungle heading to our night halt Chame. Overnight.

From the steep section of gorge of Wild Marshyangdi River we cross this river several times during the trek today and the path is at some places built by wooden piers in the cliff side.

We climb through remarkable ridge with forest and reach to a more open valley Bratang with big apple farm which used to be big pastoral ground before. Continue trekking via steep cliff section, cross the river and continue climbing, passing small hotel area Dhukurpokhari Village and impressive Dhukurpokhari Pond, straight way bring us to beautiful Lower Pisang. Then we again cross the river and reach Upper Pisang (3300m) with numerous terrace fields. We can observe the wonderful views of Annapurna and other mountains.

Overnight in Upper Pisang.

We trek further into the slops of mountains with stunning views of Mt. Annapurna. We will cross many Gonpas and typical mountain settlements, houses and yes we pass beautiful Ghyaru (3670m) village en-route while reaching remote village Ngawal.

Today will be easy and gentle walk to Manang overlooking majestic Annapurna Range. During the closing of our trek we will be stopping at Braga for some time to roam around spectacular Braga monastery with the collection of 160 half-life-size statues of the Lord Buddha. Braga monastery has been respected and prayed as the oldest, biggest and most holy in the region. Nearby small mountain section, Milarepa Cave –the meditative hub is looking down toward us, calming us for the peace and success.   Half an hour walk will bring us to Manang. Night halt at Manang (3540m).

As we are crossing one of the highest pass, spending more night at Manang will be a perfect and wise decision which will help us for our upcoming more difficult climbing.

Manang has sufficient options to roam around, spending times and to acclimatize. Prior to crossing the Thorung La, it is always best to scale up to the higher ground and sleep down and yes we will hike to 4000 meters to the tea-shop at Chongkor viewpoint above Gangapurna Lake and to carry on to a prayer-flagged ridge and deserted village for great views of northwards.

Overnight stay at Manang.

It will be slow ascend above 4000m today and it will be 3 to 4hrs trek to reach Letdar(4250m) toward Thorung la Pass with the majestic views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu and many more. We head northwest up the river Jarsang, through juniper and across alpine meadows up to the settlement of Letdar (4250m).

We trek on the east bank of the Jarsang khola and follow the steep trail climbs to reach Thorung Phedi (4450m). We hike up further at Thorung High Camp (4750m) to avoid long day hike and descend of next day.

Today will be bit early breakfast and set off for steep ascent to Thorung Pass. Well defined trail but steep strenuous hike at the beginning ends with passing a number of glacial lakes on the slow climb to the pass (5416m) with prayer flags. There are tremendous views in both directions with red/brown/black high hills of Mustang to the north-west and the valley of the Kali Gandaki below us. Descending from the pass is quite straightforward but long walk of 1500 meters down to the sacred village of Muktinath. Views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak is just amazing. Overnight at Muktinath.

Keeping away from the road as much as possible, on its south side, our trek today loops around via Lupra, before descending to the valley floor. It is relatively gentle and very scenic 3-hour descent, with great views of the peaks on the west side of the Kali Gandaki, including Dhaulagiri. Arriving on the stony bed of the Kali Gandaki, we will stop for a cold drink at one of the many tea-houses, before continuing our walk for a further 2 hours to the busy airstrip town of Jomsom. Plenty of time to look around this thriving settlement after checking in at our lodge. 

Take morning flight to Pokhara, check in and rest. Settled just beside Fewa Lake, this Picturesque Lake City of Pokhara (820m) tour includes visit of Davis Falls, International mountain Museum, Gupteswor Cave, boat ride on famous Fewa Lake.

Evening hangout to lake side streets and bars, clubs, pub houses, multi-cuisine restaurants, souvenir shops. Overnight.

Breakfast and late morning, we take 35minutes flight to Kathmandu. One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which presents a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colorful temples and shrines. Overnight in the group hotel.

Free time until transfer to International Airport. Return home with beautiful memories and the satisfactions of achievements.

Holiday Trek End