Throng La Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling challenges trekking in the Himalayas. It is one of the popular high-altitude trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is located at an elevation of 5,416 meters and is one of the highest trekking passes on the planet. Annapurna Circuit Trek is a lifetime experience, offering amazing views of the Himalayas and a chance to experience the unique culture of the Himalayas. Thorong La Pass Trek is one of the most challenging with offers a spectacular view of the mountain like the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, and getting the chance to experience the lifestyle of local people.
This trek starts from Beshisahar, which takes you to beautiful villages, terrain mountains, and lush forests. This trek passes through the popular village of Manang like Chame, Pisang, and Manang. Mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapurchhre, Masnalu, Gangapurna, and Tilicho can be seen close. Annapurna Circuit is one of the long-distance treks.
Highlights Thorong La Pass Trek
- Highest trekking passes on the planet.
- Visit to Muktinath
- Annapurna Conservation Area
- Spectacular view of the mountains
- Chortens and Monasteries
The Difficulty of Thorong La Pass Trek
This trek is considered one the most difficult trek due to its high altitude of 5,416m and ascending high in a short period of time. Trekkers need to be physically and mentally prepared for this trek. It is essential to acclimatize and takes things slowly. Trekkers need to drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and tobacco, you need to inform your guide if you face any difficulty during the trek.
Death rates at Thorang La Pass
There is a number of death in this region due to the high altitude. Around 400 people are rescued from Thorang La Pass on October 19, 2014. 43 people died due to the storms.
You need to be physically fit for this trek, you will be trekking at a high altitude for several days.
Permits
You need to buy a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The ACAP cost $30 and TIMS cost $10. The permit can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board as well.
Best time to trek
The best season for Thorong La Pass Trek is September to November and March to May when the weather will be clear. During this season the skies will be clear and offer amazing views of the Himalayas. This trek is not recommended during monsoon season due to slippery roads which can be dangerous and the high risk of landslide
Safety tips for the trek
Physical fitness
It is one of the most difficult and high altitudes treks and steep ascend to high altitude, which is physically demanding. So, it is essential to be in good shape and start preparation for this in advance.
Acclimatization
As we know Thorang La Pass lies at an elevation of 5,416m, you need to spend some time in this region before crossing the pass
Gears and Equipment
This trek requires essential items like comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and waterproof clothing. A first aid kit and a torch are also required.
Stay Hydrated
Stay hydrated and well nourished to maintain energy level and dehydration. You need to drink plenty of water and carry high-energy food.
Weather Update
The weather can be unpredictable in this region. It is essential to be updated about the weather and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather
Trekking with groups
Trekking in the group is highly recommended in this region for safety measures. In case of an emergency, it will be easier to get help when traveling in a group.
Follow safety measures
Safety measures should be followed by trekkers provided by the guide and avoid taking unnecessary risks. It is necessary to take a rest when hiking for a long period of time and will be out of breath while gaining altitude.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1. Besisahar to Chame(930m)
Early in the morning, you will drive to Besisahar which is 6 hour’s drive from Kathmandu. After reaching Besisahar take a jeep, and the route goes through the Marshyandi River. The path is narrow on the way to Chame with an amazing view of the landscape, jungle, village, and waterfall. It takes a 5-6 hour drive to reach Chame and also known as the district headquarters.
Day 2. Chame to Pisang (3100m)
After breakfast early in the morning, we will trek to Upper Pisang which is around a 4-5 hour trek. Today’s trek was not difficult. On the way, we will pass through an apple plantation in Bhratang village. We will be climbing uphill a little bit crossing the Marshyangdi River we will reach Dhukur Pokhari at an elevation of 3060m. After that, we will see two different ways. If you go left you will reach Lower Pisang and if you go right you will reach Upper Pisang crossing the river. If you want to walk through left it will take 45-50 minutes to reach Upper Pisang.
Day 3. Pisang to Manang (3450m)
We will start our trek early in the morning, on this day there is an uphill and downhill hike. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Manang Village. After 3-4 hours of hike, we will reach Nawal village which is a small village of Gurung people. After crossing the Nawal village, we will reach Braga village and explore the Braga Monasteries which largest in the Manang District. You can hike to ice lake from Braga which is around a 5-6 hours hike uphill. After 1 hour hike from Braga, we will reach Manang Village. There are many things to explore in Manang like monasteries, Glaciers, and Gangapurna Lake.
Day 4. Manang to Yak Kharka (4200m)
Today we will cover around 10km distance. We will follow the Marshyangdi River trail with an amazing view of the mountain and landscape. The beginning part of the trek is easy as we ascend high the trek gets difficult with the view of the Annapurna range. Then will descend to Ghusang Village and from here we will ascend to Yak Kharka.
Day 5. Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4450m)
On this day the trail will be challenging as we ascend high to Thorang Phedi. We will hike for around 4-5 hours to reach the destination. While ascending high the vegetation gets thinner and trekkers must be careful to avoid altitude sickness. After a few hours, we will reach Thorang Phedi, and important for trekkers to stay at this point for acclimatization.
Day 6. Thorang Pherdi to Thorang la Pass (5416m) and continuous trek to Muktinath (3800m)
Early in the morning around 4:30 am after having breakfast we will start to hike. Today is the most challenging trek from Thorang Phedi crossing Thorang la Pass and trekking downhill to Muktinath. We will start hiking early in the morning around 5 am to avoid strong wind and weather changes.
The trail continues uphill offering an amazing view of the landscape and surrounding mountains. As the trekkers gain altitude, they experience altitude sickness, and it is important to take things slow. There is one tea shop and board of Thorang La Pass with many Buddhist flags.
After crossing Thorang La Pass we will trek down to Muktinath with is around a 5-6 hours trek After walking for 3-4 hours you will reach Muktinath side base camp and it takes around 2 hours from base camp to reach Muktinath. On this day you will stay overnight at Muktinath.
Day 7. Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m)
On this day, you can trek to Muktinath or you can take a bus or jeep to Jomsom. If you want to hike to Jomsom the trail is not difficult. Jomsom is a beautiful village at an elevation of 2750m. The village is famous for apples and the strong wind in the valley in the afternoon.
The trekker can explore the town and visit monasteries and visit Dumba Lake 1.5 hour’s hike from Jomsom.
Day 8. Jomsom to Pokhara by bus or flight
It will take around 9-10 hours to drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. On the way, you will witness the Kali Gandaki River to Beni Bazaar. You will cross Marpha, Ghasa, and Tatopani to reach Beni. The road condition is better from Beni and it will take 3-4 hours to reach Pokhara.
