Physical Requirements
Elite cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance. You must be comfortable hiking 6 to 8 hours daily over steep, rocky terrain, loose scree, and in freezing high-altitude conditions with thin oxygen layers.
Pokhara Departure
Annapurna Circuit Trek (via Thorong La Pass)
Standing at the summit of Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Watching the dramatic landscape change from lush green subtropical forests to the Tibetan-style alpine desert of Manang and Mustang. Resting and acclimatizing in the cultural hub of Manang village under the shadow of the Annapurna range. Visiting the sacred eternal-flame temples of Muktinath and soaking in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
12 Days
Duration
5,416 m
Max Altitude
Extreme
Difficulty
Teahouse / Lodge
Lodging
Sep–Nov, Mar–May
Best Season
Highlights
Standing at the summit of Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Watching the dramatic landscape change from lush green subtropical forests to the Tibetan-style alpine desert of Manang and Mustang. Resting and acclimatizing in the cultural hub of Manang village under the shadow of the Annapurna range. Visiting the sacred eternal-flame temples of Muktinath and soaking in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
Expedition Brief
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
1,860m
Drive Pokhara/Kathmandu to Dharapani
A long, bumpy, and incredibly scenic drive following the roaring Marsyangdi River valley up past Besisahar to the official mountain trailhead at Dharapani.
Day 2
2,650m
Dharapani to Chame
Begin trekking through cool pine, fir, and oak forests, climbing steadily along the river trail to arrive at Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.
Day 3
3,250m
Chame to Pisang
Pass through a dramatic, narrow valley gorge, walk past the vast apple orchards of Bhartang, and stare up at the iconic, curved rock face of Paungda Danda before reaching Pisang.
Day 4
3,540m
Pisang to Manang
Take the upper trail route through the traditional, medieval-style stone villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal for stunning, elevated views of Annapurna II, III, and IV before dropping into the broad valley basin of Manang.
Day 5
3,540m
Acclimatization Day in Manang
A vital rest day to allow your body to adapt to the altitude. Spend the morning doing a short side hike to Gangapurna Lake or Chongkor Viewpoint, and attend the daily high-altitude safety brief held by the Himalayan Rescue Association.
Day 6
4,050m
Manang to Yak Kharka
Leave the trees completely behind as you enter the high alpine zone. The trail climbs gradually through scrub juniper pastures where you are likely to spot grazing yaks and native blue sheep.
Day 7
4,450m
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
A short but steady uphill trek along the base of towering cliffs. You will cross a notorious landslide/scree zone to arrive at Phedi, the bustling base camp situated right at the foot of the pass.
Day 8
3,760m
Thorong Phedi over Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath
A grueling, unforgettable pre-dawn start. Push through the freezing cold and thin air to cross the prayer-flag-strewn summit of Thorong La Pass, then complete a long, steep, knee-burning descent to the sacred temple grounds of Muktinath.
Day 9
Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) via Kagbeni
Trek through the arid, wind-swept, desert-like landscapes of the Lower Mustang region. Pass through the ancient mud-brick gateway town of Kagbeni before walking along the flat Kali Gandaki riverbed to Jomsom.
Day 10
1,190m
Jomsom to Tatopani
Hop into a local mountain jeep or bus to drive down through the deepest gorge in the world (the Kali Gandaki Gorge). Leave the high desert behind and spend the evening soaking your sore muscles in the natural riverside hot springs of Tatopani.
Day 11
2,860m
Tatopani to Ghorepani
A demanding and legendary uphill climb that transitions from the warm riverbed back up into the lush, cool rhododendron forests, ending at the ridge-top village of Ghorepani.
Day 12
Poon Hill Sunrise & Return to Pokhara
A final early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) for a classic sunrise panorama over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Walk down to Nayapul and take a private vehicle transfer back to Pokhara.
Pre-Trek Medical & Safety Prep
For any multi-day trek in Nepal—especially those exceeding 3,000 meters—it is highly recommended to get a baseline health check, confirm your physical fitness levels, and secure proper altitude sickness guidance or necessary travel vaccinations before departure.
Trail Logistics
What's Included
- ACAP & TIMS trekking permits
- Government-licensed mountain guide
- High-altitude porters
- Teahouse accommodation
- Three meals daily on the trail
- Private vehicle transfers
- Mountain jeep connections
What's Not Included
- Personal trekking gear (down jacket, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Travel medical insurance
- Teahouse hot showers
- Wi-Fi & device charging
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic drinks
- Specialty snacks
- Guide & porter tips
What to Bring
Alpine down jacket
Windproof/waterproof hard shell
Thermal base layers
Heavy merino wool socks
Waterproof trekking boots
Polarized glacier sunglasses
Trekking poles
Headlamp with spare batteries
4-season sleeping bag (-15°C rated)
The Green Forest Standard
cottageVerified teahouses
medical_servicesFirst-Aid certified guides
languageJP · EN · HI
monitor_heartOximeters & satellite comms
home_pinPokhara start & end
Related Routes
Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve
Nepal's only dedicated wildlife reserve — blue sheep, isolated Tibetan settlements, and remote marshlands.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
A 14-day alpine expedition circling Dhaulagiri I — French Pass, glacier camps, and the snow-bound Hidden Valley.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
A 14-day restricted-area circuit through Budhi Gandaki gorges, Tibetan-Buddhist villages, and Larkya La Pass.
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