Short Annapurna Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass – 10 Days

Duration

10 days

group size

2 to 10 pax

altitude

5416m

trip start

Kathmandu

Best season

September to Mid-December

difficulty

medium

Trekking Nepal Pvt.Ltd.

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass – 10 Days

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous and beautiful treks in Nepal. In just 10 days, this adventure takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, traditional villages, deep valleys, and high Himalayan passes.

The trail follows the scenic upper route through Upper Pisang, Ngawal, and Manang, offering spectacular views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and many other snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you will experience the unique culture of the local mountain communities and enjoy the warm hospitality of the people living in the Annapurna region.

The highlight of the trek is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. From the top, you will enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the Himalayas before descending to the sacred village of Muktinath. The journey then continues through the beautiful Mustang region to Jomsom before returning to Pokhara.

This trek is the perfect combination of adventure, nature, culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Accompanied by a professional local guide, you will experience the true beauty of the Himalayas and create memories that will last a lifetime.

highlights of the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek (via Thorong La Pass):

1. Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)

Crossing Thorong La Pass is the biggest achievement of this trek. It is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

2. Manang Valley and Acclimatization Views

The beautiful Manang region gives you incredible Himalayan scenery, peaceful villages, and perfect spots for acclimatization with views of Gangapurna and Annapurna peaks.

3. Upper Pisang – Ngawal Scenic Trail

The upper route from Upper Pisang to Ngawal is one of the most scenic parts of the trek, with wide Himalayan panoramas and traditional stone villages.

4. Muktinath Temple (3,760 m)

A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is a powerful spiritual highlight with natural eternal flame and mountain views.

5. Kali Gandaki Valley & Jomsom

The descent into Mustang offers dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, strong winds, and the cultural town of Jomsom, known for its unique Himalayan desert scenery.

detailed itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu – Dharapani (1,960 m)

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu toward the Annapurna region. The road passes through beautiful river valleys, green hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages. You gradually enter the Marsyangdi Valley, where the landscape becomes more dramatic and mountainous. Dharapani is a peaceful village and the official gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.

🚐 Distance: 220 km – 8 to 9 hrs drive
↗️ Altitude Gain: +560 m | ↘️ -0 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Dharapani

Day 2: Dharapani – Chame (2,670 m)

Today you start trekking along the Marsyangdi River. The trail goes through dense pine and fir forests, suspension bridges, and small Gurung settlements. You will enjoy the fresh mountain air and your first close views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, offers a beautiful mountain setting.

🚶 Distance: 16 km – 6 to 7 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +710 m | ↘️ -100 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Chame

Day 3: Chame – Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

The trail continues through narrow valleys, rocky cliffs, and peaceful forests. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes more alpine and dramatic. You pass small villages like Bhratang before reaching Upper Pisang, a traditional Tibetan-style village with stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

🚶 Distance: 14 km – 5 to 6 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +630 m | ↘️ -50 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Upper Pisang

Day 4: Upper Pisang (3,300 m) – Ngawal (3,660 m) – Acclimatization Hike

Today you follow the scenic upper trail from Upper Pisang to Ngawal, one of the most beautiful villages in the Manang Valley. The trail offers magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

After reaching Ngawal, enjoy lunch and rest before taking an acclimatization hike to the sacred Guru Rinpoche Cave (around 4,000 m). This important Buddhist site provides spectacular panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. After the hike, return to Ngawal for overnight stay.

This is an important acclimatization day, helping your body adapt to higher altitude while enjoying one of the most scenic sections of the Annapurna Circuit.

🚶 Distance: 8–10 km – 4 to 5 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +550 m | ↘️ -200 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Ngawal (3,660 m)

Day 5: Ngawal (3,660 m) – Manang (3,540 m)

A shorter trekking day brings you to the famous village of Manang. The trail traverses high above the valley with outstanding mountain views and passes through traditional settlements.

Upon arrival, you can explore Manang village, visit local bakeries and monasteries, or take an optional hike to Gangapurna Lake and nearby viewpoints. This extra time at altitude helps with acclimatization before heading higher into the Himalayas.

🚶 Distance: 9 km – 3 to 4 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +150 m | ↘️ -270 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Manang (3,540 m)

Day 6: Manang (3,540 m) – Yak Kharka / Ledar (4,200 m)

Leaving Manang behind, the trail gradually ascends through alpine meadows and juniper-covered slopes. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape more rugged and dramatic.

The route offers excellent views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Chulu Peaks, and the surrounding Himalayan giants. The thinner air and high-altitude environment make this an important day for steady and gradual acclimatization.

🚶 Distance: 10 km – 4 to 5 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +660 m | ↘️ -0 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Yak Kharka / Ledar (4,200 m)

Day 7: Yak Kharka / Ledar (4,200 m) – Thorong Phedi (4,525 m) ou High Camp 4800m

Today's trek is relatively short but important for altitude adaptation. The trail crosses small streams and landslide-prone slopes before reaching Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the Thorong La Pass crossing.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and dramatic scenery, this is the final stop before the challenging pass day.

🚶 Distance: 8 km – 4 to 5 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +600 m | ↘️ 50 m
🏨 Overnight: High Camp 4800m

Day 8: High Camp (4,800 m) – Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – Muktinath (3,760 m)

Today is the highlight of the trek. Starting before sunrise, you gradually climb to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

After celebrating your achievement and enjoying breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, descend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

🚶 Distance: 15–16 km – 8 to 10 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +616 m | ↘️ -1,656 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Muktinath (3,760 m)

Day 9: Muktinath (3,760 m) – Lubra – Jomsom (2,720 m)

Today you descend into the fascinating Mustang region. The trail passes through Lubra, one of Nepal’s oldest Bon villages, before continuing through the arid landscapes of the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom.

🚶 Distance: 15 km – 5 to 6 hrs walk
↗️ Altitude Gain: +150 m | ↘️ -1,190 m
🏨 Overnight: Lodge in Jomsom (2,720 m)

Day 10: Jomsom (2,720 m) – Pokhara (820 m)

After breakfast, drive through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing traditional villages, waterfalls, and changing landscapes. Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy a relaxing evening beside beautiful Phewa Lake.

🚐 Distance: 155 km – 7 to 8 hrs drive
↗️ Altitude Gain: +0 m | ↘️ -1,900 m
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara (820 m)

inclusion

1 night’s hotel accommodation in Pokhara
Full board trek Thorung La Pass
All meals during the trek (3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner). You can choose your meals according to the lodge menu, with one hot drink (tea or coffee) per day
Your accommodation during the trek
Your trekking permit
Transportation: Kathmandu to Besisahar by public vehicle, Besisahar to Dharapani by private jeep, Jomsom to Pokhara by public bus
1 proficianelle and official Guide
1 porter for every two clients to carry your trekking gear (up to a maximum of 23 kg per porter)

Exclusion

Your drinks (except for one cup of tea or coffee per day), all alcoholic beverages, Coke, Fanta, and fruit juices
Your meals in the cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu
Visa fees and personal insurance
Entrance fees to monuments
Tips for the Nepalese team (guides and porters)
Anything not mentioned in the “The price includes” section