9-Day Annapurna Circuit: Thorong La Pass and Muktinath Trek

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Dharapani (1860m/ 6102ft)

1. Pokhara
   Pass by
   Begin your journey from Pokhara and depart toward the Annapurna region by private vehicle, leaving the lakeside city behind as the landscape gradually changes into rural Himalayan countryside.
2. Besisahar
   Pass by
   Pass through Besisahar, a major gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. Travelers can observe the transition from the lower foothills toward the rugged mountain environment of the Annapurna region.
3. Pass by
   Follow the spectacular Marsyangdi River valley, with views of rushing mountain waters, steep hillsides, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and dramatic Himalayan terrain.
4. Pass by
   Drive through Jagat, a traditional mountain settlement surrounded by steep cliffs and forested hills. This area marks the beginning of the more dramatic Himalayan landscape.
5. Pass by
   Pass through the beautiful village of Tal, situated beside the Marsyangdi River and known for its scenic valley setting, waterfalls, and distinctive mountain surroundings.
6. 30m
   Arrive at Dharapani, a charming Himalayan village and an important stop on the Annapurna Circuit. Check into your local teahouse, relax, and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.

Day 2: Trek from Dharapani (1860m/ 6102ft) to Chame (2610m/ 8562ft)

1. 20m
   Begin the morning trek from Dharapani, a traditional Himalayan settlement surrounded by pine forests and impressive mountain landscapes. Walk through the village and join the trail toward Chame.
2. 20m
   Trek through Bagarchhap, a picturesque mountain village with traditional stone houses and Tibetan-influenced architecture. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and views of the surrounding forested slopes.
3. 35m
   Continue through Danaque, a small Himalayan settlement along the Annapurna Circuit. The trail passes through forests and offers glimpses of the surrounding peaks and rugged valley.Reach Timang, one of the scenic viewpoints along this section of the trail. On clear days, enjoy striking views toward the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges before continuing through the forest.
4. 30m
   Pass through Thanchowk, a peaceful mountain settlement surrounded by dense pine and fir forests. This section of the trail provides a refreshing combination of woodland scenery and Himalayan views. Trek through Koto, a traditional settlement situated near the Marsyangdi River. Take in the characteristic stone buildings, mountain environment, and changing landscape as you approach Chame.
5. Chame
   45m
   Follow the Marsyangdi River through a dramatic mountain valley. The trail provides views of rushing river water, steep cliffs, forests, and impressive natural scenery. Arrive at Chame, the administrative center of Manang District. Explore the lively mountain settlement, enjoy views of the surrounding peaks, and settle into your teahouse for the evening.

Day 3: Trek from Chame (2610m/ 8562ft) to Upper Pisang (3300m/ 10,826ft)

1. Chame
   20m
   Begin the day's trek from Chame and follow the Marsyangdi River through a spectacular mountain valley. Enjoy the fresh alpine environment and views of the surrounding peaks.
2. 20m
   Pass through Bratang, a scenic mountain settlement surrounded by pine forests and dramatic cliffs. The trail gradually climbs as the landscape becomes more rugged and alpine.
3. 20m
   Admire the impressive Paungda Danda rock face, a huge curved rock formation rising dramatically above the Marsyangdi River valley. This is one of the most striking natural landmarks along this section of the Annapurna Circuit.
4. 20m
   Continue through Dhukure Pokhari, enjoying open mountain scenery and views toward the surrounding Annapurna peaks as the landscape becomes increasingly alpine.
5. 30m
   Reach Lower Pisang, a traditional Himalayan settlement surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. From here, the trail continues toward Upper Pisang.
6. 30m
   Arrive at Upper Pisang, a traditional high-altitude village known for its stone houses, Tibetan-influenced architecture, Buddhist culture, and panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Check into your teahouse and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Trek from Upper Pisang (3300m/ 10,826ft) to Manang (3540m/ 11,614ft)

1. 20m
   Begin today's trek from Upper Pisang and leave the traditional mountain village behind as you follow the scenic trail toward Manang, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan landscapes.
2. 30m
   Climb toward the beautiful hillside village of Ghyaru, where you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Annapurna range and surrounding valleys.
3. 30m
   Continue through Ngawal, a traditional high-altitude village known for its stone houses, Buddhist culture, and magnificent views across the Annapurna mountain range.
4. 20m
   Walk through Mungji, a peaceful mountain settlement surrounded by dry Himalayan landscapes and terraced fields as the trail gradually approaches Manang.
5. Manang
   1h
   Visit Braga, one of the most distinctive villages on the Annapurna Circuit. Admire its traditional stone houses, ancient Buddhist architecture, and the historic Braga Monastery set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
   Arrive in Manang, a renowned Himalayan settlement surrounded by spectacular peaks. Explore the village, experience its unique mountain culture, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery before settling into your teahouse.

Day 5: Acclimatization at Manang (3540m/ 11,614ft)

1. Manang
   2h
   Spend the day exploring Manang, a remarkable Himalayan village surrounded by towering peaks. Wander through its traditional streets, observe local mountain life, and enjoy the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the region.
2. 2h
   Take a scenic acclimatization walk toward Gangapurna Lake, a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains and dramatic moraines. Enjoy the peaceful setting and impressive Himalayan views. Enjoy views of the Gangapurna Glacier and the surrounding high-altitude landscape during your acclimatization excursion. The area provides an excellent opportunity to experience the dramatic glacial environment above Manang.
3. Manang
   3h
   Visit a local Buddhist monastery and experience the spiritual side of Manang. Observe traditional Himalayan Buddhist architecture and learn about the cultural heritage of the mountain community. Take a gentle walk to nearby viewpoints for panoramic views of the Annapurna and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The gradual excursion also helps your body adapt to the increasing altitude.

Day 6: Trek from Manang (3540m/ 11,614ft) to Ledar (4200m/ 13,779)

1. Manang
   15m
   Begin the day's trek from Manang and gradually leave the village behind as the trail enters the higher-altitude landscape of the Annapurna region.
2. 40m
   Trek through Tengi, a small mountain settlement beyond Manang. The trail climbs steadily through increasingly dry and rugged terrain, with impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Follow the upper Marsyangdi River valley through a dramatic high-altitude landscape. Enjoy views of rocky slopes, alpine vegetation, and snow-covered mountains as you continue toward Yak Kharka.
3. 30m
   Reach Yak Kharka, a well-known resting point on the Annapurna Circuit. Take a break and experience the sparse alpine environment, traditional yak-grazing pastures, and magnificent mountain scenery.
4. 30m
   Continue the gradual ascent to Ledar, surrounded by rugged Himalayan peaks and high-altitude landscapes. Arrive at the teahouse, settle in, and rest in preparation for the higher elevations ahead.

Day 7: Trek from Ledar (4200m/ 13,779) to Thorung Phedi (4525m/14,845ft) or Thorung High Camp (4925m/ 16,158ft)

1. 15m
   Begin the day's trek from Ledar and continue higher into the alpine zone. Enjoy expansive views of the surrounding peaks as the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse.
2. 30m
   Follow the trail alongside the Thorong Khola through a rugged high-altitude valley. The dramatic landscape and towering mountain walls create an unforgettable Himalayan trekking experience. Continue along the increasingly rugged trail toward the Thorong region, crossing open alpine terrain and enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
3. 20m
   Arrive at Thorong Phedi, the traditional base camp for the Thorong La Pass crossing. Rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the early-morning ascent to the pass.
4. 30m
   Depending on weather, trail conditions, and the group's physical condition, continue to Thorong High Camp at approximately 4,925 m (16,158 ft). Enjoy the spectacular high-altitude surroundings before resting for the night.

Day 8: Trek from Thorung Phedi (4525m/ 14,845ft) to Muktinath (3760m/ 12,335ft) via Throng La Pass (5416m/ 17,769ft)

1. 20m
   Begin the day early from Thorong Phedi and start the challenging ascent toward Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs through rugged, high-altitude terrain with spectacular mountain views.
2. 20m
   If staying at High Camp, begin your early-morning ascent from this elevated starting point toward Thorong La Pass. Enjoy dramatic views across the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
3. Thorong La Pass
   35m
   Reach the magnificent Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft), the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. Take time to enjoy the panoramic mountain views and capture memorable photographs at the pass.
4. Muktinath Temple
   1h
   Descend toward Muktinath and visit the sacred Muktinath Temple area, an important pilgrimage destination revered by both Hindu and Buddhist communities.
5. Muktinath
   30m
   Arrive in Muktinath after completing the Thorong La crossing. Relax at your teahouse and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan surroundings of this culturally significant mountain settlement.

Day 9: After breakfast at the teahouse, drive back to Pokhara (822m / 2,696ft) by private vehicle.

1. Muktinath
   20m
   Begin the final day of your journey in Muktinath. After breakfast, depart by private vehicle and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery as you leave the high Himalayas behind.
2. Kagbeni
   Pass by
   Pass through Kagbeni, an ancient Himalayan settlement situated at the junction of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Admire its traditional stone houses and distinctive mountain landscape.
3. Marpha
   30m
   Drive through Marpha, a charming Thakali village renowned for its traditional stone architecture, narrow lanes, and beautiful setting in the Kali Gandaki Valley.
4. Tatopani
   Pass by
   Continue through Tatopani, a warm lower-altitude settlement surrounded by lush hills and waterfalls. Enjoy the dramatic change in scenery as the route descends from the mountains.
5. Kali Gandaki River
   Pass by
   Follow the scenic Kali Gandaki River valley during the drive, passing through dramatic gorges, waterfalls, terraced hillsides, and diverse Himalayan landscapes.
6. Pokhara
   20m
   Arrive in Pokhara by private vehicle and conclude your Annapurna Circuit adventure. You will be dropped off at your designated hotel or accommodation in Pokhara. Tour ends.

Pickup details

Pickup is available from your hotel or accommodation in Pokhara on the scheduled departure day. Please provide your hotel name and full address when booking so we can arrange your pickup smoothly.

Your exact pickup time will be confirmed before departure, as it may vary depending on your accommodation location and road conditions.

Please be ready in the hotel lobby or designated pickup area approximately 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time. Our representative or driver will meet you and assist with the start of your journey to Dharapani.

For accommodations that are difficult for vehicles to access, a nearby convenient pickup point may be arranged.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness