Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is one of the highest trekking passes in the world and proudly on an incredible height of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). It is a great attraction of the Annapurna region, which is one of the renowned Annapurna Circuit treks in Nepal. It is a legendary mountain pass that links the green subtropical Manang valleys to the dry Mustang lands, providing a striking panorama in landscape, culture and climate; all blended in a single memorable trip.

Thorong La Pass is an ideal experience of physical exertion and spiritual enlightenment for adventure lovers and nature lovers. It is a slow climb through old villages, Buddhist monasteries and yak pastures and eventually to the snow-crowned crossing that has been challenging and rewarding trekkers over the decades. The trek offers the exceptional beauty of nature with overwhelming views of the Himalayan mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Gangapurna.

The crossing of the Thorong La may be a tough task because the altitude is high and the weather may change abruptly. That is why it is not only an experience, but also good physical shape and schemes of acclimatization. Before making a pass, it is always good to check with a professional for help.  As an experienced trekker or a tenacious first-time visitor, to summit Thorong La is a personal achievement and an experience into the culture.

This is a more than physical accomplishment; it is also a journey to the varied geography of Nepal, Tibet-influenced culture, and ancient Himalayan culture. Thorong La Pass is very frequently mentioned by trekkers as one of their most emotional moments of traveling.

Where Is Thorong La Pass Located?

Thorong La Pass is a pass in the north-central Nepal and in the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest and most varied protected area. Geographically, the pass resides between the Manang District on the east and the Mustang District on the west. It has now turned out as a natural passageway between the irrigated and Tibet-influenced valleys of Manang and the arid, windy Kali Gandaki Valley of Mustang.

Thorong La is a high mountain pass positioned at the fringe of the Damodar Himal, a subrange of the greater Annapurna Himalayas, which serves as a high-altitude bridge between two culturally diverse regions. Its geographical position is about 28.8020 N longitude and 83.9410 E latitude. It implies that it lies right in the belly of the Himalayas in its geological interior.

Top 10 Highlights Along the Thorong La Pass Trail

• Manang Village – The traditional Tibetan-influenced community which is encircled by mountain scenery.
• Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) – A high-altitude glacier lake at Manang
• Gangapurna Glacier and Lake- Beautiful glacial lake at the base of the Gangapurna peak that is turquoise in color.
• Tilicho Lake Side Trek (Optional) – One of the highest lakes in the world, a side adventure trek
• Yak Kharka – Alpine pastures, grazing yaks and panoramas
• Thorong Phedi – The final overnight before reaching the pass
• High Camp – an optional higher altitude rest place with panoramic views of the Himalaya
• Thorong La Pass Summit – The major attraction at 5,416 meters, with famous prayer flags
• Muktinath Temple – a holy place of worship to Hindus and Buddhists
• Kali Gandaki Valley – deepest gorge in the world 

How to Reach Thorong La Pass: Route Details and Access Points

The hike to Thorong La Pass is accompanied by walking the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek route, which starts low in the rural countryside and gradually gets higher towards the Himalayan areas. The anti-clockwise route is the most adopted one, and it is that one which comes up with good acclimatization and a safer climb.

The trek usually starts from Besisahar, a town in Lamjung District that’s accessible by road from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. At Besisahar, trekkers either walk or ride the jeep to Chame or Manang, depending on the availability of road and preference.

The path takes you past some major milestones such as Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi, and then you have the last breathtaking ascent to the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Crossing the pass, the path goes down to Muktinath in Mustang and then on to Jomsom, where flights or a road connection to Pokhara can be obtained.

This path does not have motorable roads beyond some points and thus planning and physical fitness are essential. It usually takes trekkers 10 to 14 days to reach the pass, depending on how well they’re acclimatized and whether they take any detours. It is advisable to do guided treks to ensure safety, particularly in shoulder seasons, because the weather can be erratic.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m)

From a scenic 6–8 hour mountain drive on a twisted road, arrive in Besisahar and arrive at a riverside guesthouse. This introduction introduces you to the variety of Nepal’s landscapes and the overlanding roadside bazaar.

Day 2: Besisahar to Chame (2,670 m)

Hike with the Marsyangdi River and visit the terraced land and rhododendron forest to reach Chame. Stone houses and the panorama of the mountains provide an impeccable start of high-altitude hiking in the village.

Day 3: Chame to Pisang (3,200 m)

Hike up through heavy pine and juniper forests that lead to the dramatic face of Annapurna II, and culminate with the unforgettable beauty of Poon Hill. The dramatic monastery perched on the cliff in Pisang village gives an insight into the customs of local Tibet-inspired culture.

Day 4: Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)

Climb up slowly through the beautiful villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal and you are greeted by panoramas of the Annapurna and Tilicho ranges. In Manang, experience real Gurung hospitality and have some rest before going further up the mountain.

Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang

You can spend the day hiking up to the refreshing Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) or trekking to Gangapurna Lake, where you’ll catch stunning reflections of snow-capped peaks. It’s a great way to help your body adjust to the thin air while soaking in breathtaking glacial views.

Day 6: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

Hike in open alpine meadows with yaks munching grass set against the backdrop of Annapurna IV. It is very cold and there is not much vegetation to make this place a clear contrast to the more rugged high-altitude land.

Day 7: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)

A shorter and steeper walk takes you to the last village, Thorong Phedi, before the pass. In this case, an ordinary teahouse provides you with a plain meal and some rest as early as possible before the upcoming dawn with the ascent.

Day 8: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,760 m)

Wake up early in the morning and trek to the top of Thorong La, which is characterized by waving prayer flags at 5,416 m. Passing the upper celebration, the next stop is a trip to the sacred Muktinath Temple that has an ancient shrine and natural springs.

Day 9: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 m)

Walk into the dry Kali Gandaki Valley through the orchards of apples and typical Thakali settlements. After the hard work of the past, Jomsom, filled with its rows of markets and the spectacular view of the mountains, it warms graciously to the visitor.

Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara

Fly to Pokhara in the morning in search of the best scenic flights in the world over the deep gorge. Relax in Pokhara around Phewa Lake as you contemplate your unforgettable high-altitude experience.

Note: this itinerary is just for General knowledge for package chose from package list where you will show full details:

Best Time to Trek Thorong La Pass: Seasons, Weather & Conditions

Spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best times to trek in Thorong La Pass. These are also the times of the year when there is generally clear sky, the temperatures during the day vary between 5°C and 15°C at high camps and nighttime lows are around -5°C. Spring is marked by rhododendrons and thawing snow, and autumn is characterized by clear weather and the panoramic views of mountains, so the views from the 5,416 m peak are impeccable.

The winter (December to February) is not advisable unless you are a well-equipped and experienced mountaineer. Snow above freezing point and extreme cold may seal routes and shut down tea houses. Equally, the monsoon season (June to early September) causes heavy rains, landslides, and leeches in lower altitudes, making rivers change into fierce torrents and high passes quite unstable.

Late September or early May are sweet spots for those who plan to have fewer crowds and have reasonable weather. In the early season, you might have leftover snow above 4,000 m, which will necessitate the use of crampons, but the trails are less hectic. Accommodation should be planned as locals start closing lodges in high villages by November. Keep checking daily forecasts in Manang or Thorong Phedi and add some additional days of acclimatization to overcome the altitude change and sudden weather changes. This timing arrangement provides maximum security and pleasure in one of the most recognized high-altitude treks in the world.

Permits and Costs To Reach Thorong La Pass 

There are two major permits you have to obtain to reach Thorong La Pass:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is needed to trek in any region, costs NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 23) per person and the money is used to conserve the area of Annapurna.
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card:  It confirms your record and safety monitoring.  It costs NPR 2,000 (approx USD 15) per person or NPR 4,000 (approx USD 30) per group.

In addition to permits, you should allocate money for daily tea-house accommodation (USD 8-15) and meals (USD 5-10). A licensed guide will cost approximately USD 25-30 a day and a porter will cost approximately USD 1520 a day. Incidentally, do not leave behind travel insurance, which includes high-altitude rescue (USD 100-200, two weeks) and the journey between Kathmandu and the trailhead (USD 20-30, either by jeep or by bus).

In general, a 10-days Thorong La Pass trek will cost you approximately USD 1100-1300 in total. It includes the cost of permits and local fees, meals, and simple services.

What to Pack for Thorong La Pass: Essential Gear Checklist

1. Clothing Layers

Base Layers: Thermal tops and long-johns are well-equipped with moisture-wicking.

Mid Layers: Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket to wear during the daytime.

Outer Shell: Jacket and pants are waterproof, windproof and sealed seams.

Down Jacket: Packable 800 fill using down when at the summit in the mornings.

Gloves and Hats: Thin liner gloves, insulated gloves or mittens and a warm beanie

2. Footwear & Accessories

Hiking Boots: Ankle support, waterproof and strong walking hiking boots.

Trekking Socks: A minimum of Wool / synthetic with liners of at least wool/synthetics to prevent blisters.

Gaiters.

Protection against the sun: SPF 50 + sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses and a sun hat.

3. Technical Gear

Backpack: rain-covered 4050L.

Sleeping Bag: a bag rated to -10 o C or cooler on high-camp nights.

Trekking Poles: Adjustable sticks to help ease the load on the knees when going uphill.

Headlamp: It comes with spare batteries so you can get up early.

4. Health & Safety

Medical Supplies: It should include medication against altitude sickness (acetazolamide), pain killers, blister pads and rehydration salts.

UV Sterilizer: UV purifier or filter straw to enable s/he drink.

Portable Charger: Power bank to charge tablets when in lodges.

5. Documents & Miscellaneous

Permits: Plastic sheets with the ACAP and TIMS cards to be less wet.

Cash Cash: The small Nepali rupees to pay for the local tea-houses and payment.

Snacks: Energy bar, nuts and electrolytes as on-trail energy sources.

Conclusion

Once standing on the top of the Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters, the world comes out like a living tapestry with jade valleys of Manang and mysteries of prayer flags waving in the cold wind. Each breath of yours is a reminder of how great nature is and how determined you are. The ridges speak of the millennia of Himalayan tradition. The arrival in this land is not only a destination of a journey in a geographic sense. Rather, a journey that challenges your body, mind, and engulfs you in the feeling of belonging in this old world. It links you to the Himalayas, the people who trekked there before you, and what you have put down to climb to the high pass.