Thorung-la-pass

Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • duration 15 days
  • usd 1,895
  • difficulty Medium
  • best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
  • max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 17,769 feet at Thorong-La pass

trip overview

Visit to the legendary kingdoms of Manang and Mustang in one of most rugged terrains in the world. With the Annapurna in the middle, we will trek around it travelling through scenic mountain villages.

This is high altitude trekking at its best. You will walk in barren landscape with only rocks to see miles and miles in Manang and Mustang regions which lies beyond the Himalayas. The places we visit are so remote that most places are accessible only by walking. But indigenous mountain people still live in these places like they have for hundreds of years and that is exactly what we want to see.

Detail itinerary

  • day 01
    Arrival in Kathmandu.

    A representative of Mountain Kick will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet). Rest overnight at your hotel musing over your Himalayan adventure ahead.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • day 02
    Drive to Besisahar (2,490ft) by bus.

    We will leave for Besisahar in the morning in a tourist bus. It takes about seven hours to get to Besisahar through serpentine roads in the hills with stops for lunch and snacks. There are several small towns among green hills and it’s certain that you will not be bored. 

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 03
    Trek from Besisahar to Chame village.

    We will start our trek from Besisahar early in the morning. Its a easy first day trek that will take around 6hrs. You will be treated with beautiful views of the Himalayas throughout the way.  There is a hot water spring at Chame where you can relax ahead of your trekking.

  • day 04
    Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (10,597ft).

    We trek uphill through forests first and then vast farmlands as we pass through several villages to reach Pisang village. Half of the way is pretty smooth for walking but the other half is challenging and we will have to struggle for most parts. You will notice the vegetation and landscape is very different this high from the sea level. It takes six hours to reach Upper Pisang.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 05
    Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (12,008ft).

    We will have to walk for five hours through farm villages separated by rocky trails till we reach Ngawal. But you can see the majestic Himalayas during the entire trek which might provide you with some energy.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 06
    Trek from Ngawal to Manang (11,614ft) via Braga (12,008ft).

    Majority of the day will be spent walking on the sides of steep mountains but almost all of it is smooth. We will gain quite an altitude as we trek alongside rivers to reach Manang. Here we walk past world’s highest commercial airport, the Manang Airport, and the ancient Buddhist monastery of Braga. We will reach our guesthouse in Manang village after five hours of trekking.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 07
    Rest at Manang.

    Spend the day sightseeing in Manang. You will again have to climb more than 1,500 feet the next day so rest well.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 08
    Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (13,156ft).

    We will trek uphill to Khusang and this will be a tough climb which will take a toll on your body. However, the forests and the mountains provide a very good distraction from your fatigue. Three-fourths of the track is smooth. It takes about four hours in total to reach Yak Kharkha.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 09
    Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (14,600ft).

    You have to climb up for five hours. This will definitely put a lot of pressure on your legs but we will pass through several villages and stops to keep you fresh. Consider views of the Himalayan peaks as pain relief.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 10
    Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (12,172ft) via Thorung-La pass (17,769ft).

    This is a very long and hard day of trekking. We start before sunrise and walk through a windy trail to Thorong-La Pass, the highest point in our travel. A steep downhill trail takes us to Muktinath from there. You have to trek for eight hours this day. The Muktinath Mandir is one of the holiest shrines for both Hindus and Buddhists as is believed to be the home of the god of liberation, Lord Muktinath (Lord Shiva). A lot of devotees, including holy Sadhus, make the pilgrimage to this place.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 11
    Half day excursion at Muktinath & drive to Kagbeni.

    We spend the morning around Muktinath exploring the stupa, monasteries and Jwala Mai Fire temple where there is a constant burning fire. Later we take a ride through the dirty off-road track to the small settlement of Kagbeni, a picturesque village located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers. We explore kagbeni village in the evening.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • day 12
    Drive to Tatopani- Hot spring.

    After breakfast in Kagbeni we take a rugged road on a Jeep to Tatopani. The name Tatopani means hot water and this village is lucky enough to have two hot springs. We can take time to give our legs a well earned dip in the springs before the final stages of our trek. We spend a night today in tatopani after a well deserved hot water bath.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • day 13
    Drive back to Pokhara. Leisure time for excrursion around phewa lake.

    We take a 6-7 hrs ride back to pokhara. Pokhara is the most happening city in Nepal and the night clubs and the dance bars here are a perfect way to relax after your long and tiring trip. And if you prefer natural getaways, Pokhara is surrounded by natural landmarks like lakes and hills which are perfect for a excursion. 

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • day 14
    Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus.

    We take the same road back through which we had arrived at the beginning of our journey. Look out the window from your bus to see what places you remember. The view of the Himalayas in the distance will surely remind you of your travel there. You can go around thamel in the evening for some souvenir shopping.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 15
    Final Departure.

    You will be on a plane back home and we will be there to see you off. Thank you and come again.

    • Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

  • Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
  • Stay at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
  • Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. 
  • Local government-licensed guides.
  • Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
  • Fees for entering Annapurna Conservation Area and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
  • Fully paid bus tickets for Kathmandu-Besisahar and Pokhara-Kathmandu ride. Other rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
  • A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
  • All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • All meals during the trek.
  • Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
  • Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
  • Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
  • Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
  • Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Visa fees for entering Nepal.
  • Trekking equipment.
  • Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on reques. Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

  • How do I come to Nepal?
    You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
  • What happens after I land into Nepal?
    A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
  • What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?
    You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Kathmandu and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
  • In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?
    A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
  • How long do I have to trek each day?
    On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six hours to eight of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
  • Where will I be staying during the trip?
    In Kathmandu & Pokhara, you will stay in a Tourist standard hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
  • And food?
    You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
  • How much help do I get during the trek?
    Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
  • What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?
    The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
  • What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?
    We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customized trip for you.
  • What equipment do I bring?
    You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment list section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
  • Will I get to communicate with the outer world?
    There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook every day.
  • What travel documents do I need?
    As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
  • Which is best time of the year to travel?
    Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December  and March to May are the best months to travel.
  • What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?
    Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
  • Can I use my credit cards?
    Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
  • Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?
    Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
  • Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?
    You can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 15 days costs $30 while the same for 30 days costs $50. You can apply online for the VISA before arriving for ease. Look up for Nepal Immigaration webstie.
  • How do I book a tour?
    Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

  • You will trek for six to eight hours on very rocky and rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents. It is important that you are in great physical shape and have trained for this kind of grueling trip.
  • Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
  • It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
  • Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
  • You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

  • 2 season sleeping bag – one.
  • Spring down jacket – one.
  • Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
  • 35-45 liter daypack – one.
view all equipment list
TRIP STARTS TRIP ENDS STATUS COST
March 30, 2024 April 13, 2024 available $1,895
April 2, 2024 April 16, 2024 available $1,895
April 5, 2024 April 19, 2024 available $1,895
April 8, 2024 April 22, 2024 available $1,895
April 11, 2024 April 25, 2024 available $1,895
April 14, 2024 April 28, 2024 available $1,895
April 17, 2024 May 01, 2024 available $1,895
April 20, 2024 May 04, 2024 available $1,895
April 23, 2024 May 07, 2024 available $1,895
April 26, 2024 May 10, 2024 available $1,895
April 29, 2024 May 13, 2024 available $1,895
May 2, 2024 May 16, 2024 available $1,895
May 5, 2024 May 19, 2024 available $1,895
May 8, 2024 May 22, 2024 available $1,895
May 11, 2024 May 25, 2024 available $1,895
May 14, 2024 May 28, 2024 available $1,895
May 17, 2024 May 31, 2024 available $1,895
May 20, 2024 June 03, 2024 available $1,895
May 23, 2024 June 06, 2024 available $1,895
May 26, 2024 June 09, 2024 available $1,895
May 30, 2024 June 13, 2024 available $1,895
September 1, 2024 September 15, 2024 available $1,895
September 4, 2024 September 18, 2024 available $1,895
September 7, 2024 September 21, 2024 available $1,895
September 10, 2024 September 24, 2024 available $1,895
September 13, 2024 September 27, 2024 available $1,895
September 16, 2024 September 30, 2024 available $1,895
September 19, 2024 October 03, 2024 available $1,895
September 22, 2024 October 06, 2024 available $1,895
September 25, 2024 October 09, 2024 available $1,895
September 29, 2024 October 13, 2024 available $1,895
October 2, 2024 October 16, 2024 available $1,895
October 5, 2024 October 19, 2024 available $1,895
October 8, 2024 October 22, 2024 available $1,895
October 11, 2024 October 25, 2024 available $1,895
October 14, 2024 October 28, 2024 available $1,895
October 17, 2024 October 31, 2024 available $1,895
October 20, 2024 November 03, 2024 available $1,895
October 23, 2024 November 06, 2024 available $1,895
October 26, 2024 November 09, 2024 available $1,895
October 30, 2024 November 13, 2024 available $1,895
November 1, 2024 November 15, 2024 available $1,895
November 3, 2024 November 17, 2024 available $1,895
November 6, 2024 November 20, 2024 available $1,895
November 9, 2024 November 23, 2024 available $1,895
November 12, 2024 November 26, 2024 available $1,895
November 15, 2024 November 29, 2024 available $1,895
November 18, 2024 December 02, 2024 available $1,895
November 21, 2024 December 05, 2024 available $1,895
November 24, 2024 December 08, 2024 available $1,895
November 27, 2024 December 11, 2024 available $1,895
November 30, 2024 December 14, 2024 available $1,895
December 1, 2024 December 15, 2024 available $1,895
December 4, 2024 December 18, 2024 available $1,895
December 7, 2024 December 21, 2024 available $1,895
December 10, 2024 December 24, 2024 available $1,895
December 13, 2024 December 27, 2024 available $1,895
December 16, 2024 December 30, 2024 available $1,895
December 19, 2024 January 02, 2025 available $1,895
December 22, 2024 January 05, 2025 available $1,895
December 25, 2024 January 08, 2025 available $1,895
December 28, 2024 January 11, 2025 available $1,895
December 31, 2024 January 14, 2025 available $1,895
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We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary.You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

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csr

As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.

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