| Trip code | |
| Package name | Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass |
| Duration | 16 |
| Max. elevation | 5416 m |
| Level | ADVANCE |
| Transportation |
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| Accomodation |
Stay at tea house/ lodges during the Trek and 2 Night hotel B/B plan in Kathmandu |
| Starts at | Besishar |
| Ends at | pokhara |
| Trip route | Kathmandu, Besishare, Taal, Chame, Manang, Throng-La pass 5416 m, Mukitanath, Jomsom and Pokhara |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass
Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek via Thorong La pass refers to a shortened version of the traditional Annapurna circuit trek. It is a popular and challenging trekking route in Nepal that takes you through the Annapurna mountain range and the Thorong La Pass.
The trek usually begins from the village of Besisahar. From Besisahar, you will trek through charming villages, lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and numerous river crossing. You will pass through places like Sirung, Chamje, Dharapani, Chame, and pisang, which offer incredible views of Annapurna Ⅱ (7937m), Annapurna Ⅲ, (7555 m), and other peaks. After Pisang, you will reach Manang- a beautiful village with a Tibetan influence and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
The best part of the Annapurna semi circuit trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5416 m (17769 feet) which is the highest point of the trek. Crossing the pass is challenging and exhilarating experience due to the high altitude, steep ascent, and unpredictable weather conditions. Snow and strong winds are common at higher altitudes, making the pass even more challenging. Despite the challenges, reaching the summit of Throng La Pass rewards you with unforgettable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, making the journey truly memorable for the trekkers who seek adventure and the beauty of the Himalayas.
After crossing Throng La Pass, the trek descends to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is situated at an altitude of 3710 m and the temple houses 108 water springs which are considered holy. Devotees take baths in these springs as it is believed to cleanse them of their sins and bring blessings. It is also believed that visiting this temple grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple is located amidst impressive landscapes, surrounded by snow- capped mountains, making it a unique and spiritually charged destination.
From Muktinath, the semi- circuit trek joins the traditional Annapurna circuit route and proceeds downs to Jomsom and then to the popular trekking town of Pokhara.
Overall, Annapurna Semi- Circuit trek via Thorong La Pass offers a shorter and less challenging alternative that allows you to experience some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes of the region. It is a popular choice for those who have limited time but still want to experience the stunning landscapes and culture of the Annapurna region.
1) Travel Insurance
Any trek in Nepal, including the Annapurna semi circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass, needs travel insurance. The trek includes high-altitude trekking, which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage.
When buying travel insurance for the Annapurna semi circuit trek, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
2) Guide and Porter
While the Annapurna circuit can be done independently, it’s helpful to hire local guides or porter. They can provide you valuable insights into the local culture, traditions, and history of the Annapurna region. They can explain the significance of monasteries, festivals, and other cultural aspects you encounter along the way.
Moreover, they are familiar with the trail conditions and alternate routes. Similarly a porter carries your heavy backpack, and allowing you to trek with a lighter load. Therefore, you can join Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. for hiring a highly experienced, helpful, friendly, and English speaking, licensed trekking guide and porter with their insurance.
3) Foods and Lodging
The trail to Annapurna circuit is well – served with teahouses and lodges, providing accommodation and meals for trekkers. You can generally find basic but comfortable lodging and a variety of food options ranging from local Nepali dishes to International cuisines.
4) Permits
To trek in the Annapurna region, you will need two main permits:
1) The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
2) The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
5) Altitude Sickness
Generally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. When it comes to this illness, one should be pro-active and notify the guide as soon as possible.
6) Best time to trek
The best time to undertake the Annapurna semi circuit trek via Thorong La Pass is during the spring (March- May) and autum (September- November) seasons. Spring is the best time to tackle treks with high passes. There is stronger sunlight, temperature begins to rise and the days grow longer. Similarly, the autumn months are the peak trekking seasons in Nepal. The high mountains are still cold and lower elevations are still warm. Leaves on the trees will turn yellow, orange, red, and brown, making colorful hills.
Kathmandu valley is a small city comprising of 3 districts in Nepal but full of world heritage sites. Our representatives will be welcoming you with their warm greetings on the airport and will transfer you to the desired hotel in Kathmandu. You will be having plenty of rest on this day as well as will be preparing for tomorrow’s journey onwards.
We will be taking an early drive from Kathmadnu to Khudi [850 meters] which is the starting point of our trek. After reaching the beautiful city of Besisahar [823 meters], we will be heading towards Khudi which will take us approximately 30 minutes. On the drive of approximately 8 hours; we will be observing a range of mountain peaks but from a bit far which will be coming closer in further days. We will have our overnight stay at a Guest house in Khudi.
The 2200 meters Sirung is reachable after a hike of 5 to 6 hours. We will be crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls as well the mountain’s views will be more detailed as we come closer to Manasalu then before. We will be enjoying home stay at Sirung which is a settlement of Tamang people. Views of Nadi Chuli and Manasalu can be observed from Sirung as well as we will be enjoying the cultural programs offered by local people here at Sirung.
The trail leading all the way through the bank of Marshyangdi River will lead us to a stone village of Jagat where we will be having lunch and will trek up to Chamje for overnight stay. Today’s walk will be for about 4 to 5 hours and we will reach the maximum altitude at Chamje at 1425 meters where we could also enjoy the spectacular waterfall.
We will again be hiking following the Marshyangdi River to Tal (16750) meters where a large waterfall can be observed in a small village as we enter the Manang District. Today’s day is spent on crossing a flat valley as well as climbing a stone stairway up to 1860 meters before we reach our resting point at Dharapani 1930 meters after a walk of 5 to 6 hours. We will be staying at a tea house in Dharapani.
Today our destination is Chame (2660 meters) and also headquarter for Manang District. We will continue our journey through the Tamang village at 2360 meters to the fine pine forest all the way to Chame at 2660 meters. We will be observing the miraculous views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal from Chame. We will be exploring the market as well as taking a natural hot spring bath in the evening and have our overnight stay at a tea house.
On this day we are crossing the Marshyangdi River and continue our trek through beautiful pine and spruce forest and finally, the trek will end at Pisang a village at 3185 meters of height. We will stay overnight at a tea house in Pisang after a 4 to 5 hours of walk. We will be observing the views of Mt. Annapurna all the way on our trekking.
Actually, there are two routes from Pisang to Manang (3480m) but you can choose anyone of them because both are similar in providing you the best views. We will be moving from the lower route as other route is called upper route; which will take us to Hume and Braga village where there is a 600 years old monastery, as well as Tibetan styled houses, can be seen here. We will be reaching the Beautiful village of Manang after our 4 to 5 hours walk from Pisang where we will have our overnight stay at a tea house.
We will be spending one more day strolling around the village of Manang and interacting with the local peoples. Staying one more day will help us adjust our body to the altitude. The excellent views seen from here of Annapurna Mountains as well as Gangapurna Lake will certainly make you excited. We will stay overnight at a tea house in Manang.
After the wonderful time in Manang Village, the trek starts an ascent of almost 2000m to the Throng La. from Manang the trail crosses a stream and Mane stone before the Tenki Manang. The trek continues through the small village of Gunsang where you can take the short break for tea/coffee. Today you will stop Yak Kharka, also known as Kochi, from where it will take another 01 hrs to Churilattar. Stay overnight at the tea house.
After breakfast in the teahouse, the trek starts with few slowly up and downs until crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310 meters. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before heading to Thorong Phedi (foot of the hill). If you feel fine today you can make all the way to Thorang High Camp, if you do it today it will be easier for tomorrow. Stay overnight at the tea house.
Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby.
It is an easy walk to the routes of Jomsom, although it becomes tedious if there is a strong wind. The trail descends very fast to the Eklai Bhatti than along the Kali Gandaki to the Jomsom. Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of Mustang district. After afternoon you will have the chance to visit Mustang Eco Museum. Stay overnight at the tea house.
Today an early morning breakfast guide will take you to the airport for short but scenic flight to the lakeside city of Pokhara also second biggest city after Kathmandu for tourism. After refreshment, you will have guided sightseeing tours in the valley. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Today timely pick you up from your hotel and transfer to the International airport for your next destination or join another activity with us.