15th Aug, 2024

Manang Thorong La Pass Trek: Highest Walking Pass in Nepal

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

Thorong La Pass or Thorung La Pass located in Nepal's Annapurna region at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level In Manang District of Nepal, Thorong Pass Trek is one of the world's highest trekking routes pass. It is a major attraction on the well-known trekking route known as the Annapurna Circuit, which attractions travelers from all over the world. Thorong pass, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, links the settlement of Manang in the east with Muktinath in the west. Thorong Pass is reachable by committed hikers despite its difficult altitude, and it offers them a once-in-a-lifetime experience amid some of the most magnificent high-altitude scenery on earth.

Annapurna Circuit: Crossing the Thorong La Pass trekking the higest pass in the world.

Crossing the Thorong La Pass is a defining moment on the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most celebrated trekking routes in the world. This Thorong La Pass high-altitude puts hikers' stamina and resolve to the test as they negotiate its narrow, frequently snow-covered paths. Thorong La offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks and is a physically and spiritually satisfying climb. The Thorong La Pass is a dramatic transition point for trekkers heading from the dry landscapes of the Manang Valley to the holy site of Muktinath. It signifies the end of days of hard work and the start of a fall away into the lower Annapurna regions of Mustang.

Permits Required to Cross Thorong La Pass Trek in Manang

To cross the Thorong La Pass trek in Manang, you'll need two essential permits:

1. Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This is a mandatory permit for all trekkers in Nepal
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: As Thorong La Pass lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, this per  mit is required.

Note: These permits are usually arranged by us, but it's always good to double-check and ensure you have them before starting your trek.

What does crossing the Thorong La pass trek involve?

Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit is a active and exciting trek at a high altitude that calls for careful planning, strength, and mental toughness. This is what it involves in Thorong La pass:

Altitude and Acclimatization: Thorong La Pass, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit, is 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) above sea level. Appropriate acclimatization is essential because the altitude carries a significant risk of altitude sickness. In order to give their bodies time to acclimate to the decreasing air quality, trekkers usually stay in the neighboring areas, such Manang, for several days.

Early Start: In order to minimize daylight and prevent severe winds, the crossing day usually starts early in the morning, sometimes even before dawn. In the pass, the weather might change suddenly during the day, making things worse.

Physical Demands: Because of the altitude and oxygen shortage, the steep trek to Thorong La Pass can be physically taxing. The climb is made more difficult by the fact that the trail is frequently rocky and occasionally covered in snow, especially in the winter months.

Weather Conditions: Extreme weather, including freezing temperatures, high winds, and snow, is prevalent. To guarantee safety, appropriate gear like as warm clothes, trekking poles, and crampons may be required.

Spectacular Views: Despite the hardships, the benefits are enormous. Thorang la  pass provides breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and a number of other magnificent Himalayan summits.

Descent to Muktinath: After reaching the pass, the descent to Muktinath is equally difficult, with steep downhill stretches that can be hard on the knees. However, the environment gradually transforms, making a striking contrast between the dry, lonely land of the pass and the more green lower parts.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance: The Thorong La Pass is culturally and spiritually significant since it leads to Muktinath, a sacred location for both Hindus and Buddhists. The voyage is both a physical challenge and a very enriching cultural experience.

Crossing Thorong La is often considered the highlight of the Annapurna Circuit, symbolizing the peak of adventure and the triumph of the human spirit over the challenges posed by nature.

Trek in Thorong La Pass: how hard is it?

Trek in Thorong La Pass is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Nepal. The difficulty primarily rises from the high altitude, which requires careful acclimatization and a strong physical condition.

The ascent to the pass, at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), is steep and demanding, with thin air and cold temperatures adding to the challenge. Trekkers must navigate rough land, with some sections involving long, strenuous climbs and potentially treacherous paths, especially if snow or ice is present.

Additionally, the unpredictability of weather in the Himalayas can make the trek even more difficult, with the possibility of sudden storms or temperature drops.

However, the trek is manageable for those with a good level of fitness, proper preparation, and experience with multi-day trekking. Mental resilience is also key, as the journey can be physically exhausting and requires perseverance.

Despite its challenges, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning, panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges make the effort worthwhile, attracting adventurous trekkers seeking to conquer one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Thorong La Pass Trekking itinerary

A typical itinerary for trekking the Thorong La Pass, often part of the Annapurna Circuit, spans 12 to 18 days, depending on the pace and acclimatization needs. Here’s a common 13-day itinerary of Thorang La Pass:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (820m/2,690ft)
Day 3: Besi Sahar to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft)
Day 4: Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft)
Day 5: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft)
Day 6: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10,826ft)
Day 7: Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft)
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft)
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft)
Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
Day 12: Muktinath to Pokhara(2,670m/8,760ft)
Day 13: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu

This Thorang La itinerary allows for proper acclimatization and includes key highlights along the Annapurna Circuit. Flexibility is essential, as weather and individual acclimatization needs may require adjustments.

Thorong La Pass Weather

Thorong La Pass, situated at an altitude of 5,416 meters, is one of the highest and most challenging passes in the Annapurna Circuit. The weather here is highly unpredictable due to its extreme elevation. During the trekking season, from March to May and September to November, the days are typically clear and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C. However, nights can be freezing, often dropping well below zero. In winter (December to February), heavy snowfall can make the pass impassable, with temperatures plummeting to -20°C or lower. Strong winds and sudden storms are common, so trekkers must be well-prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

You can also add the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal Trek to your Private trip to Nepal.