CROSSING THE HIGH PASS OF NEPAL’S GREAT ANNAPURNA RANGE

• Cross the Thorong La Pass (17,765 feet)
• Hiking through picturesque farming villages
• Experience traditional Hindu & Buddhist culture
• Gaze up at the world’s highest mountain range

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek first became accessible to the world of adventure travelers as recently as 1977, when the Nepalese Government derestricted the Manang Valley, which had previously been closed on account of its proximity to the Tibetan border. Providing a combination of spectacular high mountain scenery, picturesque lowland farms and villages, a wealth of cultural interest and a challenging pass crossing, our new mini-Annapurna Circuit trek is justifiably popular. We start out from Besisahar, ascending the surprisingly wild and unspoiled Marsyangdi Valley to reach the north side of the Annapurna Massif. In terms of its sheer scale, the valley of the Marsyangdi is unsurpassed.

Throughout our walk, we enjoy regular contact with friendly villagers, as well as ever-changing panoramas of some of the world’s greatest peaks, including Manaslu and the Annapurnas. Traveling from the Hindu-dominated farmland of Nepal’s “middle hills” into the high alpine world on the north side of the Annapurnas, which is the domain of Tibetan Buddhism, this trip also offers exposure to the whole range of trekking environments for which Nepal is famous. Beyond the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang, the high point of the trip is reached after a stamina-sapping ascent to the Thorong La (17,765ft / 5,416m.). This new shortened itinerary allows us to take advantage of the multiple daily flights between the mountain airstrip at Jomsom and the colorful capital of Kathmandu while taking in the high traverse of the Annapurnas and without sacrificing our ever-important acclimatization process.

During the trek, we will follow the ‘New Annapurna Trekking Trail’ (NATT) where possible. This new series of trails will not keep us off the dirt roads 100% of the time, but does significantly reduce the amount of time we have to walk on the dirt roads along the main Annapurna Trail.

The Thorong La Pass Lodge Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Nepali Guide and full support crew.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to group hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley. Hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Jagat Village. 9 hour drive.
Day 4: Continue drive & short trek to Dharapani. 6,230 feet.
Day 5: Trek to Chame. 8,760 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 6: Trek to Pisang. 10,500 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 7: Trek to Manang. 11,615 feet. 4-5 hour trek.
Day 8: Rest and acclimatization day in Manang.
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka. 13,415 feet. 3-4 hour trek.
Day 10: Trek to Thorong High Camp. 16,010 feet. 6 hr trek.
Day 11: Cross the Thorong La to Muktinath. 12,460ft. 8-9 hrs.
Day 12: Drive to Jomsom with sightseeing en route. 2 to 3 hour drive.
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 15: Transfer to airport for departure.