- difficulty
Moderate
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Trip Style
Group
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Start in
Kathmandu
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end in
Kathmandu
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group size
8-12
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max altitude
5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
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Accommodation
Teahouse/lodge
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Best Season
March–May, September–November
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass is an 8-day, fast-paced trekking route that takes you from the deep valleys of Kathmandu across the high-altitude desert of Manang, over the 5,416m Thorong La Pass, and down into the sacred Mustang region at Muktinath before finishing at the natural hot springs of Tatopani and the lakeside city of Pokhara. It is one of the most complete short versions of Nepal’s classic Annapurna Circuit, condensing forest trails, alpine desert, a major Himalayan pass crossing, and a spiritual descent into a single, well-paced week.
For trekkers who want the full Annapurna Circuit experience without committing to the classic 12–16 day version, this route delivers the same core highlights : Manang’s Tibetan-style villages, the Thorong La summit, Muktinath Temple, and Tatopani’s hot springs on a tighter, jeep-supported schedule.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Max Altitude | 5,416m (Thorong La Pass) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best Season | March–May, September–November |
| Permits Required | ACAP, TIMS |
| Start / End | Kathmandu → Pokhara |
| Trek Style | Fast-paced, jeep-supported |
Trek Difficulty
This route is rated Challenging. The main factors are:
- Thorong La Pass (5,416m) high altitude
- A long trekking day crossing the pass
- Cold weather exposure at high camp and on the pass
- The need for strong, deliberate acclimatization
Trekkers with solid general fitness can complete this route, but it is not a beginner-friendly trek because of the altitude on pass-crossing day. If you have no prior high-altitude experience, build in extra rest or consider a longer classic itinerary instead of the 8-day fast-paced version.
Permits Required
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Both permits are required before starting the trek and are checked at entry points along the route.
Best Season
Best months:
- March to May
- September to November
Avoid heavy winter snow at Thorong La Pass unless you’re trekking with an experienced group and a guide comfortable with winter conditions snow accumulation can make the pass crossing significantly more dangerous outside these windows.
Vehicle Recommendation
- 4WD Land Cruiser — strongly recommended for the Kathmandu–Chame and Muktinath–Pokhara drive sections
- Jeep backup support vehicle — recommended for group tours
Because this itinerary compresses the classic circuit into 8 days using road sections at the start and end, reliable 4WD support matters more here than on the traditional walking-only version it’s what makes the fast pace possible without cutting corners on acclimatization days.
Content Reviewed By
Nepal Tour Guide Team Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
A licensed trekking and tour operator in Nepal, specializing in unforgettable Himalayan adventures across the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu regions. Led by experienced local guides, we create safe, personalized, and responsible trekking experiences with expert knowledge of Nepal’s mountains, culture, and trail conditions.
Legal document: Tour Guide in Nepal
Ready to cross Thorong La Pass? [Contact us] to book this 8-day Annapurna Circuit trek or ask about extending it with a Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill side trip.
Trip highlights
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) : one of the highest trekking passes in the world, and the true test-and-triumph moment of the trek.
- Fast-paced 8-day itinerary : experience the full Annapurna Circuit without committing to the classic 12–16 day version.
- Manang’s high-altitude desert villages : walk through Tibetan-style settlements and visit the centuries-old Braga monastery.
- Panoramic Annapurna II views : dramatic mountain scenery from the Chame–Manang stretch.
- Muktinath Temple pilgrimage : descend into one of the holiest Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
- Journey through 5 distinct landscapes : from lush forests and river valleys to alpine desert, high snow ridges, sacred Mustang, and hot spring lowlands.
- Kali Gandaki valley and Marpha’s apple orchards : scenic drive through one of the deepest gorges in the world.
- Tatopani natural hot springs : relax and recover in mineral hot springs after the pass crossing.
- 4WD-supported travel : comfortable Land Cruiser and jeep backup support makes the tight schedule achievable without sacrificing acclimatization.
- Pokhara lakeside finish : end the trek with a relaxed evening by Phewa Lake before departure.
itinerary
- day 1
Kathmandu to Chame (Drive In)
Start from Kathmandu early morning and drive via Besisahar and Dharapani to Chame.
Route: Kathmandu → Besisahar → Dharapani → Chame Travel time: 10 to 12 hours by 4WD
Highlights:
- Trishuli River valley
- Marsyangdi gorge
- Waterfalls and cliffs
- Entry into the Annapurna region
Overnight in: Chame
- day 2
Chame to Manang
Drive or trek depending on road conditions and group plan, moving deeper into Annapurna territory.
Route: Chame → Pisang → Braga → Manang
Highlights:
- Alpine desert transition begins
- Annapurna II views
- Tibetan-style villages
- Braga monastery visit
Overnight in: Manang
- day 3
Manang Acclimatization / Trek to Yak Kharka
Leave Manang after light acclimatization and continue toward higher altitude terrain.
Route: Manang → Gunsang → Yak Kharka Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours
Terrain:
- Dry alpine landscape
- Yak pastures
- Gradual altitude gain
Overnight in: Yak Kharka
- day 4
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi / High Camp
A steep ascent into the high-altitude zone, setting up for the pass crossing.
Route: Yak Kharka → Ledar → Thorong Phedi → High Camp (optional) Trekking time: 3 to 5 hours
Highlights:
- Thin air zone begins
- Rock cliffs and glaciers
- Final preparation for the pass crossing
Overnight at: Thorong Phedi or High Camp (depending on weather and group fitness)
- day 5
Thorong La Pass → Muktinath
The biggest trekking day of the route. An early morning start is essential.
Route: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath Pass elevation: 5,416m Trekking time: 8 to 10 hours
Highlights:
- Thorong La Pass summit views
- Prayer flags and snow ridges
- A long descent into the Mustang side
Arrival at: Muktinath Temple Overnight in: Muktinath
- day 6
Muktinath to Tatopani (Drive)
A long, scenic descent drive through the Kali Gandaki valley.
Route: Muktinath → Kagbeni → Jomsom → Marpha → Kalopani → Tatopani Travel time: 7 to 9 hours
Highlights:
- Kali Gandaki valley
- Apple orchards at Marpha
- Deep gorge landscapes
End the day relaxing in the Tatopani Hot Spring. Overnight in: Tatopani
- day 7
Tatopani to Pokhara
An easy drive back to civilization.
Route: Tatopani → Beni → Kusma → Pokhara Travel time: 4 to 5 hours
Arrival in: Pokhara
Free evening for a lakeside walk and recovery. Overnight in: Pokhara
- day 8
Departure or Extra Day
Transfer to Kathmandu or straight to international departure. You can drive or fly back to Kathmandu depending on your onward plans. Trek ends.
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
Make your own.Price Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (international arrival/departure transfers)
- All ground transportation as per itinerary — 4WD Land Cruiser/jeep (Kathmandu–Chame, Muktinath–Tatopani–Pokhara)
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Government-licensed, experienced trekking guide
- Porter service (if applicable — specify ratio, e.g. 1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation for all overnight stops (7 nights)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner from Day 1 to Day 7)
- First aid kit and basic medical support
- All applicable government and local taxes
- Trekking route map / trip completion certificate (if offered)
Price Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance (including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage — strongly recommended)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (unless specified otherwise)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara (unless the itinerary includes it)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging during the trek (paid locally, especially above 3,000m)
- Alcoholic and bottled/soft drinks
- Tips for guide and porter (customary in Nepal’s trekking industry)
- Emergency evacuation costs (covered separately by travel insurance)
- Any costs arising from trip delays due to weather, illness, or natural causes beyond the itinerary
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
FAQ
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How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass?
It’s rated challenging due to crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, long trekking hours on pass-crossing day, cold exposure, and the need for proper acclimatization. Trekkers with good fitness and no prior high-altitude experience can complete it if they follow a sensible acclimatization plan.
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How many days do you need for this trek?
This route can be done in 8 days using a fast-paced, jeep-supported itinerary. Classic non-jeep versions of the full Annapurna Circuit typically run 12–16 days.
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What is the elevation of Thorong La Pass?
Thorong La Pass sits at 5,416m, making it one of the highest trekking passes in the world and the high point of the entire route.
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What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit?
You need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card before starting the trek.
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When is the best time to do the Thorong La Pass trek?
March to May and September to November are the best months. Winter crossings are possible but only recommended for experienced trekkers due to heavy snow risk.
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Do I need a 4WD vehicle for this route?
Yes, a 4WD Land Cruiser is strongly recommended for the Kathmandu–Chame and Muktinath–Pokhara drive sections, with a jeep backup vehicle recommended for group tours.
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What is the highlight of Day 5 on this trek?
Day 5 is the pass-crossing day an 8–10 hour trek from Thorong Phedi over Thorong La Pass down to Muktinath Temple, one of the most significant Hi
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Can beginners do the Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass?
Trekkers with solid general fitness can do it, but this is not a beginner-friendly route because of the altitude on pass-crossing day. Prior trekking experience or a longer acclimatization schedule is recommended for first-timers.
Review
Tom And Heide
18/09/2018
AMAZING NEPAL EXPERIENCE WITH Nepal Tour Guide Team
We had the privilege exploring KTM valley with Kumar. He has a way of showing you all facets of Nepal as nobody else will. Not only does he know his country like no other, he also has a special way of connecting you with his culture , people, customs and more like a real tour guide can only do. He is a humanitarian, a good spirit, with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold, someone who CARES about his country and people. You will love the way he guides you and shows you his country. Anything from local foods, to extensive history or just small talk about politics and social issues, Kumar is happy to discuss all. He showed us a side of Nepal, we would have never experienced with a larger bus group. He customized our program to our liking, the way we wanted it, patiently answered all of our questions always friendly , attentive and genuine. We can highly recommend Kumar as your private guide. I have traveled the world extensively (please see my other reviews on tripadvisor) and know the difference between ‘just a guide’ and a true tour director who LOVES his job and connecting with people from all walks of life. Kumar is great in what he does and his personality will make you like him the day you meet. We are still friends and should we return to Nepal, there is no doubt in our minds that we will see him again, not only as our guide but also to reunite with a great friend and human being.
Adam Szucs
01/01/1970
Memorable 4 Days With Tour Guide
My wife and I had the privilege to enjoy a 4 days long private tour with tourguideinnepal.com. Everything was spot on. We had a private driver and a private tour guide for the entire trip, both extremely polite. I can 100% recommend them to others also. I also found their pricing more than fair. Kumar runs the company, he was very helpful when we put together the custom itinerary. Our tour guide was Suvash, probably the most caring guy I’ve ever met. Thanks for the lifetime experience guys!
Brad Wegner
01/01/1970
Two Nights Was Awesome
I only had two nights in Kathmandu and primarily wanted to do a chopper flight around Everest as well as see as much of Kathmandu as possible. Kumar was amazing and looked after me like family. I did a lot of research and Kumar booked the Chopper flight for me and answered any and all questions I had leading up to it. The Everest day was truly one of the best and awe inspiring days of my life. Kumar also took us to all of the must see sights in Kathmandu. He listened to our needs as well as read our body language for what we required. You must have a guide in places like Kathmandu to understand the history and not miss anything and you won’t regret using Kumar – he is the best!!
Aristofanes Cedeno
01/01/1970
One Week in Nepal With Tour Guide
I recently spent one week in Nepal and Tour Guide Team Trek provided an extraordinary service with an itinerary suited to my needs and interests, including Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, detailed cultural and historical explanations when visiting different sites in Kathmandu, and above all, a customer and people-oriented approach to all activities, meals, shopping, etc. Kumar Dahal was my tour guide and it was a pleasure for me to have him showing me his native Nepal. Kumar has excellent English speaking skills and he is willing to take the extra mile to help you have the best trip to this beautiful country. I recommend him and Nepal Tour Guide Team Trek wholeheartedly as the best agency to fulfill your expectations.
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