Annapurna High Pass Trekking

Annapurna High Pass Trekking

Activity
Trekking
Trip Grade
Moderate

Overview

Trexmount Ventures welcomes you to join us on our remarkable and fascinating trek to Annapurna High Pass, which is ranked as the world’s 10th top scenic travel destination by Lonely Planet and includes walking through friendly traditional hill villages in the land of legendry Gurung, Manang, Thakali, and Pun, Magar tribes renowned as Gorkha soldiers in various countries.

Annapurna high pass trekking is one of Annapurna’s most difficult adventure treks. Both Annapurna Thorong La pass (5416m) and Annapurna Kang La pass are included in the Annapurna High pass trip (5306m). Gorgeous Himalayan views of Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, Mt. Manaslu 8163m, Mt. Annapurna 8091m & 17 snow-capped summits of three separate Himalayan ranges, beautiful landscape, green valley, Tibetan monasteries, temples, and mixed culture await you on the Annapurna pass trekking.

Annapurna High Pass Trekking is suitable for mountain enthusiasts who want to travel in Annapurna High Pass as well as adventure trekking in Nepal Himalaya. Because Narphu valley trekking is a controlled / limited trekking zone in Nepal, trekking permits must be obtained through a government-registered Nepal trekking agency by a minimum of two people.

After a 5- to 6-hour journey from Kathmandu, the Annapurna high pass trek begins in Beshishar. The trekking guide from Himalaya Journey Treks & Expeditions escorted you through the lovely Marshyngadi valley Bulbule jagat Dharapani koto.

Narphu Nwagal Manang Thorung phedi Thorung la pass & ultimately to Jomsom, then back to Pokhara by flight. Autumn and spring are the finest seasons for trekking in Annapurna High Pass, however we at Himalaya Journey Trekking organize treks throughout the year based on visitor preferences and vacation schedules.

The Annapurna High Pass Trek begins in the Lamjung and Manang areas and ends in the picturesque Pokhara valley, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Himalayas, where the mountains reflect in the tranquil Phewa and Begnas lakes. The walk leads to high mid green mid hills villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar tribes, and as the walk progresses, the walk leads to mountainous and alpine zones with the pretty scenic villages of Dharapani and Chame.

After leaving the tree lines and forested areas behind, go to Manang valley, a comprehensive Buddhist region with strong Tibetan influence in culture, tradition, faiths, and daily life, with a rest day in Manang to acclimate before heading higher to Thorang-la pass.

The Annapurna High Pass Trek follows the River Marsyangdi straight up to its source near Manang Lake, which is fed by the glaciers of Tilicho, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna Himal, and gives spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks and valleys virtually every day.

Following acclimatization, the trek ascends through barren arctic terrain to the highest point of the trek, Thorang-la 5,416 m / 17,700 ft, with an awesome scenic panorama that surrounds this scenic windy spot. The walk then descends to the holy Muktinath area, which has been regarded as holy since ancient times with 108 spouts flowing pure natural spring.

Similarly, this journey passes through several interesting villages such as Marpha, Tukuche, Larjung, and Kalapani, which are known for apples and apple-related products, before returning to a green forested area with spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges of mountains on either side of the Kaligandaki valley, which forms the world’s deepest gorge.

The journey continues back in the warm paddy fields area of Tatopani ‘hot spring’ and then on the trail to Pokhara with an uphill through enchanting rhododendron forested to Ghorepani, visiting Pun Hill for a super Himalayan panorama with stunning sunrise and on the long downhill path to conclude this amazing trek at Nayapul with a drive to scenic Pokhara valley and then back in the hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu after a remarkable trek completing full Annapurna High Pass with great service of Trexmount Ventures with its friendly staff and guides.

Highlights of Annapurna High Pass Trek

  • Pass via three of western Nepal’s most exhilarating high passes: Namun La, Kang La, and Mesokanto La.
  • Trek by the Marsyangdi River’s crystal-clear rushing water.
  • In the foothills of the Annapurna Range, visit some of the ethnic Gurung communities in the villages of Taprang, Khilang, and Sikles.
  • Majestic vistas of the world’s tallest mountains above 8000 meters, including Annapurna I (8,091 meters/26,545 feet), Manaslu (8,156 meters/26,758 feet), and Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters/26,824 feet).
  • Tilicho Lake, at an elevation of 4919 meters, is the world’s highest altitude lake.
  • In the Annapurna trekking trail, walk on a unique terrain with views of Lamjung, Macchapuchre, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Our representative will come to the airport for transfer to the Hotel. After some refreshment in the hotel, Our Tour leader will make pre departure meeting in the Hotel or at our office. The meeting will cover trip related information & the collecting your Documents (passport copy, 2 passport size photos, Travel insurance).

02Day

Kathmandu: Free day or City Sightseeing (pay Locally for sightseeing).

After morning breakfast, free day for trek preparation. OR, you can do sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley with visiting into fascinating heritage and cultural sites. There are few places that are worth to visit such as holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square ( One is in Kathmandu, in patan and also in Bhaktapur), Museum,  monasteries, old historical Palaces and Gardens. Note:  this tour is optional so you can visit with place of your interest & pay locally.

03Day

Drive to Chamje (1,560 m-5,118 ft) via Beshishar (823 m -2,700 ft) 08 hrs journeys.

As time set by our guide who accompanies you throughout this trip, depart from the hotel for an interesting drive on the busy road towards Chamje via Beshishar, drive leads through Himalayan foothills and green valley’s till Dumre town, and leaving the main Kathmandu / Pokhara highway towards Beshisar a large town and headquarter of Lamjung district, from here driving on the newly built dirt road leading to Chamje via Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream, the drive continues passing rice terraces and villages and then uphill on leaving the Marsyangdi River to reach at Chamje for overnight stop via Jagat village, Chamje a small farm village with many lodges and the people from here are Manang of Tibetan origin.

04Day

Trek to Dharapani (1,920 m -6,299 ft) 05 hours.

After a first night in local lodge with homely hospitality service, morning starts walking back to Marsyangdi River crossing and in the alpine woodlands, with super views of Annapurna, Lamjung and on the back Manaslu mountain ranges, walk leads on the wide trail to a nice village of Tal Besi, after having a break a few hours walk brings to Dharapani village for overnight halt, located on the mid way of around Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek.

05Day

Trek to Chame (2,670 m -8,759 ft) 05 hours.

From Dharapani on wards temperature gets cooler with alpine temperature climate walk leads on the winding wide trail through serene rhododendron, pine woodland through small villages of Bagachap, Danque, and then climbing higher to Timang village with super views of snow capped peaks towards North, from this village onwards in the land of Buddhist tradition and culture, an hour walk reaches to Koto and then towards Chame a large town and the district headquarter of Manang area, here with time to browse around the streets of Chame with wonderful views of AII and Lamjung Himal.

06Day

Trek to Pisang (3, 230 m -10,597 ft) 05 hrs.

From here onwards feel the cool and fresh mountain air,our morning walk leads through enchanting alpine forests of rhododendron and pine tree lines following the Marshyangdi River upstream with several ups and downs to Bhratang village, after this small village walk follows uphill’s through the woodlands at Dhukure Pokhari with couple of teahouses overlooking views of Chulu’s and Pisang peak and of Pisang village, after a break here descending to reach the lower Pisang village for overnight stop, afternoon at leisure and rest as the high altitude starts from here onwards.

07Day

Trek to Manang Village (3,450 m -11,319 ft) 05 hrs.

Morning with wonderful views of snow capped peaks with close look of A II North Face, heading towards a hill through nice pine woodland where one can catch awesome views of Manang valley with surrounding high snow capped mountains, from this view point heading downhill towards Manang valley reaching Hongde village with a small airstrip, (flight to and from Pokhara is only twice a week and unpredictable), from here onwards tree lines disappears into arid and barren landscapes with cold, dry climate temperature, however gets enough sunshine during the day with strong UV in this thin air altitude.

From here with constant views of snow capped peaks reaching at Braga close to Manang village, here it will be interesting to visit the old Braga monastery treasures old Buddhist artifacts, relics and stature with ancient amazing wall Thanka painting ( Buddhist religious painting) and frescos, from here breathtaking views of Annapurna range with Chulus and as far to Manaslu towards east, after a nice time here a slow and steady walk brings you at Manang village for lunch and overnight stop with alluring views of Gangapurna, A II and Tilicho peak and turquoise Manang lake nearby.

From Pisang and at Manang houses are built in traditional Tibetan style as people of Manang practice rich Buddhism religion, culture and traditions.

08Day

Free and rest day at Manang for acclimatization.

A complete free and rest at Manang an ideal place for acclimatization which is essential at this altitude above 3,000 meters and to head more higher towards Thorang –la pass, Manang offers various optional short hike to Gangapurna glacier and Manang lake.

(Ice Lake takes more than 5 hours both ways we do not recommend unless people are very eager or fit to trek on this rest day).

09Day

Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110 m -13,484 ft) 04 hours.

After a nice break and stop for two nights at Manang, morning walks is easier on the gradual path passing the last village of Manang at Tenke and then in complete wilderness with gentle uphill walk to Ghunsang village with great views of Gangapurna, Tilicho and Chulu West peaks, then slowly reaching at Yak Kharka for lunch and overnight stop with great views.

10Day

Trek to Thorong High Camp (4,600 m -15,092 ft) 04 hrs.

Slowly and steady journey gets closer to the main highlights and highest elevation of this trip at Thorang-la pass, walk is pleasant except for the altitude the trail follows crossing a bridge after Ledar and then a short steep climb after the river reaching at Jarjung around this place chances of seeing some wildlife like Musk Deer, Himalayan Thar, Mountain Goats or the rare and elusive Snow Leopard if lucky. Walk then reaches at Thorang Phedi (base of Thorang-la), after a break here walk on the scree zig zag slope path which is quite steep for an hour till High Camp is reached for lunch and overnight stop.

A great place with super views of Gangapurna, Damodar and Bhirkuti Himal and range of snow capped peaks.

11Day

Cross Thorong-La (5,416 m-17,770 ft) and to Muktinath (3,800 m-12,467 ft) - 07 hrs.

Big Day! Starting quite early after breakfast to reach the top of the pass earlier before the cold wind catches with chill factors, the walk is gradual with ups and even trail most of the way and then slowly with a climb reaching the highest point of this trip and one of the highlights at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft high, the pass is festooned with hundreds of Buddhist prayer flags and with sign board ‘Thorang-la’ and its heights, this place with awesome views of snow capped mountains looking over West at Dhaulagiri, Mustang Himal as well.

After a great success, emotional with happy moment descend a long way to reach the bottom with few teahouses to refresh and for lunch before setting towards Muktinath for overnight after a long hard but interesting and adventurous day.

The walk to Muktinath is pleasant for few hours, on reaching at Muktinath check into respective nice lodges for overnight stop and nice rest.

This place is a holy for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.

12Day

Trek to Jomsom (2, 670m-8,760 ft) via Jomsom (2, 715 m-8,907 ft) - 06 hours.

After a Big long walk of previous day, today a pleasant trek on the downhill path passing by the village of Jharkot with a drop of 1,200 meters to Kaligandaki river bed, on reaching the wide Kaligandaki River valley at a small place of Ekale bhatti, continue walk on the flat wide valley for few hours reaching at Jomsom, head quarter of Mustang area.

Jomsom with an airstrip above Kaligandaki River (operates daily morning schedule flight to and from Pokhara).

From Jomsom a nice walk to Marpha, can get very windy in the afternoon on reaching charming Marpha a gem of a village with large apple orchard and its product, Marpha lined with whitewashed houses, paved streets and well kept neat lodges.

13Day

Jomsom to Pokhara.

Pokhara for overnight stop by the pristine Lake Phewa, time in the afternoon to browse around the lake side stores and shops and relax in this beautiful setting.

14Day

Drive back to Kathmandu.

With great time up in the high hill, villages and at scenic Pokhara morning transfer for an interesting drive back to Kathmandu, after a wonderful experience up in the high green hill and mountains of Annapurna, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to respective hotels with afternoon free at leisure.

(For those who wish to fly to Kathmandu transfer to Pokhara airport with 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu).

15Day

Departure

Breakfast in the Hotel, Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for  departure towards your next destination.

Includes/Excludes

What is Included?

  • Airport Pick up and drop transfer.
  • Transportation as per above itinerary.
  • All accommodations (Twin Share)
  • Meals.
  • An experience guide and required number of porters (one porter in between two pax), their food, accommodation, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment and so on.
  • Warm sleeping bag, warm down jacket and walking stick, if necessary.
  • Trek bag.
  • All Government Taxes are included.

Whats not Included

  • Tips to staff or any donations.
  • Single Supplement for single-using rooms
  • Your travel insurance, Medical, and emergency costs (Just in case).
  • All types of drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
  • Any personal expenses which is not mentioned in the price inclusion.

Clients Review

Everest Base Camp & Muktinath Trail Helen & Mark Dwyer Australia

We had a dream to reach Mt Everest Base Camp since we heard about this. One of my friends recommended Trexmount so we have decided to use them for arranging our trek to Everest Base Camp. The treks were very well organized and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly and looked after us at all times.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was always a smile on their faces. We stayed...

Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking Bridget and Ron New Zealand

Namaste Hari and all at Trexmount Ventures, We have just completed our third visit and a Fantastic trek in Nepal with a four-day trek in the Annapurna area and an 18-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo. Noelene joined us for the Everest trek and it was her 9th visit! We can highly recommend Trexmount Ventures as a great company. The guides we had, Ram and Tilak were very well informed and also both able to pace the trek to ensure we all reached our...

Trip Info

Full of excitement throughout this trip from villages, green hills, forest, landscapes and mountains are the main attraction and highlights of this trip, beneath the world’s 10th highest Mt. Annapurna at 8,091 m and 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m, trekking around Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massive mountain range, dramatic variation from sub-tropic – Mediterranean, alpine to arctic climate temperature and landscapes, daily amazing panorama views with views of world’s 3highest mountains Annapurna-Dhaulagiri & Manaslu, fascinating traditional mid hills Gurung, Manang, Thakali & Pun Magar tribe villages, super mountain panorama with breathtaking sunrise from Pun Hill and trekking in world’s deepest gorge of Kali-Gandaki River.

Annapurna 123