The second day is about exploring Kathmandu's vibrant culture and preparing for your upcoming adventure. You'll dive into the city's rich history and visit four essential UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, you'll visit Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples. It's known for its distinctive pagoda-style architecture and spiritual significance, where Hindu cremation rituals occur. 

Next, you'll go to Boudhanath Stupa, a massive Tibetan Buddhist monument with an impressive dome. Then, you'll hike up to Swayambhunath, a hilltop site known as the Monkey Temple. This important Buddhist pilgrimage destination offers panoramic scenes of the Kathmandu Valley. 

Your last stop is Kathmandu Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples showcasing exquisite Newari craftsmanship. This living museum provides a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural heritage. As you explore these sites, you can purchase authentic souvenirs such as Thangka paintings, singing bowls, khukuri, and pashmina shawls from local vendors. 

After the sightseeing tour, you'll join a detailed briefing session with your guide. They will review the Annapurna circuit and Thorong Peak climb itinerary and answer any questions to ensure you're fully prepared. If you need any trekking gear and equipment, the bustling Thamel district has plenty of shops to purchase or rent what you need. Return to the hotel, pack your bags, and get a good night's rest. The adventure begins tomorrow. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Your Thorong Peak trekking journey begins with a scenic drive along winding mountain highways. You'll see lush green hills and distant snow-capped mountains on the way.  You'll also enjoy the company of the famous Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, renowned for white-water rafting and kayaking.

At the Mugling junction, you'll take a right turn towards Pokhara. You'll also pass through charming terraced farmlands and picturesque rural landscapes. You'll cross the Narayani River by a bridge. Near Dumre, you'll leave the main route and head north towards Besishahar.

From Besishahar, a scenic 2-hour drive takes you to Jagat, the starting point of your Thorong Peak adventure. Along the way, you can see a magnificent waterfall. Upon arrival in Jagat, settle into your traditional teahouse accommodation. You can relax, unwind, and get excited to begin your trek on the renowned Annapurna Circuit trail. 

Overnight stay in Jagat. 

Today marks the first day of your trek on the renowned Annapurna trails. After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Jagat and set off towards Dharapani. Prepare for a scenic journey through jungle areas, where you'll encounter charming waterfalls falling down the hillside.

Following the right bank of the Marsyangdi River for a while, you'll cross over a suspension bridge. A steeper uphill climb leads you to Tal, the first village in the Manang district. This picturesque town offers stunning valley views and cascading waterfalls.

As you continue your trek, lush farmlands filled with barley, rice, and potato crops come into sight. Throughout the day, you'll be treated to the beauty of numerous waterfalls. After passing Karte (Khotro), you'll arrive in Dharapani, one of the largest villages in the Manang district. This village is a crucial intersection point for the famous Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit treks.

Overnight stay in Dharapani. 

Today's trek from Dharapani to Chame is blessed with a visual treat. The trek route showcases diverse landscapes and you get to experience local culture. The trek starts with a slow climb on the main road. You'll cross a bridge and walk through pretty corn fields and farms. You might see wild marijuana plants growing near the path. 

The trail goes through culturally rich towns like Qunche and Danakyu, offering glimpses of rural life. Next, you'll reach Timang village in a big, open valley offering scenic vistas. You can enjoy your lunch and rest briefly. After Timang, the path follows a gently inclining road toward Chame. 

You'll cross more bridges and pass through small towns. You'll continue your walk through several small villages and reach the larger settlement of Thanchowk. Later, you'll be back on the main road to Koto. Both towns are lovely places to stop for tea. A little ahead, you can see the trail that leads to the famous off-beaten trek to Nar Phu Valley. Finally, your day's trek ends in Chame, one of the largest towns in the region. 

Overnight stay in Chame. 

Today, you walk from Chame to Lower Pisang, an old-style village on the Manang route. The scenery is beautiful, as snow-capped peaks stand tall above the rushing turquoise river. As you go higher, you'll notice how quickly the landscape changes. After a few hours of walking, you arrive at Bhratang. This small town is famous for its apples. You'll walk on a road cut into the side of a cliff, enjoying the incredible scenery. 

During your hike, you'll see Swarga Dwari. This is a beautiful part of the mountain that has been naturally carved and looks like the side of a bowl. Local people believe it's a doorway to heaven. After crossing a bridge, you enter pine forests. The trail switches between hiking paths and roads until you reach Dhikur Pokhari. 

Most trekkers recommend taking the high route from here. You leave the main road and cross another bridge. Before arriving at Lower Pisang, you'll see amazing sights of Annapurna II, IV, and III. If you hike 100 meters higher, you reach Upper Pisang. Both villages are typical quaint settlements in the Manang region. You can walk to Upper Pisang to explore. At the town's top is a local monastery where monks are chanting. 

Overnight stay in Lower Pisang. 

Today, you walk to Manang, the main town on the Annapurna circuit trek route. You'll take the higher route, passing through the villages of Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Braga. This path is more challenging but has excellent mountain vistas. 

You start with a steep ascent from Upper Pisang. It's an arduous zigzag path up to Ghyaru. But in Ghyaru, you get a clear view of giant mountains like Annapurna II, III, and IV, Pisang, Tilicho, Gangapurna, etc. From here on, you'll see fewer trees and more small bushes. 

As you walk on, you reach Ngawal. Here, you might start to feel the symptoms of altitude sickness. Remember to drink lots of water. After Ngawal, you'll see a horse field and a mani wall. Next is another long, steep climb up dusty hills across from Julu village. Then, you walk along a narrow ridge. You can witness Pisang Peak, Heaven's Gate, and more from here. 

After this, you come to Braga village, famous for Braga monastery, the largest in Manang Valley. The monastery is ancient and has exquisite architecture, intricate woodwork, and an impressive collection of religious artifacts. After exploring the monastery, you head to Manang. 

Overnight stay in Manang.

When trekking Annapurna Circuit, it's essential to take a rest day when you reach heights above 3,500m. Your body needs time to get used to the thin air at high places. There's less oxygen up high, which can make you feel uncomfortable. This is called altitude sickness. 

Manang is a great place to rest for a day. There are many hiking options around, and you can see big, snowy mountains and glacier lakes. It's perfect to stay here for two nights. Here are some things you can do in Manang:

Hike to Gangapurna Lake: This is a popular choice. The lake is beautiful formed by the melting Gangapurna Glacier. 

Hike to Ice Lake/ Kicho Lake hike (4,620m): This is a longer, harder hike from Manang. On the way, you'll see astonishing Annapurna and Pisang Peak. Relish the captivating sight of the lake and mountains. You can walk around the lake before getting back to the hotel. 

Visit Praken Gompa (3,945m): This hike is shorter and easier. Praken Gompa is a small religious building hidden in the mountain above Manang. A Buddhist monk who lives there can bless you for your journey. The scenery from here is splendid. You can witness Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tarke Kang. 

After a wonderful day in Manang and hiking nearby viewpoints, your body will be better prepared for the higher altitudes. This will help you cross Thorong La Pass and climb Thorong Peak later. Return to your teahouse and rest. 

Overnight stay in Manang. 

After two nights in Manang, you're acclimatized and ready to go higher. Before leaving Manang, you need to stop at an ACAP check post. Then, follow the signpost signaling the way to Thorong La. The trail is easy to follow but a challenging, high-altitude walk. 

You start by climbing through Tengi, the upper part of Manang Valley. You'll see old stone houses, and from here, you climb steeply to Gunsang. Then you walk on narrow mountain paths where you might encounter the traffic jams of horses and yaks. Gunsang is a good place for a tea break. Here, you can see panoramic mountain vistas and watch eagles flying. The journey continues above the tree line. You cross scenic swing bridges and see yaks wearing red earrings. You'll also walk through an area with many goats. 

The path is busy with people and animals carrying supplies to villages higher up, highlighting the region's remoteness. The trek concludes at Yak Kharka. You'll be much higher now and get a glimpse into the stark beauty of high-altitude Himalayan landscapes. 

Overnight stay in Yak Kharka. 

Today, you head toward the Thorong High Camp above Thorong Phedi. The trail is extremely quiet. You'll walk on primarily flat fields with splendid mountain vistas. After breakfast, you start with a gradual uphill climb. 

On the way, you'll see Churi Ledar, a small settlement with lodges and tea shops. Like yesterday, you might see local people and horses carrying things on the trail. You'll cross a hanging bridge over a river. After the bridge, there's a steep and challenging path. At the end, you'll find a tea shop where you can rest briefly with impressive scenery. 

Keep walking along the mountainside through the valley. You'll traverse an area where landslides happen, so be careful and move quickly here. There are more tea shops along the way where you can rest. 

First, you reach Thorong Phedi, the final stop before Thorong High Camp. From here, it usually takes about an hour to reach High Camp. But it can take much longer if you're tired or feeling the effects of the high altitudes. You should take many breaks. Once you reach Thorong High Camp, enjoy the views and serenity of being so high up. Rest and prepare for tomorrow's big challenge: crossing Thorong La Pass. 

Overnight stay in Thorong High Camp. 

Today, you'll hike to the base of Thorong Peak by crossing the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. Get ready for jaw-dropping scenery! Start early because strong winds and poor visibility can make the afternoon trek harder. Today is one of the challenging days on your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Thorong Peak Climb. 

The day begins with a steep ascent, following a narrow, rocky trail. Also, you might spot some blue sheep on the trail. High altitude and rugged terrain will undoubtedly add a challenge to the trek. It will take about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top of the pass. 

At the top of Thorong La Pass, you'll be greeted by a congratulatory sign, a traditional chorten, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Take a moment to soak in the classic views of Great Barrier Ridge, Kali Gandaki Valley, and Chulu West Peak. After embracing the majestic scenery, continue to Thorong Peak Base Camp, where you'll rest and prepare to climb Thorong Peak. 

Overnight stay in Thorong Peak Base Camp. 

Today, you'll spend your day in Thorong Peak Base Camp getting ready for the big Thorong Peak climb tomorrow. It's all about preparing your body and mind for the challenge ahead. 

Your climbing guide will show you how to use all the climbing gear properly. They will provide comprehensive training on navigating the trail, dealing with crevasses, and overcoming other potential obstacles you might encounter. They will also share some essential safety tips and rules you must strictly adhere to during the Thorong Peak climb. 

After the training session, you'll take some time to help your body adjust to the high altitude. This might include short, easy walks around the base camp area. Getting used to the thin air is essential for staying safe and giving yourself the best shot at reaching the summit. 

Mentally, you'll review your training, visualize the climb, and psyche yourself up for the final push to the top. Your experienced guides check your gear and equipment and ensure it is in the proper condition for tomorrow's peak climb. They'll also provide you any last-minute tips and encouragement. 

Once all the preparation is done, it's time to rest up. You'll eat a good, hearty meal and get plenty of sleep. After all, you'll be up early to start your ascent of Thorong Peak. 

Overnight stay in Thorong Peak Base Camp. 

Today is the most important day of your trip, as you'll climb Thorong Peak. Start before dawn to avoid strong winds at high altitudes. As you climb, you'll see the magnificent view of Kali Gandaki Valley. 

The climbing journey begins with a steep one-hour descent. You'll go down a snowy slope 35° to 45° steep. The terrain can be challenging, requiring careful navigation and proper foot placement. At the bottom, there's a small, flat plateau where you can rest. Next, you'll go through a narrow path between towering cliffs and snow-covered peaks. This part can be dangerous, so you might have to use fixed ropes for safety. After this, you'll climb several large, inclining slopes. 

As you go higher, the views become increasingly spectacular. Finally, after a lot of effort, you reach the summit of Thorong Peak. The panoramic vistas from the top are astounding. You can see the entire Annapurna range stretches out before you. To the north, you'll see the Tibetan Plateau and the distant peaks of the Himalayas. 

After enjoying the summit, you'll descend to Muktinath Temple in Ranipauwa Village. The descending route is similar to the way up. You'll pass Thorong Peak Base Camp and Thorong La Pass. You might meet other trekkers going down to Muktinath after conquering Thorong La Pass. When you reach the Muktinath Valley, you'll pass the temple area. You can visit the temple on the same day or the next morning. 

Overnight stay in Muktinath. 

You never know what challenges might pop up during the Thorong Peak trek. That's why contingency day is included in the itinerary in case you need it. Due to bad weather conditions or someone in your group isn't feeling well and needs an extra day to rest and recover. Whatever the reason, that contingency day is your safety net.

If you need to use it, you can take that time to recharge and continue your climb to the summit. But if your trek goes smoothly and everything stays on schedule, you can skip this day. That means you'll finish your journey to the top of Thorong Peak as efficiently as possible. With this extra day, you can have peace of mind knowing your safety and success are the top priorities. 

Begin your day by exploring Muktinath temple, a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. Muktinath means "God of Salvation" in Hinduism and "Nirvana" in Buddhism. Around the temple, you can see 108 sacred water spouts, the Jwalai Mai temple, an eternal flame, a Buddhist monastery, and a giant Buddha statue. 

After exploring, return to your hotel for breakfast before starting your final day of trekking. The route offers an astonishing scene of mountains and valleys.  You'll pass through Kagbeni, a traditional settlement known for its old mud-brick houses. Here, you can visit the century-old Red Monastery, locally called Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery. 

Along the route, you'll see the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge. After Kagbeni, continue trekking past Ekle Bhatti to reach Jomsom. It is the headquarters of the Mustang district, famous for its windy trail, mountain vistas, small airport, and Thakali culture. 

Overnight stay in Jomsom. 

This morning, you'll depart from Jomsom, a significant hub for Annapurna region treks. Board a short flight and prepare to be awestruck by the dramatic landscapes unfolding beneath you. The 25-minute journey offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the entire Annapurna region. 

Gaze out the window and witness the mighty Kali Gandaki River snaking through the valleys. Marvel at the majestic Annapurna Himalayan Range in all its glory and spot the iconic Annapurna trekking routes from a unique perspective. As you descend, the charming city of Pokhara will come into view, nestled beside the serene Phewa Lake.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, take some time to relax and reflect on your unforgettable expedition. If you have the energy to explore, Pokhara offers many attractions, such as Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, International Mountain Museum, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Falls, and more.

Overnight stay in Pokhara. 

After an early breakfast, you'll drive back to Kathmandu. The scenic road journey offers views of green hills and snow-capped mountains. You'll pass through traditional villages and bustling bazaars along the route. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll check into your hotel and freshen up. 

In the late evening, you'll join a farewell dinner with your fellow trekkers and guide. This is a chance to share your trekking experience, exchange photos, and swap contact information to stay in touch. If you have some free time before dinner, you can visit the lively Thamel district for souvenir shopping to remember your incredible Thorong peak climbing in Nepal. After dinner, you get back to the hotel and rest. 

Note: You have two options for traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu. For a quick trip, you can take a 25-minute domestic flight. This exciting option lets you see the Himalayan mountains from above. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, you can take an 8-9 hour bus ride. This affordable option lets you enjoy Nepal's beautiful countryside scenery. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Today is your last day in Nepal. A representative from Nepal Ascent Treks will help you get to Kathmandu International Airport based on your flight time.

You'll fly home with great memories of your trip. If you're not ready for your adventure to end, we have more options available. We also offer treks and tours in Bhutan and Tibet. Feel free to contact us if you're interested in more adventures.