Thorong La Pass Trek

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Upon your arrival in Nepal, Jagadamba Holidays representatives will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport, holding a Jagadamba Holidays placard (signboard). In the event of a late-night arrival, our representative will arrange private transportation to the hotel. Detailed information about tour briefings and group meeting times will be communicated by the representative.

During the meeting, we will discuss travel plans and services, and introduce the trek or tour guide according to the itinerary. It is mandatory to complete a legally binding travel form and a non-liability disclaimer form during this session. If any individual has an outstanding tour payment, it must be settled at this meeting. Accommodations for the night will be provided at Kathmandu Guest House or at a hotel of similar standard in Thamel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you set out early from Kathmandu to Ngadi Bazar (930 m), making the journey in a private vehicle. Covering a distance of approximately 185 km, the travel time is approximately 7 hours. The road leading to Besishahar is in good condition, and it transitions into a gravel road as you approach Ngadi Bazar.

Upon reaching the hotel in Ngadi Bazar, take a moment to refresh and unwind, allowing for some free time to engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at Trekkers Holiday Lodge in Ngadi Bazar.

Following breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek commences. The journey takes you across several suspension bridges, enchanting waterfalls, and through picturesque landscapes of paddy fields and forests. Upon reaching Jagat village, a breathtaking view unfolds, with the Marshyangdi River below and rocky mountains surrounding the area. The beehives perched on the cliff tops add a unique attraction to today’s trek.

The trek from Ngadi Bazaar to Jagat requires approximately six and a half hours of walking. Once you arrive in Jagat, take some time to rejuvenate and enjoy personal activities. A comfortable overnight stay awaits you at Hotel Paradise in Jagat.

After having breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek unfolds through enchanting landscapes. The trail takes you through rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests on the rocky slopes of the mountain. As you traverse narrow and steep valleys, a bridge leads to a steep ascent, eventually opening into a wide valley. Upon reaching the lake village, you’ll have the chance to witness the cultivation of barley, wheat, and potatoes. The trek continues through varied terrain until reaching Dharapani.

The journey to Dharapani from Jagat entails about seven hours of walking. Once in Dharapani (1,860 m), take the time to freshen up and engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at Hotel Gurkha’s Inn or a similar standard lodge in Dharapani.

After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek commences from Dharapani. The trail leads through steep slopes and forested cliffs. Passing through Danakyu village, a climb brings you to Tamang village, offering panoramic views of Manaslu, Lamjung, Annapurna, and other mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous waterfalls, with a stunning backdrop of Lamjung Peak, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.

Today’s trek takes you through villages where Tibetan culture influences, serving as a transitional zone between the plains and the hills. The path follows a flat route to Tanchok, Koto, and ultimately arrives in Chame.

The trek to Chame from Dharapani involves approximately seven hours of walking. Upon reaching Chame (2,710 m), take some time to refresh and engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Royal Garden Hotel or a similar standard lodge in Chame.

Following breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek embarks with an ascent to Talekhu, passing through the old part of Chame. The trail then meanders along a flat path through the forest to Bhratang. As you progress, the trek encompasses undulating slopes, streams, and small settlements. Crossing a bridge, the journey continues toward the enchanting Manang Valley.

The Paungda Danda (Pangri Danda – 4666 m) offers captivating views, and the final stretch of today’s trek provides a panoramic perspective of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Upon entering the Manang Valley, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation.

The trek to Upper Pisang from Chame takes approximately six hours. Upon reaching Upper Pisang (3,300 m), take some time to rejuvenate and engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Hotel Manang Marshyangdi or a similar standard lodge in Upper Pisang.

After breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek commences from the town of Pisang, marking the onset of the upper reaches of the Manang District. The trail ascends to the Tibetan-style village of Braga, where you will have the opportunity to explore the Bhraka (Braga) Monastery. The houses in Braga are constructed atop one another with terraces, creating a unique landscape. The Gompa in Braga stands out as the largest in the Manang district, adorned with a diverse array of statues, perched on a high crag offering a panoramic view of the entire village of Manang.

Continuing on the way to Manang, trekkers are treated to a panoramic view of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and various other mountain peaks. Upon reaching Manang, the terrain becomes windy and dry. There are two routes from Upper Pisang to Manang village, and the chosen route passes through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru (3,670 m). This path offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna Himal, Pisang Peak, and other peaks.

The trek to Manang village from Upper Pisang via Ghyaru and Nawal entails approximately seven and a half hours of walking. Once in Manang village (3,540 m), take some time to refresh and engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Tilicho Hotel or a similar standard lodge in Manang.

The itinerary includes an additional trekking day in Manang to facilitate acclimatization for trekkers. Acclimatization is crucial when ascending to high altitudes to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Experts recommend that travelers embarking on the Annapurna Circuit practice walking at the high altitude of Manang, as the trek will continue at a higher elevation starting tomorrow.

Manang, with its stunning natural surroundings, provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. On a pleasant day in Manang, a short trip to Khangsar can be a great alternative trek. Additionally, trekkers can opt for a brief walk to Manang’s Bhojo Monastery or Gangapurna Lake on their rest days in Manang Village.

Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Tilicho Hotel or a similar standard lodge in Manang.

Following breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek commences, offering a relatively short and rejuvenating walk as you proceed towards Yak Kharka. As the trail transitions from tall trees to alpine grass and junipers, you’ll find yourself in a meadow where horses and yaks graze peacefully. The grasslands of Yak Kharka provide a serene environment with steep slopes, making it an ideal location for an overnight stay. Alternatively, trekkers have the option to walk for an additional hour to reach Ledar (4,200 m) above sea level and spend the night there.

Compared to the previous day’s trek, today’s walk is not as challenging, with a smoother path and less rocky terrain. The view of Yak Kharka is captivating, offering a fascinating landscape. The trek to Yak Kharka (4,000 m) from Manang takes approximately four hours. Upon arrival, take some time to refresh and engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Hotel Thorong Peak or a similar standard lodge in Yak Kharka.

Following breakfast at the lodge, today’s trek embarks on the route from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi via Ledar. The trek from the eastern bank of Jarang Khola to Ledar aids in acclimatization to the increased altitude. After a portion of the journey, you’ll cross a suspension bridge to reach the Ledar village. From Ledar, the trail ascends, leading you to Thorong Phedi, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by steep hills. The area is known for potential sightings of blue sheep and snow leopards, while Lammergeiers and Griffons are more commonly seen.

During today’s trek, trekkers will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Syagang, Mount Gudang, Mount Khatungkang, and Thorong Peak (6,144 m). The trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) from Yak Kharka takes approximately three hours. Upon arrival, take some time to refresh and engage in personal activities. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Hotel New Phedi or a similar standard lodge in Thorong Phedi.

Today, our trek will commence early in the morning. The trail is generally manageable throughout the year, although it can be challenging due to strong winds in the higher elevations. This route has served as a pathway for transporting commercial goods in and out of the Manang district for centuries. After approximately six hours of trekking, we will reach Thorong La Pass, where our efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the massive snow peaks, including Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Khatungkang. As we ascend to a height of 5,416 meters above sea level, the majestic Dhaulagiri comes into view.

Following the pass, the trail becomes less steep, leading through grasslands and meadows before reaching Muktinath. Muktinath holds religious significance in Hinduism, representing a place of Nirvana with temples and numerous monasteries, making it a sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Jwala Mai Temple, featuring a waterfall and eternal flame, along with a holy water stream pouring 108 water spouts, is a major attraction that draws thousands of pilgrims annually. The journey from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,780 m) takes about eight to nine hours. Once there, you can rejuvenate and have free time for personal activities. Enjoy an overnight stay at Hotel Grand Shambala or a similar standard lodge in Muktinath.

In the morning, we’ll pay a visit to the Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. After exploring the temple, we’ll return to the hotel and have half an hour of free time for breakfast. Following this, today’s trek will commence. For Hindus, this region is known as “Mukti Kshetra,” signifying a place of liberation or salvation. We’ll also relish the breathtaking view of the Dhaulagiri peak.

From Muktinath, we follow a trail that is part of the Jomsom trek, descending through meadows, streams, and fruit trees until we reach Kagbeni. After exploring the old village, we continue our descent. Moving onward from Kagbeni, we trek to Jomsom, entering the Kali Gandaki valley. The journey to Jomsom (2,750 m) from Muktinath through Kagbeni takes approximately six hours. Once there, you can freshen up and enjoy free time for your personal activities. Stay overnight at the Hotel Moonlight or a similar standard lodge in Jomsom.

The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu is a scenic and convenient air travel option for those trekking in the Annapurna region. The flight route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. Here is a detailed description:

Jomsom to Pokhara Flight:
The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is a short yet spectacular journey. Jomsom, located in the Mustang region, is surrounded by high mountains, and the flight provides stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The short duration of the flight allows travelers to appreciate the diverse landscapes, from arid landscapes to lush hills.

Layover in Pokhara:
Upon arriving in Pokhara, passengers may have a layover before proceeding to Kathmandu. Pokhara is a popular tourist destination known for its serene lakes, beautiful landscapes, and stunning mountain views. Travelers can use this layover to explore Pokhara’s attractions or relax by the tranquil Phewa Lake.

Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight:
The flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu offers another opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas. The flight provides panoramic views of the Annapurna and Langtang mountain ranges. As the aircraft descends towards Kathmandu, passengers can catch glimpses of the Kathmandu Valley and the cityscape.

Arrival in Kathmandu:
The journey concludes upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu is rich in cultural heritage, and visitors can explore historical sites, temples, and vibrant markets in the city. After landing, passengers can proceed to their accommodation or engage in further exploration of the vibrant Kathmandu city.

It’s worth noting that flight schedules and experiences may vary, and travelers should check with the respective airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a driver and a representative of the company at the domestic airport. They will assist you and facilitate your transfer to Thamel. Your accommodation for the night will be arranged at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, Kathmandu. This popular area in Kathmandu offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, providing you with a comfortable and convenient stay.

A buffer day in Kathmandu allows for flexibility in your travel itinerary. It provides an extra day to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays, weather conditions, or personal preferences. During this buffer day, you have the option to explore more of Kathmandu, visit cultural sites, indulge in local cuisine, or simply relax and prepare for your journey ahead. This additional day ensures a smoother travel experience and allows you to make the most of your time in Nepal’s capital city.

It’s great to know that you have the option to arrange local sightseeing tours on request. Offering flexibility in the itinerary for additional sightseeing and experiences enhances the overall travel experience. Travelers can customize their journey based on personal preferences and explore specific destinations of interest. The provision of hiring both a guide and a vehicle adds convenience and ensures a more personalized exploration. Additionally, mentioning that entrance fees apply to UNESCO monuments provides clarity regarding additional costs. Overall, this approach allows for a tailored and enriched travel experience for those interested in exploring beyond the trekking package. Your accommodation for the night will be arranged at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, Kathmandu.

After enjoying breakfast, kindly vacate your room and store your luggage at the hotel. Feel free to unwind in the hotel lobby or explore the nearby local market for any last-minute shopping for friends and family before you head to the airport for your homeward flight.

As there is limited space at Kathmandu Airport, all airlines have requested passengers to report at the check-in counter three hours before the actual departure time. To accommodate this, we will pick you up from the hotel three and a half hours in advance, considering the estimated travel time to the airport is approximately half an hour.

We sincerely hope that your visit to Nepal and the experiences you’ve had during your stay will inspire you to revisit Nepal in the future. As per Jagadamba Holidays’ service policy, we will bid you farewell at the airport. Wishing you a secure and enjoyable journey ahead.