Thorong Peak Climbing

16 Days  |  Summit Altitude: 6,144 m  |Moderate

Introduction

Thorong Peak rises to 6,144 metres on the southern flank of the famous Thorong La pass in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is one of the more accessible technical peaks in Nepal and is relatively straightforward in its climbing demands, making it an excellent choice for trekkers who have strong high-altitude walking experience and want to take their first steps into genuine summit climbing. The route follows the classic Annapurna Circuit trail through the Marsyangdi Valley and over the Thorong La, which at 5,416 metres is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, before setting up camp and making the summit push.

The Annapurna Conservation Area through which this trek passes is the largest protected area in Nepal and one of the most biodiverse mountain regions in the world. The cultural diversity of the people along the route is remarkable. In the lower Marsyangdi valley you walk through the terraced rice fields and villages of Gurung and Magar communities. As the valley rises and narrows past Pisang, the character changes to the high alpine world of the Manang Valley, where the people are Tibetan Buddhist in culture and tradition and the landscape becomes increasingly arid and high. The town of Manang at 3,540 metres is the last significant settlement before the pass and an essential acclimatization stop. The mountains visible throughout the trek include Annapurna I at 8,091 metres, Dhaulagiri at 8,167 metres, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and the entire Annapurna massif. From the summit of Thorong Peak itself, the panorama of the Annapurna range and the Mustang valleys is outstanding.

Trip Details

Duration:  16 Days

Summit Altitude:  6,144 m (Thorong Peak)

Thorong La Pass Altitude:5,416 m

High Camp Altitude:  5,416 m (Thorong La / Thorong Phedi area)

Climbing Grade:  Moderate, suitable for fit trekkers with basic alpine skills

Difficulty Level:  Moderate to Challenging

Best Season:  March to May and September to November

Start Point:  Kathmandu

End Point:  Pokhara to Kathmandu

Trek Region:  Annapurna Conservation Area, Manang District

Major Highlights

• Summit of Thorong Peak with Annapurna and Mustang Views: The summit of Thorong Peak at 6,144 metres delivers outstanding views of the full Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and the arid Mustang plateau stretching north toward Tibet. It is one of the most panoramic summit views available on any trekking peak in Nepal.

• Crossing the Thorong La Pass: The Thorong La at 5,416 metres is one of the highest trekking passes in the world and the most dramatic crossing on the Annapurna Circuit. Even without the summit, crossing from the Manang side to the Mustang side of the pass is one of the finest moments in Himalayan trekking.

• The Annapurna Circuit, Manang Culture, and Muktinath: The approach through the Annapurna Circuit gives you the best of the region: the deep gorges of the Marsyangdi, the high plateau world of Manang with its Tibetan culture, and the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath on the descent. It is an extraordinary 16-day journey through Nepal's finest mountain landscape.

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu   (1,400 m)

Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The evening is free. Thorong Peak is classified as a moderate climb and is suitable for trekkers with strong high-altitude walking experience who are ready to learn basic crampon and rope technique.

Day 2:  Briefing and Climbing Preparation in Kathmandu   (1,400 m)

Full briefing at the Friendship Trekking office. Your guide explains the complete Annapurna Circuit approach, the acclimatization plan, and the summit procedure on Thorong Peak. The peak is climbed from the High Camp area at the Thorong La on the same day you cross the pass, making it a very long but extraordinarily rewarding day. Climbing permits and all other permits are arranged today.

Day 3:  Drive Kathmandu to Chame   (2,670 m)

A long drive of around eight to nine hours west from Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway and then north up the Marsyangdi gorge to Chame. The road passes through dramatic gorge scenery in the upper sections. Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang district and a comfortable base for the first night.

Day 4:  Trek Chame to Pisang   (3,300 m)

The first walking day follows the Marsyangdi River through dense pine forest with increasingly dramatic mountain views. You pass through Bhratang and enter a long curved rock wall that channels the river through a narrow canyon. The valley opens into a wide plain at Pisang, which has an ancient watchtower and a small monastery on the ridge above.

Day 5:  Trek Pisang to Manang   (3,540 m)

One of the finest walking days of the entire circuit. The high route via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal runs along a high ridge with stunning mountain panoramas including Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and the full Manang Valley stretching ahead. Both routes converge at Braga, a medieval cliff village, before reaching Manang.

Day 6:  Acclimatization Day in Manang   (3,540 m)

A critical acclimatization day before the high camp. We recommend hiking to Gangapurna Lake at 3,900 metres or pushing up to Ice Lake at around 4,600 metres for conditioning. In the afternoon the Himalayan Rescue Association usually gives a free altitude sickness talk in Manang, which all trekkers are strongly encouraged to attend.

Day 7:  Trek Manang to Yak Kharka   (4,050 m)

Leaving Manang, the trail climbs steadily through open yak pasture with the Annapurna peaks in constant view. The air gets noticeably thinner. Yak Kharka is a small settlement with basic lodges and actual yaks on the surrounding hillsides. Drink plenty of water and sleep early.

Day 8:  Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp   (4,925 m)

A demanding day of continuous climbing from Yak Kharka to High Camp at 4,925 metres. Every section is uphill and the altitude makes the effort more pronounced. High Camp is basic but functional. Eat a full dinner, prepare your climbing gear, and get to bed as early as possible. Tomorrow starts before 4 in the morning.

Day 9:  Acclimatization and Pre-Climb Training at High Camp   (4,925 m)

A day of preparation and light conditioning. Your climbing guide runs through crampon fitting, ice axe technique, rope movement, and the procedures for summit day. The actual summit attempt goes via the Thorong La before climbing south toward the peak, so understanding the route and sequence is important. Rest as much as possible in the afternoon.

Day 10:  Cross Thorong La, Summit Thorong Peak, Descend to Muktinath   (5,416 m / 6,144 m / 3,760 m)

The single biggest day of the trip. You leave High Camp before 4 in the morning and climb to Thorong La at 5,416 metres. From the pass, rather than descending immediately to Muktinath, the climbing team turns south and ascends the ridge toward the summit of Thorong Peak at 6,144 metres. The climbing involves crampons and ice axe work on snow slopes of up to 40 degrees. The summit view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and the Mustang plateau is outstanding. After the summit, you descend to the Thorong La and then make the long drop to Muktinath, arriving in the afternoon. It is an enormously long day but one of the most complete high-altitude experiences available on any trekking peak in Nepal.

Day 11:  Explore Muktinath, Rest Day   (3,760 m)

A full rest day at Muktinath, which is both physically necessary after yesterday and culturally rewarding. The Muktinath temple complex with its 108 water spouts and eternal flame is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Take the morning slowly and visit the temple complex in the afternoon. The descent in altitude from High Camp to Muktinath brings immediate physical relief.

Day 12:  Trek Muktinath to Marpha   (2,670 m)

The trail descends through the extraordinary arid landscape of upper Mustang, passing through the walled town of Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki valley to Marpha. Marpha is one of the most beautiful villages in the Annapurna region, famous for its apple orchards and the brandy made from them.

Day 13:  Drive Marpha to Jomsom, Fly to Pokhara   (820 m)

A short drive from Marpha to Jomsom for the morning domestic flight to Pokhara. The 20-minute flight follows the Kali Gandaki south and gives final views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the air. Pokhara on arrival is a welcome warm and pleasant city.

Day 14:  Pokhara Leisure Day   (820 m)

A free day in Pokhara to rest, walk the lakeside, take a boat on Phewa Lake, or simply sit with a good meal and let the past 13 days of mountain walking settle in you.

Day 15:  Fly or Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu   (1,400 m)

Return to Kathmandu by domestic flight (25 minutes) or tourist bus (around seven hours). Farewell dinner with the Friendship Trekking team in the evening.

Day 16:  International Departure   (1,400 m)

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. The Thorong Peak Climbing trip is one of the most complete mountain adventures in Nepal, combining the finest trekking scenery in the Annapurna region with a genuine 6,000-metre summit. Thank you for climbing with Friendship Trekking.