Annapurna Circuit Trek with Thorong La Pass & Guide

Summary

Himalayan Multi-Day Trekking Adventure in Nepal

Experience Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit trek with a local guide—cross Thorong La Pass at sunrise, stay in cozy tea houses, and walk through remote Himalayan villages. This journey blends high-altitude adventure with real moments: warm tea at dawn, mountain views you’ll never forget, and stories from people who call these valleys home.

What’s the experience like?

“Slow down, breathe,” our guide kept reminding us as we zigzagged up the rocky trail above Manang. I could hear the soft clinking of yak bells somewhere below, mixed with the crunch of my boots on frost-hardened ground. Every morning started early—sometimes before sunrise—when the air felt sharp and cold enough to sting your nose. Tea houses along the way always had a kettle going, and I got used to warming my hands around a mug before heading out again.

The climb to Thorong La Pass was no joke. We left Phedi while it was still dark, headlamps bobbing in a slow line up the switchbacks. At 5,416 meters, the wind at the top cut right through my jacket, but I barely noticed—I was too busy staring at prayer flags snapping in every direction and that wild sweep of white peaks all around us. Our guide pointed out Dhaulagiri in the distance; he knew every mountain by name and shared stories about each village we passed.

After crossing the pass, everything changed fast—the path dropped steeply toward Muktinath, where dry brown hills replaced snowy ridges. The smell of juniper smoke drifted from small houses as we walked into Kagbeni later on. Some afternoons brought quick rain showers that left the trails slick and shiny; other days were clear enough to see for miles. By the time we reached Pokhara at the end, my legs were tired but I couldn’t stop thinking about those quiet mornings above the clouds and all the faces we met along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrival and hotel transfer

Day 2 — Kathmandu to Besisahar

• Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus

Day 3 — Besisahar to Koto

• Drive to Koto

Day 4 — Trek to Upper Pisang

• Trek Koto to Upper Pisang

Day 5 — Trek to Nawal

• Trek Upper Pisang to Nawal

Day 6 — Trek to Manang

• Trek Nawal to Manang

Day 7 — Acclimatization in Manang

• Hike to lake and mountain views

Day 8 — Trek to Yak Kharka

• Trek Manang to Yak Kharka

Day 9 — Trek to Thorang Phedi or High Camp

• Trek Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi or High Camp

Day 10 — Cross Thorang La Pass

• Trek Thorang Phedi to Muktinath via pass

Day 11 — Trek to Kagbeni

• Trek Muktinath to Kagbeni

Day 12 — Drive to Tatopani

• Bus from Kagbeni to Tatopani

Day 13 — Tatopani to Pokhara

• Tatopani to Pokhara by local bus

Day 14 — Return to Kathmandu

• Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus

Day 15 — Departure from Kathmandu

• Departure or extra activities in Kathmandu

Top questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek with Thorong La Pass?

This trek is considered challenging due to long days and high altitude—especially crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Moderate fitness and some hiking experience are recommended.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?

You’ll stay in simple tea houses along the route—these are basic lodges run by locals that offer beds and hot meals. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, hotel stays are included.

Are meals included on this Annapurna Circuit trekking tour?

Yes, standard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) are included while trekking. You’ll also get three cups of tea or coffee each day during your hike.

Is there a guide or porter service on this trip?

An English-speaking guide leads your group throughout the trek. Porter service is also provided (one porter for every two trekkers) to help carry your bags.

What’s included

Your adventure covers all ground transportation between Kathmandu, Besisahar, Tatopani, Beni, Pokhara—and back again—plus two nights’ hotel in Kathmandu and one in Pokhara with breakfast included. During your trek you’ll have tea house accommodation with daily meals (and plenty of hot drinks), an English-speaking guide by your side, porter support for luggage, all necessary permits like TIMS cards and conservation entry fees, plus airport transfers when you arrive or depart. Medical kit access is available throughout your journey so you can focus on enjoying every step in Nepal’s mountains.