Thorong Peak Climbing in the Annapurna Area of Nepal is an exclusive experience to be included on the bucket list for adventure seekers around the globe. At an altitude of 6,144m above sea level, the peak is one of the most technical and challenging peaks to climb in Nepal. However, in comparison with other peak climbing expeditions in Nepal, it is less arduous. And can be the first peak that you climb with prior experience and proper knowledge of equipment usage. Along with additional training from a well-experienced organizer like Nepal Mountain Trekkers.
As the trail up to Thorong Peak encompasses the classic routes of one of the best treks in Nepal, or say, one of the best trekking in the world, this is not going to be just an adrenaline expedition but it would rather be an enthralling and noteworthy experience of your life. Also recognized as the Annapurna Round Trekking, or Round Annapurna, Annapurna Round, and several alike titles, the trekking route is very much adored and appreciated by travel enthusiasts around the world.
Our journey starts after you enjoy some sightseeing around the culturally rich Kathmandu Valley. Initially, we take a drive from Kathmandu all the way up to Dharapani. And then the trekking starts as we ascend from Dharapani towards Chame. The trail passes through the Annapurna conservation area surrounded by picturesque mountains with a vast glacial plateau in the center. As we gain altitude, the vegetation around us slowly changes from dense forests to small shrubs; finally, we arrive at a point similar to a Tibetan plateau called Manang. There we can get insights into Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions and also acclimatize for a day.
Thorong La Pass and Muktinath
We will then cross Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Thorong La Pass blesses us with stunning views of Annapurna, Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks as never been seen before. From Thorong La Pass after we prepare for our climbing, we make it up to the summit of Thorong Peak. Well, it is going to be an achievement of a lifetime to reach that elevation. And from the Thorong Peak Summit, glorious mountain sceneries including the Nilgiri Peak, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, and Annapurna Range along with the beautiful scenery of the Mustang region and beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley make all effort worthwhile.
The trail further leads us to Muktinath as we descend from the summit and continue the journey. Muktinath is the pilgrimage site where we can see a perfect amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism. We then visit the red monastery at Kagbeni where we can view the golden book of the Dalai Lama, From Kagbeni, we will head toward Jomsom and take a flight back to Pokhara the next morning. We will explore the beautiful sightseeing places in Lake City Pokhara before we come back to Kathmandu and end our Thorong Peak Climbing trip in Nepal.
On the first day, we will be driving to Dharapani from Kathmandu. It is likely to take us about eleven hours to reach Dharapani which is situated at an elevation of 1860 meters. We will be staying overnight at Dharapani before we begin our trekking journey on the following day.
Today, we will be heading for Chame after having an early morning breakfast at Dharapani which will take us about five to six hours to reach with gentle walking. The elevation of 2,670 will be our final destination for the day where we will be staying for the night. Along the way, we will be awarded the majestic sight of Annapurna II. Various fluttering prayer flags will welcome us along the way.
After leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu and along the trail have some breathtaking views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m) until we have to re-cross on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we then head higher passing a pine-forest as we trek through the upper reaches of the Manang valley to Pisang. At the upper edge of Pisang village we can see Pisang and Chulu peaks. Tonight we stay at Pisang. Today the short day and easy day for us.
The town of Pisang is the start of our trek in the upper Manang area. Today we head to Braga; a Tibetan village with its unique architecture with its houses constructed one upon the other. One of its main attractions is its Gompa (Buddhist fortification), the largest in the Manang region. Manang is popular with trekkers and is also a place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. Today’s trek is around 4 to 5 hours. We stay here for the night.
Medical professionals recommend that before heading to higher elevations that trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also recommend staying active. From Manang you will be blessed with views of Annapurna II; Annapurna III (7555m); Gangapurna (7454 m); and to the south to Tilicho (7132 m); and the Grand Barrier (a 7000m ridge)to the west; Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) meters in the north. Today, to better acclimatize to these higher altitudes we will climb up to Khangsar (3756m). Tonight we stay at Manang.
Today we head off on a 10.4 km uphill trek of around 3 to 4 hours and head to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests, and will see yak grazing in the pastures. On the route we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. The vegetation at this elevation is mostly juniper trees. Depending on the conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Letdar.
Climbing higher we gradually get used to the higher altitude. We follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola and along the trail view steep bluffs before reaching Thorong Phedi (meaning foot hills). We can also trek for one more hour to High Camp (4800m). If we are lucky we may see the famous blue sheep and even a snow leopard! This is also home to Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the mythical griffons are in this region! The trek today will take about six hours today until we reach Thorong Phedi where we will stay overnight
Today is most likely the toughest days of the trek. The higher altitude contributes to the degree of difficulty, and sometimes strong winds in these upper regions. Along the trail we may pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting their goods. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend around 1600 metres and the brilliant Dhaulagiri (Dhavali giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. We will stay overnight at Thorong La Pass.
Pre- climbing trainnig at base camp, Before the actual climb your guide will prepare you by going over safety procedures and the use of roping techniques. The prevailing weather conditions will greatly influence the climb to the peak. However, it is in your best interests that you are prepared for any eventuality. Your day on the peak will be the highlight of this trek. The physical exertion on getting to the peak will be rewarded by some of the most jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. These memories will stay with you for a lifetime.
Today is the big day as we arise in the early hours of the morning in order to reach the peak with plenty of time to spare. We will climb steadily and have opportunities to rest and take in the incredible views before us of Thorong Peak and other surrounding snow clad peaks. The scenery is absolutely stunning and well worth the effort of climbing at these exhausting elevations. It takes about 5/6 hours to get the top from Base camp and its upto you beacouse of your stamina, how able to walk on snowline.
Extra days for climbing in event of bad weather of altitude sickness.
From Muktinath, we follow the trail for four to five hours as we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams as we head to Kagbeni. Kagbeni has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry. We will stay here overnight.
Today we have a relatively short trek of around four hours before reaching our overnight destination of Jomsom. Our trek will start about 8 am, after breakfast: This is the last day of Trekking in the mountain.
Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20 minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside.
Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour with Tourist Bus drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara with many fond memories of Himalayas Nepal and its unique culture and geography. During the travel we make lunch, coffee & Tea break, along with the Prithivi highway . All overal this Trip memories will be last of lifetime.
Our Team will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us! Hope to see you again. Namaste
Gear listed for Thorong Peak climbing :
1.
Plastic or leather
mountaineering climbing boot (one Pair)
2.
Crampons (one pair
each)
3.
Ice Axe (one each)
4.
Harness (one each)
5.
Carabineer / Three
(2 screw gates, 1 plain)
6.
Rope (50-60m)
7.
Prussic Loops (3
meters)
8.
Figure 8 /
Descender (one each)
9.
Duffel Bag
10.
Day Pack (35-45 L)
11.
Helmet (one each)
12.
Snow Gaiter (one
pair each)
13.
Jumer / Ascender
(one each)
14.
Gear tape Seattle
15.
Sleeping Bag
(-20F/-30C recommended)
16.
Down Jacket
17.
Trekking Boots
18.
Crocs (evenings
& washing)
19.
Trekking Pants
(2-3)
20.
T-Shirts (3)
21.
Long-sleeve
Trekking Shirts (2-3)
22.
Trekking Jacket
23.
Gortex (or
similar) Jacket & Pants
24.
Fleece or Thermal
Top (evenings)
25.
Fleece or Thermal
Bottoms (evenings)
26.
Lightweight Long
Underwear (to sleep in or layer under clothes)
27.
Gloves (lighter
& heavier for pass)
28.
Trekking Poles
(optional, recommended)
29.
Down Booties
(optional, recommended)
30.
Sunglasses (2)
31.
Water Bottles |
Nalgenes (2-3)
32.
Bladder (optional,
recommended)
33.
Toiletries,
Sunscreen with SPF, Lip Balm with SPF
34.
Extra Batteries
35.
Battery Chargers
36.
Head
Lamp
(2)
37.
Hand Sanitizer
38.
Small Solar Panel
(optional, recommended for iPods, iPhones, camera batteries, Kindles)
39.
Soft Toilet Paper
| Tissues (we supply toilet paper but you will want something softer for
blowing your nose)
40.
Baby-Wipes |
Wet-Wipes (for personal cleaning)
41.
Handi-Wipes,
J-Cloth, or Chux (optional: easy for a quick daytime clean, fast drying)
42.
Rehydration |
Electrolytes
43.
Personal Medical
Supplies.
44.
Snacks, chocolate
bars, energy bars (Western brands), dried fruit & nuts
45.
ALL trekking gear
(Sherpa Gear, Mountain Hardwear, Tsetang’s Gear Shop all have real gear), real
& knock-offs.
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