Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek - Location
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is located in Nepal’s central Himalayas within the Annapurna region and the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thorong Peak stands at 6,144 meters on the border of Manang Valley and Mustang Valley, near Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
The trek traverses several districts, including Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski. The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area in Nepal and features a diverse range of ecosystems, landscapes, and cultural experiences. As a result, this trip offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, as well as a rewarding sense of achievement after summiting Thorong Peak. The trek also encircles the Annapurna Massif, which is part of the larger Annapurna Himalaya range.
The trek usually starts from Syange, which is about a 6–9 hour drive from Kathmandu, and ends in Nayapul after crossing Thorong La Pass. From Nayapul, you drive back to Kathmandu via Pokhara. The trek is accessible from both Pokhara and Kathmandu, which are popular starting points for trekkers.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
The difficulty level of the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges from moderate to challenging. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderate due to the length of the trip, the high elevations, and the remote locations, while the Thorong Peak climb is more challenging because it involves climbing over 6,000 meters and staying one night in a tent camp.
This trip requires good physical fitness, a strong mindset, basic mountaineering training, previous high-altitude trekking experience, and strong determination. It is also important to hire an experienced climbing guide and a reliable porter. You will walk at high elevations across mixed landscapes for approximately six to seven hours each day with gradually increasing altitude, followed by a long descent from Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. The climb to Thorong Peak may require ten to twelve hours of walking, depending on conditions.
Overall, this trip is ideal for those who want to combine trekking with climbing a 6,000-meter peak in a single adventure. Despite its difficulty, the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek is achievable for motivated climbers and trekkers, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit makes the journey truly worthwhile.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek – Best Time
The best time for the Thorong Peak Climb and Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the autumn season, from September to December, and the spring season, from March to May. The same rule applies to most trekking and climbing routes in Nepal. Both seasons offer ideal weather conditions with minimal rain and snow, moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, and clear mountain views.
These seasons also coincide with major Nepali festivals such as Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Dashain, and Tihar, which add cultural beauty and make the trekking experience even more memorable.
Winter (December to February), and summer (June to August) are not recommended for the Thorong Peak Climb and Annapurna Circuit Trek. During the monsoon season, heavy rain reduces visibility, makes trails slippery, and creates difficult trekking conditions. In winter, snowfall in high mountain areas increases the risk of climbing Thorong Peak, even with an experienced guide and proper gear.
Therefore, climbers should choose the best season to successfully complete the trip without any problems.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek – Cost
The cost of the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek is USD 2,050 per person for our 15-day standard itinerary, starting from your arrival in Kathmandu and ending with your departure from Kathmandu, as outlined in the detailed itinerary. This price is based on a minimum of two participants.
You can review the full list of inclusions and exclusions in the Cost Details section.
Please note that the cost may vary depending on factors such as group size, season, nationality, trip duration, chosen services, transportation, and accommodation. There may also be additional expenses not mentioned in the cost details, such as extra meals, drinks, bar bills, bottled water, travel insurance, luxury accommodation upgrades, personal trekking and climbing gear, and private or luxury transportation.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek – Permits
The Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek requires the following permits. Permit fees may vary depending on the season, and all required permits must be obtained before starting the trek and climb.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
Thorong Peak Climbing Permit:-
- Spring season: USD 300 per person
- Autumn season: USD 175 per person
- Winter and summer seasons: USD 100 per person
These permits are compulsory for the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek and are issued through registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu. It is recommended to obtain them in advance to avoid any hassles during your trek.
You must carry your permits throughout the entire journey and present them at each checkpoint along the trail. Trekking or climbing without the required permits is not allowed, and you will not be permitted to climb Thorong Peak.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek – Altitude Sickness and Prevention
During the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek, some trekkers and climbers may experience high-altitude sickness, as the trek reaches 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass and 6,144 meters at the summit of Thorong Peak. As you ascend, oxygen levels and air pressure decrease compared to sea level. Once you reach an altitude above 3,000 meters, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
If you experience any of these symptoms during the trip, it is important to address them immediately to avoid serious health risks and difficulties in completing the trek. Always follow your guide’s instructions, as they are experienced and knowledgeable about high-altitude conditions.
While ascending on the Annapurna Circuit, be honest with your guide about how you are feeling. Your guide may advise you to walk slowly and, if necessary, sleep at a lower altitude before continuing higher. This process, known as acclimatization, helps your body gradually adjust to increased elevation and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
To help prevent altitude sickness, follow the planned itinerary carefully to allow proper acclimatization. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eat a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, maintain a steady and comfortable pace, and avoid alcohol and sedatives. By following these precautions, you can reduce the risk of altitude sickness and enjoy a safer and more successful trek. However, if symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, you must descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek – Food and Accommodation
Food and accommodation options on the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek are sufficient due to the popularity of the route. Every year, new lodges are built and additional rooms are added to provide better facilities for trekkers. Most teahouses strive to offer good service and comfortable accommodation for travelers.
Normally, teahouses provide private twin-sharing rooms with two beds and shared indoor bathrooms. In some locations, luxury lodges with upgraded facilities are also available, although these may be limited in certain areas. The quality of lodges varies from place to place, so you can choose accommodation according to your budget. However, during the Thorong Peak climb, you must stay in a tent camp, as there are no teahouse facilities at Thorong Peak Base Camp.
Every lodge has a food menu, and the food items are quite similar throughout the trek. We strongly recommend the typical Nepali dish “Dal Bhat” (boiled rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), as it is fresh, nutritious, and energy-rich. However, you may choose other items from the menu if you prefer. Many lodges grow fresh vegetables in their own gardens and serve them to customers. The cooks are generally trained, though the taste may differ slightly from Western cuisine.
Meat is often not very fresh in high mountain areas, so it is advisable to eat vegetarian meals during the trek. At the tent camp at Thorong Peak Base Camp, food options are limited but sufficient, as the guide and porters prepare simple, freshly cooked meals for the team.
Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek – WiFi and Internet Service
Along the Thorong Peak Climb + Annapurna Circuit Trek route, internet service is available in most teahouses from Dharapani to Thorong Phedi, usually free of charge. However, the connection is not always reliable because many people use the same network, and weather conditions can also affect the signal. Internet service is not available at Thorong Peak Base Camp.
In most teahouses, WiFi works mainly in the dining hall and sometimes in rooms located near the dining area. Trekkers and climbers can also use mobile data (4G), which generally works up to Manang. For this, you need to purchase a Nepali SIM card (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) in Kathmandu before starting the trip.
From Manang to Muktinath, mobile network coverage is not work for several days. In case of an emergency or if you need to contact your family, our guide will assist in arranging communication. The guide can contact our office to pass on messages, as we always monitor your trek and health condition and are ready to assist with any problems during the journey.
Getting There: Nepal
Between China's Tibet Autonomous Region and India, Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation. It has eight of the top ten mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. There are numerous points from China and India where one can enter Nepal by land. Tourist visas for Nepal are available on arrival at all Indian and Chinese borders if you are traveling there by land. There are numerous foreign airlines providing nonstop connecting flights to Nepal if you're arriving by air. Nepal Airlines, Turkish Air, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Air, Jet Airways, Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Travel Dubai, Air Arabia, and Air China are a few of the well-known airlines that fly to Nepal. From China or India, one can also go overland. Please check your flight and get in touch with us before arriving in Nepal. At the airport in Nepal, you can easily obtain a on arrival visa.
Visa and passport information
Except for Indian passport holders, all foreign visitors to Nepal need a visa; however, you must have a passport with a six-month validity date in order to apply for a tourist visa. At the Tribhuvan International Airport and the Chinese-Indian border in Tibet, visas are available on arrival. To apply for a visa to enter Nepal, you must have a color photograph in PP size. Please click this link for more details about Visa Information.
Money exchange rate and prices
If you're seeking for the best foreign exchange rates and locations in Nepal, you may easily exchange the majority of your foreign currency at a local bank or authorized money exchange facility in a well-known tourist destination. The Nepal Rastra Bank controls all exchange rates (Center Bank of Nepal). You can exchange small amounts of money at the hotel if you want to. Because our banks will not take dirty or old notes, kindly bring clean and fresh notes.
In order to avoid the time-consuming processes associated with cards and traveler's checks, Nepalese people typically prefer cash in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other locations. You can use an ATM to get cash (in Nepali Rupees) if you have a credit or debit card. In the main tourist city, there are a number of ATM counters with 24-hour service. If you use a card, the maximum withdrawal amount is between 30,000 and 35,000 rupees at once, plus a processing fee of 500 rupees.
You must convert your money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the hike because the majority of trekking routes do not offer a facility for international currency exchange. Additionally, inquire about the amount of money required for a Himalayan trek from your trekking operator or guide.
Safety and security
When traveling in Nepal, safety and security are crucial issues to consider both on the way to in and out. We are here for you at all times, and we promise to provide the greatest service to all of our cherished clients. Our guides have extensive training in the field of trekking and broad understanding of first aid items. Because it rises more than 4000 m above sea level, it is essential for hiking in Nepal. Because health is crucial, if a trekker becomes ill from the high altitude, our knowledgeable guide discusses the necessary medications and decides to continue the trek while organizing the emergency rescue.
You must be cautious when hiking trails pass one other because they are not wide enough to do so. During the busiest trekking season, there are lots of porters, yaks, mules, and Jokpe along the trail. You must stay on the safe side if you encounter them on a bridge or in a confined space because otherwise they may force you over the edge.
Safe drinking water
For a healthy body while traveling and staying hydrated, clean water is essential. It will be the most effective method of completing the Himalayan journey. If not, getting sick and having diarrhea is simple. Almost everywhere during the Nepalese tea house trip, but not during the camping trek, sells bottled water. Unfortunately, bottled water is very pricey.
Please bring good water bottles (for boiling water) and water purification tablets or water filter bottles since plastic bottles are detrimental for the environment. Reusable water bottles are a good idea because they help keep the mountain clean. If you are concerned about finding a typical water tap to fill up your bottles in the trekking region of Nepal, they are very simple to locate. It can be found in rivers, streams, and lodges.
Travel insurance and insurance policy
Nepal hiking tours: The difficulty levels of the Himalayas range from easy to tough. As a result of the Himalayan climate changing, there is a risk of high altitude and potential mishap.
Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas demands practical trekking abilities at high altitudes (above 4,000 meters), so travel insurance is essential. If an accident occurs during a trip and requires medical attention or evacuation, the cost of returning to a city and receiving treatment may be significant. Therefore, you must ensure that your insurance covers the price of an air ambulance, medical care, and any risks associated with travel, such as delayed flights and lost, stolen, damaged, or missing baggage. Your complete itinerary while visiting Nepal should be covered by your insurance policy. Make sure your insurance policy covers hikes higher than 5,500 meters. If not, you will be responsible for all unforeseen costs associated with your trek through Nepal.
All trekkers must send a copy of their certificate from their comprehensive travel insurance policy to High Pass Adventure as part of the booking process for trekking and climbing in Nepal.
High altitude sickness information
Mountain sickness is another name for high altitude sickness. You must be aware of high altitude sickness symptoms since they arise rapidly if you hike or ascend to a higher elevation. Here are some details if you're curious as to why it occurs. The air pressure is the main cause of altitude sickness. Your body needs time to adapt to the shift in air pressure when you travel to higher elevations since the air pressure decreases and there is less oxygen present. According to doctors, If you are at sea level, it begins at 8,000 feet (2400 meters).
1) Types
There are three types of altitude sickness:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): it is very common and symptoms feel like a tiredness, dizzy, headache, thirsty, muscle aches, nausea
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): it is effect in the lungs, which can be very dangerous and hard to do life threatening
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): it is effective in the brain and most difficult to treat and you need to go to hospital attention the right way.
2) Cause
Following are the causes of high altitude sickness:
Generally living near sea level and travel to a high elevation
Had the sickness before
Climbing quickly
Not being acclimatized to the altitude
Drinking alcohol when you ascend
Medical problems of heart, nervous or lungs
3) Symptoms
These symptoms will appear depending on your speed to climb and how hard you push. Symptoms range from normal to serious. They can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart.
Here are symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid Pulse (Heart Rate)
Short breath with action
Blue color of skin or gray soft skin
Chest tightness or blocking
Confusion
Dry cough or coughing with blood
Cannot walk in a straight line
4) Prevention
Important keys to preventing of High Altitude Sickness are:
Climb the mountain gradually.
Stop every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of climb above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and one or two nights sleep there.
Sleep at a lower altitude when possible.
Make sure that you have the ability to quickly descend if needed.
Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness.
If you plan on climbing quickly, or climbing to a high altitude, ask your provider about medicines that may help.
If you are at risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia), ask your provider if your planned trip is safe. Also ask if an iron supplement is right for you. Anemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes you more likely to have mountain sickness.
5) While climbing, you should follow these rules:
Drink plenty of water
Climb slowly.
Take it easy
Do not drink alcohol.
Eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrates.
Sleep lower elevation
Take a medication (diomax) according to doctor
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