Namaste and welcome to the world of adventure in the heart of the Himalayas!
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful and exciting trekking routes in Nepal. It takes you around the massive Annapurna mountain range, where you can see snow-covered peaks, walk through traditional mountain villages, and experience the local culture and nature at its best. This trek is famous all over the world because it offers so much variety in one single journey.
One of the most important and challenging parts of this trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass, which stands at a breathtaking height of 5416 meters. This high mountain pass is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. Reaching the top of Thorong La is not easy, but the feeling you get when you stand there, surrounded by mountains, is something you will never forget. It’s the moment many trekkers dream of – and it’s totally worth the effort.
But the Annapurna Circuit is not just about the main route. There are two amazing side trips you can add to make your adventure even more special:
👉 The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a quiet and hidden path that takes you to a remote Tibetan-style valley, where the culture is untouched and the landscapes are wild and peaceful.
👉 The Tilicho Lake Trek leads you to one of the highest lakes in the world, Tilicho Lake (4919m). The lake sits below snowy peaks and shines like a mirror in the sky.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful and popular treks in Nepal. This round trek goes around the Annapurna Mountain Range, starting from Besisahar or Bhulbhule and ending in Pokhara. It takes you through green valleys, villages, forests, and high mountain deserts.
🏔 Highest Point: Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters)
📍 Main Stops: Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Tatopani
📅 Duration: 14 to 21 days
🌍 Regions Covered: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi
Highlights include stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail mountains, diverse cultures (Gurung, Thakali, Tibetan), and side trips to Tilicho Lake and Nar Phu Valley.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Thorong La Pass – A Journey of a Lifetime
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful adventures. If you’re thinking about booking this trek, it’s important to know where it starts and what you’ll see. With Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, you’ll enjoy expert guidance, comfort, and safety every step of the way.
Where Does the Trek Begin?
Most trekkers start from Besisahar or Chamje, which are easy to reach from Kathmandu. When you book with us, we take care of all transport so your trek starts smoothly.
Main Villages and Stops Along the Way
The route passes through stunning mountain villages and scenic spots like:
Whre is Thorong La Pass?
Thorong La is between Thorong Phedi and Muktinath, and is the highest point of the trek. You’ll start early (around 4 AM) to cross it safely. Our team ensures you’re well-acclimatized and fully supported to make it over this mountain pass.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Thorong La Pass – A Journey of a Lifetime
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful adventures. If you’re thinking about booking this trek, it’s important to know where it starts and what you’ll see. With Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, you’ll enjoy expert guidance, comfort, and safety every step of the way.
Where Does the Trek Begin?
Most trekkers start from Besisahar or Chamje, which are easy to reach from Kathmandu. When you book with us, we take care of all transport so your trek starts smoothly.
Main Villages and Stops Along the Way
The route passes through stunning mountain villages and scenic spots like:
Where is Thorong La Pass?
Thorong La is between Thorong Phedi and Muktinath, and is the highest point of the trek. You’ll start early (around 4 AM) to cross it safely. Our team ensures you’re well-acclimatized and fully supported to make it over this mountain pass.
If you are planning to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek, then yes—crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) is the biggest highlight and also the toughest challenge of the trek. This high mountain pass connects the lush green side of Manang to the dry, beautiful land of Mustang. Many trekkers dream of standing at the top of this pass, and when they finally do, it becomes one of the proudest moments of their lives.
Thorong La Pass is one of the highest trekking passes in the world. It sits at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. When people talk about doing the Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La, this pass is what they mean. It’s the highest point of the entire journey and a key reason why this trek is so famous.
For centuries, local people used this route to trade goods between the mountains and the lowlands. Now, it’s part of one of Nepal’s best trekking adventures. If you’re looking for real Himalayan excitement, then the Thorong La Pass trek is for you.
Crossing Thorong La is not easy—it’s a real adventure. The trail is steep, the weather is cold, and the air is very thin. You have to start the trek early in the morning (around 4:00 AM) because the wind gets stronger later in the day. It usually takes about 8 to 9 hours to reach the pass and then descend to Muktinath.
But when you reach the top, the feeling is just wow. You see snow-covered mountains all around, and the view is out of this world. You’ll feel proud of yourself for coming this far. That’s why so many people book the Annapurna Circuit trek with Thorong La Pass—because it’s not just a walk, it’s a life memory.
Thorong La Pass difficulty is high, but it’s manageable if you prepare well. You don’t need to be a mountain climber—but you do need to be fit and walk slowly. Spend a few days in Manang or Tilicho Base Camp to get used to the altitude. Drink plenty of water, eat well, and walk with a steady pace.
If you are worried about the altitude, don’t worry—we are here to help. At Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, we provide expert guides who know the trail, the weather, and how to keep you safe. Our Thorong La trek packages are carefully planned with enough rest days and acclimatization so you can enjoy every step of your journey.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the highest and hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It’s beautiful—but also very tough. Before crossing, you need to prepare well. At Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, we help you get ready and stay safe.
One big danger is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may feel:
If this happens, stop, rest, or go down. Booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek with guide is smart. Our guides know the signs of sickness and carry medicine.
✅ Tip: Walk slowly, drink water, and don’t rush.
Thorong La weather changes fast. Snow can fall anytime. So choose the right season.
✅ Best season:
Avoid winter—too much snow. At Nature Heaven Treks, we plan the best time for your safety.
To cross Thorong La, you need:
Physical: Walk or hike daily, train with a backpack.
Mental: Stay calm, trust your guide.
With our Thorong La Pass trek package, we support you from start to finish.
Not ready for 5,416m? That’s okay! Nature Heaven Treks offers safer options:
Visit Manang village and return the same way. Great for a short, safe trek.
Annapurna Circuit short trek
Visit Tilicho Lake (4,919m) and return without crossing Tilicho or Thorong La passes.
Tilicho Lake return trek
Sometimes, you can take a jeep from Manang to Besisahar (weather-dependent). We check and arrange it for you.
Nar Phu Valley Trek – A Peaceful Side Trip on the Annapurna Circuit
If you’re looking for a quiet, untouched Himalayan adventure, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is perfect. It’s a peaceful and beautiful side trip during your Annapurna Circuit journey. Few trekkers go here, so the trails feel calm and special.
Nar and Phu are traditional villages rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Locals live in stone houses, speak a Tibetan dialect, and follow centuries-old traditions. Ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and simple village life make it a deep cultural experience. This area was opened to foreigners only in 2002, so it still feels pure and untouched.
You leave the Annapurna Circuit at Koto and enter the Nar Phu Valley. The 6-day route looks like this:
After crossing Kang La Pass, you reconnect with the main Annapurna trail at Ngawal. From here, you can continue toward Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—blending a quiet side trek with classic adventure.
We offer everything you need to explore Nar Phu Valley safely and easily:
✅ Special permits & licensed guide
✅ Local, experienced trekking team
✅ Custom packages with Tilicho Lake & Thorong La
✅ Friendly, budget-friendly services
Looking for something truly magical on your Annapurna Circuit journey? Add the Tilicho Lake side trip! At 4,919 meters, it’s one of the highest lakes in the world. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, it’s peaceful, photogenic, and unforgettable.
Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, we offer a Tilicho Lake trek package to make this adventure smooth and safe. It’s perfect for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers.
You’ll need 2–3 extra days:
This route also helps with acclimatization before crossing Thorong La Pass.
Looking for a unique trek that includes remote valleys, high-altitude lakes, and a classic Himalayan pass? This 20–25 day route includes Nar Phu Valley, Tilicho Lake, and the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — designed for proper acclimatization and epic views.
Entry & Exit
Why this route?
Planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit with a visit to Nar Phu Valley? You’ll need three permits, and don’t worry—Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition will take care of everything for you!
Teahouse Trekking – Cozy & Affordable
You’ll stay in teahouses—simple lodges with clean rooms, warm blankets, and local meals. In Manang, Pisang, and Muktinath, you’ll get extras like hot showers and charging points. Higher up, like Thorong Phedi or Tilicho Base Camp, it’s more basic with shared toilets.
Nar Phu Valley – Simple but Cultural
Nar and Phu villages, teahouses are basic but offer a deep local experience. You’ll sleep in humble rooms and enjoy homemade meals with local families—quiet, authentic, and peaceful.
Food on the Trek – Tasty & Filling
Most teahouses serve warm dishes like:
We handle:
Autumn (Sept–Nov) – Best season for Thorong La, Tilicho Lake & Nar Phu
Book your Annapurna Circuit trek in autumn for the best all-around experience.
Spring (Mar–May) – Ideal for flower lovers & quieter trails
👉 Spring is perfect if you want a peaceful trek with great nature views.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake and Nar Phu Valley, it’s important to understand the total cost. At Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, we try to keep the cost affordable while giving you the best experience with safe, comfortable service.
If you book your Annapurna Circuit Trek package with us, the average daily cost will be around $70 to $90 per person. This includes:
Nar Phu Valley, which is a restricted area, you need a special permit. The cost is:
You also need the following permits:
✅ We handle all permits for you in our Nar Phu Valley trek package.
Thorong La Pass (5416m): The Heart of the Annapurna Circuit
Crossing Thorong La is the most exciting part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It’s the highest point of the journey and offers stunning views and a deep sense of achievement. Standing at the top, with prayer flags dancing in the cold wind, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment you’ll never forget.
Is it for You?
Yes, if you’re fit, ready to walk 5–7 hours a day, and take time to adjust to the altitude. But if you have health issues or altitude concerns, talk to your doctor or choose a shorter trek. At Nature Heaven Treks, we always focus on your safety.
Tips for Success:
• Go slow and acclimatize
• Drink water and eat well
• Take rest days in Manang
• Start early on the pass day
• Hire an experienced guide
• Stay positive!
Want More? Add Nar Phu or Tilicho Lake
Make your trek even better by adding:
🌐 Book your Annapurna Circuit trek with Thorong La Pass today with Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition. Add Nar Phu or Tilicho if you want to make it epic.
📞 Contact us anytime — we’re ready to help you plan your adventure
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