Thorung La Phedi is a small but very important stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It sits at the base of the mighty Thorung La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The word “Phedi” in Nepali means foot of the hill, and that’s exactly what this place is – a resting point at the foot of the climb to Thorung La. Many trekkers spend a night here before crossing the pass the next morning. For anyone trekking the Annapurna Circuit, Thorung La Phedi is a name you will hear often, because it is the last safe settlement before the challenging high pass.
Thorung La Phedi is located in the Mustang district of Nepal, on the classic Annapurna Circuit route. The altitude here is around 4,540 meters (14,900 ft). This makes it very high, and the air already feels thin. The climb from here to the top of Thorung La Pass is about 900 meters more, so most trekkers stop here to rest, eat, and prepare for the hardest part of the trek. Just above Thorung Phedi, there is another place called High Camp (4,880 m), but staying there is harder because of the cold and thin air. That’s why many trekkers prefer to stay at Phedi and start very early in the morning to cross the pass.
Even though it is very remote and high, Thorung La Phedi has a few teahouses and lodges where trekkers can eat and sleep. The rooms are simple, often with shared toilets and wooden beds, but they are warm and safe. You can get Dal Bhat (Nepali rice and lentils), noodles, soup, tea, and some basic Western food. Electricity and hot showers are available, but they cost extra. Since supplies must be carried by mules or porters, food and drinks are more expensive here compared to lower villages. Still, it feels like a blessing to have a warm meal at such an altitude. With Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, trekkers do not need to worry about booking in advance, as our guides always make sure you have a safe bed and warm food ready.
Thorung La Phedi is more than just a stop – it is a strategic place for acclimatization. The human body needs time to adjust to high altitude, and Phedi gives you that last chance to rest before attempting the long climb. From here, trekkers usually wake up at 3:00 or 4:00 AM, eat breakfast, and start the trek in the dark with headlamps. This early start is important because the weather on Thorung La Pass can change quickly, and strong winds usually come after 10 AM. Crossing the pass safely is easier when you begin from Phedi or High Camp early in the morning.
Staying at Thorung La Phedi is not without challenges. The air is thin, so you may feel shortness of breath, tiredness, or symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). That is why having an experienced guide is very important. Nights are freezing cold, especially in winter, with temperatures dropping below -15°C. Sometimes heavy snowfall blocks the trail, making it dangerous to cross the pass. At Nature Heaven Treks, our professional guides always check the weather, keep trekkers safe, and adjust the itinerary if needed. Safety is always more important than speed.
From Thorung La Phedi, the climb to Thorung La Pass is steep and demanding, but the reward is unforgettable. You will walk on zigzag trails, climb through rocky paths, and slowly gain height. When you finally reach the top of the pass, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and you see panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang Valley. This moment is a dream for many trekkers around the world. And it all starts with a night of rest at Thorung La Phedi.
Choosing the right trekking company makes your Annapurna Circuit adventure safer and more enjoyable. Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition has years of experience guiding trekkers across Thorung La Pass. We provide professional guides, helpful porters, safe accommodations, and flexible itineraries. Whether you want a budget trek, comfort trek, or luxury trek, we arrange everything based on your needs. Our team ensures you are well acclimatized, properly equipped, and confident to cross the high pass. For bookings, details, and fixed departures, you can visit our website or contact us directly.
Thorung La Phedi is not just a stopover – it is the gateway to one of the greatest trekking achievements in Nepal. Staying here prepares you for the adventure of crossing Thorung La Pass, a highlight of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. With its simple lodges, warm meals, and breathtaking surroundings, Thorung La Phedi holds a special place in every trekker’s memory. When planned with experts like Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition, your journey becomes not only safer but also more meaningful and enjoyable.
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