Annapurna Tower and Thorong La Pass (5416 m)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration16 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHimalaya / Annapurnas
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions20 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Let yourself be guided to the heart of Nepal for an extraordinary adventure on the legendary Annapurna Circuit . Starting in Jagat, the route gradually ascends along the Marsyangdi River gorge, offering a striking transition between verdant rice paddies, high-altitude forests, and traditional villages. This smooth progression ensures optimal acclimatization before facing the icy giants.
In Manang, immersing yourself in the culture of Nepalese-Tibetan ethnic groups steeped in Buddhism prepares you for the ultimate challenge: crossing the famous Thorung La pass , perched at 5,416 meters . This demanding highlight reveals an exceptional 360° panorama of the Himalayas. As you descend into the arid, mineral landscapes of Mustang , you will discover Muktinath , a major spiritual pilgrimage site.
After exploring authentic valleys and villages, a domestic flight will take you to Pokhara . This final leg of your journey offers a relaxing interlude on the shores of Phewa Lake , facing the captivating silhouette of Machhapuchhare , leaving lasting memories etched in your mind.
The highlights
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The challenge of the Thorong La pass (5416 m) in the heart of the Himalayas
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From subtropical rice paddies to the arid high plateaus of the Annapurnas
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A rare immersion, between preserved Tibetan villages and spectacular landscapes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 714 m
- Average daily descent: 551 m
Management
Based in Nepal for many years, we guarantee an active and safe immersion thanks to our local teams. Your adventure guides, true specialists of the region, are 100% committed to helping you discover extraordinary places.
Upon arrival at your hotel in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by your French-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout your stay.
- This trip is led by a French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide.
- A local team will be present during the trek. Here is its composition (which varies depending on the size of the group and the logistics required):
- Porters : During the trek, our belongings are carried by porters. Porterage is a long-standing tradition in Nepal, dictated by the rugged terrain. It's not uncommon to see locals on the trails carrying loads of over 70 kg! We are very committed to the working conditions of our team and ensure our porters work in the best possible conditions (fair wages, limited expenses, insurance, and appropriate equipment are provided to all). On our trips, we provide one porter for every two travelers. Therefore, we kindly ask you to limit your belongings to 12 kg per person.
- Assistant guides : In addition to the French-speaking guide, non-French-speaking assistant guides are present. They are responsible for providing active assistance to clients, including opening or closing tents.
Program
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Flight to Kathmandu (flight not included)
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Kathmandu.Day 1 -
Kathmandu
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Nepal! No activities are planned for today before the welcome meeting at 2:00 PM (the schedule may change depending on your arrival time). Kathmandu is an incredible blend of legends and modern development, boasting a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow alleyways lead to small squares where intricately carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Bustling markets and bazaars are the heart of Nepalese life, where stalls of small shops sell everything from bracelets and Buddha statues to food. Kathmandu has been a hub for travelers for many years. If time allows, we can also visit Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). Located atop a hill, this instantly recognizable stupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims with its stunning views across the valley. Alternatively, we can explore Durbar Square, home to the palace of Kumari Devi, considered a living goddess.Day 2 -
Kathmandu - Ngadi
- Transportation 07h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We begin our Annapurna Circuit trek with a morning drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi (930m). During the journey, we discover breathtaking views of the Trishuli River, verdant hills, terraced rice paddies, and the Himalayas. Following the Marshyangdi River, we pass through charming villages and Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna trek. We arrive in Ngadi in the late afternoon. We settle into our lodge and relax before preparing for the trek.Day 3 -
Ngadi (930m) - Chamje (1430m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, we admire the magnificent waterfalls that line our trail as it winds through a deep, wooded canyon, punctuated by a few steep sections. We walk amidst rice paddies, follow winding paths through subtropical forest, cross suspension bridges spanning rushing rivers, skirt waterfalls of melting snow, and climb steep mountain passes. Over the next ten days, we will discover isolated mountain communities, each with its own distinct ancestral customs and traditions.Day 4 -
Chamje (1430m) - Dharapani (1860m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 880 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's stage continues through a deep, wooded canyon adorned with magnificent waterfalls. We enter the Manang district, in the heart of this mountain range, and the trail is mostly uphill throughout the day.Day 5 -
Dharapani (1860m) - Chame (2670m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, our steep climb takes us to Timang, then the trail levels out as the vegetation transitions from dense pine forests to drier slopes. Chame, the district capital of Manang, is the largest town we pass through after Besisahar.Day 6 -
Chame (2670m) - Pisang (3200m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 720 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we discover a multitude of breathtaking landscapes. The trail crosses a deep gorge and then follows the majestic slope of Paungi Danda. On the way to Pisang, we stop for tea in a beautiful apple orchard. The hike is generally easy with a few uphill sections.Day 7 -
Pisang (3200m) - Manang (3540m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 960 m
- Negative elevation 630 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we're taking the northern trail, passing through the upper Pisang and Ghyaru regions, an area renowned for its spectacular views. We'll likely encounter local farmers tending their yaks.Day 8 -
Manang (3540m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We spend a day in Manang acclimatizing with a high-altitude hike, then descend back to Manang for the night. This village of 500 flat-roofed houses offers breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Chulu East. We visit one of the oldest houses in the village, learn about the history of Manang and the Manange people, and listen to stories and legends over Tibetan tea.Day 9 -
Manang (3540m) - Yak Kharka (4050m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we continue our ascent towards the alpine zone of the mountain range. We arrive at Yak Kharka, ready for an easier day of trekking to acclimatize to the altitude.Day 10 -
Yak Kharka (4050m) - Phedi (4525m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Due to the altitude, we will approach the next stage of the ascent at a more leisurely pace, allowing us to admire the magnificent panoramas. Once in Phedi, we will have ample time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before embarking on the next stage, which will take us to the Thorung La pass, the highest point of the Annapurna trek.Day 11 -
Phedi (4525m) - Thorung La Pass (5416m) - Muktinath (3800m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 915 m
- Negative elevation 1780 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We set off early this morning to cross the Thorung La pass. After a climb, we reach the summit (5416m), adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa, and stone cairns built by travelers. We stop to admire the breathtaking view and reflect on the distance we've covered. Further on, the trail descends steeply towards Chabarbu. From there, the path crosses grasslands, plunges into a ravine, emerges, and follows a wide track to Muktinath – a pilgrimage site held in great veneration by both Hindu and Buddhist communities.Day 12 -
Muktinath (3800m) - Kalopani (2526m)
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 110 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We leave the main trail for a detour to the ancient village of Purang. Higher up, we continue along the less-traveled path that passes through Jhong, another village with a medieval atmosphere. From Jhong, we descend to the Jhing Khola (river) and follow its course to Kagbeni. After lunch, we visit the village of Marpha, renowned for its natural beauty, culture, and heritage. We stroll through the village, explore its carefully constructed buildings, and perhaps sample some homemade apple jam. Then, we drive to Kalopani. We admire the breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges, including Annapurna I, and relax while taking in the Himalayan panorama.Day 13 -
Kalopani - Pokhara
- Transportation 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we depart Kalopani in a 4x4 for a magnificent journey through the diverse landscapes of Nepal. Along the way, we admire the lush greenery of the terraced rice paddies, the charm of rural villages, and the winding roads that follow the Seti River. The route offers glimpses of the imposing Himalayan range in the distance. We arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon.Day 14 -
Pokhara - Kathmandu
- Transportation 07h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We have breakfast in Pokhara before setting off on our return journey to Kathmandu. We enjoy the scenic drive, taking in the surrounding landscapes. We make short stops along the way, including lunch to savor a local meal. We then arrive in Kathmandu, check into our hotel, and the rest of the day is free to explore the area or do some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu.Day 15 -
Kathmandu - Return flight (Custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you have the option of staying in Kathmandu or taking your return flight. Please feel free to contact us for information on additional accommodation options or to book your airport transfer and return flight. If you travel with us, you will arrive in France either the same day or on day 17, depending on your flight schedule.Day 16
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in comfortable 3-star hotels (local standards) located near the city center. You will have an air-conditioned twin or double room with a private bathroom and hot water.
A Nepalese house equipped to accommodate hikers. Most often, you'll find twin rooms (two single beds per room) with 5-6 cm thick mattresses and pillows. In some high-altitude lodges, only dormitory-style rooms with 5 or 6 beds are available. The rooms are not heated: bring a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (between -5°C and 10°C depending on the season). Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers cost extra (approximately €2 per person).
Access
Your
Go to the starting point
Travel within the country:
- Land transfers in private vehicles (minibus or off-road vehicle) reserved for our groups (Between Kathmandu and Ngadi, between Kagbeni/Pokhara/Kathmandu)
Price details
The price includes
- Land transport mentioned in the program
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- The excursions detailed in the program
- Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as mentioned in the program
The price does not include
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visa fees.
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- The optional meals mentioned in the program ( approximately €8 to €10 per meal )
- Tips for local staff (at your discretion), see the specific Additional Information section for more details.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Lightweight crampons are recommended to facilitate walking when crossing the Thorong La pass in early spring (March-April). They can be purchased during the trek if needed.
- Gaiters (optional, potentially useful in spring)
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Sleeping bag (comfort temperature -5/-10°C)
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- One 1.5 litre water bottle or two equivalent ones (camel bag or rigid water bottles)
- Water filter or tablets for water treatment
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Note: Some equipment can be rented on-site (sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons, etc.). Expect to pay around €35 per item for a 2-week trip and €50 for 3 weeks (payable locally). If you wish to rent one or more items before your departure, please let us know so our local team can ensure everything is available upon your arrival. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Clothing to bring
Appropriate mountain trekking gear is essential for this trip. Temperatures can vary from +30°C at the base to -20°C at the summit...
Recommended equipment for the trek:
- Cap or hat
- Neck warmer or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
- Warm hat
- T-shirt or shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Thermal underwear for evenings and days at high altitude
- Warm fleece jacket
- Jacket suitable for high-altitude trekking: windproof, waterproof and breathable
- Compact down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Comfortable walking pants
- Hiking boots suitable for high mountains: robust, comfortable, waterproof, and crampon-compatible
- A pair of lightweight gloves and a warm pair
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
- Sandals (useful after days of walking)
- Hiking socks
- Warm gloves