The Highest Pass in Nepal: Thorang La Pass at 5416 m
Thorang La Pass is a high mountain pass situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), it is one of the highest passes in the world.
The pass acts as a gateway between the Manang and Mustang districts during the Annapurna Circuit Trek and is a renowned highlight of the journey. This high mountain pass is challenging to cross and requires acclimatization and physical endurance. However, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, along with the sight of the rugged landscape.
Trekking through Thorang La Pass involves ascending steep and rocky terrain, which can be physically difficult, but the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit and the spectacular vistas make the challenging trek worth it.
The trek to Annapurna Circuit is an exciting opportunity for you to witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas of the Annapurna region as you cross Thorang La Pass, which offers you a challenging yet rewarding experience. Embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek now and cross the epic Thorang La high pass while making memories for a lifetime.
What is Annapurna Circuit Trekking Difficulty Level?
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a difficult grade trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal as it involves crossing the Thorang La pass situated above 5000 m. This level of trekking is comparatively harder than moderate-level trekking and requires previous trekking or hiking experience.
The trek involves hiking on rough landscapes and glacier crossings. You need to walk for 5 to 6 hours on average for 14 days during this challenging excursion. Thus, to complete the trek, one must be in good physical health while having strong stamina.
It is best if you have previous trekking experience at high altitudes. As the trek is lengthy and requires walking on a steep trail at an altitude of over 5000 m, it is most suitable for trekkers looking for a demanding and stirring trek. As for beginners, it is highly recommended to start doing physical exercise to build stamina while also going on short hikes and treks in high altitudes.
Safety and Acclimatization For the Annapurna Circuit Trek
The highest point you will reach during the trek is Thorang La Pass, at an elevation of 5416 m, which invites the risk of altitude sickness. Especially for beginner trekkers, there is a high chance of gaining altitude sickness, which is a common concern during high-altitude treks. However, it is preventable with proper precautions and treatment.
The trek we have designed includes a very slow walk with rests at certain points. We have a separate acclimatization day at Manang to help you adjust to the altitude. Furthermore, you will not be walking for more than 6 hours at maximum during the trek, and you will have a gradual ascent, which will prevent you from having altitude sickness. Make sure to walk at your own pace while keeping your body in check.
As a precaution, we also encourage you to keep yourself hydrated constantly all along the trek and stay away from all the alcoholic drinks. Our team will make sure that your safety is the top priority during the trek.
Thus, you can rest assured of having an adventure of a lifetime. If you prefer to have more rest days in between the journeys, then we can customize the itinerary accordingly. Moreover, in case of sickness, you will be brought down to a lower altitude by our team immediately.
Guide/Porter for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
You will be guided by our experienced and skilled guides all along the journey during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. All our guides are professionally trained, have years of experience in guiding, and are very familiar with the trail, culture, and area of the Annapurna region.
While trekking with our professional guides, you will have the opportunity to learn and acquire knowledge about several factors, like the local culture, history, and lifestyle of the region. They are highly skilled and have a wide range of knowledge, from mountaineering and trekking to the culture and traditions of Nepal. Keeping your safety and enjoyment as the top priorities, you will be guided all along the trail to provide you with an experience of a lifetime.
As for porters, it is your personal preference to have one or not. However, it is recommended to trek with a porter, as you will be able to enjoy the trek without the hassle of carrying a heavy backpack.
Tipping during the Annapurna Circuit Trip
Tipping during any trekking journey in Nepal is a common tradition to show appreciation for the services provided by guides, porters, and support staff. It is normal to tip depending on the quality of service and individual preference.
you can tip your guides and any other service providers during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The cost of the tip depends on you, according to the services you receive. Normally, 10% of your full budget is expected.
When should I embark on the trek to Annapurna Circuit?
Weather plays an important role in determining the trekking destination, especially if it is a high-altitude trek. Although it is possible to trek the Annapurna Circuit throughout the year, there are different pros and cons to trekking in every season. Spring and autumn are the two seasons considered best to trek in Nepal, as these are the seasons offering comparatively more favours.
As a high-altitude trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is most safe and pleasing when trekked in the spring season. In the spring season, you can enjoy very delightful weather with clear skies.
The temperature is average, with several plants & flowers, along with rhododendrons, starting to bloom during this season. You can get clear views of the mountains without any hindrance in the spring season, and the colours along the way add more beauty to the overall journey.
However, keep in mind that this is one of the popular trekking seasons, and you might come across several other trekkers on the way.
- Autumn (September to November)
Similar to the spring season, autumn is another perfect season to trek to the Annapurna region. The weather is very clear, with moderate temperatures in the autumn as well.
The views of the mountains and diverse landscapes are at their best during the autumn season. You will further get to witness the colourful trees all along the trek during this season. If you embark on the trek in the autumn, then you are most likely to encounter the various festivals of the region.
As it is one of the best times for the trek, the trails can get packed, with lodges being fully booked. Thus, it is suggested that you make the booking in advance.
- Summer/Monsoon (June to August)
You can also try trekking in the monsoon if you want a less-crowded trail. But keep in mind that trekking in this season can be a little difficult because of the weather and temperatures. In monsoons, there are chances of landslides and road blockages because of heavy rainfall.
Also, the trail can be filled with leeches, especially the forested trail. However, the perk of trekking in monsoon is that you will get to witness the greenery and blooming wildflowers all along the trail. Furthermore, there are fewer trekkers compared to the other seasons.
- Winter (December to February)
Trekking at a higher altitude is not recommended, as it can be challenging to complete because of the snowfall and harsh cold weather. As the Annapurna Circuit is a hard and lengthy itinerary, the off-season is not recommended for the journey.
However, the trail and scenery are magnificent in this season, filled with snow. If you want to complete the circuit trek in winter, then you will have to make a little more preparation in terms of equipment and gear.
Food options during the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Our 14 days trek package includes traditional village foods that consist of traditional bread, eggs, potatoes, and soup for breakfast, while lunch and dinner items include Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and veggies), fried rice, noodles during the trek and buffet breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
In the beginning days of the trek, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of options, from traditional Nepali dishes to some Western dishes. Some lodges offer Western foods like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. But when it comes to high altitude, there are not many options because of the remoteness of the area.
Thus, the food during the trek is simple and hygienic, providing you with the stamina needed for the entire trek. You can also have drinks like tea and coffee. Furthermore, it is highly suggested that you carry some snacks with you, such as chocolate and energy bars.
Drinking water during the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Our package does not include mineral water, but as per the trekker's request, we can provide the water purification tablets. You can easily access tap water all along the route. As tap water is not always safe to drink directly, we recommend you go for a mineral water bottle. However, plastics are harmful to the environment, so you can go for other options.
The best choice is to treat water from local sources to ensure its safety. You can use water purification tablets or filters to make tap water safe for drinking.
Carrying a reusable water bottle and using a purification tablet instead of a mineral water bottle is also recommended to minimize plastic waste in the region and practice eco-friendly travel.
Accommodation facilities during the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Our 14 days Annapurna Circui trek package provide you tea house accommodation on the trek and 3 star level hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can enjoy the hotel rooms with inside bathroom, showers, western-style flush toilets, WIFI connection is and in-room plugs to charge your stuff at the beginning of the trek.
However, as you ascend to a higher elevation, electricity is scarce, and there won't be the availability of WiFi connections and hot water showers. The rooms in higher elevations come with general facilities like warm Beds and washrooms, etc. Some lodges offer facilities like charging and hot water showers at extra charges.
Keep in mind that once you move to a high altitude, the facilities get limited, and it is the best you could ask for, given the remoteness of the area.
Permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking
The necessary paperwork and permits are included in this package and handled by Himalayan Recreation. There are two different permits you need to have for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Detailed information about the necessary permits is mentioned below:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
As the trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, the ACAP permit is compulsory. It is a permit that focuses on conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The cost of the permit differs according to your nationality, and it costs around USD 30 per person for foreign nationals, while for SAARC nationals, it costs USD 10 per person.
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
The TIMS card is another permit that is required to complete the trek. The cost of this permit also varies according to your nationality. For foreign nationals, it costs USD 20 per person, while for SAARC nationals, it is USD 10 per person.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Transportation details
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat and does not include any flights in our 14-day package. The ending point of your trek is Tatopani. You will have a ride from Tatopani to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu, respectively. For all the transportation during the trek, our package includes a combination of a private car, jeep, tourist bus, and a local bus, but you will be free to choose and customize it according to your wish.
Half of the ride is comfortable with scenic views, while the other half is bumpy and off-road. The ride from Kathmandu to Jagat and the way back will be an experience for you to look back on. Also, the cost of transportation can vary depending on the mode you choose.
Travel Insurance for the Trek
Our trek package does not include Travel Insurance, but it is one of the essential elements when going to the Annapurna circuit. The trek includes walking on rugged terrain at an altitude of over 5000 m, and having travel insurance is a must.
As the trek involves certain risks and uncertainties, having travel insurance is important and highly suggested for the trek. which will cover your emergency medical evacuation in case needed.
Important tips for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- For a high-altitude trek like the Annapurna Circuit, it is best to choose the spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November) for the trek, as it is more enjoyable and convenient during these seasons.
- Preparing yourself for the trek with some regular exercise and training to help build endurance is highly suggested.
- Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing layers suitable for the given weather.
- Keep yourself updated on weather conditions and any changes in trekking regulations.
- Do not rush during the trek, as it is extremely important to walk at your own pace. Also, keep checking your body condition and make sure to follow the tips of your guide.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek and carry water bottles along with water purification tablets or a water filter, as drinking water along the trail needs to be treated.
- Purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu before starting the trek if you want to have occasional communication, as the connection is not guaranteed on the trail.
- Do not forget to carry a portable power bank to keep your electronic devices charged.
- Carry enough Nepalese currency for your entire trek, as there are limited ATMs along the route.
- Respect the local culture and traditions of the local communities and the environment of the Annapurna region.
- Leave no plastics or other trash on the hiking trail. Be mindful of your actions and follow guidelines for responsible trekking, such as carrying your trash back and avoiding single-use plastics.
- Research the trail, weather, and local culture before you embark on the journey.
Packing and Essentials for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Here we have prepared a list of all the necessary trekking gear and equipment for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Most of the equipment can be purchased easily in Kathmandu. You can either buy or rent the equipment and gear. Also, don’t forget that it is very important to purchase good quality and reliable clothes and footwear, as you will be facing very cold conditions on the trek.
- Clothing -Baselayer -Insulation layer -Third layer
- General Trekking gear -Trekking trousers and shirts -Trekking shorts -Waterproof shell jacket and trousers -Underwear
- Headwear -Hat -Beanie -Neck gaiter
- Handwear and Footwear -Inner Gloves -Outer insulated gloves -Hiking boots -Trekking shoes/sandals -Hiking socks -Warm thermal socks -Gaiters
- Bag and backpackers -Duffel bag -Backpack -Day back -Raincover -Drybag
- Sleeping gear -Sleeping bag -Liner -Earplugs
- Poles and Headgear -Trekking poles -Sunglasses -Headlight
- Important accessories -Water bottle/Hydration bladder -Towel -Pee funnel -Lock -Waterproof bag
- Extra accessories -Camera -Portable charger -Books -Cards -Passport, Money
- Medications and Toiletries: Water purification tablet, Isotonic powder, Diamox, Common Medications, First aid kit, Sunscreen, Baby wipes, Toiletries, Plasters, Oximeter, Hand sanitizer.
Book or Inqury for a 14 days Annapurna Circuit trek with Himalayan Recreation and Procedure
Himalayan Recreation is repued trekking company for Annapurna circuit, if you are looking this trek for your next adventrue then inquary us or book directly to picking the dates from our fixed depature dates or choose your own dates. we are commited to operate as per your need. here is booking procuders.
- Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Departure Date: Select the departure from our fixed or customizable options.
- Step 2: Confirm Travelers and Additional Details: Indicate the number of trekkers and provide specific requirements, such as private or group options.
- Step 3: Secure Your Reservation: Click the "Book Now" button.
- Step 4: Submit Essential Documents: After confirming your reservation, email us copies of your passport, passport-size photos, travel insurance details, and flight information.
- Step 5: Payment and Confirmation: Pay a 20% deposit to secure your spot via online payment, bank transfer, or Western Union. You can pay the remaining balance after our meeting in Kathmandu using cash. Please get in touch for more information.
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