Thorong Peak Climbing

Overview

Thorong Peak Climbing is an exciting adventure in the Annapurna region. At 6,144 meters high, it is close to the famous Thorong La Pass, which is 5,416 meters. Hence, we will be trekking through the famous Annapurna Circuit trail passing traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and monasteries before we reach the Thorong La Pass and proceed to the summit. This climb is ideal for trekkers looking to combine trekking with peak climbing. The path winds through traditional villages such as Manang, which are steeped in Tibetan culture and traverses a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to arid alpine deserts. More specifically, the Thorong Peak Trek is an extension of the traditional Annapurna Circuit Trekking, offering a mountaineering experience to those who like to challenge themselves.

Climbers can experience an incredible challenge while getting to the summit of Thorong Peak. But the sceneries are absolutely rewarding which also offers some of the most beautiful vistas of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges along with Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and even peaks in Tibet.

Thorong Peak is classified as a “Trekking Peak” by the Nepal Government, making it a manageable climb for trekkers, even those with limited mountaineering experience. This climb is ideal for trekkers with some prior experience in high-altitude trekking or basic mountaineering, though it’s accessible even to those who are new to climbing but physically fit. The journey leads through diverse landscapes—from lush subtropical forests to alpine deserts—giving you a complete experience of the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Our Thorong Peak Climbing itinerary typically is of about 15 to 20 days varying upon the route, number of acclimatization, pace of walk, experience and spare days etc. The regular itinerary that Nepal Mountain Guide spans around 17 to 20 days. Our adventure starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Chame, the trek’s starting point.

In the first part of the Thorong Peak itinerary, we will trek along the Annapurna Circuit, passing through lovely villages such as Pisang and Humde. These villages provide stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. After a few days, we will arrive in Manang, where it’s advised to take a day to acclimatize before moving to higher altitudes. On this acclimatization day in Manang, you can visit local monasteries and take in the beautiful sights of Gangapurna Glacier.

From Manang, our trail takes us toward Yak Kharka and then to Thorong Phedi which is the last stop before heading to Thorong La Pass. After a night of rest, you will cross the famous Thorong La Pass, the highest point of Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 meters. This is a challenging day due to the high altitude but the stunning mountain views make it all worthwhile. After crossing the pass, you will set up camp at Thorong Peak Base Camp and prepare for the summit day.

Finally, on the Summit Day, we will start to ascend towards the Thorong Peak Summit early in the morning, as you make your way up steep and snowy slopes toward the top of Thorong Peak. The climb requires stamina but does not need advanced technical skills, making it accessible to fit trekkers. After a few hours of ascent, you’ll reach the summit at 6,144 meters where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tilicho Peak. After taking in the breathtaking panorama and celebrating the successful ascent, you’ll descend back to Thorong base camp.

On the final part of the Thorong Peak itinerary after the climb, you’ll trek down to Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. You’ll visit the famous Muktinath Temple and explore the spiritual side of this region. From there the trek continues down to Jomsom, where our journey ends with a short flight back to Pokhara followed by flight or drive back to Kathmandu.

Thorong Peak route lies within the Annapurna Circuit, the trail is mostly within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s first and largest conservation area. It is renowned for its ecological diversity and protects a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr.

Therefore, to trek up to Thorong La Pass, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card are mandatory. Both are essential for trekking and climbing in this region and contribute to conservation efforts, trail maintenance, and ensuring your safety. Whereas, since it is a climbing peak under Government Peak managed by the Government of Nepal we will require the Peak Climbing permit from Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to climb Thorong Peak. Our team at Nepal Mountain Guide takes care of all the permit arrangements, allowing you to concentrate on getting ready for your climb and enjoying the stunning views of Thorong Peak.

The best time to climb Thorong Peak is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer the most stable weather, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. In spring, you can enjoy colorful rhododendron forests and blooming flora and fauna as well. With temperatures fluctuating from an average of 10°C to 20°C in lower areas in the daytime, while higher elevations may drop to -10°C at night, the weather is perfect for trekking and climbing.

While on the other hand, the autumn months provides the clearest mountain views after the monsoon rains. The average daytime temperatures are similar to spring, ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Nights can be cold at higher altitudes, sometimes dropping to -15°C. The weather is generally dry and perfect for climbing. Climbing Thorong Peak during Winter and monsoon seasons is not recommended due to heavy snow and unpredictable weather conditions that can make trekking and climbing dangerous.

Itinerary