Dec 14 - Dec 19, 2023 | Change
via Thorung La
side trek
(6 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal
View full itinerary: Nar Phu
Highlights:
Manang, Thorung High Camp, Thorung La, and Muktinath
Difficulty:
challenging
After the Kang La take advantage of your acclimatization and continue along the classic Annapurna Circuit. From Manang there is an option to take the spectacular side trip to Tilicho Lake, or continue directly over the Thorung La (5416 m) descending to the pilgrim town of Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, you have the option to take a jeep via the wide valley of lower Mustang to Jomson, where both flights and buses to Pokhara can be arranged, or trek via the traditional village of Kagbeni, gateway to upper Mustang. While the road has taken some of the charm out of this classic trek, the advantage is that a trip can be tailored around one’s interests and time constraints. Whether you do the epic full circuit from Besi Sahar to Ghorepani, or take off a bite sized chunk around the Thorung La, the Annapurna Circuit still has plenty to offer.
Weather Conditions in December
change startDecember is probably the most underrated month to trek, one of the driest months of the year skies are often clear from sunrise to sunset. The trails and teahouses are less crowded than in November. At higher altitudes, temperatures drop as the winter season approaches so it is important to carry warm enough clothing and sleeping bags. When properly prepared December can be a great month to trek
At a glance
On average there are 1 day with precipitation in
December. The highest point on the trek is
Thorung La at
5416 m. During
December, expect high temperatures of around
-4.1°C (25°F)
and lows down to
-20.1°C (-4°F)
at Thorung La.
via Thorung La
Side trek
(Elevation Profile)
Build an Itinerary
(6 days)
Add side trips by clicking '' in the itinerary below.
Extra rest days and overnights can be added once the itinerary is created. However any side trips must be added in this step before the itinerary is created.
| Thu Dec 14 (day 1) |
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Ngawal (3650 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 6.5°C (44°F) and lows of about -9.5°C (15°F) in December. Overnight |
| Fri Dec 15 (day 2) | |
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Manang (3540 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 7.2°C (45°F) and lows of about -8.8°C (16°F) in December. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 3 reviews
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| Sat Dec 16 (day 3) |
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Yak Kharka (4020 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 4.3°C (40°F) and lows of about -11.7°C (11°F) in December. |
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Thorung Phedi (4540 m)
If the group decides collectively and is well acclimatized it is also possible to stay at Thorung High Camp. Overnight |
| Sun Dec 17 (day 4) | |
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Thorung High Camp (4830 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about -0.6°C (31°F) and lows of about -16.6°C (2°F) in December. |
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Thorung La (5416 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about -4.1°C (25°F) and lows of about -20.1°C (-4°F) in December. |
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Muktinath (3800 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 5.6°C (42°F) and lows of about -10.4°C (13°F) in December. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 2 reviews
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Rating:
| 3 reviews
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| Mon Dec 18 (day 5) | |
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Shared vehicle from Muktinath to Jomsom
(Not Included)
Estimated cost:
$8.00
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Jomsom (2760 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 11.8°C (53°F) and lows of about -4.2°C (24°F) in December. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 2 reviews
|
| Tue Dec 19 (day 6) |
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Public bus from Jomsom to Pokhara
(Not Included)
Estimated cost:
$18.00
Estimated cost:
$130.00
|
|
Pokhara (827 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 23.4°C (74°F) and lows of about 7.4°C (45°F) in December. |
via Thorung La Itinerary Reviews
by Timothy (UK) on Jun 16, 2019
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
via Kagbeni Itinerary Reviews
by Timothy (UK) on Jun 16, 2019
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
by Elsa (Canada) on Apr 15, 2019
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
Classic finish via Poon Hill Itinerary Reviews
by Samuel (Australia) on Oct 26, 2019
Annapurna Circuit Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Tilicho Lake, and Classic Start from Besi Sahar led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Some great views from Poon Hill, we were unlucky with the weather but the views were still spectacular!
by Tania (Canada) on Dec 18, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Classic Start from Besi Sahar and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Dawa Sherpa
Poon Hill is worth the 30 minutes sidetrip from Ghorepani and will feel easy after all of the uphill on the first half of the trip. Most people got up early to be at the top for sunrise. I do not recommend this unless you want to share the viewpoint with hundreds of people. Sleep in, have a nice breakfast and enjoy the people free views later in the day.
by Nee (Malaysia) on Oct 25, 2017
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
via Tilicho Lake Itinerary Reviews
by Samuel (Australia) on Oct 26, 2019
Annapurna Circuit Classic finish via Poon Hill, via Tilicho Lake, and Classic Start from Besi Sahar led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Tilicho lake was a great side trip. It can be quite a strenuous day if coming from Manang and climbing Tilicho on the same day, but it's definitely worth it!
by Elsa (Canada) on Apr 15, 2019
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
This part of the trek was much more challenging and dangerous than I expected however it was very rewarding and worth the effort! Pasang was, of course, a most excellent leader!
by Nee (Malaysia) on Oct 25, 2017
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
great view and worth all the efforts!
via Marpha Itinerary Reviews
by Timothy (UK) on Jun 16, 2019
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
by Elsa (Canada) on Apr 15, 2019
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
