Mar 25 - Mar 30, 2025 | Change
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.
March is the start of the ‘Spring Season’ when temperatures begin to rise from their winter lows. By the end of March, temperatures are significantly warmer at lower elevations and hot air from the valleys tend to create clouds in the mountains during the afternoons. Mornings are generally clear, with the clearest weather coming just after sunrise. At high altitudes, while generally warmer than the previous months snow is still possible, and heavy snow storms in March are not unheard of. Mornings and nights are still cold.
At a glance
On average there are 4 days with precipitation in
March. The highest point on the trek is
Thorung La at
5416 m. During
March, expect high temperatures of around
0.9°C (34°F)
and lows down to
-16.1°C (3°F)
at Thorung La.
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.
Tue Mar 25 (day 1) |
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Ngawal (3650 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 11.5°C (53°F) and lows of about -5.5°C (22°F) in March. Overnight |
Wed Mar 26 (day 2) | |
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Manang (3540 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 12.2°C (54°F) and lows of about -4.8°C (23°F) in March. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 3 reviews
|
Thu Mar 27 (day 3) |
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Yak Kharka (4020 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 9.3°C (49°F) and lows of about -7.7°C (18°F) in March. |
Thorung Phedi (4540 m)
If the group decides collectively and is well acclimatized it is also possible to stay at Thorung High Camp. Overnight |
Fri Mar 28 (day 4) | |
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Thorung High Camp (4830 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 4.4°C (40°F) and lows of about -12.6°C (9°F) in March. |
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Thorung La (5416 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 0.9°C (34°F) and lows of about -16.1°C (3°F) in March. |
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Muktinath (3800 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 10.6°C (51°F) and lows of about -6.4°C (20°F) in March. Overnight |
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Rating:
| 2 reviews
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Rating:
| 3 reviews
|
Sat Mar 29 (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 16.8°C (62°F) and lows of about -0.2°C (32°F) in March. Overnight |
|
Rating:
| 2 reviews
|
Sun Mar 30 (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 28.4°C (83°F) and lows of about 11.4°C (53°F) in March. |
via Thorung La Itinerary Reviews
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
via Kagbeni Itinerary Reviews
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
Classic finish via Poon Hill Itinerary Reviews
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!
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.
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake and Classic finish via Poon Hill led by Mingma Nuru Sherpa
via Tilicho Lake Itinerary Reviews
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!
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!
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
Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa
Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa