May 6 - May 15, 2024 | Change
via Thorung La
via Kagbeni and via Tilicho Lake
side trek
(10 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal
View full itinerary: Nar Phu- With 2 Side Trips: via Kagbeni and via Tilicho Lake
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Remove all side trips
Highlights:
Manang, Tilicho Lake, Thorung High Camp, Thorung La, Muktinath, and Kagbeni
Difficulty:
strenuous
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.
Side trip via Kagbeni: Kagbeni is the gateway to the upper Mustang Valley. The longer route to Kagbeni via Jong passes through monastic villages reminiscent of those in Upper Mustang. It would be a shame to miss this picturesque village set in a spectacular landscape of dry eroded valleys and high snow-clad peaks in your rush to get back to Pokhara or Kathmandu. If you have the time, stop and take a break in Kagbeni.
Side trip via Tilicho Lake: If you only have time for one side trip off the main Annapurna circuit, make time for the jaw-dropping vistas of Tilicho lake. Nestled against the backs of the Annapurna peaks, this brilliant blue lake at 5000m is a sight not to be missed. The trail to the lake is scenic but challenging, winding along loose eroded cliff sides to the Tilicho Base Camp lodge. From the lodge, there is a steep hike up to the lake and viewpoint that’s well worth the effort.
Weather Conditions in May
change startMay is the end of the ‘Spring Season’ when temperatures are more moderate and the pre-monsoon moisture increases the chance of precipitation as the month progresses. It can be hot and humid in the valleys at low elevations, so make sure you carry enough water. Like the rest of the spring, clear mornings typically give way to cloudy afternoons. At high altitudes, the precipitation can turn to snow, although at trekking elevations the accumulation does not usually get too deep. May is also the season when many 8000 m peaks are climbed so base camps of these mountains will be busy with activity.
At a glance
On average there are 12 days with precipitation in
May. The highest point on the trek is
Thorung La at
5416 m. During
May, expect high temperatures of around
4.9°C (41°F)
and lows down to
-8.1°C (17°F)
at Thorung La.
via Thorung La
via Kagbeni and via Tilicho Lake
Side trek
(Elevation Profile)
Itinerary (10 days)
- 2 Side Trips: via Kagbeni and via Tilicho Lake
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Remove all side trips
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.
| Mon May 6 (day 1) |
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Ngawal (3650 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 15.5°C (60°F) and lows of about 2.5°C (37°F) in May. Overnight |
| Tue May 7 (day 2) |
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Manang (3540 m)
Acclimatization wise it is also possible to spend the 2nd night at Khangsar instead of Manang if you wish and the group agrees Overnight |
| Wed May 8 (day 3) |
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Manang (3540 m) Overnight |
| Thu May 9 (day 4) |
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Khangsar (3745 m)
About 2-3 hours from Manang |
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Shree Kharka (4080 m)
About 2-3 hours from Khangsar |
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Tilicho Base Camp (3900 m)
About 6-9 hours from Manang, about 4-6 hours from Khangsar, or about 2-3 hours from Shree Kharka Overnight |
| Fri May 10 (day 5) |
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Tilicho Lake (4919 m)
About 2-4 hours up to the lake and about 1-1.5 hours back. While it's possible to see Tilicho Lake in the morning and make it to Yak Kharkha the same day it's more leisurely to add an extra rest day. This option would also give more time to explore the lake. |
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Shree Kharka (4080 m)
About 2 hours from Tilicho Base Camp |
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Yak Kharka (4020 m)
About 5-6 hours from Tilicho Base Camp, or about 4 hours from Shree Kharka Overnight |
| Sat May 11 (day 6) |
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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 May 12 (day 7) |
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Thorung High Camp (4830 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 8.4°C (47°F) and lows of about -4.6°C (24°F) in May. |
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Thorung La (5416 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 4.9°C (41°F) and lows of about -8.1°C (17°F) in May. |
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Muktinath (3800 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 14.6°C (58°F) and lows of about 1.6°C (35°F) in May. Overnight |
| Mon May 13 (day 8) |
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Chhyonkar (3400 m)
About 1 hour from Muktinath |
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Jhong (3200 m)
About 2 hours from Chhyonkar |
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Putak (3000 m)
About 30 minutes from Jhong |
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Kagbeni (2840 m)
About 6 hours from Mukinath or about 2.5 hours from Putak Overnight |
| Tue May 14 (day 9) |
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Jomsom (2760 m)
About 3 hours from Kagbeni Overnight |
| Wed May 15 (day 10) |
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Public bus from Jomsom to Pokhara
(Not Included)
Estimated cost:
$18.00
Estimated cost:
$130.00
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Pokhara (827 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 32.4°C (90°F) and lows of about 19.4°C (67°F) in May. |
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
