Apr 1 - Apr 6, 2024 | Change

via Thorung La side trek (6 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal

View full itinerary: Nar Phu
Rating: |

Highlights: Manang, Thorung High Camp, Thorung La, and Muktinath

Difficulty: challenging
via Thorung La

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 April

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April is the peak of the ‘Spring Season’, with more moderate temperatures and still relatively few days of precipitation. Clear mornings and cloudy afternoons are typical, with clouds clearing up just before or just after sunset. Trekkers should also be prepared for the occasional rain shower, especially towards the end of the month. At high altitudes occasional snow storms are possible.

At a glance
On average there are 6 days with precipitation in April. The highest point on the trek is Thorung La at 5416 m. During April, expect high temperatures of around 3.9°C (39°F) and lows down to -12.1°C (10°F) at Thorung La.

via Thorung La Side trek
(Elevation Profile)

Available 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 Apr 1 (day 1)

Ngawal (3650 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 14.5°C (58°F) and lows of about -1.5°C (29°F) in April.

Ngawal
Tue Apr 2 (day 2)

Manang (3540 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 15.2°C (59°F) and lows of about -0.8°C (31°F) in April.

Manang

Rating: | 3 reviews
Highlights: Manang and Tilicho Lake
Difficulty: strenuous
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. Images from via Tilicho Lake Side Trek

Wed Apr 3 (day 3)

Yak Kharka (4020 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 12.3°C (54°F) and lows of about -3.7°C (25°F) in April.

Yak Kharka

Thorung Phedi (4540 m)

If the group decides collectively and is well acclimatized it is also possible to stay at Thorung High Camp.
Expect typical high termperatures of about 9.2°C (49°F) and lows of about -6.8°C (20°F) in April.

Thorung Phedi
Thu Apr 4 (day 4)

Thorung High Camp (4830 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 7.4°C (45°F) and lows of about -8.6°C (17°F) in April.

Thorung High Camp

Thorung La (5416 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 3.9°C (39°F) and lows of about -12.1°C (10°F) in April.

Thorung La

Muktinath (3800 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 13.6°C (56°F) and lows of about -2.4°C (28°F) in April.

Muktinath

Rating: | 2 reviews
Highlights: Kagbeni and Muktinath
Difficulty: easy
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.

Rating: | 3 reviews
Highlights: Kagbeni, Marpha, Muktinath, and Poon Hill
Difficulty: challenging
For the satisfaction of doing the full Annapurna circuit, continue through the villages of lower Mustang and follow the rushing Gandaki River down from arid Mustang into the green middle hills. Finish the trek with a climb to the panoramic view point of Poon Hill and wave goodbye to the 8000 m peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Fri Apr 5 (day 5)
Shared vehicle from Muktinath to Jomsom (Not Included)

Estimated cost: $8.00
Travel time: about 2 hours
Also possible to trek to Jomsom in about 6 hours
Please pay the fare for your guide & porter (if you have hired one)

Jomsom (2760 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 19.8°C (68°F) and lows of about 3.8°C (39°F) in April.

Jomsom

Rating: | 2 reviews
Highlights: Marpha
Difficulty: easy
The picturesque village of Marpha sits in the shadow of Dhaulagiri. It’s a far more appealing place than nearby Jomsom, with its whitewashed Tibetan style homes and Niyingma monastery dominating the village. A pleasant place to linger after a long trek.

Sat Apr 6 (day 6)
Public bus from Jomsom to Pokhara (Not Included)

Estimated cost: $18.00
Travel time: about 12 hours
You may have to change buses in Ghasa and/or Beni and possibly overnight in Beni.
Please pay the fare for your guide & porter (if you have hired one)

Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (Not Included)

Estimated cost: $130.00
Travel time: 30 minutes

Pokhara (827 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 31.4°C (89°F) and lows of about 15.4°C (60°F) in April.

Pokhara

by Timothy (UK) on Jun 16, 2019

Nar Phu via Thorung La, via Kagbeni, and via Marpha led by Ang Tsering Sherpa

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

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

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!

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