The short version: three of the most asked questions, answered in a line each. The rest of the page goes into detail.
- How long is the drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani on the 9-day plan? Expect a long day on the road, about 9 to 11 hours depending on conditions, going via Besisahar.
- What is the road beside the Circuit like? The road is dusty and sometimes closed by landslides.
- Where do I sleep on the way up to Thorong La? Typical stops are Chame at about 2,670 m, Pisang at about 3,200 m, Manang at about 3,540 m, Yak Kharka at about 4,018 m, then Thorong Phedi at about 4,450 m or High Camp at about 4,880 m.
How long is the drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani on the 9-day plan?
Expect a long day on the road, about 9 to 11 hours depending on conditions, going via Besisahar. You sleep near Dharapani at about 1,860 m. The road is bumpy, so plan to rest on arrival and keep the next morning easy.
What is the road beside the Circuit like?
The road is dusty and sometimes closed by landslides. That is one reason to build spare time into your plan. Your operator can tell you whether jeeps are running on the day, and whether to walk a stage instead of riding.
How reliable is the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara?
Not fully reliable. Jomsom flights depend on morning wind and clouds, so a delay is possible. This is why we advise a spare day after the pass. If you have a fixed international flight, leave a generous buffer before it.
Where do I sleep on the way up to Thorong La?
Typical stops are Chame at about 2,670 m, Pisang at about 3,200 m, Manang at about 3,540 m, Yak Kharka at about 4,018 m, then Thorong Phedi at about 4,450 m or High Camp at about 4,880 m. Figures are approximate.
How do I get from Muktinath to Jomsom after the pass?
On the 9-day plan you go by jeep from Muktinath at about 3,710 m down to Jomsom at about 2,720 m, then fly to Pokhara if the weather allows. If the flight is cancelled, you can wait or arrange road transport onward with your operator.
How do I reach Jomsom for the short route without the pass?
Fly to Jomsom and walk up to Muktinath through Kagbeni and Jharkot. Because the flights depend on wind and cloud, keep a spare day in your schedule and check with your operator about how to travel onward if the flight is delayed.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Himalayan Wonders took care of the flights, choppers, anything at very short notice during floods and bad weather.”
Planning the full loop? See our 18-day Annapurna Circuit trek.
