Manang to Muktinath on the Annapurna Circuit covers 4 stages, via Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass. It goes from about 3,540 m to about 3,760 m, a net gain of roughly 220 m. Total walking time is about 11.5 to 16 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Manang, about 3,540 m
- End: Muktinath, about 3,760 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 220 m
- Stages: 4
- Total time: about 11.5 to 16 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- Manang to Yak Kharka: 3 to 4 hours (moderate)
- Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi: 1.5 to 2.5 hours (moderate to hard)
- Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass: 4 to 5 hours up (hard)
- Thorong La Pass to Muktinath: 3 to 4.5 hours down (hard)
How to split it
This is more than a day of walking, so trekkers usually break it into stages and sleep along the way. The route passes through Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 5,416 m. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 m, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.
Reverse direction
Walking Muktinath to Manang is the same route in reverse. It is mostly downhill and usually quicker, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.
Common questions
- How long is Manang to Muktinath? Total walking time is about 11.5 to 16 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Manang to Muktinath? The route passes Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Annapurna Circuit guides.
