Thorong Phedi to Marpha on the Annapurna Circuit covers 4 stages, via Thorong La Pass, Muktinath and Jomsom. It goes from about 4,450 m to about 2,670 m, a net descent of roughly 1,780 m. Timing depends on road and multi-day sections, so use the stage list.
Quick facts
- Start: Thorong Phedi, about 4,450 m
- End: Marpha, about 2,670 m
- Change: a net descent of roughly 1,780 m
- Stages: 4
- Total time: varies, see the stage list
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass: 4 to 5 hours up (hard)
- Thorong La Pass to Muktinath: 3 to 4.5 hours down (hard)
- Muktinath to Jomsom: 6 to 8 hours on foot, or 2 to 3 hours by jeep (moderate)
- Jomsom to Marpha: 1.5 to 2 hours (easy)
How to split it
Some stages are road journeys or multi-day, so treat the stage list below as the guide. The route passes through Thorong La Pass, Muktinath and Jomsom. 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 Marpha to Thorong Phedi is the same route in reverse and means a net climb, so allow more time than the walk down.
Common questions
- How long is Thorong Phedi to Marpha? The time depends on road and multi-day sections, so check the stage list.
- Which places are on the way from Thorong Phedi to Marpha? The route passes Thorong La Pass, Muktinath and Jomsom.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Annapurna Circuit guides.
