Upper Pisang to Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit covers 4 stages, via Manang, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. It goes from about 3,300 m to 5,416 m, a net gain of roughly 2,120 m. Total walking time is about 13.5 to 18.5 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Upper Pisang, about 3,300 m
- End: Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 2,120 m
- Stages: 4
- Total time: about 13.5 to 18.5 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- Upper Pisang to Manang: 5 to 7 hours (moderate)
- 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)
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 Manang, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. 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 Thorong La Pass to Upper Pisang 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 Upper Pisang to Thorong La Pass? Total walking time is about 13.5 to 18.5 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Upper Pisang to Thorong La Pass? The route passes Manang, Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Annapurna Circuit guides.
