Yak Kharka to Muktinath on the Annapurna Circuit covers 3 stages, via Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass. It goes from about 4,018 m to about 3,760 m, a net descent of roughly 260 m. Total walking time is about 8.5 to 12 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Yak Kharka, about 4,018 m
- End: Muktinath, about 3,760 m
- Change: a net descent of roughly 260 m
- Stages: 3
- Total time: about 8.5 to 12 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- 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 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 Yak Kharka is the same route in reverse and means a net climb, so allow more time than the walk down.
Common questions
- How long is Yak Kharka to Muktinath? Total walking time is about 8.5 to 12 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Yak Kharka to Muktinath? The route passes Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Annapurna Circuit guides.
