Kang La Pass and Thorang La Pass Trek – 18 Days
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Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu/Tea House during Trek
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Duration 18
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Trip Difficulty Difficulte
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Activities Trekking
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Best Time Spring and Autumn
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Max. Elevation 5,320m
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Group Size Min-02 pax
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Transportation Car & Flight
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Meals B L D During Trek
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Start/End Besisahar to Pokhara
Overview
The Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass Trek is a high-altitude adventure in Nepal. This 18 days journey takes you deep into the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu, where ancient Tibetan-influenced village, monasteries, and traditional lifestyles remain well preserved. Leaving the busy Annapurna circuit at Koto, the trail enters dramatic gorges, high alpine landscapes, and isolated mountain terrain. The major highlight of the trek is crossing the challenging Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Himlung Himal Due to its high altitude, remoteness, and restricted status, this trek is best suited for Physically fit trekkers seeking a true off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure.
outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Trek preparation and permit processing
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via besisahar (1860m /8-9hrs Drive)
Day 4: Trek to Koto (2610m/6-7hrs trek)
Day 5: Trek from Koto to Meta (3560m/6-7hrs trek)
Day 6: Trek from Meta to Kyang Village (3820/5-6hrs)
Day 7: Trek to in Phu Village (4080m/4-5hrs trek)
Day 8: Trek from Phu Village to Nar Phedi (3550m/6-7hrs trek)
Day 9: Trek to Nar Village (4110m/3-4hrs trek)
Day 10: Trek to Nagwal via Kang la Pass (3675m 8-9 hrs vis passing kang la pass 5320m)
Day 11: Trek to Manang (3540m/4-5hrs trek)
Day 12: Aclamatization day in Manang
Day 13: Trek to Yak kharka (4050m/4-5hrs trek)
Day 14: trek to Thorang Phedi (4450m/3-4hrs trek)
Day 15: Cross Thorong La Pass and trek to Muktinath (5416m/3800m/ 8-9 hrs trek)
Day 16: Travel from Muktinath to Jomsom and Pokhara (820m/ 8-10hrs drive )
Day 17: Drive to Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
Day 18: Departure to your home country
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can relax from your journey or explore the nearby streets. In the evening, a brief introduction to the trek is provided, covering safety, altitude awareness, and general expectations.
- Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
- Meals: B
This day is dedicated to trek preparation and official formalities. You meet your trekking guide, review the itinerary in detail, and check your trekking equipment. Necessary permits, including the Nar-Phu Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), are processed. You may also use this day to purchase or rent any last-minute trekking gear.
- Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
- Meals: B
Early in the morning, you begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, passing through hills, rivers, farmland, and traditional villages. From Besisahar, the journey continues by jeep along a rough mountain road to Dharapani. The drive follows the Marsyangdi River and offers your first close views of Himalayan landscapes.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
The trek officially begins today as you walk from to Dharapani to along a pleasant trail through pine and fir forests. You cross several suspension bridges and enjoy views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The trail is gradual and comfortable, allowing your body to adapt to trekking conditions. Koto is the main checkpoint and the gateway to the Nar-Phu restricted area.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
Today you enter the restricted Nar-Phu Valley, leaving the busy Annapurna Circuit behind. The trail follows a narrow gorge with dramatic rock walls, waterfalls, and rugged terrain. The landscape becomes wilder and more isolated as you gradually gain altitude. After a long but rewarding walk, you reach Meta, a seasonal settlement surrounded by barren hills and alpine scenery.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
The trail opens into a vast alpine landscape as you trek higher toward Kyang Village. You pass ancient chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls that reflect strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. The air becomes thinner, and the scenery more dramatic with views of snow-capped peaks. Kyang Village appears like a fortress on a hill, untouched by modern development.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
This day is short trek day for acclimatization to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. You explore Kynag Village to phu Village, interact with locals, and visit the centuries-old monastery perched above the settlement. An optional hike toward Himlung Himal Base Camp or nearby ridges provides excellent acclimatization and mountain views.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
Leaving Phu village, the trail descends briefly before climbing again toward Nar Village. You cross alpine meadows used for yak grazing and walk through dry, high-altitude terrain. Nar Phedi is larger than Phu and feels equally ancient, with stone houses, narrow alleys, and strong Tibetan cultural traditions.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
This is the another short trek for acclimatization day, spending in Nar Phedi to Nar Village to prepare for the upcoming high pass. You take short hikes to nearby ridges and viewpoints, gaining additional elevation during the day and returning to sleep lower. This day also allows time to explore local monasteries and observe daily village life.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
The trek today is more demanding due to the altitude and steeper terrain. The trail climbs steadily toward Kang La Base Camp, passing glacial streams and rocky landscapes. This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You start early in the morning to cross Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters. From the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and surrounding glaciers. After spending time at the pass, you descend carefully along a steep trail to Ngawal, rejoining the Annapurna Circuit.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
Today’s walk is relatively easy and scenic, following a well-established trail through alpine landscapes. You enjoy impressive views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna before reaching Manang, a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit with good lodges, bakeries, and mountain facilities.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
This acclimatization day helps prepare for Thorong-La Pass. You may hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake, both offering stunning views and effective altitude adaptation. In the afternoon, you can relax, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, or explore the village.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
The trail gradually ascends through a wide alpine valley as vegetation becomes sparse. You may see yaks and blue sheep grazing along the hillsides. The pace is slow and steady to allow proper acclimatization.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
A short but important trekking day brings you to Thorong Phedi, the base of Thorong La Pass. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and mentally preparing for the next day’s long climb.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
You begin the ascent before sunrise to cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. After reaching the pass and enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, you descend steadily to Muktinath. The landscape changes dramatically as you enter the dry Mustang region.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
You travel by jeep from Muktinath to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you either take a short scenic flight to Pokhara or continue by road. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can relax by Phewa Lake and celebrate the successful completion of the trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
You return to Kathmandu by flight or tourist bus, depending on preference. This marks the end of the Nar-Phu Valley Trek, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Nepal’s hidden Himalayan valleys.
Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
Meals: D
Preparing for your Departure
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Airport transportation pick-up at Arrival and Drop at Departure
- Accommodation 1 night Hotel in Pokhara with Bed and breakfast
- Kathmandu to Besisashar public bus and besusasahar to dharapani sharing jeep
- Muktinath to Pokhara public bus and Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist bus
- Three meals (B, L, D) and tea, coffee during the trek
- Safe drinking water (treated with chlorine and iodine)
- Permit of the trek (TIMS, Nar Phu special permit. ACAP,)
- All types of necessary government paperwork and government taxes
- Government registered Trekking Guide (meals, wages, Insurance & transpiration)
- Trekking equipment like a (raincoat, sleeping bag, down jacket, walking pole)- returnable after completing the trekking , trekking map company t-shirt.
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Personal & medical insurance
- Rescue evacuation by Helicopter in Emergency case
- Beverage and Bar bills( soft drinks, hard drinks, and mineral water)
- Boiled water
- Dinner in Pokhara and all part in Kathmandu ( hotel and food)
- Electronic devise recharge
- Wi-Fi during the trek
- Tips for Guide and Porter
- Porter If needed
Trek Video
Packing List
- 4- Season Sleeping Bag
- Duffel Bag ( we will provide one complimentary Snow Bank Adventure duffel bag)
- Daypack
- Down jacket
- Upper Body- Head/ Ears/ Eyes: Sun hat, wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears, sunglasses with UV Protection, Headlamp and neck warmer.
- Hand : Liner gloves and Heavier shall gloves.
- core Body: T-shirt, Lightweight thermal tops, Fleece jacket or pullover and water windproof of shell jacket ( preferably breathable fabric)
- Lower Body: Lightweight expedition thermal bootoms, Nylon hiking sports, water/ windproof trousers and casual pants
- Feet: Liner socks, heavy weight socks, water/ windproof hiking /trekking boots
- Gaiter ( for monsoon and winter)
- Medicines and First Aid Kits: Including blister treatments ( moleskin), Pain relievers, and Personal Medication.
- Miscellaneous: Water bottle, water purification lodine tablets , toiletry kit ( toilet paper, plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer and towel)
TripAdvisor Reviews
FAQs
Kang La is often considered tougher due to its remote, steep, and less- defined, technical terrain, while Thorong La is higher but benefits from better infrastructure.
The trek reaches its highest point at Thorong La Pass ( 5,416m) with Kang La Pass at 5,306m.
Yes, a licensed guide is mandatory for the restricted area of Nar Phu Valley, and it is highly recommended for safety and ravigation.
You will need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Nar Phu Valley.
Autumn ( Sept-Nov) and spring ( March-May) offer stable weather, good visibility and safer crossing conditions.
Tea houses and lodges are available in most places, but the trek can also involve camping in remote areas like Nar and Phu.
The combined trek typically takes 15 to 20 days, depending on the itinerary acclimatization stops.
High-quality trekking boots, down jacket, thermal layers, walking poles, and a sun protection kit are essential for extreme weather.
It is advised to go from east to west ( manang to muktinath) to ensure proper acclimatization and avoid a steep, unsafe ascent.
Yes, both passes are over 5,000m, making altitude sickness a significant risk. Acclimatization days in Villages like Nar and Manang are crucial.
