Thorong Phedi: The Last Stop Before Thorong La Pass

Thorong Phedi/ Thorong Base Camp is an important overnight stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Located at an approximately 4,450 m (14,600 ft), the area is a key resting point before crossing Thorong La Pass 5,416 m (17,769 ft).

Its landscape is dominated by rocky terrain, glacial terrain, alpine landscape, mountain valleys, and steep slopes. The remote and rugged surroundings offer trekkers an experience of isolated wilderness.

Despite its remote location, Thorong Phedi has all the basic facilities for trekkers due to its strategic location. Most trekkers usually arrive in the afternoon and stay one night before setting off early the following morning to cross Thorong La Pass.

Some trekkers also spend more than one night here to get some rest, get used to the temperature and altitude, or just to wait for better weather. This is helpful when they feel unwell or if the weather conditions worsen.

Where is Thorong Phedi Located?

Thorong Phedi is a high-altitude small settlement along the northern side of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It lies in Neshyang Rural Municipality, Manang District in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. Phedi refers to the “foot” or “base” of a valley, hill, or mountain. Likewise, Thorong Phedi lies at the foot of Thorong La Pass along the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The settlement continues south towards Ledar and Yak Kharka along the Jarsang Khola. To the north, it extends towards Thorong High Camp and Thorong La Pass. Rugged mountain slopes and the Chulu Himalayan region surround the valley to the east. The west side also features rugged terrain and high mountain slopes.

How to Reach Thorong Phedi on the Annapurna Circuit?

The trail continues northwards from Manang at 3,540 m (11,614 ft) and heads along the Annapurna Circuit to Thorong Phedi via Yak Kharka 4,018 m (13,182 ft) and Ledar. This section is usually walked in one or two days to allow trekkers to acclimatize gradually before continuing their trek at higher elevations.

How to Reach Manang

From Kathmandu or Pokhara, you head along Besisahar and then continuing through the Marsyangdi valley. Both Kathmandu and Pokhara connect to Manang via Prithivi Highway and joins at Dumre before heading towards Besisahar.

There are buses running from Kathamndu to Besisahar and jeeps are often used from here to Manang. The road distance is approximately 175 to 185 km (108 to 114 miles) and takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on road and weather conditions.

Along the way, you pass through Bhulbhule, Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang before you reach Manang at 3,540 m (11,614 ft). The journey from Besisahar to Manang usually takes between 6 to 10 hours, covering approximately 95 to 100 km (59 to 62 miles) by jeep depending on the road conditions.

Manang to Yak Kharka:

The trail slowly ascends through Ghusang (Gunsang), a small settlement, yak pastures, mani walls which represent the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the area, and a small bridge. Open alpine valleys and hills surround the area.

This section covers approximately 7 to 10.8 km (4.35 to 6.71 miles) and can be completed in around 3 to 5 hours.

Yak Kharka to Ledar:

This section of the trek is short, around 3 to 4 km (1.86 to 2.94 miles), and generally takes an hour to reach Ledar at 4,200 m (13,779 ft). It passes through the beautiful alpine meadows, rocky trails, and a suspension bridge while enjoying the views of surrounding mountains and highlands as you make your way to Ledar.

Ledar to Thorong Phedi:

The trekking distance from Ledar to Thorong Phedi is around 4 to 5 km and will take around 2-4 hours to complete. This section of the trek takes us into the Jarsang Khola Valley. Trekkers will cross the suspension bridge and walk up the rockier parts of the trail.

Around Throrong Phedi, the terrain gets more barren. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding Himalayas. 

Note: Walking durations are approximate and depend on trail conditions, weather, and acclimatization.

Walking Pace, Hydration, and Rest at High Altitude

It is therefore highly recommended for trekkers to walk slowly, as they will be trekking at an elevation of 4,540 m (14,895 ft), which increases the possibility of altitude sickness. Trekking at a steady pace, taking breaks, and keeping your body well hydrated will help maintain your body.

Trekkers should also monitor symptoms and avoid ascending further if they feel unwell. Arriving early means you can take your time, allowing for a good rest period, acclimatization, and preparation for the early morning trek.

For a more effective preparation plan, read our guide to training for the Annapurna Circuit Trek to build the strength, stamina, and endurance you’ll need on the trail.

Permit and Guide Requirement:

International Trekkers trekking through the Annapurna region will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a licensed trekking guide. This can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office either in Kathmandu or Pokhara or through a registered trekking agency. It is important to confirm the latest protocols about permits and guide requirements before your trek.

Thorong Phedi Trail Conditions

The trail towards Thorong Phedi follows an extremely rugged and narrow route. The terrain consists of rocky paths, uneven ground, and steep slopes.

Vegetation becomes very limited to scarce as you enter the high alpine region. It consists mainly of barren hills and mountain slopes. There might also be some loose or slippery sections, especially during snowfall or monsoon season.

Trekking in this section can be quite difficult compared to the lower sections due to the thin air and cold mountain weather conditions. It can be even more challenging and risky, particularly during winter and bad weather conditions because snow and ice cover the trails and reduce visibility. Seasonal rainfall makes the trails slippery and also increases landslide risk.

It is therefore recommended for trekkers to understand their body, maintain a steady pace, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated. The trail itself isn’t difficult but the altitude makes everything harder.

Accommodation, Food, and Facilities in Thorong Phedi

Thorong Phedi has a basic teahouse and lodge for trekkers to stay at while they prepare to trek Thorong La Pass on their Annapurna Circuit Trek. While there are not many facilities here, it still provides all the basic services.

Accommodation: There are approximately 3 to 4 teahouses and lodges that provide accommodation in very basic rooms. Rooms often have twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. There are often shared bathrooms. Because there are very few teahouses, it can get quite busy during peak times, so there might not be much availability.

Food: Teahouses and lodges offer common food to trekkers. Common food includes Dal Bhat, Noodles, Fried Rice, Soups, Potatoes, Eggs, and Bread. They also offer warm drinks such as Tea, Coffee, and Hot Lemon. The choices of food are limited and costly as everything has to be carried up.

Other Facilities: Other basic facilities include dining areas where you have your meal and meet new trekkers, charging stations, and hot showers (with a small charge). There may be limited wifi connection or mobile phone coverage.

Note: Facilities vary between lodges and times of year. It is important to make sure that you have accommodation available during peak trekking season.

Why Do Most of the Trekkers Stay Here?

Most Trekkers stay here overnight as it is a good place to stop on your way to Thorong La Pass. It gives trekkers a chance to get some rest, get used to the altitude, and helps you prepare for leaving early in the morning. Crossing Thorong La Pass requires immense energy and enough rest; therefore, it is important to spend a night here at Thorong Phedi.

How Cold is Thorong Phedi?

Thorong Phedi sits quite high at an altitude of 4,450 m (14,600 ft), where the temperature remains cold throughout the day. However, it becomes severely cold in the early morning and evening after the sun sets.

Mornings are extremely cold; during the day it gets slightly warmer if the sun is shining, and freezing at night. Daytime temperatures generally range from 0℃ to 10℃, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -10℃.

The winds are strong, making it feel colder. There may also be snow, frost, and icy paths, particularly during winter when the weather is bad.

How to Stay Warm at Thorong Phedi?

Because the temperature is cold, it is important to keep your body warm and comfortable.

• Trekkers should wear thermal base layers, a fleece or insulating jacket, and a windproof, waterproof jacket as an exterior layer.
• Packing winter essentials like warm gloves, socks, hats, and trekking boots is extremely necessary.
• Wearing wet or sweaty clothes will make you even colder, so it is important to change into dry clothes to reduce heat loss.
• Carrying thermal sleepwear and a sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures also helps to keep your body warm at night.
• Drink hot tea, soup, and water regularly to keep your body warm and hydrated.

Thorong Phedi Vs Thorong High Camp: Where Should You Stay?

Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass

This section of the trek on the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass is one of the most difficult parts of the entire trek. You will steadily gain altitude walking along a treacherous high-altitude trail of the pass until you reach the top of the pass. Most people tend to start this section in the early morning and give plenty of time to get back down to Muktinath.

The distance to walk from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass is around 5 to 6 km (3 to 3.7 miles) and takes around 4 to 6 hours depending on how fast you are walking, weather conditions, and trail conditions. 

What makes this section hard is accumulated fatigue that hasn’t recovered well, thin air, and high altitude walking means every step weighs thrice than in normal elevation.

The views along the trail offer spectacular views of mountain ranges, sharp mountain ridges, and high-altitude landscapes. As we reach Thorong La Pass, the landscape gets more rocky and rugged, and there is also some snow and ice present during the colder months.

At the top of the pass, there is a board marking the summit of Thorong La Pass adorned with colorful prayer flags.

During clear weather, trekkers can see clear views of the mountains; however, due to the height of the pass, the weather can change rapidly.

Things to See and Do at Thorong Phedi

Thorong Phedi is a great place to relax and enjoy some incredible mountain views. Trekkers can take amazing photos of harsh mountainous environments and rugged landscapes. Sightings of Himalayan wildlife are also possible.

High-Mountain Scenery: Trekkers can enjoy the peaceful environment along with the scenic views of mountain slopes and high-altitude rugged landscape surrounding Thorong Phedi. The rocky slopes and ruggedness of the valley characterize the wilderness of the isolated valley.

Take Photographs of the High-altitude Landscape: Along with the mountains and hills, trekkers can capture the rugged trail, teahouses, and experience the locals’ way of life up close.

Observe Himalayan Wildlife: Depending on the season and weather, trekkers can get a sight of high-altitude wildlife such as Himalayan blue sheep and species of birds adapted to the alpine environment.

Prepare Gear and Plan: While they rest here, trekkers can also take their time and make sure they pack and check their necessary items such as warm clothing, headlamp, torchlight, trekking poles, water, and snacks before departure.

Acclimatization Hike to Thorong High Camp: Trekkers can go up to Thorong High Camp for extra mountain views and light exercise. It is at a higher altitude than Thorong Phedi, so make sure to ascend carefully and only if you are feeling well acclimatized. It is better to avoid going any higher if you have any symptoms of altitude-related sickness.

Final Tips For Staying at Thorong Phedi

Thorong Phedi makes an ideal place to stop before crossing Thorong La Pass. It will be best to arrive early to get some rest, eat well, and prepare your gear because the trek to Thorong La Pass starts early in the morning.

Before beginning the trek, trekkers should check the weather and trail conditions to avoid any danger. Depending on your health, acclimatization, and the advice of your guide, you can also choose to stay here or head up to Thorong High Camp.

If you would like to plan your trip well, take a look at the standard 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary provided by Himalayan Masters.