Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter Flight - 10 days

Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter Flight - 10 days


Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter Flight is a wonderful trip that combines Thorong La Pass Trek and a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu in 10 days. The major highlight of this trip is crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, the world's highest pass, and flying back to Kathmandu in a helicopter instead of walking or driving down to Jomsom. Thus, travelers with a limited time for exploration can complete this trip within less than two weeks.  

Likewise, most trekkers are tired after a challenging climb over Thorong La Pass and getting to the other side of the top at Muktinath Temple. The descent from the pass is tricky as the track is entirely steep in some parts and covered in loose rocky stones. Well, these sections are even more painful for people with knee problems. So, this 10-day short itinerary offers an easy and scenic ending as you'll catch a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Muktinath after crossing Thorong La Pass.

Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter flight begins with a short Helicopter flight to Lower Pisang and starts trek from here. Before climbing to the Thorong La Pass, you'll traverse a few landmark villages such as Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and High Camp. The pass lies between two 6000 meters high mountains, i.e., Yakwakang and Thorong Peak. From the pass, you can enjoy the splendid views of both sides of the valley surrounded by mountain vistas. Traditional Chorten, colorful prayer flags, and congratulation boards will welcome you.

After enjoying the sheer beauty of the Himalayas, you'll step back down the side of the mountain. After continuous few hours of downhill walk, you'll make it to the Muktinath Valley. You'll explore Muktinath temple the next day and return to Kathmandu via helicopter flight. Finally, with fabulous moments and everlasting memories on the Annapurna Circuit trail, you'll end your Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter Flight with a flight to your home.

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.

Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

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Trip Highlights

  • A scenic helicopter flight to Lower Pisang village, a gateway to Upper Manang
  • Explore Upper Pisang village and visit new and old Gompas
  • Trek to Manang Village, one of the oldest settlements in the Nyeshyang region
  • Acclimatization hike to Ice Lake in Manang
  • An exhilarating adventure of crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world 
  • Savor the perfect panoramic sight of snowy peaks, including Annapurna II, Ganesh Himal, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Himalchuli, Machhapuchhare, Manaslu, etc. 
  • In a short time- less than two weeks, complete the Annapurna circuit with comfort 
  • Visit the religious temple of Muktinath
  • Take a holy bath under the 108 stone taps and two scared ponds on Muktinath Temple premises
  • Explore Jawala Mai Temple and witness an internal flame produced by natural gas
  • Get a fantastic aerial view of the patch-worked village of Kagbeni, Jomsom of the Mustang region 
  • A bird eye’s view of vibrant Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara City
  • Enjoy the luxury helicopter tour back to Kathmandu
  • Interact with the local people from Gurung, Ghale community, and Tibetan immigrants
  • Get close insight into the lifestyle and culture influenced by Tibetan
  • In a single package, get the experience of both trekking and heli ride

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft), Transfer to Hotel, and Trek Preparation
Day 2 Fly to Lower Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft) By Helicopter, and hike to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft)- 45 minutes flight and a 20-minute hike
Day 3 Trek to Ngawal (3,660m/12,005ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 4 Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,612ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek
Day 5 Acclimatization Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m/15,088ft) and return to Manang - 7 to 8 hours trek
Day 6 Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13.284ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 7 Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,842ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 8 Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,765ft) and trek to Muktinath (3760m/12,333ft) - 9 to 10 hours trek
Day 9 Visit Muktinath Temple and Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) By Helicopter- 1 hour and 30 minutes flight
Day 10 Final Departure

Route Map

Thorong La Pass Trek Route Map Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter Flight Route Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft), Transfer to Hotel, and Trek Preparation

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a representative from Third Rock Adventures will welcome you. Once you get through all the airport formalities, your guide will escort you from the airport to the hotel.

After resting for a while, you’ll attend a short trek briefing session with your fellow travelers at our main office. Here your trek guide will share with you some essential guidelines that you need to follow during this trek with a heli tour. After completing the session, you’ll return to the hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s trek. If you forget to bring any trekking stuff, you can buy or rent in Thamel. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Day 2
Fly to Lower Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft) By Helicopter, and hike to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft)- 45 minutes flight and a 20-minute hike


Early morning you’ll grab breakfast and head towards International Airport. After completing airport formalities, you’ll move towards the chopper and fly to Lower Pisang. Once you arrive at the village, you’ll feel the change in the landscape and see the dry weather and lands of the Upper Manang.

After taking a short break, you’ll trek towards Upper Pisang, just about 100 meters higher. En route beholds the marvelous sight of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Then slowly, your path descends, leading to the Upper Manang Valley into the Upper Pisang village. The Marshyangdi River separates these two villages.

Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.

Day 3
Trek to Ngawal (3,660m/12,005ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek


Today you’ll head out of Upper Pisang village and follow the trail towards Ngawal via Ghyaru village. Along the route, enjoy some most incredible views you’ll get on the Annapurna Circuit. You’ll get an amazing glimpse of Annapurna II (7,937m). After traversing a long mani wall, you’ll climb straight uphill until you reach Ghyaru.

Continue the walk via a zig-zag path up to the village. Once you get to the town, you’ll be rewarded with some of the enchanting views of the entire trek. You can take a short break here, take some photos, and relish the views of Annapurna II and surrounding peaks in the distance. From here, you’ll continue your walk and arrive at the small village of Ngawal. The scenery is spectacular in this village.

Overnight stay in Ngawal. 

Day 4
Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,612ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek

Today, you’ll head towards Manang, the capital town of the Manang District of Nepal. Most trekkers choose this place to acclimatize before taking on Thorong La Pass. Located in a board valley of the Marshyangdi River and side of the alluring Gangapurna Glacial Lake, this village offers an astonishing view of the north side of the Annapurna range.

After walking for a few hours, you’ll first reach Bhraka village, one of the most beautiful villages in the Manang district. Here you can visit the oldest Buddhist monastery in Nepal. From here, the trail becomes easy, and after 45 minutes of walking, you’ll reach an ancient settlement of Manang.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Day 5
Acclimatization Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m/15,088ft) and return to Manang - 7 to 8 hours trek


Acclimatization day in Manang is essential even if you don’t feel any symptoms of altitude sickness. So, today you’ll go for an acclimatization hike to Ice Lake to prepare for crossing the Thorong La Pass. Within the next three days of hiking, you’ll gain almost 2000m altitudes, so preparing your mind and body is vital. Walking along the zig-zag path above the Braga village, you’ll reach the shore of the lakes. There are two lakes; one Lower Ice Lake and Upper Ice Lake. There are some exquisite views of the mountain across the valley. After exploring the lake area, you’ll trek back to Manang.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Day 6
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13.284ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

After spending acclimatization day in Manang, you’ll hit the trail again. Today is not a tough day; you’ll gain most of the elevation in the first half of the walk. As the trekking route gets higher and higher, the scenery is incredible. Passing through the yaks grazing area, you’ll climb uphill on the steep mountain slopes and reach Ghunsang. The walk continues with the spectacular views of snowy peaks in the distance.

Passing through Ghunsang, the trail is relatively easy; with few ups and downs, you’ll make your way to Yak Kharka. On the way, you may encounter mules and yaks. Once you reach Yak Kharka, you can stroll around or just rest.

Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

Day 7
Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,842ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

Set off from the Yak Kharka and walk along the trail to Ledar village. Following the riverside, you’ll cross the suspension bridge. You’ll continuously climb uphill, pass through towering cliffs and descend to a narrow wooden bridge over the Jorsang Khola. Then you’ll walk on a narrow trail, and finally, after a short ascent, you'll arrive at Thorong Phedi.

You can rest as you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. 

Overnight stay in Thorong Phedi. 

Day 8
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,765ft) and trek to Muktinath (3760m/12,333ft) - 9 to 10 hours trek

Thorong La Pass Thorong La Pass- It is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Today is the most exciting day of your trip as you’ll be crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the world's highest trekking passes. It is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You’ll begin your journey with a slow-paced walk to High Camp along the steep rocky terrain. Further, you’ll climb alongside moraines until you see hundreds of prayer flags blowing in the freeze.

Once you reach the top passing the spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, the valleys, and rocky slopes of the Annapurna Massif will reward you. You can take some photos to celebrate your success.

To the west of the pass, you’ll see the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri Massif, and walking down to the lowest point of the access, you reach the village of Chirabu. As you travel further, Muktinath Valley lies right ahead of you. This village hosts Muktinath Temple, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. This place is famous as Mukti Kshetra, which means the “Place of Liberation.” 

Overnight stay in Muktinath. 

Day 9
Visit Muktinath Temple and Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) By Helicopter- 1 hour and 30 minutes flight


Today you’ll wake up early and hike to Muktinath Temple, which lies just at the base of Thorong La Mountain Pass, offering a dazzling view. You can wander nearby Muktinath temple premises, worship Lord Bishnu, and take a holy bath in 108 water sprouts and Mukti Kunda (two kundas in front of the temple). Next, you can visit stupas, monasteries, and Jwala Mai Temple and admire the surrounding landscape.

Later you’ll get back to the chopper and fly back to Kathmandu. Once again, you’ll enjoy the alluring aerial views of Muktinath Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Likewise, yesterday’s strenuous downhill trek on the rocky paths might lock both your knees badly. So, this helicopter flight back to Kathmandu will be your savor of the day.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 10
Final Departure

After having an excellent Thorong La Pass Trek with Helicopter Flight, you’ll bid farewell to us and head toward Kathmandu International Airport. A representative from Third Rock Adventures will drop you at the airport before 3 hours of your scheduled flight. Besides, you also have many tour and trekking package options if you wish to extend your vacation. Please feel free to contact us for further details.

If you want an economical package, you can add two days and complete this package without helicopter flights. Thus, in 12 days, you can also complete this trek by overland.

 



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Based on 4 reviews


Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Harley Brooks
flagsUnited States of America
Sep 25, 2022

Thorong La Pass Trek and Heli

Great People, Great Company. We loved their service and operation standards. Never thought that a local nepali company has such professional team with all details. Can't say enough of them. We will definitely use them for every Nepal trip and adventure.
Tom Mills
flagsUnited States of America
Sep 25, 2022

Thorong La Pass+ heli

We had great time exploring Annapurna region in Nepal. I ws obseeded with treking in Nepal and finally had the time and taste of it and I must say, I am loving it. Third Rock organized this trek with heli flight. The price was ridiculously affordable and considering the service, it's 10 out of 10. The country's landscape took my breath away. I have no complains whatsoever
Caitlin Carter
flagsUnited States of America
Mar 25, 2022

Fav trek for me.

I did Thorong La Pass trek with Third Rock Adventure this year and loved it. I was surprised by the way they manage everything, their connection and good relationship with local people... It's amazing. Naba the main person behind the company personally met with me for brief discussion. It was such an amazing gesture. We had good talk before we traveled to the mountain. the unique part of this trek was the heli return to Kathmandu. Everything was way too great.
Kennedi Rollins
flagsUnited States of America
Mar 25, 2022

Thorong La Pass Trek

It was a great adventure with Rishi. We trekked all the way to Muktinath, crossing Thorong La Pass, and returned by helicopter. All the service was really more than we expected. They made sure all the time that we were enjoying ourselves. Hihgly recommended company.
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