Thorong Peak Climbing – 16 days adventure

Difficulty

Thorong Peak Climbing is a moderate to challenging adventure, suitable for experienced trekkers and aspiring climbers. There are long days of trekking and a non-technical ascending to 6,144 m, and though this is challenging can be accomplished with proper fitness.

We rate the trekking section as moderate level-you will be hiking 5-7 hrs a day on tough mountain trails carrying a light backpack.

The technical aspect of the summit lies is the additional level of difficulty you will have to climb with special gear such as crampons, ropes, and an ice axe on 30-40 degree snow slopes around the summit.

Whereas the Thorang peak climb is not immensely technical, the climb does demand basic mountaineering ability and an appetite for steep snow. Experience of high-altitude trekking is highly desirable since you will be trekking even higher than the 5,000 m pass and the 6,000 m peak.

The main thing is physical preparation, build up your stamina and leg strength, before the trip. You will cope with the reduced oxygen levels at altitude by doing cardiovascular training (hiking, running, and cycling). Rest days to acclimatize are in the itinerary and on the trail; this makes it much safer and ensures that you achieve success.

Mental will is also key. The day of the summit is long and tough. With this said, the Thorong Peak in Nepal can be said to be one of the more accessible peaks in Nepal, standing at 6000 meters. Guided by our qualified guides, first-time climbers (trekking background) have a high chance of summiting the mountain.

We ensure we are pacing and check on your health all the time. It is a demanding journey and will suit people new to technical climbing, because it requires some prior experience in multi-day high-altitude trekking, along with fitness and an open outlook to learn.

Best Season

The best seasons for Thorong Peak Climbing are spring and autumn, when Nepal’s weather is at its most stable and mountain views are crystal clear. A convenient period is spring (March to May).

Weather is generally stable and days are lengthier, but nights at Thorong High Camp can drop below –15°C, with the rhododendron woods on the way in full-color blossom. It is fairly good in spring, especially during the climbing period of Thorong Peak, because the snow pack is stable and weather conditions are generally dry.

There could also be some snow up the heights because of winter, but the climate has warmed up, so it should be endurable. But another ideal time is autumn (September to November).

The skies are typically spotless in the post-monsoon season, and one can have breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It is a cool and stable weather that does not have significant rain and storm probabilities.

Autumn is the busiest trekking season in Nepal, with many trekkers and climbers on their way up and down trails. The lower valleys have comfortable temperatures during the day, and nights in the high camps are cold, but not inhuman (range of –10°C or below at Thorong High Camp).

Food and Accommodation

In the Thorong peak climbing, we will have the lodging facility of tea house lodges; it is basic but comfortable in the villages every night. Most teahouses offer their visitors a plain room and beds, a blanket, and pillows. Rooms are not heated, and so you need a warm sleeping bag.

The meals throughout the trek are plentiful and in many cases surprisingly diverse. You can select food from the lodge menusand they normally contain Nepali food and some international favorites. Its staple is dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry), an endless, energy-dense meal that jokingly refers to as 24-hour power.

Noodle dishes, as well as fried rice, momos (dumplings), pasta, soup, porridge, and eggs. Manang and Jomsom have bakeries that sell freshly baked bread and coffee. Meat can be found in some villages, but above Chame, trekkers should avoid it for food safety due to a lack of refrigeration. Most trekkers do not eat it at higher altitudes on the grounds of freshness.

We would advise on vegetarian foods when Thorong peak climbing, just to be on the safer side and to help in the acclimatization.

All the meals through the trek and climb are mostly included in our package, which implies that there will be several breakfasts, lunches, and dinners every day.

Most of the time when on trek, breakfast and dinner are in the same lodge that you are staying in, lunch is at another lodge or a picturesque area along the track. You can easily obtain safe drinking water. It is important to stay hydrated at altitude.

The Thorong peak climbing part will be that, at Thorong High Camp, you will be camping or resting in the basic lodge, depending on the situation. We provide boiled water for your bottles.

In cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara), stay is provided in comfortable 3-star hotels on a breakfast basis. In these cities, you will be able to sample both Nepali and international food all in one place, which is a good reprieve after 2 weeks in the mountains!

Transportation and Facilities

Our Thorong Peak Climbing package includes all necessary transportation: private vehicles for airport transfers and after drive from Kathmandu to Syange.

The road to Besisahar is accessible by private vehicle, but beyond Besisahar to Syange requires a 4WD jeep due to rough terrain. The ride back to Kathmandu by private car/van or tourist bus takes place, but a flight is possible at a supplementary cost.

The facilities during the trek are primitive, but are getting better. Most villages have electricity to charge devices (small charge), and some, such as Manang, Chame, and Jomsom, have mobile connection and paid Wi-Fi. There is little medical assistance, but there are clinics in the larger villages, and evacuation (horse or helicopter) can be carried out in an emergency.

Most of the toilets are squat-style, with paid-only hot showers up to Manang. Basic amenities are very basic higher up. Nature and adventure are what it targets, so brace yourself to live a simple life.

What to Expect

Be prepared to go on long days of pleasant trekking with high altitude challenges and a very fulfilling Himalayan experience of a lifetime. Each day you will hike 5-7 hours in variable terrain and topography-lush valleys to rocky ridges- through forest roads to snow-covered slopes.

Altitude ranges between 1,300 m to more than 6000 m, and hence, prepare to experience a broad range of temperatures. You will be walking with a light daypack and porters will carry your major equipment, but days are beginning early and by the afternoon you reach teahouses.

The most important thing is acclimatization, and we have incorporated a program in our Thorong Peak climbing schedule that will enable your body to acclimatize safely. Summit day is hard.

A good alpine start before dawn, some rope work, and a long hike down. Culturally, one should anticipate rich experiences with the local ethnic people and influences of the Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Our team, who are experienced, will keep you safe and comfortable. Be open to change-weather and mountain conditions sometimes can change plans-but with an open mind, this climb will be an experience not forgotten.

Guide and Staff

Your Thorong Peak Climbing journey is led by an experienced, licensed trekking guide and a certified climbing Sherpa for the summit. In many cases, the Sherpa is the same guide in both roles, or may be joined at Manang/Base Camp.

Our guides are fluent in English, first aid and altitude safety trained, and your pace, comfort, and safety are assured. You are assigned porters who carry your large luggage, and we work diligently to make sure that the porters are well taken care of and equipped adequately.

During a day on the summit, different service levels are maintained with a guide-to-climber ratio well below the norm on summit day and with the use of assistant guides when corresponding to larger groups.

You can expect an educated, enthusiastic, and accommodating staff whose main goal is to get you through the trek successfully. Many trekkers will most likely consider members of the staff their new best friends.

Altitude Sickness

Thorong Peak Climbing poses a significant risk of altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS), as much of the trek is above 3,500 m, with the summit exceeding 6,000 m. We follow a high/sleep low itinerary, acclimatizing in Manang (3,540 m) and sleeping progressively higher while spending nights at lower altitudes.

AMS can be accompanied by headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleeping problems. Each of us acclimatizes to the altitude differently, and hence our experienced guides keep an eye on you frequently and are trained on the early symptoms.

As a way of curbing the occurrence of AMS, we propose a moderate pace during the trek, sufficient hydration, and avoidance of alcohol, smoking.

In case you get some symptoms, inform your guide at once. Mild cases of AMS commonly pass by themselves or by rest, fluid engagement, or drugs such as Diamox, which is to be discussed with a doctor prior to the trip.

Sometimes, we would stall or lose altitude to assist recovery. It is essential that people with severe symptoms (confusion, intense headache or breathing difficulties) should descend rapidly.

We can provide evacuation by helicopter or horse transport in emergency cases. Therefore, you should carry travel insurance that includes high-altitude rescue coverage.

We only attempt the summit push when the team is highly acclimatized, as the latter will impose physical strenuous activity on the body at high elevations.

The majority of the people who are trekking only follow the acclimatization plan to complete the journey without any severe problems. A safe and fun ride will involve listening to your body and communicating freely with your guides.

Gadgets, Charging, and Internet

Staying connected and keeping your devices charged during the Thorong Peak Climbing trip requires a bit of planning, but it’s certainly possible. Most of the villages along the Annapurna Circuit have electricity. Either a solar panel or a small hydro generator is mounted in teahouses.

Below the villages (up to Manang), you are likely able to charge your phone, camera, or power bank in the power strips of the dining hall (typically costing NPR 100-300 per hour/device, depending on the area, and device energy consumption).

Bring a personal power bank with you so you can charge that and then charge things at night in your room. North of Manang (Yak Kharka, Phedi, High Camp,) there are few charging options, and their costs are higher because these lodges have a limited, powered outlet supply.

It is also advisable to carry extra batteries for your vital equipment (camera) and to store your electronics in your sleeping bag during the night so that the cold does not sap your batteries.

As concerns access to the Internet, in the villages along the trekking route, you can access Wi-Fi services, Internet cafes, or Wi-Fi has been developed in places such as Chame and Manang and sold. In a certain region, there is also a system known as Everest Link/Annapurna Link, where you can purchase a recharge card to use Wi-Fi.

But it may be such a slow rate, and during peak hours, it may be in effect inoperative. Do not expect to stream videos; however, occasionally, a quick text or email will be possible. There is partial mobile phone coverage. Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC).

You may have cell reception in places like Chame, Pisang, Manang, and definitely in Jomsom, which is well covered. It may be helpful to purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu (and a data pack). The NTC network has better coverage in rural locations.

Visa and Permit

Most of the climbers will acquire a Nepal visitor visa to get into Nepal. A visa on arrival is available in the Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) as well as land entry points.

This is simple, it fills out the form or even online before arriving to save time on the fee, and you will receive the stamp with the visa. Make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months after your entry date and has double blank pages.

You might also bring some passport photos; although they no longer accept passport photos for your visa on arrival, they do come in handy for some trekking permits.

For the Thorong Peak Climbing trip, multiple permits are required: – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This is required for any trekker within the Annapurna region. Foreigners would pay about NPR 3,000 as a permit fee. It assists in the conservation and preservation of the trails.

At multiple checkpoints, you will have to demonstrate this. – Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This is a permit card trekkers pay to be registered (approximately 2,000 NPR) and monitored in terms of their safety. The TIMS cards are now of different colors for solo trekkers and those trekkers who may have guides.

Nepal, since April 2023, requires all trekkers to be guided in popular trails, and so you will get a Blue TIMS (guided), which will be taken care of by our agency on your behalf.

Thorong Peak Climbing Permit: Thorong Peak is classified as a “trekking peak” (Group ‘A’ or ‘B’) by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). To obtain a special climbing permit required for it, we will do this on your behalf with the NMA or the  Department of Tourism.

We will take the paperwork; however, you must bring copies of your passports and passport pictures. You must have this permit to legally climb the mountain and pay for the presence of a Liaison Officer.

We, as a firm, will organize all these permits either in advance or in Kathmandu as a package. Only take some photos as requested, and send us the necessary information, and we are good to go.

Whenever you are on a trek, it is a good idea to bring your permits along that you have in your daypack. ACAP/TIMS will be requested to be shown at the checkpoints by the authorities. These permits ultimately serve as good souvenirs of your adventure once you are done with it.

Your Extra Expenses

Our tour package is rather comprehensive; however, you should plan some extra spending that is not mentioned. The airfare to Nepal is not covered as such, so you are on your own. Some of your meals will be free, namely lunch and dinner in the cities.

You may wish to visit some different restaurants, hence you may want to budget on the range of 10-15 a day, depending on your preferences.

During the trek, you are fed, but any snacks, bottled water, or desserts you may desire will be an addition. To mention a few things: energy bars, chocolate, soft drinks, or alcohol.

Additional boiled water or tea/coffee, besides what one is given as meals, might also be charged. It is also prudent to carry a few water purification tablets or a Stripe to ensure that one does not have excessive plastic bottles.

This trip needs travel insurance (when covering high altitude trekking/climbing and emergency evacuation), which you book before you go. Equally, there are additional costs associated with the Nepal entry.

Need to rent or purchase gear in Kathmandu, which is another cost- there are many gear rental shops here; e.g., down jacket rentals cost around 1-2 dollars/day.

No tip is given to your guides or porters, but it is customary to do so. Clients usually collectively tip the guide and a bit less than that a day per porter. Naturally, it depends on how satisfied you are, but do count this in your travel budget as the crew is working hard to ensure your trip is successful.

Other personal expenses might be: souvenirs (handicrafts, t-shirts, prayer flags), any laundry service (available in Kathmandu/Pokhara and sometimes halfway in the trek at Manang for a fee), hot shower or Wi-Fi cards in the trek.

Also, any other trip extension activities that you may want to do (such as a paragliding flight in Pokhara or a cultural show in Kathmandu). Provided all goes well, you may not have to spend very much on the trek beyond beverages and tips.

Trip Extension

After completing your Thorong Peak Climbing adventure, many travelers choose to extend their stay in Nepal. A convenient trip is to Chitwan National Park with 2-3 days of jungle safari, in which it is possible to see rhinos, crocodiles, and even tigers.

When you are the relaxing type, take additional days in Pokhara (which you arrive at on Day 14) and indulge yourself in paragliding, spa, cafes along the lakes, or yoga retreats. To get more trekking, you can think about the Annapurna Base Camp trek or even shorter hikes such as Poon Hill.

This is now a trip that adventurous climbers may combine with another peak, such as the Chulu West or Chulu East, with the provision that an advanced booking is made.

A favorite type of extension is cultural–visit Kathmandu Valley and beyond, experience Bhaktapur, or see the sunrise at Nagarkot. Given enough time, side trips to Tibet or Bhutan can be organized out of Kathmandu, as well.

Extensions can be completely tailored, whether you want more adventure or low-level relaxation. Just tell us what you want in advance, and we will assist you in customizing your ideal post-climb plan.

Private Trip vs Group Join Trip

When booking Thorong Peak Climbing, you can choose between a private trip or joining a group departure, each with its benefits.

A personal tour will provide flexibility-you choose the departure dates and we can plan the itinerary around this so that it best suits you, such as adjusting the pace or including acclimatization days.

It is perfect when two people, families, or friends would like a more personal journey and have the time to explore such places as Tilicho Lake, where you customize your route and where the guide personally takes care of them. Nevertheless, individual journeys are sometimes more costly because shared expenses do not occur.

Group trips are ideal when an individual journey or a cheap trip is the objective. We have less specific date leave trips, and people come together to make teams of 2-12 people. It is cheaper compared to individual costs, and, in addition to that, you get to interact with other adventurers.

The route is set, and as such, the group goes at a pace of its own, and the guides make sure that no one falls behind. Bigger groups can be assigned additional assistant guides to offer adequate assistance. Safety is approached in a collaborative manner with prepared plans for altitude problems or emergencies that cause fewer disturbances.

Precisely, when you are about flexibility and personalization, select a personal trip, or a social trip when you need a much cheaper and a convenient experience.

Others even join the two by initially travelling in a group, then follow it up with personal extensions. In whichever you decide to go, we can assure you of quality, experienced guides, and a lifetime climb!