As the autumn season begins and the monsoon recedes, the skies have cleared over Nepal, revealing breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. The Thorong La Pass, a popular trekking destination situated at an altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level, is attracting an increasing number of tourists, both domestic and international. This location serves as a key point on the Annapurna Circuit, which spans the districts of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski.
Ghyacho Gurung, a hotelier and member of the District Coordination Committee in Manang, noted a significant uptick in visitors heading toward Thorong La and Tilicho Lake as the Dashain festival approaches. He remarked that while the region was once primarily frequented by foreign trekkers, an increasing number of Nepali tourists are now exploring this scenic route.
With the onset of the festival season, groups including employees, traders, and students from various parts of the country are making their way to Thorong La and Tilicho. Improved infrastructure, including road access, accommodations, trail enhancements, and expanded communication facilities, have contributed to the rising popularity of the Annapurna Circuit, which has been promoted as a must-visit destination by international media.
Julie Shrestha, a trekker from Kathmandu, shared her experience after visiting Thorong La. She expressed her joy at witnessing the stunning mountain ranges and the region’s rich cultural diversity. Shrestha emphasized that the trek to Tilicho Lake, passing through Thorong La to Muktinath, is both adventurous and challenging, making it a sought-after journey for thrill-seekers.
Most trekkers reach Chame by vehicle and then begin their hike from there, often spending the night in Upper Pisang and Manang to acclimatize to the altitude. After a four-hour trek from Upper Manang, hikers reach Yak Kharka, situated at 4,036 meters. This area offers internet-enabled accommodations, providing a comfortable resting place for trekkers.
From Yak Kharka, a 7.3-kilometer trek leads to Thorong La Base Camp, located at 4,450 meters. Trekkers typically spend four to five hours journeying from the Base Camp to reach Thorong La High Camp at an elevation of 4,800 meters. Due to potential weather changes in the afternoons, guides recommend setting off early in the morning to ensure a safe ascent to Thorong La.
After a challenging 13-hour trek from High Camp, hikers arrive at Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, located at an altitude of 3,762 meters in Mustang District.
Pramodraj Regmi, the head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office in Jomsom, noted that since Thorong La was opened for trekking in 1970, it has attracted both foreign and domestic tourists. In the fiscal year 2022-23, a total of 13,910 foreign tourists traversed Thorong La on their way to Mustang. By the third week of October in the current fiscal year, 1,781 trekkers had already made the journey through Thorong La.
While some trekking routes have been altered due to road construction in other areas, Gurung assured that there are no immediate plans for road access to Thorong La, suggesting a promising long-term potential for tourism in the region. Collaborative efforts are underway between the Mustang local government and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project to improve the trekking path from Thorong La to Muktinath, enhancing accessibility for future visitors.
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