Day to Pass Thorong La 5416m – A life time journey to the Himalaya

The day to pass Thorong La 5416m

We had planned to walk earlier in the morning so we ate breakfast at 5 am and started to walk at 5:30 am. Because on the top of the Thorong La might get heavy and windy. We walked with the headlamp and on the snow very early in the morning. Slowly slowly we are walking because in the group we have our own tempo to walk.

The early morning was very cold but we enjoyed our walk with the headlamp. We first stopped at the first Tea shop but unfortunately, the shop was closed. But we took some photos while we are taking a break. And we drank water and continue to our destination.

Sun hit on the snow and we used our sunglasses because that can create a blindside in our eyes. When we are walking started to come strong wind. Normally early in the morning not windy like this. But we continue our journey to Thorong La.

After two and a half hours we reached the top of the Thorong La. When we reached the wind it got stronger and stronger. We took some photos and then drank a cup of black coffee in the tea shop. And we hung the prayer flag on the top. And we pray for success and safety for all travelers.

I talked with the man at the tea shop, who runs the tea house on that high. He said staying there is very difficult but what to do. And there have been 36 hours continuing such strong wind and he haven’t slept well last night. And he suggested we go down as soon as possible.

After spending some time on the top of the Thorong La. we walked down to Muktinath. Because our final distinction for the day was to reach the Muktinath. Walking opposite the wind was very tough and the snow on the way made us walk very slowly. But we continue our trip. 

After an hour of walking, it felt a bit easy to walk because there are less wind and strong sun. We changed our clothes and continued our trip to Phedi where we planned to have lunch. We arrived in Phedi around 11:30 am and we took a long break there and ate noodle soup.

From Phedi to Muktinath still, a long way to go. So we started to walk and after one and half hours we reached the Muktinath temple area. But our final destination was to reach Ranipaiwa. Ranipauwa is the place where hotels are located. We stayed in the Royal Mustang Hotel.

Today’s day was a very tough and beautiful day for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Because we were the first one to reach the top and the second one to reach Muktinath. There is the cycle group that has been faster than us to reach Muktinath.