Annapurna Circuit Trek Thorong La and Muktinath

This is the full classic route, not a shortcut version. The trek starts with two driving days into the mountains, tracing the traditional Annapurna Circuit path rather than skipping ahead by road. The trail moves through pine forest and Tibetan-influenced villages, climbing into Manang's high alpine terrain, with a full rest day built in for acclimatization before pushing higher. The whole trek builds toward one day: crossing Thorong La at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, then descending into Muktinath, a temple sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. From there the trail continues through Kagbeni to Jomsom, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in view, before the drive back to Pokhara. This is a proper high-altitude circuit, not a beginner route. Crossing a pass above 5,000m demands real fitness and acclimatization discipline.