Photos

The Thorung La Pass of 5416 meters, (about 17000 feet), is one of the highest passes in the world, and is the final big push as you go around the Annapurna Circuit. It is 1000 meters of elevation gain in one day, with then a 1600 meter descent that same day. And this is all starting at an elevation of about 4400 meters, or 14000 feet. Getting a breath is a challenge, even after gradually acclimatizing for many days of treking. That being said, most people usually make it, although it is always a hurdle that looms large during the week or so of the approach.

This photo was taken early in the day after about an hour's hard work....but with still quite a few more to go. The building is the upper camp. Some use this as a final launching pad, but most use the lower camp which is an hour or so below.