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Weather in Yak Kharka
High Himalayan yak pastures on the Annapurna trail
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About Yak Kharka
This high Himalayan yak pasture sits along the classic Annapurna Circuit trekking route where herds graze at 4,000+ meters elevation amid some of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery. Teahouses provide basic lodging while yak herders maintain pastoral traditions on this high plateau. The location connects trekkers to Himalayan nomadic culture.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Yak Kharka
Trek Annapurna Circuit high passes
Hike alongside yak herds with herders
Stay in high-altitude teahouses with herders
Photograph dramatic Himalayan panoramas
Participate in yak herding activities
Camp at extreme elevations with clear stars
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-13C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
-12C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
-9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
April
-5C
Cold, with occasional showers.
May
-1C
Cold, with some rainy days.
June
3C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
July
4C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
August
5C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
September
3C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
October
-2C
Cold, with occasional showers.
November
-5C
Cold, and mostly sunny skies.
December
-9C
Cold, and mostly sunny skies.
Yak Kharka is a small high-altitude stop on Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, little more than a handful of teahouses on a windswept slope at around 4,000 metres, named for the yaks that graze the surrounding pastures. It's the last reasonably comfortable acclimatisation stop before trekkers push on toward the Thorong La pass, with views opening up across a stark, treeless landscape of the upper Marsyangdi valley.
Best areas to stay in Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka village
A small cluster of teahouses on an open slope, the main overnight stop.
Surrounding yak pastures
Open grazing land where yaks roam, giving the stop its name and offering short acclimatisation walks.
Marsyangdi valley views
Sweeping views down the upper valley toward the peaks of the Annapurna range.
Trail toward Thorong Phedi
The onward route climbing toward the base camps for the Thorong La pass crossing.
Getting to Yak Kharka
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Flights
Fly into Kathmandu, then travel to Besisahar (the Annapurna Circuit trailhead) by road, continuing on foot for several days to reach Yak Kharka.
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From London
~11-12 hours from London to Kathmandu, plus several days of trekking.
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Getting around
On foot only — there is no vehicle access to Yak Kharka, reached via the standard Annapurna Circuit trekking route.
Frequently asked questions
Why do trekkers stop at Yak Kharka?
It's a key acclimatisation stage on the Annapurna Circuit, allowing a gradual ascent before the high camps and the Thorong La pass crossing.
How cold does it get at Yak Kharka?
Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing even outside winter, so a warm sleeping bag and layered clothing are essential.
What facilities are available?
Basic teahouses offer simple dorm-style rooms and meals (mainly dal bhat, noodles and soups); amenities are limited compared to lower-altitude villages.
Is altitude sickness a concern here?
Yes — at around 4,000m, proper acclimatisation is important; trekkers are advised to ascend gradually and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness.
How far is Yak Kharka from Thorong La pass?
It's typically 2-3 days further to the pass via High Camp, depending on the acclimatisation schedule chosen.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Basic but the views down the valley from the teahouse were stunning, and it was a useful, quieter stop before the bigger crowds at High Camp.
Owen P. · October 2024
★★★★☆
Cold night but the extra acclimatisation day here definitely helped before crossing Thorong La a couple of days later.
Mei L. · April 2024
★★★★★
Watching a herd of yaks graze right outside the teahouse at sunset, with the peaks turning pink behind them, was a magical end to a hard day's walk.
Carlos D. · November 2023
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