# Thorong La Pass: How to Cross the Highest Point of the Annapurna Circuit

_Published 23 July 2026_

Crossing the **Thorong La** is the highlight of the [Annapurna Circuit](/annapurna-circuit-trek): a long, cold, breathtaking day that takes you from Manang's valley over a 5,416 m pass and down to the sacred temple of Muktinath.

**Quick answer:** Thorong La is at **5,416 m**. Trekkers usually sleep at **Thorong Phedi** (about 4,450 m) or **High Camp** (about 4,850 m), start before dawn, cross the pass and descend about 1,600 m to **Muktinath**, a long day of 7–10 hours. Good acclimatisation in **Manang** is essential, and the pass can be closed by heavy snow, especially from December to March.

## Acclimatisation

Spend at least one extra night in [Manang](/places/manang), with a hike higher during the day. Ascend slowly through Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp.

## The crossing

1. Start very early, often around 4–5 am, to avoid afternoon wind.
2. Climb steadily through switchbacks and false summits to the prayer-flag-covered pass.
3. Descend a long, steep trail to Muktinath; trekking poles help.

## Dangers

- **Altitude sickness:** turn back if symptoms worsen.
- **Cold and wind:** temperatures before dawn are well below freezing.
- **Snow:** after heavy snowfall the pass can be impassable; in October 2014, a blizzard caused a tragedy. See our [2014 report](/news/annapurna-blizzard-thorong-la-2014).

## What to pack

Down jacket, warm gloves, hat, headlamp, sunglasses, microspikes in snowy conditions, and plenty of water and snacks.

## Best time

October–November and March–May. Read our [Annapurna Circuit guide](/blog/annapurna-circuit-trek-guide).

## Thorong La at a glance

DetailAltitude5,416 mStart[Thorong Phedi](/places/thorong-phedi-and-high-camp) (4,450 m) or High Camp (about 4,880 m)Finish[Muktinath](/places/muktinath) (about 3,800 m)AscentAbout 970 m from Phedi, or about 540 m from High CampDescentAbout 1,600 m to MuktinathTimeAbout 7–10 hours from Phedi; 6–8 hours from High CampUsual directionAnticlockwise, from Manang to Muktinath## An acclimatisation itinerary for the pass

DaySleep atAltitudeNotes1Upper Pisang or NgawalAbout 3,300–3,660 mThe upper route helps acclimatisation2[Manang](/places/manang)About 3,540 m3Manang (rest day)About 3,540 mHike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna viewpoint; HRA altitude talk4[Yak Kharka](/places/yak-kharka) or LedarAbout 4,050–4,200 mShort day5Thorong Phedi or High Camp4,450–4,880 mMany sleep at Phedi and climb to High Camp for acclimatisation6Cross Thorong La to MuktinathPass 5,416 m; sleep about 3,800 mVery early startAdding a side trip to Tilicho Lake before the pass, as many trekkers do, improves acclimatisation. See [Annapurna Circuit altitude profile](/blog/annapurna-circuit-altitude-profile).

## Phedi or High Camp?

Thorong Phedi, at the foot of the climb, has more lodges and is lower, which usually means better sleep. High Camp, about an hour higher, shortens the pass day considerably but is colder, more basic and higher for sleeping, so altitude symptoms are more common. Many guides prefer Phedi for the night, with an afternoon walk up to High Camp and back for acclimatisation. If you feel strong and well acclimatised, High Camp gives you a head start. Lodges at both fill up in peak season, so book through your guide or company.

## Pass day hour by hour

Time (approx.)What happens3.30–4.00Wake up, hot drink and light breakfast4.00–4.30Start walking from Phedi by headtorch5.30Reach High Camp; short tea stop6.00–9.00Long, gradual climb over moraine and snow, with false summits; a small tea shop on the way in season8.30–10.00Reach Thorong La: prayer flags, the pass sign and huge views; photos and a short rest10.00–14.00Steep, long descent to Charabu and Muktinath; knees take a beating13.00–15.00Arrive in Muktinath; hot shower and celebrationAim to be over the pass by about 10 am, before the strong winds that usually pick up from late morning.

## Dangers in detail

- **Altitude sickness:** Thorong Phedi and High Camp are high places to sleep. Any signs of worsening altitude sickness, such as severe headache, vomiting, confusion or breathlessness at rest, mean you should not attempt the pass; descend to Yak Kharka or Manang. See [altitude sickness](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking).
- **Weather:** storms can bring heavy snow and whiteouts. In October 2014, an unseasonal blizzard linked to a cyclone killed more than forty people on and around the Annapurna Circuit, many near Thorong La. Always check forecasts and follow local advice.
- **Cold and wind:** temperatures before dawn can be −10 °C to −20 °C with wind chill. Frostbite is possible without proper gloves and boots.
- **Snow and ice:** in winter and spring, the trail can be icy; microspikes are useful.
- **The descent:** long and steep on loose ground; trekking poles help.

## What to pack for pass day

- Down jacket, fleece, base layers and windproof shell.
- Warm hat, buff, warm gloves and liner gloves.
- Sunglasses (category 3–4) and sunscreen: snow glare is intense.
- Headtorch with fresh batteries.
- At least 2 litres of water in insulated bottles (a flask of hot water is ideal), plus snacks.
- Trekking poles and, in snowy seasons, microspikes.
- A small first-aid kit, including blister care.

## Best time to cross

SeasonConditionsOctober–NovemberThe most reliable: clear, stable weather; cold morningsMarch–AprilGood, with snow on the pass early in the seasonMayWarmer, with more afternoon cloudDecember–FebruaryOften snowbound or closed after storms; for experienced trekkers with flexible plans onlyJune–SeptemberMonsoon; the upper valley is drier, but the pass can be cloudy, and lower trails are wet## Why most people go anticlockwise

From Manang, the climb to Thorong La is gradual, and you sleep progressively higher over several days. From Muktinath in the other direction, the pass involves a climb of about 1,600 m in one day from 3,800 m, with no safe place to sleep higher in between except a basic high camp, which is a much greater altitude risk. For this reason, almost all trekkers cross from east to west. See [Annapurna Circuit guide](/blog/annapurna-circuit-trek-guide).

## After the pass: Muktinath

Muktinath is one of the holiest sites in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhists, with a temple surrounded by 108 water spouts, an eternal flame burning from natural gas, and views back towards the pass. Many trekkers rest here before continuing to Kagbeni and Jomsom. See [Muktinath temple](/blog/muktinath-temple-guide).

## Alternatives if you can't cross

If the pass is closed by snow, or someone in your group isn't well enough to cross, there are options. You can wait a day or two at Manang or Yak Kharka for conditions to improve, if your schedule allows. You can retrace your steps down the Marsyangdi valley and take a jeep from Manang or Chame back to Besisahar, then travel to Pokhara. Or you can fly or drive around to Jomsom and Muktinath to see the other side. Helicopters can also fly from Manang in an emergency. Your guide will help decide; never attempt the pass in bad weather or with altitude symptoms.

## Horses and porters on the pass

At Thorong Phedi and High Camp, it is sometimes possible to hire a horse to carry you up to the pass for a fee, which some trekkers use if they are tired or feeling the altitude. Horses can't descend the steep western side safely with a rider, so you will walk down. Porters cross the pass with heavy loads; make sure your porter has proper boots, warm clothing, gloves and sunglasses, as a responsible trekking company will provide. See [porters and guides](/blog/life-of-a-trekking-porter-and-guide).

## Our tips for a successful crossing

- Take the rest day in Manang and the side trips that help you acclimatise.
- Drink plenty the day before, and eat a good dinner and breakfast.
- Prepare everything the night before so you can leave quickly in the dark.
- Walk slowly and steadily; don't race the people ahead.
- Keep water from freezing by carrying it inside your jacket or in an insulated bottle.
- Celebrate at the top, but don't linger more than 20–30 minutes.
- Take the descent slowly to protect your knees.

## Frequently asked questions
### How high is Thorong La?
**5,416 m**.

### How long does it take to cross Thorong La?
About 7–10 hours from Thorong Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath.

### Is Thorong La difficult?
It is demanding because of altitude and length, but not technical.

### When is Thorong La closed?
After heavy snow, especially December–March.

### Should I sleep at Thorong Phedi or High Camp?
Phedi is lower and usually gives better sleep; High Camp shortens pass day but is colder and higher.

### What time should I start crossing Thorong La?
Around 4–4.30 am from Phedi, to be over the pass before late-morning winds.

### Can I cross Thorong La from Muktinath?
It is possible but not recommended, because of the 1,600 m climb in one day.

### Is there a tea shop on the pass?
A small tea shop near the top often operates in season.

### What happened on Thorong La in 2014?
An unseasonal blizzard killed more than forty people on and around the Annapurna Circuit.

### Can I hire a horse to cross Thorong La?
Sometimes, from Phedi or High Camp, for the ascent only; you walk down.

### What if Thorong La is closed?
Wait for conditions to improve, or return down the Marsyangdi valley by jeep.

### How cold is it on Thorong La?
Before dawn, often −10 °C to −20 °C with wind chill.

### Do I need crampons for Thorong La?
Usually not in autumn; microspikes help in winter and early spring when the trail is icy.

### Is there a lodge at the top of Thorong La?
No, only a small seasonal tea shop near the pass.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/thorong-la-pass-guide