Trekking · Nepal
Thorong La Pass
The 5,416 m climax of the Annapurna Circuit, linking the Manang valley to the temples of Muktinath.
Thorong La is the 5,416-metre high point of the Annapurna Circuit and the most famous trekking pass in Nepal. A broad, wind-scoured saddle strung with prayer flags, it links the high Manang valley on the north side of the Annapurna massif with the sacred temple complex of Muktinath above the Kali Gandaki gorge. Reaching it is the climactic day of one of the world's great long-distance treks.
Where it is
The pass crosses the eastern shoulder of the Annapurna range, connecting the Manang district to Mustang. To the west lies the deepest gorge on Earth, the Kali Gandaki, separating the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The full crossing is the centrepiece of the Annapurna Circuit trek, and Thorong La is one of the seven great Himalayan passes of Nepal.
Crossing the pass
Trekkers stage the crossing from Thorong Phedi or the higher Thorong High Camp, leaving in the dark, usually between 4 and 5 a.m., to reach the saddle before the afternoon wind builds. The climb to the top takes several hours; the top itself is marked by a cluster of prayer flags, cairns and a simple seasonal tea shack. From there it is a long, knee-testing descent of more than 1,600 metres to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site holy to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Difficulty and altitude
There is no climbing here, but the altitude makes Thorong La a serious undertaking. The Annapurna Circuit's long, gradual western approach through Chame, Pisang and Manang is what makes the pass achievable — it builds height over many days and includes a rest day in Manang for acclimatisation. Even so, trekkers should understand altitude sickness in Nepal and never push over the pass with symptoms. For a wilder, comparable challenge to the east, see the Larkya La pass on the Manaslu Circuit.
Best time and conditions
The reliable seasons are autumn (October to November) and spring (April to May). Winter snow regularly closes the saddle, and monsoon cloud makes the crossing miserable and risky. Conditions can change fast at this height: bitter cold, strong wind and fresh snow are all possible even in peak season, so warm layers, sunglasses, sunscreen and trekking poles are essential.
Plan your crossing
Thorong La is best approached as part of the full circuit rather than rushed. Plan your kit, timing and acclimatisation with the Nepal trekking guide, pad your schedule for weather days, and treat any sign of altitude illness as a reason to descend rather than continue.
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Thorong La pass?+
Thorong La sits at about 5,416 metres, making it the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit and one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal crossed by ordinary teahouse trekkers. The thin air at the top makes acclimatisation essential.
How hard is crossing Thorong La?+
It is strenuous but non-technical. The crossing is a long day of seven to nine hours starting before dawn from High Camp or Thorong Phedi, with a steep climb to the saddle and a very long descent to Muktinath. Cold, wind and altitude are the main challenges.
Which direction should you cross Thorong La?+
Almost everyone crosses west to east, from Manang up to the pass and down to Muktinath. This direction gives a longer, gentler acclimatisation profile on the way up; crossing the other way means a brutally steep ascent and is strongly discouraged.
When can you cross Thorong La?+
October to November and April to May are the safe windows. In winter the pass is often blocked by deep snow, and in the monsoon cloud and snowfall can close it. Even in season, fresh snow or high wind can force a delay, so build in buffer days.
