Thorong La Pass Trek Guide 2026: Elevation, Routes, and Essential Planning

Key takeaways

Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the highest and most challenging section of the Annapurna Circuit, requiring strong acclimatisation and mental resilience rather than technical climbing skills.
For the 2026 season, trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory, and permits plus insurance must be arranged through a registered agency.
The safest times to cross the pass are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May), with early-morning summit crossings essential due to weather and wind risks.
Proper preparation, including layered clothing, altitude awareness, slow pacing, and emergency-ready insurance, is critical for a safe and successful crossing.

Crossing the Thorong La Pass is widely considered the ultimate climax of the legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek. As we step into 2026, this iconic trail remains a “bucket-list” adventure, offering a transition between two distinct worlds: the emerald, lush valleys of Manang and the stark, arid, Tibetan-influenced landscapes of Mustang.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan your guided Thorong La Pass trek in 2026, from navigating new mandatory guide regulations to understanding the latest trek packages and safety protocols.

Overview of Thorong La Pass

What is Thorong La Pass?

Thorong La Pass (also spelled Thorang La) is a high mountain pass situated in the Damodar Himal, a sub-range of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal. The term “La” translates to “pass” in Tibetan, accurately describing its function as a vital corridor through the mountains. Historically, it served as a crucial trade route connecting the people of Manang with the Kali Gandaki valley and Mustang.

Location and Significance

The pass acts as a natural watershed divide. To its east lies the Manang District, characterized by greener, glaciated valleys, while the western descent leads into the Mustang District, an arid rain-shadow desert that resembles the Tibetan plateau. Within the context of the Annapurna Circuit thorong la pass, it is the defining geographical challenge and the highest point trekkers must conquer.

Trek Highlights and Scenic Views

Panoramic Vistas: The summit offers breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and the high peak of Thorong Ri (6,144m).
Deepest Gorge: The descent leads into the Kali Gandaki Valley, which forms one of the deepest gorges in the world.
Cultural Fusion: Experience a blend of Hindu traditions in the lower foothills and Tibetan Buddhism in the manang thorong la pass corridor.

Thorong La Pass Elevation & Difficulty

Altitude of Thorong La Pass

The thorong la pass elevation is a staggering 5,416 metres (17,769 feet) above sea level. At this height of thorong la pass, the atmospheric pressure is roughly half that of sea level, meaning there is only about 50% as much oxygen in each breath. To put this in perspective:

It is higher than Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
It is roughly double the elevation of Mount Kosciuszko in Australia.

Trek Difficulty Level

The thorong la pass difficulty is officially categorised as “Challenging”. While it is a non-technical hike that requires no ropes, ice axes, or crampons in normal conditions, it is physically demanding due to extreme altitude and temperature.

The “Big Day”: The crossing day from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath involves a 12-to-16-kilometre journey taking 8 to 10 hours of grueling movement.
Oxygen Deprivation: Every step can feel like a marathon effort due to the thin air.

Tips for High-Altitude Acclimatisation

Success on the pass is 50% mental resilience and 40% fitness, but the most critical physical component is acclimatisation.

The Manang Rule: Never skip your rest days in Manang (3,540m). Spend at least two nights here to allow your body to produce extra red blood cells.
“Climb High, Sleep Low”: On acclimatisation days, hike to higher points like Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake and return to a lower altitude to sleep.
Hydration: Drink 4 to 5 litres of water daily to counteract the dehydrating effects of high-altitude air.
Slow and Steady Pace: Maintaining a rhythmic gait where you can still hold a basic conversation is essential to avoid overexertion.

Best Time & Weather Conditions

The best season to trek thorong la pass is determined by two primary windows that offer stable weather and clear skies.

1. Autumn (September to November) – Peak Season

Highlights: The safest time for crossing the pass, offering razor-sharp views after monsoon rains have washed the air.
Thorong la pass temperature: Daytime averages around -4°C (25°F), but nighttime temperatures at high camps can plummet to -15°C or -20°C.

2. Spring (March to May) – Nature’s Window

Highlights: Vibrant rhododendrons in bloom and longer daylight hours.
Conditions: Generally clear mornings, though thorong la pass snow can persist into early April, sometimes causing short-term closures.

Seasonal Risk Comparison

Season	Recommended?	Conditions	Pass Status
Autumn	Best	Stable, clear, dry	Safest crossing
Spring	Excellent	Warm lower, flowers, some snow	Generally open
Winter	Limited	Extreme cold (-20°C), deep snow	High risk of closure
Monsoon	No	Heavy rain, leeches, landslides	Treacherous conditions

Clothing & Gear Recommendations

The right trekking gear for thorong la pass must handle sub-zero temperatures and high-intensity UV rays.

Layers: Moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool), a fleece or down mid-layer, and a Gore-Tex outer shell.
Insulation: A heavy down jacket rated for -15°C is considered “life-saving equipment”.
Ocular Protection: Category 4 polarised sunglasses are mandatory to prevent snow blindness.
Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with ankle support.

Trekking Route: Manang to Thorong La Pass

Step-by-Step Itinerary (Standard 14-Day Cycle)

Modern road construction has shortened the classic itinerary, but “Slow Trekking” remains the safest philosophy.

Day 1-5: Journey from Kathmandu to Chame (2,670m) and then to Manang (3,540m).
Day 6: Mandatory Rest Day in Manang. Visit the HRA clinic for altitude lectures.
Day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,020m). A short, slow ascent to the high zone.
Day 8: Reach Thorong Phedi (4,450m). Rest early for the pre-dawn start.
Day 9: The Big Day. Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descend to Muktinath (3,760m).
Day 10-14: Explore Muktinath, Jomsom, and return to Pokhara/Kathmandu.

In short, also the 12-day Annapurna Circuit trek and 21-day Annapurna Circuit trek allow you to cross Thorong La Pass. Choose 12 days for a faster journey, or 21 days for deeper cultural exposure and maximum safety.

The “NATT” Alternative

The Annapurna Circuit trekking route is no longer a single fixed path. To avoid dusty roads, trekkers utilize Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT). These are color-coded (Red-White for main routes, Blue-White for side trips) and keep you on traditional footpaths.

Map and Distance Details

Manang to Yak Kharka: ~10 km (4-5 hours).
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi: ~7 km (3-4 hours).
Thorong Phedi to Pass Summit: ~6 km (5-6 hours) with nearly 1,000m of elevation gain.
Pass Summit to Muktinath: ~14 km ( steep descent).

Guided Trek Packages & Costs

2026 Mandatory Guide Rule

As of April 2023, and strictly enforced for the 2026 season, all foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Solo trekking for foreigners is effectively banned in the Annapurna Conservation Area. This policy aims to enhance trekker safety and support the local mountain economy.

Trek Package Price Breakdown

A guided thorong la pass trek package typically ranges from $895 to $2,499+ depending on duration and service level.

Trekking Style	Approximate Total Cost (USD)
Budget (Guided Solo/Small Group)	$895 – $1,195
Standard (Mid-range)	$1,200 – $1,999
Luxury (All-inclusive Premium)	$2,000 – $3,999+

Permits Required for 2026

Permits are no longer issued to solo travelers and must be processed through an agency.

ACAP Permit: ~3,000 NPR (approx. $25 USD).
TIMS Card: ~2,000 NPR (approx. $18 USD).
“Green Fee” (New 2026): NPR 1,000 added for waste management initiatives.

Safety Tips & Precautions

Altitude Sickness (AMS) Awareness

AMS is the greatest risk on the circuit. Trekkers should monitor for:

Soft Warning Signs: Mild headache, low hunger, and trouble sleeping.
Serious Symptoms: Strong, persistent headache, vomiting, racing heartbeat even while resting, and loss of balance (ataxia).
Action: If serious symptoms occur, immediate descent is the only definitive cure.

The “10:00 AM Deadline”

Winds at the pass summit pick up significantly in the afternoon due to the “wind tunnel” effect between valleys. Expert guides aim to have trekkers reach the summit by 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM at the latest to ensure a safe descent before the weather deteriorates.

Trekking Insurance

Comprehensive trekking insurance is now a mandatory requirement for permit issuance. It must explicitly cover:

Emergency Helicopter Evacuation up to 6,000 metres.
Medical expenses related to altitude-related illnesses.
Costs for high-altitude evacuation can range from $5,000 to $8,000.

Awareness: Thorong La Pass Deaths

While most trekkers cross safely, the pass has a sobering history. In October 2014, a sudden blizzard caused a major disaster resulting in over 40 fatalities on the Annapurna Circuit, many at Thorong La. More recently, deaths have been linked to high-altitude sickness and avalanches. These incidents underscore why professional guidance, weather monitoring, and proper equipment are non-negotiable.

Analogy for Understanding Altitude: Think of your body at Thorong La Pass like a car engine at half-power. At sea level, your engine is fully fueled and oxygenated. At 5,416 metres, you have only half the oxygen you’re used to. You can still drive up the mountain, but you must shift into a lower gear (walk slower), stop frequently to let the engine cool (rest), and ensure you don’t run out of coolant (hydrate). If you try to red-line the engine in this thin air, it will stall,this is Acute Mountain Sickness.

Conclusion

Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) in 2026 remains one of the most powerful experiences on the Annapurna Circuit. While road access has changed parts of the trail, improved logistics and emergency support have made the journey safer than ever.

Success depends on proper acclimatization, a slow pace, and professional guidance. At this altitude, your body works at half power,pushes too hard, and it fails. Walk slowly, drink more water, and respect the mountain. Slow and steady is the key to crossing Thorong La safely.