Thorong La Pass: How to Cross the World’s Highest Trekking Pass

Thorong La (5,416 m) is the highest trekking pass in the world and the dramatic climax of the Annapurna Circuit. Crossing Thorong La is a serious undertaking — the altitude is higher than any point in Europe, the weather can change in minutes, and trekkers have died on the pass from altitude sickness, exposure and avalanches. This is the complete 2025 guide to crossing Thorong La safely.

Thorong La Quick Facts

Item	Detail
Altitude	5,416 m (17,769 ft)
Location	Annapurna Circuit, between Manang and Mustang districts
Highest trekking pass in the world	Yes (regularly crossed by trekkers)
Climb from Thorong Phedi	+890 m
Descent to Muktinath	−1,656 m
Total walking time	7–9 hours
Best months	October–November, April–May
Closed in winter	Yes (typically Dec–Mar)
Fatalities	5+ trekkers have died on the pass (2014 blizzard killed 43 people)

Thorong La Crossing Itinerary

Day 1: Manang (3,540 m) → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

Leave Manang after breakfast. Climb steadily through alpine meadows, with the trail becoming steeper and more exposed as you gain altitude. Reach Yak Kharka by lunch. Afternoon rest, hydrate, eat early dinner, sleep by 7 pm. 3–4 hours walking, +510 m.

Day 2: Yak Kharka (4,050 m) → Thorong Phedi (4,525 m)

Short day to gain altitude gradually. Walk through high-altitude pasture, with views back to Annapurna III and Gangapurna. Reach Thorong Phedi (literally 'foot of Thorong') by lunch. Rest of the day is for acclimatization and preparing for tomorrow's pass crossing. Eat an early dinner (5 pm) and sleep by 7 pm — you will wake at 3 am. 3 hours walking, +475 m.

Day 3: Thorong Phedi (4,525 m) → Thorong La (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,760 m)

The big day. Wake at 3 am, breakfast at 3:30 am, start walking by 4 am with headlamps. The climb is 891 m of altitude gain over 4 km — steep switchbacks through scree and snow. Reach the pass at 7–8 am, with prayers flags and a small stone cairn marking the summit. Take photos, but do not linger — the weather can change quickly. Descend 1,656 m to Muktinath, arriving by 2–3 pm. 7–9 hours walking.

What to Pack for the Thorong La Crossing

• 4-season sleeping bag rated to −15 °C (for Thorong Phedi)
• Expedition down jacket
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Windproof shell jacket — the pass is windy
• Warm hat, balaclava, ski goggles
• 2 pairs of gloves — liner and insulated
• Headlamp with spare batteries — for the 4 am start
• 2 L of water — at altitude, water freezes, so keep bottles inside your jacket
• Snacks — chocolate, nuts, energy bars for the climb
• Trekking poles — essential for the descent to Muktinath
• Microspikes — for shoulder season (Oct late or Apr early) when the pass has snow

Acclimatization for Thorong La

Proper acclimatization is critical for Thorong La. By the time you reach Thorong Phedi, you should have:

• Spent at least 1 full acclimatization day in Manang (3,540 m)
• Hiked to a higher altitude during the Manang day (Ice Lake at 4,600 m is a popular acclimatization hike)
• Walked slowly from Manang to Yak Kharka, with no altitude gain >500 m/day
• No symptoms of altitude sickness — headache, nausea, fatigue

Weather on Thorong La

Weather on Thorong La is unpredictable and can change in minutes. Typical conditions in peak season:

• Pre-dawn (4–7 am): Clear, −15 to −20 °C, light wind
• Morning (7–10 am): Clear, −10 to −15 °C, increasing wind
• Late morning (10 am–12 pm): Cloud building, −5 to −10 °C, strong wind
• Afternoon (12–4 pm): Clouded over, snow possible, high wind
• Night: Heavy snow possible, very cold

Check the weather forecast at Thorong Phedi the night before your crossing. If heavy snow or strong wind is forecast, wait a day — most accidents on Thorong La happen to groups that crossed in bad weather.

When Is Thorong La Open?

Thorong La is typically open from mid-March to mid-December. The pass is closed by snow from mid-December to mid-March most years. Even in the open season, the pass can be closed for 1–3 days by fresh snow. If the pass is closed when you reach Thorong Phedi, you have two options:

1. Wait — most groups wait 1–2 days for the pass to clear. Budget $30–$50/day for extra tea house nights.
2. Turn back — descend to Manang and exit via the same route you came in. Adds 4–5 days to your trek.

The 2014 Thorong La Disaster — Lessons Learned

In October 2014, an unexpected blizzard hit Thorong La during peak trekking season. 43 people died — mostly trekkers and Nepali guides caught on the pass without warning. The disaster led to significant changes in how the pass is monitored:

• Weather monitoring is now more sophisticated, with daily forecasts at Thorong Phedi
• Guide requirements are enforced more strictly
• Tea houses at Thorong Phedi are better equipped for emergencies
• Trekkers are advised to start earlier (4 am) and not linger on the pass

See the BBC's coverage of the 2014 disaster for background. The lessons are real — Thorong La is a serious mountain crossing, not a casual hike.

Tips for a Safe Crossing

1. Start at 4 am — no later. The pass must be crossed before 10 am.
2. Walk slowly — at 5,000+ m, every step is hard. Take 10 steps, rest, repeat.
3. Drink water regularly — at altitude, you dehydrate without realizing it.
4. Eat snacks every hour — chocolate, nuts, energy bars.
5. Watch for symptoms of altitude sickness — if you feel bad, descend immediately.
6. Do not linger at the summit — take photos and descend.
7. Walk with your group — do not split up on the pass.
8. If you cannot continue, send for help. Tea houses at Thorong Phedi have radios.

What If I Get Altitude Sickness on the Pass?

If you or someone in your group develops altitude sickness on Thorong La:

1. Stop climbing immediately.
2. Descend at least 500 m — even back to Thorong Phedi if necessary.
3. If symptoms are severe (HAPE or HACE), use emergency oxygen if available and call for helicopter evacuation.
4. If helicopter evacuation is not possible (weather), descend to Muktinath as quickly as possible.
5. Take Diamox 250 mg if available.
6. Do not leave the sick person alone.

Helicopter rescue from Thorong La is difficult because of the altitude and weather. Most evacuations are done from Muktinath (3,760 m) after a rapid descent. See our Nepal trekking insurance guide — make sure your policy covers trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter rescue.

Crossing Thorong La is one of the great trekking achievements in Nepal. The 5,416 m pass is the highest point most trekkers will ever reach on foot, and the views from the summit — Annapurna to the south, the Tibetan plateau to the north — are unforgettable. Just do it safely: acclimatize properly, start early, pack warm, and turn back if the weather is bad. For the full Annapurna Circuit itinerary, see our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide.