Thorong La is the high pass of the Annapurna Circuit, at about 5,416 m. It links the Marsyangdi valley on the Manang side with the Kali Gandaki valley and Muktinath. For most trekkers it is the highest point they will ever walk to, and the one day of the Circuit that decides the rest.
Key facts
Distances and heights are rounded, and a slow day or a snowfall can change the times.
- Height: about 5,416 m.
- Between: Thorong Phedi or High Camp (about 4,450 to 4,880 m) and Muktinath (about 3,710 m).
- Climb on the pass day: roughly 600 to 1,000 m up, then a descent of about 1,700 m.
- Day length: commonly 7 to 11 hours.
- Rules: the Annapurna Circuit requires a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card.
Why it matters
The pass is a natural climax. Prayer flags, a signboard, big views over Mustang and the contrast between the green Manang valley and the dry Kali Gandaki make it one of the great days in Himalayan trekking.
What makes it hard
- Thin air: about half the oxygen of sea level.
- Cold and wind, especially at dawn.
- A very long day with a steep, knee-testing descent.
- Weather that can change within hours.
Where this guide fits
For a short summary of timing, weather and safety, read Crossing Thorong La: timing, weather and safety. The pages in this section go deeper on specific questions.
What to read next
Thorong Phedi or High Camp and the pass-day timeline.
A brief natural and cultural context
Thorong La separates two very different worlds. On the Manang side, the landscape is high alpine, with sparse vegetation and Buddhist villages. On the Muktinath side, the landscape is dry and rocky, with Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Crossing it in a day takes you from one ecological and cultural zone to another, which is a large part of its appeal.
Who should attempt it
- Trekkers who have spent at least two nights at Manang and slept well at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
- People with reasonable fitness and no history of serious altitude illness.
- Anyone with a flexible schedule and a good guide.
Who should reconsider
- Anyone who feels unwell at Thorong Phedi or High Camp.
- Trekkers who arrived by road at a high start with no acclimatisation.
- Those with medical conditions not cleared for altitude.
Common questions
How high is Thorong La?
About 5,416 m.
How long does the crossing take?
Commonly 7 to 11 hours depending on where you start and your pace.
Do I need a guide?
Yes, the Circuit requires a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“We successfully summited Thorong La pass on 14th April 2026 — grateful to Himalayan Wonders and their staff.”
