Trekking · Manang
Thorong La Pass Approach
Stages from Manang to the 5,416m Thorong La crossing — the route, timing and altitude safety.
The short answer: from Manang, the Thorong La pass is crossed over three to four days via Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi / High Camp, with a pre-dawn start for the 5,416m crossing down to Muktinath on the Mustang side. It is the dramatic high point of the Annapurna Circuit — and a serious undertaking that depends entirely on good acclimatization in Manang village first.
The stages from Manang
- Manang (3,540m) to Yak Kharka (~4,050m): A short, gentle climbing day out of the upper Marsyangdi valley to ease you higher.
- Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (~4,540m) or High Camp (~4,880m): A modest but tiring day; many split it by sleeping at Phedi and only moving to High Camp if feeling strong.
- The crossing: A very early start for the long climb to the Thorong La (5,416m), then a knee-punishing descent to Muktinath.
Safety on the pass
The Thorong La is dangerous through altitude and weather, not technical climbing. Do not attempt it without a proper rest day below — read our Manang acclimatization guide and the national altitude sickness in Nepal primer. Start before dawn to beat the wind, carry water and warm layers, and turn back if the weather closes in or symptoms worsen. Winter snow frequently makes the pass impassable, so time your trek using the best time to visit Manang.
Good to know
- Direction: Almost everyone crosses west-to-east, from Manang to Muktinath, because the ascent is gentler from this side.
- No services on top: There is a seasonal tea stop near the pass at best — carry your own food and water.
- What's beyond: The descent drops into the arid Mustang district and the sacred temple at Muktinath, a fitting end to the high days above Manang.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Thorong La pass?+
The Thorong La sits at about 5,416m, making it one of the highest trekking passes in the world and the high point of the Annapurna Circuit. The crossing from the Manang side to Muktinath is long and strenuous, and proper acclimatization in Manang beforehand is essential.
What are the stages from Manang to Thorong La?+
From Manang most trekkers walk to Yak Kharka, then to Thorong Phedi or High Camp, then make a very early start to cross the pass and descend to Muktinath on the Mustang side. It usually takes three to four days from Manang, including the rest needed to acclimatize at each stage.
When should you cross the Thorong La?+
Cross in the early morning, typically setting out before dawn from Phedi or High Camp, to beat the strong winds and afternoon weather that build at altitude. Season matters too: spring and autumn are safest, while winter snow often closes the pass entirely.
Is the Thorong La pass dangerous?+
It carries real risk from altitude and weather rather than technical difficulty. Acute mountain sickness, sudden snowstorms and high winds are the main hazards. Thorough acclimatization in Manang, an early start, conservative decisions and turning back in bad weather are what keep the crossing safe.
