Annapurna Circuit Trek Current Situation

Annapurna Circuit Trek Current Situation and Safety Update – September 2026

Latest Update: September 24, 2026

Is the Annapurna Circuit Open Right Now?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is not under a blanket closure, but the current situation requires serious attention because of heavy rainfall, possible snowfall at high elevations, landslide risk, flooding and transportation restrictions.

Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology is currently showing weather and hydrological warnings, while authorities in the Annapurna region are preparing for possible heavy rain, rising river levels, landslides and other weather-related hazards.

For trekkers planning the Annapurna Circuit in the coming days, this means that normal autumn trekking conditions cannot be assumed.

The route may remain accessible in some sections while another section becomes temporarily blocked because of rain, landslides or snowfall.

Therefore, the situation should be checked day by day and section by section.

Current Annapurna Circuit Situation

The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal's most popular long-distance trekking routes, crossing the dramatic landscapes between the Marsyangdi Valley and the Kali Gandaki Valley.

The traditional route passes through:

• Besisahar
• Dharapani
• Chame
• Pisang
• Manang
• Yak Kharka
• Thorong Phedi
• Thorong La Pass
• Muktinath
• Jomsom
• Marpha
• Lower Mustang

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres.

Normally, late September marks the beginning of the post-monsoon trekking season. However, the current weather system is creating additional risks, particularly for transportation and the high-altitude sections.

⚠️ Heavy Rainfall Warning in Nepal

Nepal's meteorological authorities have warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of extreme rainfall in some areas.

The government has also increased preparedness because of the potential for floods and landslides, with security agencies placed on alert and authorities monitoring river conditions.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology currently maintains warning and monitoring systems for rainfall, flooding, landslides, snowfall and other hazards.

For Annapurna trekkers, heavy rain can create several problems at the same time.

Possible impacts include:

• Landslides blocking roads
• Falling rocks
• Mud and debris flows
• Flash floods
• Rising river levels
• Damaged bridges
• Slippery trails
• Road delays
• Vehicle restrictions
• Temporary trail closures
• Difficulty with emergency transportation

A road or trail that was open yesterday may not necessarily remain open tomorrow.

🚨 Besisahar–Chame Road: Night Travel Restricted

One of the most important current developments for Annapurna Circuit trekkers is the restriction on nighttime vehicle movement on the Besisahar–Chame road.

According to the Lamjung District Administration, vehicle movement on the Lamjung section of the road has been suspended from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM, beginning September 24 and continuing until September 28, 2026.

The restriction has been introduced because of the increased risk of floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall.

The Besisahar–Chame road is particularly important because it provides road access toward Manang and is used by trekkers travelling toward the Annapurna Circuit.

Authorities are also monitoring the possibility of rising water levels in the Marsyangdi River and nearby rivers and streams, including the Dordi, Kisedi, Midim and Khudi.

What does this mean for trekkers?

If you are travelling from Kathmandu or Pokhara toward Besisahar and Manang, you should:

• Avoid planning nighttime road travel.
• Allow extra time for transportation.
• Confirm the road condition before departure.
• Expect possible delays.
• Keep your itinerary flexible.
• Follow instructions from local authorities and transport operators.

🚧 What About Road Blockages?

The Annapurna Circuit has become more accessible by road over the years, but this also means that weather-related road conditions can directly affect trekking plans.

During periods of heavy rainfall, roads through the Marsyangdi Valley can be affected by:

• Landslides
• Falling rocks
• Mud
• Flooded sections
• Road construction
• Damaged culverts
• Temporary traffic restrictions

A temporary road blockage does not necessarily mean that the entire Annapurna Circuit is closed.

However, it can delay access to the trekking route.

For example, previous landslide activity has temporarily blocked sections of the road toward Manang during September. This demonstrates how quickly transportation conditions can change during the rainy season.

Trekkers should always confirm the current road condition before leaving Besisahar.

❄️ Snowfall Warning in the Annapurna and Mustang Region

The situation becomes particularly important at higher elevations.

Authorities in Mustang have warned about the possibility of heavy snowfall in mountain areas.

Officials have specifically urged caution around high-altitude routes including:

• Thorong La
• Yak Kharka
• Saribung Pass
• Mosokundo Pass
• Dhaulagiri routes

Authorities warned that snowfall combined with landslides, floods and debris flows could make travel dangerous and could also make rescue operations difficult.

Reports from the region indicate that some mountain areas have already received substantial snowfall.

This is particularly important for trekkers approaching Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres.

⚠️ Thorong La Pass: The Most Important Section to Monitor

Thorong La is normally crossed early in the morning because weather and wind conditions can deteriorate later in the day.

Under normal conditions, trekkers generally follow the route:

Manang → Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi → Thorong La → Muktinath

But heavy snowfall can change the situation quickly.

Fresh snow may:

• Cover the trail
• Reduce visibility
• Make navigation difficult
• Increase the risk of slipping
• Make the ascent slower
• Make the descent toward Muktinath difficult
• Increase exposure to cold and wind
• Make rescue operations more difficult

Authorities have indicated that Thorong La could be closed if heavy snow makes the route unsafe.

Do not cross Thorong La simply because it is included in your itinerary.

The decision should be based on:

• Current weather
• Snow depth
• Trail condition
• Visibility
• Wind
• Local authority information
• Guide assessment
• Conditions reported by trekkers coming from the opposite direction

Safety must come before the itinerary.

🌧️ Lower Annapurna Circuit: Rain and Landslide Risk

The lower part of the circuit can have a completely different environment from the high mountains.

Around:

• Besisahar
• Jagat
• Dharapani
• Tal
• Chame

rainfall can remain significant during the late monsoon transition.

Heavy rain can create:

• Muddy trails
• Water crossings
• Slippery rocks
• Landslides
• Road blockages
• Delayed jeeps
• Temporary bridge problems

This means that even if the weather is clear around Thorong La, the journey to reach Manang may still be affected by road conditions.

🏔️ Manang: Weather Can Change Quickly

Manang sits at approximately 3,500 metres and is one of the most important acclimatization points on the Annapurna Circuit.

The weather here can change rapidly.

Trekkers may experience:

• Sunshine during the day
• Cold mornings
• Strong winds
• Cloud
• Rain or snow
• Sudden changes in visibility

If heavy snowfall begins, trekkers should speak with their guide and local accommodation operators before continuing toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.

Do not make decisions based only on what the weather looked like several hours earlier.

🏔️ What If You Are Already Trekking?

If you are already on the Annapurna Circuit and weather conditions deteriorate, do not panic.

Instead:

1. Stay informed

Speak with your guide, lodge owner and local people about current trail conditions.

2. Avoid unnecessary movement during extreme rain

Heavy rainfall can make landslide-prone areas particularly dangerous.

3. Do not cross active landslides

Never walk across an unstable slope simply because another person has crossed it.

4. Be careful around rivers

Water levels can rise rapidly after heavy rain.

5. Do not attempt Thorong La in dangerous weather

If heavy snow or poor visibility makes the crossing unsafe, wait or follow an alternative plan recommended by experienced local authorities and guides.

6. Be prepared to change your itinerary

A responsible trek does not always follow the original itinerary exactly.

🛑 What If the Road Is Blocked?

If the road toward Manang becomes temporarily blocked, trekkers should not try to force their way through a dangerous section.

Depending on the location and circumstances, the safest option may be to:

• Wait for clearance
• Stay overnight in a safe village
• Return to a safer point
• Change transportation
• Modify the itinerary
• Delay the next trekking stage

Road clearance times cannot always be predicted because further landslides can occur while workers are clearing the first blockage.

Is Annapurna Circuit Completely Closed?

No blanket closure of the entire Annapurna Circuit has been reported as of September 24, 2026.

However, this does not mean that every part of the circuit is safe or accessible at all times.

The current situation is better described as:

The Annapurna Circuit remains operational in principle, but heavy rain, snowfall, landslides, flooding and temporary transportation restrictions are creating changing conditions that require daily monitoring.

The most important point for travelers is that route status and safety can change quickly.

Should You Start the Annapurna Circuit Now?

For trekkers planning to start immediately, the decision should be based on the latest local information rather than the calendar alone.

The current weather warning covers a period of significant concern, and authorities have specifically advised caution for travel and Himalayan trekking.

If your departure is between September 25 and September 27, contact your trekking agency and confirm:

• Current weather
• Besisahar road condition
• Dharapani road condition
• Manang trail condition
• Snow around Thorong La
• Current conditions at Thorong Phedi
• Local authority notices
• Accommodation availability

If conditions are unsafe, delaying the trek is preferable to taking unnecessary risks.

📍 Current Annapurna Circuit Status – September 24, 2026

Trekadviser Safety Recommendation

At Trekadviser, we do not believe that trekkers should continue simply because a trek has already been booked.

Mountain conditions always come first.

Before starting the Annapurna Circuit, our team recommends checking:

Weather → Road → Trail → Snow → Local authority notice → Guide assessment

If one of these changes significantly, the itinerary should be reviewed.

Our guides and local partners can provide information from the trail and local communities, while official weather and government notices should remain the primary reference for safety decisions.

What Trekkers Should Pack for These Conditions

Because the weather is currently unstable, trekkers should be prepared for both rain and cold.

We recommend carrying:

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Warm down jacket
• Fleece or insulating layer
• Thermal base layer
• Waterproof trekking shoes
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Water-resistant trekking bag
• Extra socks
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Personal medication
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Power bank
• Emergency contact information

For high-altitude sections, adequate warm clothing is particularly important.

Do Not Rely on Old Information

One of the biggest mistakes travelers can make during unstable weather is relying on an article, social-media post or trekking report from several days earlier.

The situation in the Himalayas can change quickly.

A road that was open yesterday may be blocked today.

A trail that was dry yesterday may be covered with snow today.

A mountain pass that was crossed safely by one group may become unsafe after a new snowfall.

Therefore, current information matters more than an old itinerary.

Final Annapurna Circuit Safety Update

The Annapurna Circuit remains one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking routes, but September 2026 is currently experiencing a significant period of weather uncertainty.

Heavy rain is increasing the possibility of landslides, floods and road disruptions, while snowfall at higher elevations is creating additional concerns around Thorong La and other high mountain routes.

The Besisahar–Chame road currently has a nighttime vehicle restriction from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM until September 28, reflecting the heightened concern about floods and landslides.

At higher elevations, Mustang authorities have urged caution because snowfall, landslides, floods and debris flows may make travel dangerous and complicate rescue operations.

Our advice is simple:

Do not panic, but do not ignore the warnings.

If you are already trekking, stay informed and follow local safety instructions.

If you are planning to start, check the route conditions immediately before departure.

If heavy rain or snowfall makes a section unsafe, wait, change the route or postpone the trek rather than taking unnecessary risks.

The Annapurna mountains will still be there.

Your safety comes first.

Official Information

For the latest weather and hydrological warnings, travelers should check the Government of Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). The department currently provides rainfall, flood, landslide, snowfall and other hazard monitoring and warning information.

Emergency weather/flood information: Nepal DHM toll-free number 1155.

Last Updated: September 24, 2026

This article is a current situation update, not a guarantee that every section of the Annapurna Circuit is open. Mountain weather, roads and trails can change rapidly. Always follow current instructions from local authorities and your trekking guide.

Trekadviser Pvt. Ltd.
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