Annapurna Circuit Open Now: October 2026 Trail Conditions & Thorong La Update
Annapurna Circuit Trek Update 2026: Is It Open Now?
Last Updated: October 7, 2026 | Nepal Time
Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek Open Now?
Yes — the main Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass is currently open and trekking has resumed.
After heavy snowfall blocked the Thorong La section in late September, the trail between Manang and Mustang has been cleared and reopened. Local teams organised by the Muktinath Hotel Association cleared heavy snow from the pass, and several trekking groups have successfully crossed Thorong La in recent days.
However, not every route in the Annapurna region is open under the same conditions. Heavy snow continues to affect some high-altitude side routes. Tilicho Lake remains closed, while the Nar Phu Valley route towards Kang La remains difficult and is not currently recommended for normal trekking.
For trekkers planning the Annapurna Circuit in October, the situation has therefore improved significantly, but conditions should still be checked locally before starting the high-pass section.
Annapurna Circuit Trail Status — October 7, 2026
Route / Area | Current Status | Latest Situation |
|---|---|---|
Besisahar–Chame | 🟢 Open | Road access has reopened, although some sections remain affected by previous landslides |
Chame–Manang | 🟡 Check locally | Road and trail conditions can vary; trekking access is improving |
Manang–Thorong La | 🟢 Open | Trekking has resumed after snow clearance |
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) | 🟢 Open | Several trekking groups have successfully crossed |
Thorong La–Muktinath | 🟢 Open | Route accessible following snow clearance |
Muktinath–Jomsom | 🟢 Operating | Check current road/trail conditions before departure |
Tilicho Lake | 🔴 Closed | Heavy snow continues to block the upper trail |
Nar Phu / Kang La | 🔴 Not recommended | Heavy snow and trail obstacles remain |
Ghandruk–Ghorepani / Poon Hill | 🟢 Open | Operating normally according to the latest advisory |
Annapurna Base Camp | 🟢 Open | Currently operating |
Mardi Himal | 🟢 Open | Currently operating |
Sikles | 🟢 Open | Currently operating |
The latest TAAN safety advisory reported that Ghandruk–Ghorepani, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal and Sikles routes are operating, while the Round Annapurna Circuit through Thorong La has become accessible again.
What Happened to the Annapurna Circuit?
Heavy rain, landslides and significant snowfall affected the Annapurna region from late September. Snow accumulated heavily around Thorong La Pass, temporarily stopping trekkers from crossing between Manang and Mustang.
The situation changed in early October after local teams cleared the snow from the pass. On October 6, reports confirmed that the Thorong La route had reopened and trekkers were once again moving between Manang and Mustang.
This means the Annapurna Circuit should not be described as completely closed anymore.
Thorong La Pass Update
Thorong La Pass is currently accessible.
The pass, at approximately 5,416 metres, is the key high-altitude crossing of the Annapurna Circuit. Heavy snowfall had previously blocked the trail, but snow-clearing work has restored access.
Several groups have already crossed the pass successfully, and current reports indicate that trekking conditions are improving as more groups begin using the route.
Nevertheless, Thorong La remains a high mountain pass. Snow, wind, visibility and trail conditions can change quickly. Trekkers should make the crossing with a qualified guide and confirm conditions in Manang, Thorong Phedi or High Camp before departure.
Tilicho Lake Trek Update
Tilicho Lake remains closed at this time.
Heavy snowfall has blocked the higher section of the trail, making the route unsuitable for normal trekking at present.
This is important because the reopening of the main Annapurna Circuit does not mean every side trek in the region has reopened.
Nar Phu Valley Update
The Nar Phu route remains affected by heavy snow and difficult trail conditions.
Although parts of the route may technically be accessible, current conditions around the high Kang La section make the trek impractical for normal groups. Trekkers should not assume that the reopening of Thorong La means Nar Phu is also fully operational.
Is It Safe to Trek the Annapurna Circuit Now?
The main circuit is operating, but “open” does not mean that every section is completely risk-free.
The best approach is to check the trail conditions immediately before starting the high-altitude section. Snow conditions at Thorong La can change rapidly, and road sections in the lower Marsyangdi Valley may still be affected by landslide damage.
Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) has advised trekkers to remain alert, travel with a licensed guide and confirm current conditions with local authorities, ACAP, MCAP and tourism committees before starting affected routes.
Trekadviser Recommendation
For trekkers already planning the Annapurna Circuit in October 2026, the situation is now considerably better than it was in late September.
Our recommendation:
- ✅ The main Annapurna Circuit can be planned via Thorong La
- ✅ Thorong La has reopened after snow clearance
- ⚠️ Check conditions before crossing the pass
- ⚠️ Allow flexibility in your itinerary
- ❌ Do not currently plan Tilicho Lake as a confirmed side trip
- ❌ Do not assume Nar Phu/Kang La is ready for normal trekking
- ✅ Travel with a licensed local guide
- ✅ Confirm the latest conditions in Manang before heading towards Thorong Phedi
Trekking conditions can change quickly in the Himalayas. We recommend checking the latest local information immediately before departure.
Latest Status
🟢 Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La: OPEN
🔴 Tilicho Lake: CLOSED
🔴 Nar Phu/Kang La: NOT CURRENTLY RECOMMENDED
🟢 Poon Hill, ABC, Mardi Himal and Sikles: OPERATING
Information checked and updated: October 7, 2026.