The Annapurna Circuit is long rather than steep for most of its length. The climb up the Marsyangdi valley is gradual, which helps you acclimatise. Then comes one very hard day: crossing Thorong La at 5,416 m.
The hard parts
- Thorong La day. You start before dawn from Thorong Phedi or High Camp, climb to 5,416 m in thin, cold air, then descend a long, steep path to Muktinath at 3,760 m. Expect a very long day.
- Cold. Nights at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi are well below freezing outside the summer months.
- Altitude. You sleep above 3,000 m for several nights in a row. The rest day in Manang matters; don’t skip it.
How to train
- Walk hills or stairs two or three times a week for eight to ten weeks before you go.
- Include some long days of six hours or more, ideally with a steep descent, to prepare for the pass.
- Practise walking downhill with poles. The descent to Muktinath is hard on knees.
When not to cross
Snow can close Thorong La, especially from December to March. Your guide decides on the morning whether it’s safe to cross, and waiting a day is sometimes the right call.
