The Thorong La pass has been deservedly so the highlight of hikers attempting the Annapurna Circuit. And the legendary status of the pass has remained untarnished even as paved roadways supplanted decades-old trails on both ends of the circuit and once-cherished pathways tumbled into permanent neglect.

Why?

Through the years, crossing the iconic pass has almost become a rite of passage for global hikers, surpassing even the inexplicable need to arrive at the Everest Base Camp - a large cluster of Mountain Hardware tents pitched by hardworking Sherpas and the graveyard for spent oxygen cannisters.  

Thorong La is by no means an easy 1000-metre climb in the wee hours of a frigid morning. The top is often windy. And afterwards, the long 1600-metre descent to the spiritual oasis that is Muktinath on the other side of the pass is equally hard on one’s knees and legs.

But why do we still do it? 

Simple answer – because we have not done it yet. It’s that proverbial itch. It just needs to be done. And it’s a badge of honour for many global trekkers. The epic views along the way are a big bonus.

In more practical terms, crossing the pass allows you to explore what’s on the other side, chiefly Upper and Lower Mustang.

And here are some key steps you should take to maximise the chances of success:

Acclimatise. Acclimatisation is a process unique to every individual. Acute mountain sickness has no regard for age or fitness. Mild symptoms of AMS should be expected. With careful management, feelings of nausea, dull headaches at the end of the day, fatigue and a lack of appetite may run their course by the end of the first day.

Key to acclimatisation is to avoid sleeping at an altitude of more than 500 metres (1600ft) higher than the elevation at which you slept on the previous night. In the course of the day, climbing higher - at a slow and easy pace - will help in acclimatisation. Breathlessness will be inevitable. Slow down and avoid over-exertion. Find your “mountain pace”. Drink lots of water, as the higher you go, the thicker your blood becomes, which makes the circulation of oxygen in your body less efficient. Avoid consumption of alcohol. Do consider medication that helps prevent the onset of altitude sickness but always consult your family doctor first.

If symptoms worse, descend. And descend to the elevation where you last felt good.

Watch the weather. People have died trying to cross the Thorong La pass, caught in very bad mountain weather. In mid-October 2014, a sudden blizzard struck the region, killing dozens of hikers near the pass. More than a hundred others suffered from hypothermia and frostbite. A few others remained missing. It was the worst trekking disaster in Nepal to date. Since then, local authorities have erected emergency shelters on the other side of the pass. On our part, we must ensure that we have packed sufficient thermal clothing even if the sun is beating down on us and not a single cloud can be seen in the sky. If visibility suddenly deteriorates, retreat or avoid climbing at all until conditions improve.

Avoid trekking alone. There is a place for independent hiking. But high up in the Himalayas, walking solo is always a risk. Hike with a friend, or go with a local guide. A companion will help monitor any signs of altitude sickness. A local guide will help pull you to safety in the event of severe weather. A co-trekker can also call for help if you slip and fall, or suffer from some kind of injury. In November 2025, a German woman tragically died in a fall while trekking solo on a less visited trail in the lower Annapurnas.

Care for your body. Apart from the altitude, your body will be subject to all kinds of stresses on a multi-day trek, especially on trails involving sharp ascents and knee-jarring descents. As we always say, drink beyond the point of thirst. Urine should be clear and not yellow. Finding a toilet in the wild might be inconvenient but do not drink less to avoid Nature’s call. You will also be losing salt even though you are not sweating - add electrolyte powder to your drinks. Consume high-calorie meals. Your normal “office diet” will not cut it. Your knees and ankles will be particularly vulnerable on descents - use at least one trekking pole to help absorb the impact of walking down slopes. Talk to your family doctor on bringing painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. Avoid eating meat on the trail; meat served at local teahouses may not be fresh and safe for consumption.