Last updated: 3 October 2026
Short answer: Yes, the Annapurna Circuit trek is open. The trekking trail through Manang is passable, and Thorong La Pass is open. On 3 October 2026, seven trekkers were reported to have crossed the pass successfully. Nepal is open for trekkers, and the autumn season is under way.
Annapurna Circuit Update: 3 October 2026
After the flood that disrupted the Manang side of the circuit, conditions have improved. Here is the latest:
| Section | Status (3 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Road up to Chame | Open |
| Road, Chame to Bhratang | Still disturbed |
| Trekking trail, Chame to Bhratang | Open |
| Thorong La Pass | Open (7 trekkers crossed on 3 Oct) |
What this means for trekkers
- You can reach Chame by road. Jeeps and buses can take you as far as Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
- The road beyond Chame is the weak point. The stretch from Chame to Bhratang is still disturbed, so don’t count on vehicles there.
- The trail is the solution. The walking trail from Chame to Bhratang is open, and trekkers are moving through on foot. The Annapurna Circuit is a walking trek, so this stretch is easy to cover on foot.
- Thorong La is passable. The circuit’s highest point, at 5,416 m, is open and has already been crossed.
Was the Annapurna Circuit really closed?
Not entirely. The flood in the Manang area disrupted roads and created uncertainty, and many trekkers postponed or cancelled. The disruption was mainly to vehicle access. With the road open to Chame and the trail open beyond it, the trek can go ahead.
Is Thorong La Pass open right now?
Yes. Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is open as of 3 October 2026, and seven trekkers crossed it that day. Mountain conditions can change quickly, though, so:
- Check the weather and pass conditions with your guide or lodge owners in Manang and Thorong Phedi/High Camp before you go up.
- Start early. Most trekkers leave in the dark to cross before the afternoon winds.
- Don’t push on if you have altitude symptoms. Descend.
Is it safe to trek the Annapurna Circuit now?
The trail is open and trekkers are crossing, but this is a post-flood season, so take sensible precautions:
- Check conditions daily. Ask your guide, teahouse owners and local checkpoints about trail and landslide conditions.
- Allow flexible days. Add one or two buffer days to your itinerary for weather or road delays.
- Hire a licensed guide or porter. Local knowledge matters most when sections of the road are disturbed.
- Carry travel insurance that covers trekking up to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation.
- Avoid walking in heavy rain near landslide-prone slopes.
Permits for the Annapurna Circuit (ACAP, TIMS and TAAN)
You can’t trek the circuit without the right paperwork. These are the permits to know about.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
The Annapurna Circuit lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers need an ACAP rather than a Restricted Area Permit. For foreigners, the 2026 fee is listed at NPR 3,000 (roughly US$25–30), paid once on entry. ACAP was established in 1986 and is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and the fee supports conservation, trail maintenance and local community projects.
TIMS card and TAAN
The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is a safety-registration system tied to the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). TIMS differs from ACAP because it is mainly a safety-tracking system, not an area entry permit. Its requirement has been a talking point in 2026, so confirm the current status with TAAN or the Nepal Tourism Board before you travel. Fees may change, so check the official figures at the time of booking.
Where to get them
- Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board office, Bhrikutimandap (ACAP), and TAAN’s office for TIMS.
- Pokhara: ACAP and TIMS counters.
- Through your trekking agency, who can arrange both for you.
Carry your passport, passport-size photos and cash. Checkpoints along the route, including Besisahar, Dharapani and Chame, check permits.
Best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit
October is peak season. After the monsoon, the skies are clear, the views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri are at their best, and temperatures are stable. The October to November window is also when Thorong La is usually most reliable. Crowds will be lower than normal this year because of the flood, so you may find teahouses less busy.
How many days does the Annapurna Circuit take?
Most trekkers take 12 to 18 days, depending on where they start and end and how much they use jeeps. With the Chame-Bhratang road disturbed, plan to walk more of the middle section than you would in a normal year, and keep a couple of spare days.
Plan your Annapurna Circuit trek with us
Want a trek that takes the current road and trail situation into account? Contact Annapurna Trek Guide for a customised itinerary, permit arrangements and a licensed guide.
Contact Us For Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Annapurna Circuit open in October 2026?
Yes. The trail is open, the road reaches Chame, and Thorong La Pass is open.
Is the road from Chame to Bhratang open?
Not fully. The road section is still disturbed, but the trekking trail between Chame and Bhratang is open.
Is Thorong La Pass open now?
Yes. Seven trekkers crossed it on 3 October 2026.
Did the Manang flood damage the trail?
The disruption was mainly to the road. The trekking trail through the affected section is open.
Do I need a guide?
A guide is not legally required on the Annapurna Circuit, but it’s strongly recommended this season while parts of the road are disturbed.
Which permits do I need?
An ACAP permit and a TIMS card (check TIMS requirements before you travel).
Is Nepal open for tourists?
Yes. Nepal is open and trekking is under way.
