Key Takeaways
- Yes, the Annapurna Circuit is trekkable in winter (December to February). It is a harder, higher-commitment version of the trek, best suited to experienced, well-equipped trekkers.
- Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is the deciding factor. Heavy snow can block it for days, so a flexible itinerary and a guide who reads the weather are non-negotiable.
- Winter’s payoff is real: the clearest skies of the year, empty trails, and sharp, snow-dusted Himalayan views.
- Temperatures range from a mild 7 to 12°C in the lower valleys to as low as -20°C and colder at the high pass.
- Budget roughly US$1,200 to US$1,800 for a guided winter trek of 12 to 18 days, plus the ACAP permit (about US$30).
Winter turns the Annapurna Circuit into the quietest, clearest version of one of the world’s great treks, and also the coldest and most weather-dependent. If you are prepared for sub-zero nights and a real chance that Thorong La Pass closes, the reward is a Himalaya almost to yourself. This guide covers exactly what to expect from December to February 2026: conditions, costs, permits, gear, a realistic itinerary, and how to decide whether the full Circuit is right for you.
This is the hub of our winter Annapurna series. Each section links to a deeper guide as you plan.
Is the Annapurna Circuit doable in winter?
Yes. The Annapurna Circuit can be completed in winter, but only with the right preparation, and with the understanding that Thorong La Pass may close. Winter (December to February) brings stable, dry, sunny days and exceptional visibility, but high sections see deep snow and ice, and the pass can be blocked for days at a time after heavy snowfall.
In practice, this makes winter the domain of experienced trekkers who are comfortable on snow, carry the right traction, and, crucially, keep a flexible schedule. From our guides’ experience, the trek is entirely feasible from Besisahar up through Manang. The question is always whether and when you can get over the pass.
For a full breakdown of the closure risk and how guides decide whether to cross, see our deep dive on whether the Annapurna Circuit is possible in winter and the dedicated guide to crossing Thorong La in snow.
What is the weather like on the Annapurna Circuit in winter?
Winter temperatures swing from comfortable in the lowlands to brutally cold at altitude. From our guides’ field experience, lower valleys stay mild (7 to 12°C by day), Manang and the mid-altitude villages sit near or below freezing, and Thorong La routinely drops to -20°C and below. The trade-off for the cold is the stable, cloud-free weather that makes winter the best season for mountain photography.
December: cold nights, brilliant days
December offers some of the most reliable trekking weather of the winter. Days are cool and sunny with crystal-clear air, daytime temperatures around 5 to 10°C in the mid-sections, and nights dropping to about -5°C, colder above 4,000 m. Early December often still has most teahouses open, making it the most comfortable winter month.
January: the coldest month
January is the coldest stretch on the Circuit. In the higher regions daytime temperatures range from about 1°C down to -10°C, while the lower Circuit stays milder at 7 to 12°C. The high passes can plunge to -20°C or -30°C. Snow on the upper trail is most likely now, and the chance of a pass closure peaks. It rewards the toughest, best-prepared trekkers.
February: the turn toward spring
By late February the deep cold begins to ease and daylight lengthens, though snow from earlier storms can linger on the pass. It is a transitional month, quieter than spring but warming.
Why trek the Annapurna Circuit in winter?
Winter’s biggest advantages are solitude, clarity, and value. With the autumn crowds gone, the trail and teahouses are peaceful, the stable winter air delivers the sharpest Himalayan views of the year, and low-season demand can mean better availability.
- Empty trails. The Circuit’s busiest months are October and November. In winter you may walk for hours without seeing another group.
- The clearest skies of the year. Dry winter air means crisp, snow-dusted panoramas, the best season for photography.
- A different mountain. Snow transforms familiar viewpoints, and frozen high-altitude lakes add to the scenery.
Trying to decide between seasons? Compare the trade-offs in winter vs. autumn on the Annapurna Circuit.
What are the risks and challenges of a winter Circuit?
The main winter risks are extreme cold, a possible Thorong La closure, partial teahouse closures, short daylight, and altitude sickness. All are manageable with preparation and a guide.
- Pass closure. Heavy snowfall can block Thorong La, sometimes for several days.
- Closed teahouses. Some high-altitude lodges near Thorong Phedi close for winter.
- Short daylight. Winter days are short, limiting walking hours.
- Altitude sickness. Ascending too fast is the main risk; acclimatization remains essential.
Read the full safety briefing: staying safe on a winter trek, cold, frostbite and altitude.
Do you need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit in winter?
Yes. a guide is not legally required for the Annapurna Circuit, but hiring one is highly recommended during winter (December to February). Snow-covered trails, limited daylight, freezing temperatures, and occasional route closures around Thorong La Pass can make navigation and decision-making more challenging than in peak trekking seasons.
In winter, this is also essential for safety, route decisions, and avalanche awareness.
Trek the winter Circuit with a licensed local guide
Spade Himalaya’s 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is structured for winter conditions with buffer days included.
How should you prepare? Winter gear and fitness
Winter preparation comes down to serious cold-weather layering, reliable traction, and solid fitness.
- Down jacket plus insulating mid-layers
- Four-season sleeping bag (-15°C comfort or lower)
- Insulated waterproof boots plus gaiters
- Microspikes or crampons and trekking poles
- Thermal base layers, hat, balaclava, insulated gloves
- High-SPF sun protection and glacier sunglasses
- Headlamp and insulated water bottle
Build 1 to 2 acclimatization days into your plan, especially in Manang (3,540 m). Guidance aligns with CDC recommendations on gradual ascent above 2,500 to 3,000 m.
How much does a winter Annapurna Circuit cost in 2026?
Expect roughly US$1,200 to US$1,800 for a guided 12 to 18 day trek.
| Cost item | 2026 estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP permit | about US$30 | Mandatory (NTNC) |
| TIMS card | about US$20 | Status may change |
| Daily on-trail spend | US$25 to US$35/day | Lodging and meals |
| Guided package | US$1,200 to US$1,800 | All-inclusive |
What does a realistic winter itinerary look like?
A winter itinerary should include buffer days and shorter stages due to daylight limits.
Typical route: Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang acclimatization, then Thorong Phedi and early morning crossing to Muktinath, with buffer day included for weather delays.
See the full guided itinerary
12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek structured for winter conditions.
Winter alternatives if the full Circuit isn’t right for you
- Poon Hill (3,210 m) — safest winter option with strong mountain views.
- Annapurna Base Camp in January — cold and snowy but doable.
Final verdict: who should trek the Annapurna Circuit in winter?
Choose the winter Circuit if you are an experienced, cold-tolerant trekker who values solitude and clear views over easy conditions, and who can stay flexible if Thorong La closes. With proper gear, a licensed guide, and buffer days, winter offers the Annapurna Circuit at its most serene. If you are newer to high-altitude trekking or want lower risk, Poon Hill or a guided lower-altitude option will serve you better. Either way, in 2026 you will be trekking with a licensed guide, so the real decision is simply which route fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Annapurna Circuit open in winter?
Yes. The Annapurna Circuit is open year-round, and the lower and middle sections are very trekkable in winter. The variable is Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), which can temporarily close after heavy snowfall, so a flexible itinerary is essential.
How cold does the Annapurna Circuit get in January?
The lower valleys stay around 7 to 12°C by day, while higher regions range from about 1°C to -10°C in daytime. Thorong La Pass can drop to -20°C and lower, with wind chill pushing it toward -30°C.
Can you cross Thorong La Pass in winter?
Often yes, but not guaranteed. After heavy snow the pass can be blocked for days. An experienced guide assesses conditions and decides whether to cross, reroute, or wait, which is why buffer days and a licensed guide are critical in winter.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
No. A guide is optional, but for most trekkers, hiring one during winter adds an extra layer of safety, convenience, and local knowledge.
Are teahouses open on the Annapurna Circuit in winter?
Most lower and mid-altitude teahouses stay open, but some high-altitude lodges near Thorong Phedi close for winter. Options near the pass are limited, so plan stages around lodges confirmed to be operating.
What gear is essential for a winter Annapurna Circuit?
Beyond standard trekking kit, you need heavy insulating layers, a four-season sleeping bag, insulated boots, and microspikes or crampons for snow and ice. Trekking poles, sun protection, and a headlamp for short daylight are also essential.
How much does the winter Annapurna Circuit cost in 2026?
A guided trek of 12 to 18 days typically costs US$1,200 to US$1,800, with a wider budget range of about US$900 to US$1,800. Add the ACAP permit (about US$30) and on-trail spending of US$25 to US$35 per day. Winter low-season pricing can be more favourable.