The Annapurna Circuit Trek in February sits at a fascinating crossroads. It is still deep winter on the high passes, yet the worst cold of the season has passed and the days are growing longer. February offers the Annapurna Circuit in a form that very few trekkers experience – raw, demanding, and extraordinarily beautiful. Thorong La Pass still carries serious winter risks, but for prepared trekkers with experienced guides, February delivers the circuit’s most dramatic landscapes and its most intimate cultural encounters.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a successful Annapurna Circuit Trek in February: what the weather actually feels like on the trail, how Thorong La conditions compare to January and March, the optimal 18-day itinerary with acclimatization built in, what gear you genuinely need, and honest advice from our team who guide the circuit year-round from Pokhara.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in February at a Glance
February Weather on the Annapurna Circuit
February marks a slow but real transition on the Annapurna Circuit. At the lower elevations from Besisahar to Chame, daytime temperatures reach 8 to 14 degrees Celsius by mid-February, making the walking genuinely comfortable during the day. Mornings are cold but frost clears quickly after sunrise. This section of the circuit feels very different in February than in January – the air is cleaner, occasional early rhododendrons begin budding at lower altitudes, and the days feel slightly more generous.
The Manang Valley tells a different story. At 3,519 metres, Manang sees nighttime temperatures of -12 to -6 degrees Celsius in February. Daytime is cold but often sunny, reaching 2 to 6 degrees on clear days. Snow can fall at Manang at any point in February, though significant accumulations become less frequent as the month progresses. The valley’s microclimate, sheltered by the Annapurna massif, means Manang often receives less snow than the approaches might suggest.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) in February remains a serious winter objective. Temperatures at the summit range from -20 to -10 degrees Celsius, with wind chill pushing conditions significantly lower on exposed sections. The improvement over January is real but not dramatic – February averages perhaps one to two more viable crossing days per week than January, and the accumulated snow from winter storms is beginning to consolidate. The window of opportunity at Thorong La in February is wider than January but still demands careful timing, experienced guidance, and full winter mountaineering gear.
February precipitation on the circuit is low. The monsoon is eight months away. Occasional Western disturbances bring snow to the high passes and rain to the lower valleys, but clear, crisp winter days are the norm. This makes February excellent for mountain photography – the snow-laden peaks, clear blue skies, and long golden-hour light create some of the most dramatic photographs possible on the Annapurna Circuit.
Thorong La Pass in February: What to Expect
Thorong La Pass in February is conquerable for well-prepared trekkers, but it requires the same respect and preparation as January. The accumulated winter snowpack means the trail from High Camp to the summit and the descent to Muktinath involves navigating through snow that may be knee-deep in sections after fresh storms, or consolidated and icy after cold nights. The key metric for February crossings is wind – high winds make the 600-metre climb from High Camp to the summit dangerously cold even in good visibility, and gusts above 60 km/h are common after afternoon temperature fluctuations.
The descent from Thorong La to Muktinath (down approximately 1,600 metres over 6 kilometres) is the section that catches trekkers off guard in February. The south-facing slope receives afternoon sun and can have a mix of consolidated snow, ice, and loose snow that is extremely treacherous without microspikes or crampons. Our guides always require traction devices for February crossings – this is non-negotiable, not a suggestion.
What improves in February compared to January is the pass’s accessibility after storms. In January, a significant snowfall can close Thorong La for five to seven days. In February, the same storm typically clears within three to four days, partly due to more sunlight and slightly higher temperatures compacting and clearing the snow faster. For trekkers with flexibility, February offers a marginally better chance of getting across within a 21-day window.
The 4am departure from High Camp remains essential in February. Wind and weather stability are best in the early morning hours. Starting later – after 6am – risks being caught by afternoon winds at the summit or, after a clear night, increasing temperatures that destabilize the snow surface on the descent.
Losar: The Tibetan New Year Festival in February
One of February’s unique gifts to Annapurna Circuit trekkers is Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year. Losar follows the lunar calendar and typically falls in late January or February (in 2026, Losar falls on February 17). In the Manang district and throughout the Mustang region beyond the pass, Losar is the year’s most important festival – three days of ceremonies, prayers, feasting, and traditional dances.
In Manang village, Losar involves monks performing masked dances (Cham) in the monastery courtyard, local families preparing special foods (khapse – fried bread, butter tea, chang – local barley beer), and the entire village coming together in ways that are invisible to visitors during peak trekking season when the community is occupied with tourists. Trekkers in February can participate as respectful observers in these celebrations, a cultural experience that is simply not available in October when Manang is full of trekkers and locals are busy running teahouses.
In Muktinath, beyond Thorong La, Losar is celebrated by the local Mustang Buddhist community. If your crossing timing aligns with Losar, you may arrive in Muktinath during active festivities – a remarkable juxtaposition of completing one of Nepal’s most physically demanding days with arriving in a village in full celebration.
Ask your guide about Losar dates for your specific trek dates and build in flexibility to spend an extra night in Manang if the timing aligns. This is one of those experiences that turns a trek into a memory that lasts decades.
18-Day Itinerary: Annapurna Circuit Trek in February
The following itinerary includes acclimatization days and a buffer day at Manang for Thorong La weather assessment. In February, three nights at Manang (rather than the typical two) is strongly recommended given the higher chance of needing to wait for weather.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar (820m) – Drive 7 to 8 hours
Depart Kathmandu by private vehicle or tourist bus. Besisahar is the traditional circuit starting point. Arriving in February means comfortable evening temperatures and a town that is functioning normally with minimal tourist activity. Overnight at Besisahar.
Day 2: Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m) – Walk 5 to 6 hours
The first day on trail follows the Marsyangdi River through subtropical forest and terraced rice paddies. In February, lower altitude vegetation is showing early signs of spring at the lowest elevations. Comfortable walking day.
Day 3: Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m) – Walk 5 to 6 hours
The trail enters the Marsyangdi gorge and begins climbing into more dramatic terrain. Suspension bridges and steep path sections characterize this day. Rhododendron trees begin appearing – some may show early buds in February.
Day 4: Chamje to Tal (1,700m) – Walk 5 to 6 hours
Entering Manang District, the valley widens and the landscape shifts dramatically from subtropical to high-altitude. Tal (meaning lake) sits on an ancient lake bed and the flat valley floor is a welcome contrast to the gorge walking. Some teahouses may have limited staff in February.
Day 5: Tal to Danaque (2,200m) – Walk 5 to 6 hours
Continuing up the Marsyangdi through villages including Karte and Dharapani. The vegetation is becoming alpine. You will notice juniper and high-altitude pines replacing the subtropical trees of the lower circuit. Danaque sits at a good altitude for gradual acclimatization.
Day 6: Danaque to Chame (2,670m) – Walk 4 to 5 hours
Chame is the Manang District headquarters and has better facilities than many villages on the circuit. The dramatic first views of Annapurna II (7,937m) appear on this section. In February, Chame feels like a proper mountain town – few tourists, local life continuing at its own pace.
Day 7: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m) – Walk 5 to 6 hours
The Paungda Danda rock face and the dramatic pine forest of the Marsyangdi gorge above Chame are highlights. Choosing Upper Pisang over Lower Pisang gives better acclimatization and views of Pisang Peak (6,091m) towering above the village.
Day 8: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,519m) via Ghyaru – Walk 6 to 7 hours
The high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal is recommended even in February – the ridge-top trail offers spectacular Annapurna views and passes through traditional Manangi villages where horses graze in winter pastures. Reach Manang by afternoon.
Day 9: Rest Day in Manang – Acclimatization hike to 4,000m+
This acclimatization day is mandatory. Hike to the Ice Lake (4,600m) or at minimum to the ridge above Manang (4,000m) for the afternoon, returning to sleep low. Visit the Mani Rimdu or local monastery if Losar celebrations are occurring. This is one of the most culturally rich possible days on the circuit in February.
Day 10: Manang – Second Rest Day / Weather Assessment
In February, this buffer day is especially valuable. Your guide will assess Thorong La conditions by speaking with teahouse owners, contacting guides who have recently crossed from Muktinath, and checking weather forecasts. If conditions look good for Day 12, proceed. If storm is forecast, rest here an extra day. Use the time to visit Manang village, the Gangapurna Glacier viewpoint, and the yak cheese factory.
Day 11: Manang to Ledar (4,200m) – Walk 3 to 4 hours
Short day to allow continued acclimatization before the High Camp night. The trail climbs steadily through Khangsar turnoff to Ledar. In February, the trail may have snow above 4,000m – microspikes become useful from this point. One or two teahouses at Ledar remain open for winter trekkers.
Day 12: Ledar to High Camp (4,850m) – Walk 3 to 4 hours
A short but demanding day due to altitude. The trail climbs through increasingly alpine terrain with spectacular views of Thorong Peak and the surrounding massif. High Camp teahouses are definitively open for winter trekkers – this is their business model in winter. Arrive by early afternoon. Rest, eat well, and attempt to sleep by 7pm for the 4am departure.
Day 13: High Camp to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La (5,416m) – Walk 7 to 8 hours
Departure at 4am in pitch darkness with headlamps. The climb to the pass in February involves 600 metres of vertical gain over ice and snow. Summit prayer flags in winter are often buried by snow – the true summit is the stone cairn and shelter. The descent to Muktinath is long and demanding on knees and balance. Arrive Muktinath by early afternoon for one of the circuit’s most celebrated moments.
Day 14: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,810m) – Walk 3 to 4 hours
After Thorong La, the trail descends into the Kali Gandaki Valley – the world’s deepest gorge. Kagbeni is a fascinating medieval town with brown mud-brick buildings, prayer wheels, and a fortified monastery. The wind in the Kali Gandaki Valley can be intense even in February.
Day 15: Kagbeni to Marpha (2,667m) – Walk 5 to 6 hours
Through Jomsom (the district headquarters with airport for early exit if needed) and on to Marpha, famous for its apple brandy and white-painted cobblestoned streets. February in Marpha is quiet and genuine – the apple trees are bare but the town is beautiful.
Day 16: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190m) – Walk 6 to 7 hours
A long descending day through Tukuche, Kobang, and the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge. Tatopani (meaning hot water in Nepali) has natural hot springs that are heavenly after the Thorong La crossing and days of cold nights.
Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,874m) – Walk 6 to 7 hours
A significant climb back up to the ridge at Ghorepani, passing through rhododendron forest. At lower elevations in February, early rhododendrons may already be showing color. Poon Hill sunrise is the reward.
Day 18: Ghorepani to Nayapul to Pokhara – Walk 4 hours, Drive 1.5 hours
Optional pre-dawn Poon Hill sunrise trek (1 hour return) before descending through Tikhedhunga and Birethanti to Nayapul. Vehicle to Pokhara. Trek complete.
Accommodation in February
Teahouses are open throughout the Annapurna Circuit in February, though the selection above Manang narrows considerably. Below Manang, most teahouses remain operational – the lower altitude villages like Chame, Pisang, and Manang itself have reliable year-round operations. Above Manang, the picture changes. At Ledar (4,200m), one or two teahouses specifically cater to winter trekkers – the owners who remain open are the ones with the warmest stoves and the best hot water systems, because those are the trekkers they attract in winter.
High Camp (4,850m) has its own accommodation ecosystem. Several teahouses maintain winter operations specifically because the Thorong La crossing creates demand even in quiet months. Prices at High Camp in February are similar to peak season – the owners are dealing with harder conditions (fuel costs more, supplies arrive less frequently) and the teahouses are often keeping communal areas heated all evening. Expect to pay USD 15 to 25 per night including dinner and breakfast at High Camp in February.
Room heating in February follows the standard teahouse model – a yak dung or wood stove in the communal dining room, unheated sleeping rooms. Sleeping bags rated to -25 degrees Celsius are essential for High Camp. At Manang and Ledar, -20 degree-rated bags are the minimum. Below Chame, a -10 to -15 degree bag is sufficient.
An unexpected February advantage: below Manang, teahouse owners are genuinely delighted to have guests and often go out of their way. Meals are prepared with care rather than mass-produced, and conversations with hosts are possible in ways that October’s overwhelming tourist traffic precludes. Several of our February trekkers have reported that the teahouse experience in February was their favorite part of the trip – a slow, intimate engagement with mountain hospitality.
What to Pack for Annapurna Circuit in February
| Category | Item | February-specific notes |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Insulated mountaineering boots (B2 rated) | Same requirement as January. Do not attempt Thorong La in trail runners in February. |
| Traction | Microspikes or lightweight crampons | Essential from Ledar upward and on the Muktinath descent. Can be rented in Manang (quality varies – bring your own if possible). |
| Insulation | 800-fill down jacket, down trousers optional | The pass crossing requires serious insulation. Fleece-lined softshell is not sufficient at Thorong La in February wind. |
| Hands | Expedition mittens over liner gloves | Frostbite risk is real at Thorong La in February. Mittens over gloves is the correct layering system – not gloves alone. |
| Sleeping | -25 degree sleeping bag for High Camp, -20 elsewhere above 4,000m | Same as January. Sleeping bag liners add warmth and save washing teahouse blankets. |
| Sun protection | SPF 50+ sunscreen, glacier glasses (Category 4) | February sun on snow at 5,400m is intense. Snow blindness is a real risk. Glacier glasses are non-negotiable for the pass crossing. |
| Medical | Diamox, hand warmers, blister kit, personal medications | Diamox helps many trekkers above 3,500m. Start the acclimatization protocol in Manang before the pass push. |
| Layers | Merino base layers + mid-layer fleece + hardshell | Below 3,000m in February you may walk in base layer + softshell. The dramatic temperature range between low and high sections requires a full layering system. |
Wildlife Viewing in February
February is excellent for wildlife on the Annapurna Circuit. The Manang Valley and surrounding high-altitude slopes are prime habitat for blue sheep (bharal), and February finds these animals at accessible elevations. Herds of 20 to 60 animals are commonly seen on the slopes between Manang and Ledar – sometimes within 50 metres of the trail. Himalayan tahr (a wild mountain goat-like animal) are visible on rocky faces throughout the circuit, particularly between Chame and Manang.
The snow leopard territory above Manang is active in February. This is mating season for snow leopards, and while sightings cannot be promised, February is statistically one of the better months for tracks and distant observations. Our most memorable wildlife sighting in recent years came on a February morning above Ledar when a group saw a snow leopard crossing a snow slope at approximately 4,800 metres. Your guide will know the slopes and rocky outcrops most worth scanning with binoculars.
Himalayan griffons soar on thermal updrafts above the Marsyangdi gorge year-round, but in February their presence feels more pronounced with the quiet skies. Blood pheasant and snowcock are visible in the Manang Valley. For birdwatchers, February on the Annapurna Circuit is a serious proposition.
Budget and Costs in February
February is one of the two cheapest months on the Annapurna Circuit (alongside January). Accommodation at all elevations is priced at winter rates – teahouse rooms are often offered for free or minimal cost below Manang if you commit to eating your meals at the house. Expect USD 200 to 400 per night at teahouses above 4,000m (NPR equivalent at local rates) and minimal or token charges below.
Total trek budget for February (excluding flights to Kathmandu and Pokhara): a self-guided trekker doing everything at the lowest possible cost might complete the circuit for USD 400 to 600. A trekker with a licensed guide and porter, using mid-range teahouses, should budget USD 800 to 1,100 for the 18-day circuit including guide (USD 25 to 35 per day), porter (USD 18 to 25 per day), permits (USD 35), accommodation, and food. This represents 20 to 25 percent less than an equivalent October trip.
One February-specific cost to plan for: if you book guide and porter for an 18-day itinerary and Thorong La is blocked for several days, you will need to pay guide and porter daily rates for the waiting days in Manang. Budget three additional days of guide and porter costs as a contingency – approximately USD 130 to 180 extra. This is well worth it for the security of having built-in flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Trekking in February
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Losar festival in Manang and Mustang – rare cultural access | Thorong La still carries significant winter risk and requires full mountaineering gear |
| Best wildlife viewing – blue sheep, tahr, possible snow leopard | Short days limit daily trekking hours, especially in early February |
| Complete trail solitude – fewer than 20 trekkers/day on most sections | Some teahouses above Manang operate with minimal staff and limited menus |
| Budget season – lowest accommodation prices of the year | Not suitable for first-time high-altitude trekkers or those without cold-weather experience |
| Best mountain photography – crisp winter light, snow-covered peaks | Early rhododendron season – not at peak bloom (that comes in March-April) |
| Improving Thorong La reliability vs January – slightly more crossing days per week | Western disturbances can bring unexpected snowfall to the lower circuit |
Expert Tips for February Trekkers
1. Check the Losar date before booking. Losar falls on different dates each year due to the lunar calendar. In 2026, Losar is February 17. If your dates allow you to be in Manang within a day or two of Losar, plan for it. This is not something you arrange spontaneously – your guide should know the date and help you time the Manang rest days to align with the festival. A missed Losar by one day is a genuine loss.
2. The late-February window is meaningfully better than early February. The last week of February shows statistically more Thorong La crossing days than the first week. If your schedule is flexible, departing Kathmandu on February 15 to 20 gives you a better chance of favorable conditions for the pass than departing February 1. The difference in crossing probability between February 1 and February 25 is meaningful – approximately 15 to 20 percent more viable crossing days in the later period.
3. Respect the Kali Gandaki wind. The Kali Gandaki Valley beyond Muktinath is one of the windiest corridors in the Himalaya. In February, afternoon winds regularly exceed 50 to 70 km/h. Trekking from Jomsom to Marpha in early afternoon can be genuinely brutal – sand and grit at gale force. Arrange all Kali Gandaki walking for the morning hours when winds are calm, and be inside a teahouse by early afternoon.
4. Hot springs at Tatopani are a strategic luxury. After the Thorong La crossing and the demanding high-altitude days, the hot springs at Tatopani (Day 16 of the itinerary above) are one of the circuit’s great rewards. Spending an extra night here to fully soak and recover is worth it in February. The lower-circuit teahouses are good, the weather is comfortable, and your body will thank you.
5. Bring a good camera and extra batteries. February light on the Annapurna Circuit is extraordinary. The angle of winter sun, the snow on the peaks, and the absence of haze or dust create photographic conditions that professional mountain photographers specifically seek out. Camera batteries drain faster in cold – carry two extras and keep one warm inside your jacket.
6. Negotiate directly with guides for February bookings. In February, many high-quality guides have open schedules that they cannot fill at peak-season rates. This is the time to hire an experienced guide who may not be available in October – someone with 10 or 15 winter circuit crossings who is genuinely excellent but not fully booked. Through Next Trip Nepal, we can match you with our most experienced winter guides specifically for February trips.
7. Early rhododendron is a teaser, not a show. At elevations below 2,500 metres, some rhododendron trees begin budding in late February. Do not trek in February expecting the rhododendron explosion of March and April – that comes later. What you will see in late February is the very beginning of the cycle, beautiful in its way but not the forest-on-fire spectacle of spring peak season.
8. Plan your exit from Jomsom. If weather closes Thorong La and you cannot complete the full circuit, Jmsom has a domestic airport with flights to Pokhara (20 minutes). In February, these flights run on good weather days and are almost empty – you can often get a seat with 24 hours notice through your guide. Having this exit option makes February trekking less stressful if you are on a tight overall schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions: Annapurna Circuit in February
How does February compare to March for the Annapurna Circuit?
March is significantly better for most trekkers. Thorong La is more reliable in March, rhododendrons are in bloom, temperatures are warmer at all elevations, and the days are longer. The trade-off is that March crowds are much higher – particularly from mid-March onward. If you are an experienced cold-weather trekker who wants solitude and does not mind the Thorong La challenge, February is compelling. If you want reliable conditions with beautiful natural scenery, wait for March. If you are specifically interested in Losar festival, February is your only window.
Can beginners trek the Annapurna Circuit in February?
Not to Thorong La. The lower circuit sections from Besisahar to Manang are accessible to fit beginners even in February – the weather is challenging but manageable and the trail is well-defined. However, the Thorong La crossing in February is a serious mountaineering objective requiring cold-weather experience, appropriate gear, and an experienced guide. We do not recommend February for first-time Himalayan trekkers who want to complete the full circuit including the pass.
What is the success rate for Thorong La crossings in February?
With experienced guides, appropriate gear, buffer days in Manang, and flexibility on departure date, we successfully cross Thorong La on roughly 85 to 90 percent of our February attempts. When conditions are unfavorable and we wait or turn back, it is always the right decision. The 10 to 15 percent that do not cross Thorong La in February typically either encounter a major storm or find conditions genuinely dangerous on the descent. In those cases, completing the circuit in reverse (returning to Beni via the Annapurna South route) or exiting from Jomsom by plane are the alternatives.
Is the Annapurna Circuit in February good for solo trekking?
Solo trekking on the lower circuit sections (below Manang) is manageable with experience. Above Manang in February, solo trekking is not something we recommend. The combination of cold-weather risks, potential navigation challenges in snow, and the absence of other trekkers means there is no safety net if something goes wrong. An experienced guide is a safety investment, not an optional luxury, on the February Thorong La crossing.
What should I do if it snows while I am in Manang?
Wait. This is the correct answer and the only safe one. A day of snowfall at Manang typically means two to three days of impassable conditions above High Camp as the snow settles and the trail is packed down by the few guides and trekkers brave enough to go first. Do not attempt Thorong La within 24 hours of significant snowfall. Use the waiting days for acclimatization hikes, cultural exploration in Manang, and ensuring your gear is in perfect condition for the crossing day.
Are there altitude sickness risks unique to February?
The physiology of altitude sickness does not change with season – the ascent profile and acclimatization schedule matter more than the month. What changes in February is that cold weather masks some AMS symptoms (headache can feel like cold-weather headache, fatigue can feel like cold exhaustion). Your guide should be experienced in distinguishing cold-weather fatigue from genuine altitude sickness. The acclimatization day at Manang and the rest day before the pass are non-negotiable in February just as in any other month.
February vs Other Winter Months
Within the winter window of December through February, February occupies a middle position. December sees the transition from autumn to winter, with relatively stable Thorong La conditions in the first half of the month. January is the coldest month with the most difficult Thorong La conditions. February is improving – not yet the reliable spring conditions of March, but noticeably easier than January. The specific improvement in February is primarily in daylight hours (11 to 11.5 versus January’s 10 to 10.5) and in snow consolidation on the pass (making navigation more straightforward, particularly on the descent).
For trekkers who specifically want winter conditions but maximum safety margin within winter, late February is the sweet spot. It combines true winter character with the beginning of improving conditions, and if Losar falls in February that year, it adds a cultural dimension that no other month can match.
Plan Your Annapurna Circuit Trek in February
Our team at Next Trip Nepal has been guiding the Annapurna Circuit in winter since 2017. We know every February-specific challenge on this route and can match you with guides who have crossed Thorong La in February multiple times. Contact us for a personalised February itinerary with Losar timing and realistic contingency planning built in.
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