Annapurna Circuit Trek during Spring

Spring is widely regarded as one of the best times to attempt the Annapurna Circuit Trek. During this season, the weather gradually warms, days get longer, and trekking conditions improve as winter ends.

When Is Spring on the Annapurna Circuit?

Spring on the Annapurna Circuit generally runs from March through May.

Lower valleys warm quickly, with pleasant daytime temperatures and blooming forests, while high-altitude sections still see cold nights and occasional late-season snow, especially in early March.

Weather conditions shift noticeably across the three months, moving from cool and transitional in March to warm and humid by late May, just before the monsoon arrives.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in March

March marks the start of spring and is transitional in character. Early March can still carry some residual winter cold at higher elevations, with the chance of fresh snow around Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and the pass itself.

Lower and middle sections of the trail begin to warm up, and the first rhododendron blooms typically appear at mid-elevations toward the end of the month. Daytime trekking is generally comfortable, though nights above 3,000 metres remain cold.

March is a good option for trekkers who want fewer crowds than peak spring while still enjoying reasonably stable weather and reopening teahouses after the winter lull.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in April

April is typically considered the highlight of the spring season. Rhododendron forests are usually in full bloom across the mid-hill sections, turning the trail red, pink, and white in many areas.

Daytime temperatures are comfortable across most of the route, and nights, while still cold at altitude, are milder than in March. This is usually the busiest month of spring, so teahouses fill up quickly and advance booking or early arrival at stops becomes more important.

Afternoon clouds are common in April, which can reduce visibility of peaks later in the day even though mornings are often clear.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in May

May is warmer and more humid than March and April, especially at lower elevations, as the pre-monsoon period approaches. Early May can still offer excellent trekking conditions, but haze and cloud cover tend to increase as the month progresses.

Upper sections around Manang and Thorong La remain cooler, and snow is unlikely to be a major obstacle by this point, though wind and shifting weather can still affect the pass. Late May trekkers should watch for early monsoon showers, particularly toward the end of the month.

Annapurna Circuit Weather During Spring

Spring weather on the Annapurna Circuit varies by elevation just as strongly as in other seasons, with lower valleys warming substantially while the pass remains cold.

Elevation	Typical Daytime Temperature	Typical Nighttime Temperature	Expected Spring Conditions
800–1,500 m	18°C to 28°C	10°C to 18°C	Warm, increasingly humid, occasional afternoon showers by May
1,500–2,500 m	15°C to 24°C	5°C to 13°C	Mild days, blooming forests, comfortable trekking
2,500–3,500 m	10°C to 19°C	0°C to 8°C	Cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, occasional cloud buildup
3,500–4,500 m	4°C to 14°C	-8°C to 2°C	Cold nights, possible early-season snow in March
4,500–5,000 m	-2°C to 8°C	-14°C to -4°C	Cold, windy, generally manageable by April–May
5,000–5,416 m	-6°C to 2°C	-18°C to -8°C	Cold and windy at the pass, snow possible early in the season

These figures are approximate. Actual conditions depend on the specific month, elevation, cloud cover, and local weather patterns.

Temperature at Lower Elevations

Lower sections of the Annapurna Circuit become progressively warmer through spring. By April and May, daytime walking can feel genuinely hot in the lowest river valleys, particularly during midday sun exposure.

Lightweight, breathable clothing is generally sufficient during the day. Evenings remain cool enough that a light layer is still useful, especially in March.

Weather in Higher Elevations

Conditions above 3,000 metres stay noticeably cooler than the lower valleys throughout spring. Manang and the approach to Thorong La can still see freezing nights well into April, with March carrying the highest chance of lingering snow from the winter season.

Acclimatization remains just as important in spring as in any other season. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and monitor for symptoms of altitude sickness above 3,000 metres.

Weather at Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is generally more reliably open during spring than in winter, though it is not without risk. Early-morning starts are still standard practice, since wind and temperature both tend to worsen as the day progresses.

March crossings can occasionally be affected by leftover winter snow, while April and May crossings are usually more straightforward, though sudden afternoon weather changes and wind remain possible at this altitude.

A crossing should always depend on current conditions and a guide's assessment, not the assumption that spring guarantees easy passage.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring

• Rhododendrons and Other Seasonal Blooms

One of the nicest parts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in spring is seeing rhododendrons in bloom along the forested sections of the route.

Around Bagarchhap, Timang and Chame, red and pink flowers add much more colour to the trail, especially from late March into April. The contrast is even more noticeable as you move higher, where the greener forest gradually gives way to the drier landscape around Pisang and Manang.

• Longer Days and Morning Mountain Views

Longer spring days give you more time to enjoy the route without feeling rushed, especially on the longer walking days.

The mornings are also a real highlight. Clear skies often reveal Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East and Chulu West from different parts of the circuit.

By May, starting earlier becomes even more useful, as the best mountain views are usually in the morning before more cloud builds later in the day.

• Teahouse Services During the Trekking Season

Spring is also a good time for the social side of the Annapurna Circuit.

Teahouses are open along the main route, so stops such as Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and High Camp have regular meals, rooms and basic services available for trekkers.

April is the busiest part of the season, which means dining rooms and overnight stops often have a lively atmosphere with trekkers from different countries sharing the same route towards Thorong La.

• Local Culture and Seasonal Events

Spring can also add a cultural side to the trek. If your dates match Holi in March or Nepali New Year in mid-April, you may come across local celebrations before or during the early part of the journey.

Further along the circuit, especially around Upper Pisang, Ngawal and Manang, monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls and chortens become a regular part of the trail, adding more depth to the upper sections of the trek.

What Can Make the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring Challenging? 

Spring is one of the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit, but like any high-altitude trek, there are a few things worth preparing for. None of them simply put you off but they are simply part of planning the trek well.

• Crowds and Busy Teahouses

Spring brings more trekkers back to the Annapurna Circuit, especially in April.

Popular stops such as Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and High Camp can become busy, particularly later in the day.

The good side is that the route feels lively and teahouses are fully operating, but arranging accommodation ahead during peak weeks can make the journey smoother.

• Snow and Ice Near Thorong La

March can still bring snow and some icy sections around Thorong Phedi, High Camp and Thorong La.

For many trekkers, this is also part of the appeal of early spring, as the upper route still has plenty of snow-covered scenery. By April and May, the main trail is generally clearer. Good trekking boots and poles are usually enough, while microspikes can help if there has been recent snowfall.

• Afternoon Cloud and Wind

Spring mornings are often clear, while cloud and wind can become more noticeable later in the day.

This is more common as the season moves towards May and around the higher parts of the circuit. Starting early usually works well, giving you better mountain views and plenty of time to finish the day's walk comfortably.

• Warmer Conditions at Lower Elevations

The lower sections of the Annapurna Circuit can feel quite warm in April and May.

This is generally comfortable for trekking, but longer days in the sun mean you need to drink water regularly. A refillable bottle and water purification make it easier to stay hydrated throughout the route.

• Altitude Sickness

Altitude is something every trekker is recommended to take seriously on the Annapurna Circuit, especially as the route moves above 3,500 m.

The itinerary gradually gains elevation through Manang, Ledar and Thorong High Camp before reaching Thorong La at 5,416 m. The acclimatisation day in Manang gives your body valuable time to adjust before heading higher.

Mild symptoms such as headache or tiredness can happen at altitude. The important thing is to listen to your body, take your time and tell your guide if you start feeling unwell.

• Strong Sun at Higher Elevations

Clear spring days can bring strong sunshine at higher elevations. This is usually one of the nicer parts of spring trekking, but UV exposure is stronger in the mountains and snow can reflect sunlight. Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and a sun hat are some of the simple items that make a big difference.

Annapurna Circuit Spring Packing List

Layered Clothing

Carry moisture-wicking base layers, a light fleece or insulating mid-layer, a light waterproof shell, and breathable trekking clothes for warm lower-elevation days. A warm hat and gloves remain necessary for the pass and high-altitude nights, even though they may not be needed at lower elevations.

Spring Trekking Footwear

Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support are recommended. Lighter footwear may be sufficient at lower elevations, but proper boots remain important for the climb to Thorong La, where cold and occasional icy patches are still possible, particularly in March.

Sleeping Equipment

A three-season sleeping bag is generally sufficient for spring, though a bag rated for colder temperatures is worth carrying for early-season treks or unusually cold nights near the pass.

Sun and Weather Protection

Carry sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, a sun hat, and lip balm, since UV exposure increases with altitude and can be intense on clear spring days. A light rain layer is useful for occasional afternoon showers, especially later in the season.

Safety and Navigation Equipment

Carry trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, a first-aid kit, blister treatment, a water purification system, and a power bank. A phone with offline maps can help with navigation but should not replace a guide or local route knowledge.

Do You Need a Guide for the Annapurna Circuit in Spring?

A licensed trekking guide is required for the Annapurna Circuit under Nepal Tourism Board's TIMS provisions, regardless of season. In spring, a guide is particularly useful for navigating busy teahouse bookings, managing pace during peak-season crowding, and making informed decisions about pass conditions during early-season treks when snow may still be a factor.

Guides also monitor acclimatization, help identify early signs of altitude sickness, and can adjust the itinerary if weather or trail conditions change unexpectedly.

Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek Worth It in Spring?

Spring gives the Annapurna Circuit a varied and active atmosphere: rhododendrons colour the lower forests, the mountains remain visible on clear mornings, teahouses operate fully, and the high route gradually becomes easier after winter.

March suits trekkers who want quieter trails and remaining snow. April offers the best overall balance, while May provides warmer temperatures and fewer visitors with a greater chance of afternoon cloud and rain.

With proper acclimatisation, suitable clothing, an early start for Thorong La, and a flexible itinerary, spring is one of the most rewarding times to complete the Annapurna Circuit.

FAQs

Is the Annapurna Circuit open during spring?

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit is fully open during spring, and this is generally considered one of the most reliable seasons for completing the full route, including Thorong La Pass.

Is March a good time for the Annapurna Circuit?

March can be a good option for trekkers wanting fewer crowds than peak spring, though early March may still carry leftover winter snow at higher elevations. Conditions generally improve as the month progresses.

Is April the best month for the Annapurna Circuit?

April is often considered the best month for spring trekking because of rhododendron blooms and generally mild, stable weather. It is also the busiest month, so advance planning for accommodation is recommended.

Can I trek the Annapurna Circuit in May?

Yes, May remains a viable trekking month, particularly early in the month. Late May can bring increasing heat, humidity, and the first signs of the approaching monsoon, so trekkers should plan accordingly.

Are teahouses open during spring?

Yes, nearly all teahouses along the route are open and fully operating during spring, offering fuller menus and more reliable services than during the winter off-season. However, popular stops can fill up quickly during peak weeks, so early arrival or advance booking is recommended.