Annapurna Circuit and ABC reopen

The Annapurna Circuit is passable again over Thorong La between Manang and Mustang. Heavy snow from 24 to 27 September had blocked the trail; on Monday 6 October the Muktinath Hotel Association cleared the pass with about 20 people. According to the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), several groups — the first dozens of walkers — have already crossed in recent days. The road and lodges above Chame are still recovering, and the route to Tilicho Lake remains closed by snow.

On the other side of the massif, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is seeing a sharp rise in visitors. The Himalayan Times reports about 300 people a day: roads from Pokhara through Ghandruk and Chhomrong have reopened after landslides and floods, and some groups that had planned Manang or Manaslu switched to the shorter, easier sanctuary trek. A temporary first-aid post is operating at Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

October–November is the classic season for both routes. On the Circuit, check pass conditions and lodge availability near the crest again before you go — things change fast. ABC has more bed space, but the surge is already visible: anyone heading there now should allow extra time from Pokhara and take the altitude slowly.