Just days ago, Nepal’s high valleys were hushed, not by the calm of the trekking season, but by the wild sweep of Cyclone Montha.
The rare tail-end cyclone, drifting up from the Bay of Bengal, replaced clear autumn skies with days of unexpected rain all over the country, with thick snow above 4,000 meters. This resulted in road blockage, erosion, and heavy snow, making it difficult to navigate.
For Dawa Gurung, a lodge owner in Upper Manang, the first sign was the wind.
“It howled all night,” he recalls. “When we woke, Thorong La was full of fresh white snow. This was not expected early in the autumn season. The rain in the valley was heavy, but the snow… this was winter arriving a month early.”
Across the Himalayas, Montha reshaped the landscape and trekking trails. Now, as the clouds lift and the sun returns, a glittering new season has begun. Trails are being cleared, lodges reopened, and the Nepali spirit of resilience shines once again.
The effects of Cyclone Montha were significant but short-lived. Local authorities, guides, and lodge owners have been working tirelessly to restore routes.
The weather is now improving across most trekking regions.
High-altitude areas of northern Gorkha also received significant snowfall.
Larkya La Pass (5,106m):
The pass is under a thick layer of fresh snow. Trekkers in Samagaun and Dharmasala are advised to wait for guide clearance before attempting the crossing.
Image: Stonefall down to Jagat (Left) and Trekkers walking on the fresh snow during Manaslu Cicruit Trek (right).
Trail Access:
There has been news of landslides and rockfall across the trail of Deng, Philim, and Jagat. The situation is not feasible to trek at this moment.
Road Access:
Road section from Machhakhola to Jagat is affected by landslides, but is being cleared for jeep travel.
It is recommended to pause your Manaslu region trek for a week as the snow freezes and makes it easier to walk.
The Annapurna region experienced heavy precipitation, rain in the lower villages, and deep snow above 4,000 meters.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m):
The popular Thorong La Pass of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, connecting Manang and Mustang, has received fresh snow on the trail. Local teams are actively clearing the route to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La. It is recommended to start trekking after a few days when the snow freezes. The guided groups are being allowed through gradually as conditions stabilize.
Even the rain-shadow areas of the Musntang region saw their first snow and rain in the tourist season of Autumn. This resulted in a road blockade and trekkers being stranded in the Upper Mustang Trek. As the effect of Cyclone Month is slowing down, the route to Upper Msutang is making progress.
Trails & Roads:
Heavy snow blanketed Lomanthang, Muktinath, and nearby villages.
The road from Kagbeni to Muktinath remains slick, and authorities advise against vehicle travel until melting progresses.
Photo: Mustang-road under construction by local authorities. (Source: RSS)
Meanwhile, in Manang, local authorities wasted no time, mobilizing teams to reopen road connectivity within days. Most probably, roads will come into operation before this blog gets published.
“We don’t wait here,” says one Harka Gurung, a local guide from Upper Mustang. “When the mountain changes, we adapt together.”
Locals, however, see it as a blessing from nature. The rain is good for winter crops. Similarly, snow extends a new life to the melting glaciers and drying lakes of Upper Mustang, which are severely affected due to global warming over the decades.
The mountains are open, but they remind us to tread with respect. With early snow in play, preparation is key.
Hire a Licensed Guide:
Local guides have real-time trail info and decision-making experience. Authorities in Manang are restricting unguided trekkers on the pass.
Pack Winter Gear:
Crampons or microspikes for icy trails
Waterproof outer layers
Warm thermal wear, down jacket, insulated gloves, hat
Add Buffer Days:
Build flexibility into your plan; 11-day itineraries of Manaslu Circuit Trek may stretch to 14.
Stay Informed:
Keep in contact with your travel agency and guide for live updates.
The rain has washed the dust away, the snow came early, and the mountains sparkle with fresh snow. Nepal’s trails are open again - alive, pristine, and more breathtaking than ever.
For those who come prepared and walk with respect, this post-Montha season offers something unforgettable: the Himalayas at their purest and most alive. For live updates, contact North Nepal Travel and Trek Nepal.
Receive monthly trekking updates, seasonal trail conditions, permit changes, packing advice, and exclusive travel planning tips from our local guides.
