Most trekkers want two pictures from Thorong La: one with the sign that gives the altitude, and one of the prayer flags with mountains behind. In October the queue for the sign can be several groups deep around 9 am, so take the flags and wide views first while others crowd the sign. A wide-angle lens or phone setting captures the saddle, flags and Thorong Peak; a short telephoto picks out the Mustang hills and distant Dhaulagiri to the west.
Cold is the main enemy of cameras and phones up here. Batteries can lose much of their charge below freezing, so keep spares and your phone in an inside pocket until you need them. Lens condensation is common when you move between your warm jacket and the air; let the camera adjust for a minute. Use liner gloves so that you can operate controls without exposing bare skin to wind.
Do not let photography delay your descent. The wind usually strengthens after 10–11 am, and the long walk to Muktinath is still ahead. We suggest 20–30 minutes on top, enough for photos, a hot drink and a few quiet moments. Drones need permission in Nepal and are generally not allowed without it, so check current status before you travel and do not fly one on the pass without a permit.
Good for
- Photographers
- Solo
- Couples
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How long can I stay on top of Thorong La?
There is no rule, but we recommend about 20–30 minutes. At 5,416 m your body is under strain, temperatures are well below freezing early in the day, and wind rises from about 10 am. The descent to Muktinath takes 4–5 hours more. Take your photos, have a drink and start down while you still feel strong.
Can I fly a drone at Thorong La?
Not without permission. Nepal requires drone users to obtain approvals from the authorities, and flying in protected areas usually needs extra permission from the conservation area as well. Rules change, so check current status before you travel. Unpermitted flying can lead to confiscation and fines, and wind on the pass makes flying risky anyway.
Does the phone camera work in the cold on Thorong La?
Usually, but cold drains batteries fast. Keep your phone inside your jacket close to your body until you need it, carry a small power bank, and expect the battery percentage to drop sharply below freezing. Liner gloves with touchscreen fingertips help. If the phone shuts down, warming it in an inside pocket for a few minutes often revives it.
