High Pass Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is the country for Hiking and trekking adventures people who wish to travel exciting High Passes trekking in Nepal. An exhilarating experience available in the moderate grade trips to challenging Base camp trekking routes which has to go through High Pass, as it requires a level of fitness and commitment. Since ages, the local people of Nepal and Tibet have been using various mountain and hill passes in their everyday life and trade. As a trekker, you too trace these very steps around various trekking routes in Nepal. We are offering the guaranteed departure dates available through the year on best price, guide & itinerary plan. 

Do read our article further to know about the high pass treks in Nepal among which the most famous ones are Everest three high passes and Thorung La pass famous as the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

High Pass Trekking in Nepal. Is it different from the rest?

High pass trekking in Nepal is possible in various trekking routes of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Everest , Kanchenjunga and Upper Dolpo literally in every mountain settlement. These passes have been used by locals for centuries for trade, family visits and exploration. Some of the most popular ones are Larkya-La in the Manaslu , Thorong La in Annapurna, three passes in the Everest, Ganga-La in the Langtang and so on. On these trips, you will climb over at least 5,000 meters cross above the sea and experience how the ancient humans used to move in the mountains.

There are various types of trekking, graded on the base of their difficulty and fitness level required. For instance, if you are doing the Annapurna Base Camp, Everest View Trek, Mardi Himal Trek or the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you are basically walking around villages, hills and do not require to climb higher altitudes, hence the easy level treks. On the extreme, mountaineering and climbing require a lot of experience in doing so. For high pass trek, this is a bit different you will have to do some of walking exercise pre- departure schedule. 

High pass trekking is required when we do need to cross the mountain pass to get to the other side. 

In this article, we are bringing you various facts, specifically about high pass trekking in Nepal. You can read about trekking in nepal in general by following the link.

Why should one do a high pass trekking in Nepal?

For the experienced trekkers who have done several trips in Nepal or elsewhere, high pass trekking will bring in a new insight into their trip. Unlike other trekking where you gradually gain ascend, high pass trekking will challenge you to climb higher, and with it, comes the great views.

You look north and the huge mountains are looming. To the south, blue mountains fold over each other as far as you can see across the horizon. You are somewhere in the middle of the high and the low, and it provides the best view of both. 

This, added with the hardcore trekking experience, makes high pass trekking a great option for travelers looking for surefooted journey in the mountains. 

However, if you have no prior trekking experience, we recommend at least an easy trek beforehand. 

How to prepare for a high pass trek?

Get back into the gym or start running at least a few months before you get on with this journey. Exercising and healthy living will boost up your confidence, fitness as well as your immune system. If you are headed to the mountains, we assume that you understand the risks of acute mountain sickness, the need for acclimatization and the equipment required for the trip. If you are traveling with us, we will assist you in best preparing for the trip. If you are traveling solo, then it’s reasonable to do some research and prepare yourself for the journey. 

When is the best time for high pass trekking?

As with all trip seasons, spring and autumn are the best seasons for high pass trekking. On top of the regular trips, it is vitally important to keep a check on the weather updates. For instance February to March (Spring) and October to late November (autumn) are the two slots where you can plan your high pass trekking in the Himalayas. 

After you have sorted out the best season, it’s time to keep a check on the weather updates. Your travel agency can take care of this if you trust them, but understanding the weather will give you a more sense of control and prepare you for the trip.

How is a high altitude trekking done successfully?

If you have decided on the season and are confident of what to expect, you are not ready to get on with your journey. However, you will not be doing the pass throughout the whole journey. In most trips, the passes are done in 5-8 hours depending on the distance to be covered. 

For example, to cross the Thorong-La pass, it takes 8-9 hours whereas to do the three pass trek in the Everest Region, you will spend 3 days to cross three different passes along the way. This all depends on where you are headed to, so it’s good to look at the various options available. Below, we have included some popular and worthwhile trips that require you to cross the high passes and experience the best of Nepal’s mountain views.

High pass trekking in Nepal is successful when we follow the protocols of the experienced guides that have roamed the mountains for decades, helping the trekkers achieve their mountain goals. We start before sunrise and finish the pass before the afternoon wind can influence the trip. This ensures that we make it to the top in time and have a clear view. So it’s a win win.

Is high pass trekking risky? 

Even though the mountain goats make climbing the steep rocks in search of minerals and salt look easy, high pass trekking isn’t a piece of cake and shouldn’t be taken lightly. You are walking in a rough terrain carved out by the weathering and flow of ancient glaciers. 

You need to watch your step and follow the guidelines properly. 

To minimize these risks, we acclimatize at various points to adapt our lungs to less oxygen at higher altitudes. A comprehensive travel insurance will ensure that you are picked up by a helicopter and taken to safety if there is AMS, injury, or conditions where climbing isn’t possible. All these help reduce the risk of high pass trekking in Nepal. However, it is upto the trekker to understand these risks before climbing any hills of Nepal and elsewhere. 

High Pass Trekking Options in Nepal

Okay, enough talk. Now let’s look at some of the popular high pass trekking options available in Nepal’s himalaya. After reading this, I’m sure that you will have an option along with the recommendation on how to do it. Have fun reading.

Everest three High Pass Trek via Base Camp

Situated in the Everest region of Nepal, Everest High Pass Trek goes via  the Everest Base Camp  which is all above 5,000m from the sea level. The three passes of the trek are Renjo La (5,338m), Chola La (5,368m), and Kongma La (5,528m). The most appealing view of the gigantic mountains in the world such as Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, Nuptse, Gokyo RI, Kala Patthar, Kongde RI and many other Himalayas in the Everest region are available to see in this trekking. 

Moreover, this trek is popular since it blends the Everest Base Camp Trek and later passes through the mountains. This means that you can kill two fish with one sword. The trip spans over 20 days and will literally take you to the heart of the mountains. And these mountains are unlike any other mountains you’ve seen in the world. 

And on top of all this, you will be forever grateful when the turquoise Gokyo Lakes finally come into your view. Your trip will be legendary, rest assured.

Larkya La High Pass trekking in Nepal via Manaslu Circuit

Explore the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area as you travel between villages, hills and the mountains in this once in a lifetime epic adventure. Manaslu Circuit is not for the weak-hearted like the Everest High Pass Trek. You will require to walk a lot and touch the snowline as you soar over 5100 meters above the sea level at the top of the Larkya La. Don’t be sad if you see children and even old people overtaking you in the routes. They are weathered and are adapted. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. 

The region is remote and you will be astounded how nature and native blend in the mountains and exist coherently. 

Crossing the Thorong-La pass via the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Often Annapurna Circuit Trekkers are proud of their achievements. And this makes sense as we look into how comprehensive the whole trip is, topped by crossing the amazing Thorong-La Pass to reach Muktinath from Manang. In fact, crossing this pass is one of the major highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Like other passes, climbing Thorong-La starts early and lasts for 7-8 hours depending on the group pace. 

Since centuries, the natives have been using this pass to make the essential journey between their villages for trade and relationships. 

There are many trekking routes available in the Annapurna Region, but the whole idea of crossing Thorong-La Pass makes the circuit trek way more interesting and challenging than others. 

This trek is also beautiful since it helps crash into and experience Pokhara valley, the hubspot of tourism in western Nepal.

Cross the mighty Kangla Pass via Nar Phu Valley Trek

Narphu Valley Trek is another enticing journey in the Annapurna, starting from Manang at the bottom of Thorong La Pass. Soar over 6186 meters above the sea level and enjoy great mountain views. Throughout the journey, you will come  across various villages, ancient Tibetan/Nepali civilization, huge valleys and never ending fields. 

Narphu Valley Trek doesn’t necessarily require previous climbing experience, but it does demand the level of fitness and confidence required to complete this amazing feat in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. Explore Besisahar, Tal, Ngwal, Manang, Pisang along with wonderful valleys of Nar and Phu. Enjoy the view of the amazing Annapurna massif and get closer insight into the life of native Gurungs, Magars and Thakalis living in the geography. 

Ganja-La Pass Trekking in the Langtang Region

Langtang Mountain Region lies directly to the north of Kathmandu. This means that you do not have to travel west unlike the Annapurna Circuit, or take a flight unlike the Everest Region to start the trip. A 7 hour bus ride will bring you near the border of Nepal and Tibet. From there, you head east following the trail of Langtang Valley Trek. 

Beyond Kyanjin Gompa are no human settlements, and the Langtang Valley trekkers return back from the village. But not you and me. We continue towards Ngegang, acclimatize and prepare for crossing Ganja-La pass the next day. At 5106 meters, you will find yourself at the top of the pass, with a stunning view of mountains in both Nepal and Tibet. You are really close to the border at this point. 

Crossing the pass will take about 6 hours, and it’s another few days’ journey as we head towards Sindhupalchok, another district from where we will catch a bus back to the capital. 

Lantang is regarded as off-the-beaten path as many trekkers simply flock to Annapurna and Everest regions that are more popular. However, when you make it there, you will see why that’s a good thing. Langtang is unique with its rough looking terrains and mountains that are shaped differently than the rest of the Himalayas. 

Retrace Pangsang Pass via Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek

To cross this pass, you continue the same journey as Langtang Valley Trek up to Syabrubesi. Explore remote Tibetan / Helmo traditions in various villages as you go. You will need to cross the Pangsang Pass before making it to the Base Camp of Ganesh Himal. Trishuli River, famous for white water rafting activities in Nepal, originates from Ganesh Massif.

On the way, you will also come across natural hot springs along with dense forest, alpine, wildlife and ever expanding landscape on all sides. Langtang Region has it’s timeless culture and tradition going on for centuries. Apart from the occasional helicopters that cater to tourism and rescue, most people still follow the ancient way of life and tradition.

Reaching the base camp of Ganesh and later witnessing the dead lake (Black and white lake) will also be the highlights of this trip. 

Other High Pass Trekking Options in Nepal

Apart from the popular ones we have mentioned above, there are various other High Pass trekking that you can experience in Nepal. They are:

• Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking
• Mingbo La Pass Trekking via Mera Base Camp
• Sherpani Col Pass Trekking
• Ambu Lapcha Pass Trekking
• And thousand others that are yet to be discovered.

So, what are you waiting for? Get up and get exercising if you are looking to do any of these high passes trekking available in Nepal. Each high pass trail comes with a unique taste to the traveler, and provides an unmatched view not seen from anywhere else on the planet. 

High pass trekking in Nepal is a popular activity in Nepal for those climber who has plan to ascent the trekking peaks along with climbing and hiking. We do not recommend solo trips for these kinds of treks since you can find yourself helpless in otherwise an unnecessary burden if you do it without an experienced mountain guide. Also read why hire a trekking guide and do write to us if you feel that we could be of any help to ease your trip.