Seven high pass treks for guaranteed epic views

High Pass Treks in Nepal

Nepal, synonymous with the term “Shangri-La of the Himalayas”, is home to many peaks. When one experiences a trek, there is one question that inevitably follows: how high have you climbed? While you may be tempted to go higher and higher, you should always keep in mind the country’s difficult topography and altitude. Nepal’s trekking routes only go so far beyond the highest peaks of Europe. However, if you are a true adventurer with a strong determination, here is a list of eight high pass treks in the Himalayas that guarantee epic views.

1. Saribung Pass Trek:

Saribung Pass Trek As you trek through the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley, you will pass through amazing places like Kagbeni, Chile and Gelling to reach Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mustang, which allows you to experience a blend of captivating natural beauty as well as ancient Tibetan culture. In search of Upper Mustang, the trail passes through Saribung Pass (5600 m) and reaches the Nar Phu Valley, which is covered with snow almost all year round as it is located at the foot of Saribung Peak (6328 m). There are many extraordinary passes with ice and crevasses on the way to Saribung Peak (6328 m) which makes this trek more interesting. After a difficult climb of Saribung Pass (5600 m), you will reach the Nar Phu Valley. Visit the traditional village of Nar Phu for a unique cultural experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Although the altitudes of these passes are terrifying, these aren’t too technical or hard to complete. If the weather gods are happy, you won’t even need ropes, axes, and crampons to cross them Saribung Pass.

2. Everest Three High Passes Trek:

It is rare to get the chance to trek not one, but three of the highest passes in the Himalayas in a single trek. And the Everest Three High Passes Trek offers you just that. Yes, you read that right. Also, this trek, which completes the circle at Lukla, the gateway to Everest, can also be called the Everest Circuit Trek. So, the first pass you will cross on the way from Lukla to Chhukung to Lobuche is Kongma La Pass (5,528 meters). Then, you will cross Cho La Pass (5,430 meters) and finally, Renjo La Pass (5,345 meters) before reaching Namche Bazaar via Thame. Although the heights of these passes are daunting, they are not very technical or difficult to complete. If the weather gods are happy, you will not need ropes, axes and crampons to cross them.

3. Tillman Pass Trek:

Tillman Pass Trek is classified as a strenuous grade trek. This trek is a pioneering high altitude trek at an altitude of 5,350 meters in the Upper Langtang region on the border of Tibet and Nepal, Nepal’s best wilderness route for trekking in remote and wild parts of the Himalayas. It offers panoramic mountain views of Langtang and Lirung, Langtang Himal, Naya Khanga, Yala Peak, Ganesh Himal, Langshisa, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa and other Himalayan. This Tilman Pass trek, also known as the Jugal Himal trek or the Panch Pokhari trek – a set of five small lakes – is surrounded by a huge stone-filled amphitheater, this trek takes you through the lush green gorge of the Langtang Valley and Langtang River to the Kyanjin Gompa trek, offering panoramic views of the Langtang Lirung Jenjempol, Ganjala and Naya Khanga mountains, so it would be best to inquire with the locals about its condition. The crossing involves a very steep section through an avalanche-prone valley. You’ll need a wide set of of tools and equipment to cross it.

4. Kangmara La Pass Trek:

Located in the isolated Dolpo region, Kangmara La Pass is the least visited of our list of five high pass treks for guaranteed epic views. The very high trail to Dolpo takes you to the difficult Kangmara La Pass at an altitude of 5,115 meters. Crossing the Jumla to Dolpo, this trek offers an immense variety of landscapes. It traverses from grasslands to forests to rustic, desert terrain. Moreover, it takes you to two of Nepal’s most beautiful alpine lakes: Shey Phoksundo and Rara. Likewise the trek starts from Juphal in Dolpa and ends at Mugu Talcha. The trek involves significant and dramatic elevation changes. It is therefore important to be well-adapted. The trek is not possible during winter as heavy snowfall closes the area.

5. Ganja La Pass Trek:

The Ganja La Pass Trek is the most notorious, dangerous and difficult trek in the Langtang region. Even the most difficult treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions would struggle to compete with it. However, for adrenaline junkies, crossing the incredibly unforgiving Ganja La Pass (5,160 meters) from Langtang’s historic Kyanjin Gompa to Helambu’s Tarek Gang is a dream come true. Like from the top of the pass, you can get the most epic views of the Langtang region’s highest peak, Langtang Lirung (7,234 meters), as well as other beautiful mountains. You’ll also get the rare opportunity to see the Tibetan eight-thousander Shisha Pangma. But it all comes at a price. The crossing involves a very steep section through an avalanche-prone valley. You’ll need a wide set of of tools and equipment to cross it.

6. Trek The Tarap Loop:

This is one of the lesser known but incredibly beautiful Dolpo regions. As the name suggests, it is a loop trek that takes you to the ultimate, hidden treasure of Tibetan culture. It blends natural, adventurous and cultural elements into one journey. The trek involves crossing two difficult and adventurous passes. It starts from Dunai or Jumla. Crossing the Numa La (5,360 meters) and Baga La (5,090 meters) can be incredibly challenging. However, with proper guidance and patience, you can conquer them without any problems. The passes are accessible only till the end of October. Since there is little to no rainfall in the region, trekking can be done during the monsoon months, but heavy snowfall makes trekking impossible in winter.

7. Thorong La Pass Trek:

At an altitude of 5,416 meters, Thorong La Pass is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and is the most popular trek in western Nepal. However, the most attractive aspect of this pass and the trek is that it connects two of Nepal’s most beautiful and touristic mountain destinations, Mustang and Manang. Both the treks – direct and reverse – involve potential dangers. Which, the climb from Manang to the pass, starting from Jagat in Kaski or Besi town in Lamjung, is not difficult but is quite strenuous at high altitudes. Plan your itinerary carefully to include enough adaptability, as if something goes wrong, you will have to trek all the way back to Besi town. However, upon reaching the top of the pass, you will get a real view of several peaks from the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.

Listed above are the high pass treks in Nepal that guarantee panoramic views from the top. Apart from high pass treks, we have other treks in Nepal ranging from popular ones to luxurious Everest Base Camp Heli Treks.