If you have had an abiding affection for the Himalayas, crossing its captivate passes may be something that you have always expected. However, crossing these high passes is not something that you can do instantly. For this, you need strong willpower, persistence, and the cravings to complete it. High Passes Treks in Nepal is something that is only meant for strong and true adventure seekers.

Nepal is a country with the Himalayas in southern Asia with a total area of 147,513 sq km. Being home to the world’s tallest peak, Everest, Nepal has many unique trekking trails that take you close to the majestic mountains. The Himalayan trails in Nepal are mostly above 7000-8848.86m which is the best adventure destination in the world. Likewise, these trails include snow-capped high mountain passes and base camps of high Himalayas along the way. Also, the majority of adventure high passes treks are incredible loop treks. Similarly, the high pass treks in Nepal are much more exciting than other regular treks in Nepal. Apart from the thrilling adventure, this high pass trek provides an opportunity to interact with people of different cultures, lifestyles or rural village life, etc. Another major perk of this trek is that the trekkers can enjoy the view of the striking peaks from different perspectives.

On the other hand, the high passes treks in Nepal will provide you with extremely fresh insight into the natural landscapes. Also, the stunning view of the snow-capped peaks with the hardcore trekking trails makes the high pass trek a great trekking option for avid trekkers. However, beginners should opt for an easy trek beforehand if they have no prior trekking experience.

Everest Three Passes Trek

Trekking in the Everest region is appositely popular, we go off-the-beaten-track through remote valleys and over high passes treks with superlative scenery every step of the way. Everest three passes trek is one of the superlative treks to the Everest region which is challenging yet exciting. The three-pass trek is an ultimate trekking experience to Everest taking in all the highlights—both in terms of mountain views and local Sherpa culture. The Everest Three Pass Trek consists of crossing three high altitude passes, namely, Renjo La Pass (5,465m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Khongma La Pass (5,535m). This pass combines a complete journey through the Everest region offering an exciting scenario of the Himalayan region. Also, the Three Passes trek offers the best of the Khumbu region.

Highlights of Everest Three Passes Trek

• Witness an amazing scenario crossing three popular passes in the Everest region- Renjo La Pass (5464 meters), Cho La Pass (5420 meters), Kongma La Pass (5535 meters).
• Explore the 5 glacial lakes of the Gokyo valley.
• Have an exciting yet challenging adventure while crossing these passes.
• A close insight into the life of the Himalayan Sherpa people.
• Catch the finest views of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar (5545 meters).

When to Go for Everest Three Passes Trek?

For the trek to one of the most wonderful places in the Nepali Himalayas, there are mainly two seasons suitable. Autumn and Spring are the most preferable season for the high passes treks and to the Everest three pass.

Spring

Spring starts in March and lasts till May. It has a lot of scenarios to offer to visitors. The months of April and May might have more capricious weather than the autumn. However, the temperature in the valley is warm and hot. Besides, the mountains will be more covered with snow and ice in the spring presenting you with the best view of the landscapes. However, the weather may be chilly in the higher elevation, but the lower areas remain warm during spring. The clear blue sky, the natural and green vegetation add extra refreshment to the summit.

Autumn

Autumn is one of the best seasons for trekking to the high Himalayas in Nepal including the Everest three-pass trek. During this time of the year, the mountains are at their best presenting a panoramic view. Autumn falls in September, October, and November in Nepal. This is the time of the year when nature is at its best and so is the weather and temperature. The weather around Autumn is much more favorable for trekking to Everest three passes. However, it is a fact that the weather in the Himalayas is extreme and unpredictable. But Autumn brings out different kinds of joy and refreshment to the journey. The temperature becomes bearable for walking.
In the autumn, after the monsoon, the atmosphere balances and changes the dynamics of the ascent.

Everest Three Passes Trek Difficulty

Trekking is always less challenging than climbing and expeditions. However, the three passes trek is challenging. All of the three passes are above the altitude of 5000m which can be harsh and difficult to settle in. The three passes trek includes crossing the passes, Gokyo Ri, and even the Everest Base camp.

Altitude sickness is the primary factor of the three passes trek difficulty. The level of oxygen decreases with the increase in altitude. Therefore, the higher you go the chances of altitude sickness is high. The three passes of the Everest trek are definitely at a higher altitude above 5000m. So the chances of altitude sickness are higher in this area.
Another difficulty of the trail could be rough climbs and long hikes. The trail consists of rough terrains and steep climbs with landslides-prone areas that are terrifying. You will be climbing steep rocky hills with huge boulders and rocks and glaciers.

Weather can be another challenge while crossing the Everest Three pass trek. Bad weather can hit the Himalayan region at any time. Similarly, the temperature drops rapidly at night and the freezing temperature can be unbearable. Sometimes, the morning trek can be delayed due to weather and also because of avalanches and falls as well.

Thorong La Pass Trek

The trek is also well-known as Round Annapurna Trekking via Thorong La Pass Trek. This trek has long been so popular amongst trekkers. And is one of the challenging high passes treks in Nepal. The Thorong La Pass takes you through the Annapurna Mountain range of central Nepal with the total length of the route varies between 160-230 km. The highest elevation of the trek is 5,416m on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. On the other hand, the trek showcases the mountain scenery such as the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna/7455m and Tilicho Peak/7134m.

The Thorong la trek passes through countless biospheres. As you climb upwards from the sub-tropical jungle to the high and very dry region, it resembles the Tibetan Plateau. Besides, the area also has a great variety of cultural diversity, ethnic groups inhabit the area. Furthermore, this trek takes you past the world’s deepest gorge – the Kali Gandaki gorge and then over the highest pass in the world – Thorang La at an elevation of 5,416 m. The trek passes through the remote and beautiful valley of Manang village and to the spiritual place of Muktinath.

Highlights of Thorong La Pass

• Exploration of Buddhist Monastery in Upper Pisang and Braga Village
• Panoramic mountain scenery such as the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna/7455m and Tilicho Peak/7134m.
• Sightseeing around Manang village and visiting Gangapurna Glacier Lake.
• Crossing the Thorung-La Pass over 5416 meters.
• The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath, Apple field villages down from Muktinath
• Exploration of the world’s deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley
• A short scenic flight in between Jomsom and Pokhara

Best Time for Thorong La Pass

The Thorong La pass trek can be done throughout the year. With proper preparation and equipment, the trek to Thorong La pass becomes doable.

Spring season (March-May) is the best time for the Thorong La pass trek. The weather will be comfortable portraying the Spectacular views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna Iv, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri Himal, and many smaller white snow-capped mountains, etc.

Monsoon season: You can consider trekking Thorong La pass between June to August. This time is the hottest and rainfalls with a variety of vegetation blossom during this season. However, you have to be more careful with trekking trails, it might be Muddy and Slippery due to rainfall. The temperature will be 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during daytime and 8°C, during nighttime.

Autumn season: Autumn is one of the best times of the year for the trek. With the end of the monsoon, the temperature will go up to 15 degrees in the daytime and, during the night time will be down to 3 to 5 degrees. Also, this is the time of the year when travelers can relax with natural views and culture.

Thorong La Pass Trek Difficulty

• Thorong La Pass is the climax point of the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 meters altitude. It may be one of the hardest treks on the Annapurna circuit.
• At this altitude, there is only half of the oxygen available at sea level. This means that every step you take feels like you feel out of breath.
• As the altitude increases the level of oxygen decreases which may cause altitude sickness.
• Weather and temperature make the trek a little challenging a2s the weather in the Himalayan region is always unpredictable and extreme. The cold nights and snowfall make be hard during the nighttime
• The trails and routes are rough, bumpy, and even narrow. So, one has to be extra careful here on the roads during walking.

Larkya La Pass Trek

Larkya La Pass Trek is an adventure trek in the Manaslu region, Nepal. These high passes treks offer thrilling and exciting experiences and together with that stunning views of the magnificent snow-capped mountains filled with the innocence of the people residing in this region. Manaslu stands tall at 8163m as one of the 8th mountains in the world. With that being said, Larka la pass is at an elevation of 5160m and is one of the hardest passes to cross. However, once you cross the pass, then the view of the majestic Manaslu range is breathtaking. At the same time, the trekkers get an opportunity to explore remote regions of Nepal where the natural resources are untouched and still impactful, beautiful, and mesmerizing.

The trail goes through the lush jungles, cliffs, rivers, streams, numerous suspension bridges, and little traditional villages. The trail is comparatively less crowded and is a Tea house trek. It has not been long before, trekking in this region has been operated. So, only a small number of trekkers make their journey to Manaslu Larkya La Pass Trek.

Highlights of Larkya-la Pass Trek

• Exploration of smaller Himalayan passes topped by the high Larkey La (5160 m) and Kang La (5036 m) passes along the path.
• Witness the culture, tradition, religion, and lifestyle in the Himalayas
• Spectacular view of Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and the surrounding Himalayas.
• Rare wildlife and vegetation, highlighting the lower Himalayas and subtropical climate regions.
• Spectacular architecture and art with stunning Buddhist monasteries.
• Striking sunrise and sunset views over the peak of the Himalayas.

Best Time for Larkya La Pass Trek

The ideal time to go hiking in the Manaslu region is from September to November. In general, the weather is dry and clear, with warm sunny days during the Autumn season. The views are astonishing during Autumn displaying the full view of mountains and natural vegetation.
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Spring is also considered the best time for this trek to Larkya La pass. During the spring, there is a reduced incidence of weather-related natural disasters, making the trekking climate much safer. Moreover, spring is the best season and also the busiest.

Monsoon and winter may be a little harsh for the trek however not impossible. During the monsoon, the trails may be slippery and muddy. The weather is unpredictable and you may have to halt your journey because of heavy rainfall.

Similarly, winter times in the Himalayas may be harsh and the same goes with the Larkya La pass in the Manaslu region. The nights are extremely cold with the temperature at freezing point. Also, due to heavy snowfall, the passes may be blocked.

Larkya La Pass Trek Difficulty

The trek to the Himalayan region is always challenging. However, several factors add up extra challenges to the trek such as weather and altitude.

With 177km of total distance, you will be walking for 10-12 days with an average distance each day of about 15-20 km for like 17 days. You have to walk lots of uphills and downhills, sometimes via breezy trails and cross suspension bridges above the Budhi Gandaki river. The most challenging one is crossing the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,213 m. You need to be physically and mentally prepared for the uneven terrain, rocky trails that might add fatigue. Also, weather and temperature become a great obstacle sometimes. The Larkya La Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Despite being a suitable season for the trek, bad weather can hit anytime at a higher altitude.

On the other hand, altitude sickness can become another major difficulty of these high passes treks. As the pass is at an elevation of 5213m. As you ascend, the relatively low amount of oxygen causes the problem of Altitude Sickness. The early symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Ganja La Pass Trek

Ganja La pass trek is a standout amongst the most widespread and prevailing trekking destinations located northwest of Kathmandu valley in the Langtang region. The trek offers snow-secured high passes, stunning views of mountains, old religious communities, adequate Langtang and Helambu valleys, along with natural life. Taking you from the busy trails of the Langtang region to the quaint trails of Helambu via the frozen Ganja La Pass (5130m), this trek allows you to be amongst pristine nature unspoiled by human involvement.

Highlights of Ganja La Pass Trek

• Crossing Ganja La Pass at an altitude of 5122m high from sea level.
• Isolated pristine with classic Langtang valley inhabited by warm and welcoming people
• Himalayan Panorama, ancient old and impressive Buddhist monuments.
• Yak Cheese factories, Religious monasteries. shrines, Yolmo Culture, diverse flora, and fauna
• Wildlife such as Red Panda, Snow leopard, Musk Deer, Black Bear, Tahr, Ghoral and common langur, etc.

Best Time for Ganja La Pass Trek

Every season has its charm. However, the best seasons for this high passes treks to Ganja La pass in the Langtang region are spring lasting from April to May, and autumn lasting from September to November.

Autumn seems to have a different charm when trekking to the Himalayas. It is a perfect season for the trek. The scenario that Autumn display is worth forgetting all the pain that we come across the trek. On the other hand, the weather and temperature in Autumn are much more comfortable for the trek to Ganja La pass.
Spring is another busiest month of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long treks. The trails are full of blossoms with fresh leaves and rhododendron flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a crystal clear view of the magnificent Himalayas.

Ganja La Pass Trek Difficulty

Ganja La Pass trek is not an easy trek. The trek is in the upper range of Naya Khang Peak, one of the most difficult adventure passes related to the Langtang and Helambu trek. Similarly, the pass is at an altitude of 5130m, which is high in elevation. Because of the altitude, the trekkers may face problems of altitude sickness as well. Besides, the trail is narrow where it ascends steeply. It is probably the most difficult high pass. Weather can be another extreme factor to add extra difficulties in the trek. The weather in the Himalayan region is unpredictable. The extreme coldness, the dryness, the path covered with snow may be a problem when trekking to Ganja La pass as well.

Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek

Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek is an adventurous journey summarizing the beauty of both Rolwaling valley and the Khumbu region of Nepal. These striking high passes treks lead you to a distant location and let you concede the amazing scenario of the Himalayas with the challenges of crossing the high-mountain pass of Tashi Lapcha (5755m). The trek is a wonderful mixture of the quiet and pictorial paths of the unspoiled Rolwaling region with the swarming trails of the Khumbu region. Likewise, the Tashi Lapcha trek includes steep climbing and rock climbing, and therefore, is a thrilling yet exciting adventurous journey in the Himalayas.

The trek includes the beautiful Tsho Rolpa Lake (4183 m), summit the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5682 m), visit Namche Bazaar. Besides, it offers stunning views of Gauri Shankar and Everest and many other mountains.

Highlights of Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek

• Exploration of beautiful Tsho Rolpa Lake
• Crossing Tashi Lapcha passes at an altitude of 5682m.
• Stunning view of Gauri Shankar and Everest as well as the other Himalayas
• Diverse landscapes, with plants, birds, and wildlife such as red panda, black bears, and leopard-cat
• Exploration of Buddhist culture, monasteries, and gompas.

Best Time for Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek

The trek to the Rolwaling Valley Tashi Lapcha pass can be done during Autumn and spring. Autumn and spring bring out the joy and fun of trekking with its suitable climate and weather. Spring and autumn showcase the crystal clear views of magnificent peaks such as Cho-Oyu, Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, Gaurishankar, Melungtse, and many other neighboring mountains. Besides, this season presents the fantasy of lush greenery, Himalayan valleys, glaciers, amazing natural settlement, arid landscapes, glaciers, rocky trails, and pristine culture and traditions of the people.
Therefore, if you want to trek in a season with a wonderful view of nature then you can opt for spring and Autumn.

Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek Difficulty

The Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek is challenging in terms of altitude and trails. It involves crossing the high pass of Tashi Lapcha at 5,755m which is a high altitude level for any trekker. One may suffer the problems of altitude sickness during the trek. Also crossing an altitude of 5755m is not an easy task. The trekkers must be equipped with top-class gear and equipment. It can become severe due to the rockfall and requires many days of walking along the beautiful glacier. A peak climbing permit of Pachhermo is required while trekking to the Tashi Lapcha pass.

Tips for High Passes Treks in Nepal

Crossing the high passes treks is not as easy as one can imagine. They need proper preparation, stamina strength, the ability to cope with altitude sickness, acclimatization, and most importantly walking for hours in a place with less oxygen. All the high passes treks in Nepal are above 5000m which is not easy to cross. So here are some tips for the High passes treks in Nepal.

Develop physical fitness and stamina

Yes, for high passes to the Himalayas of Nepal, you need extreme physical fitness and stamina. You need to be physically as well as mentally fit to complete the trek. The trek includes continuous hours of walking within the low level of oxygen for almost 15 days. Walking for 2 weeks with a decreasing level of oxygen is extremely hard. On the other hand, there will be several ascents and descents. By here walking means not a simple one, it will be extreme, it will be hard. So training before the trek will be much wiser.

Pack your backpack comfortably

The thing that you shouldn’t forget is to pack your backpack comfortably. Include all the things you need and don’t include the least necessary things. That will only make you slow in the trek. Your backpack should look comfortable for you to walk comfortably. A comfortable backpack can make the journey much easier. As you have to walk for an hour carrying the backpack, and if it is heavier at the same time, it may be difficult for you to walk. Therefore, pack the bag accordingly.

Carry extra hand ash

The next thing you can do to ease your journey is to carry extra hand cash. There may be things that you want to buy, eat at a high altitude. So at that instant, your credit card or ATM card won’t work. You need to pay the locals by hand in cash. As the altitude rises higher, there will be no ATMs. So better be prepared beforehand.

Start early

No matter which season you choose, starting early is always a better idea when trekking to high pass trek. As it is a fact that the weather in the Himalayas is always extreme and unpredictable. Also, if you start early, you will reach the destination earlier. There will probably be fewer chances of stumbling by the bad weather. And you can enjoy the striking view to its fullest.