Most Popular Mountain Passes of Nepal

‘A country of Himalayan wonders and for stunning landscapes views’

Mountain Passes of Nepal is an adventure that takes you between the world’s highest peaks, facing breathtaking views. A country of natural wonders capturing the world’s 8th highest peaks with countless above 6,000 m and 7,000 meters mountain ranges. The world’s tallest and most massive mountain range is concentrated within Nepal, which makes it one of the most sought countries for adventure.

An exciting country of highlands and scenic valleys, enclosed by an array of snowy peaks. One can enjoy traversing from one beautiful area to another crossing high ridges above 4,000 m to 5,000 meters passes.

The Mountain passes of Nepal and in Himalayan countries are known as ‘La’ a respectable name addressed to high people. Such as Pa-La, and Ama-La (Great Father and Mother), similar to the high ridges in-between two zones or areas bounded by a pass.

Which is known as La, the abode of God and Goddesses or holy spirits, in respect to adding the La title. For instance, the famous passes of Thorang-La, Cho-La, Kongma-La, Larke-La, and Mesokanto-La, all passes are adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. Paying respect to the almighty and mountain spirits, where some passes have prayer monuments of Stupa or a pile of rocks.  Nepal with more than hundreds of high passes, which one needs to traverse to reach from one valley to another.

For interested trekkers, and adventurers we have lined with some of the famous, popular high-altitude passes for trekking.

Around Everest & Rolwaling Region

Cho-La Pass, Kongma-La Pass, Renjo-La Pass, Amphu Labtsa-La Pass, Salpa, and Lamjura-La Passes with Tashi Labtsa-La Pass.

Cho-La or Tsho-La Pass

Cho-La spelled and pronounced as Tsho-La, is a pass that forms a boundary of the Everest Base Camp route and Gokyo Valley. Which is at 5,420 m / 17, 782 feet high, the pass connects Thagnak 4,700 m and Dzongla small settlements. Trekkers can cross Cho-La pass after visiting scenic Gokyo Valley and the lake then head towards Everest base camp. 

The other alternative is visiting the first Everest base camp and Kalapathar Hill and then traversing over Cho-La to Gokyo Valley.  A popular pass Cho-La, for an adventure that involves crossing three high passes of the Khumbu and Everest region.

Kongma-La Pass

Kongma-La pass at 5, 540 m/18, 176 feet high. Located on route Lobuche and Everest base camp from Dingboche and Imjatse Valley. 

Kongma-La Pass, especially crossed on Three Passes of Everest either doing it first or at the end of an adventure. A well-hidden pass, hardly ventured by a few trekkers on joining Everest Three High Passes trekking.

Renjo-La Pass

Renjo-La Pass at 5,360 m /17, 585 feet high, falls within Three High Passes of Everest Trekking. Either crossing in the first or at the end after crossing the first and second Kongma-la and Cho-La Passes. Renjo-La stands high between scenic Gokyo and Thame Valleys and offers grand views of Gokyo Valley and the emerald blue lakes. Includes views of the world’s four highest peaks Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu with Ngozumpa the largest glaciers in Nepal.

Amphu Labtsa-La Pass

Amphu Labtsa Pass, the highest pass at 5,845 m / 19, 176 feet of all trekking adventures. Located within Khumbu and Everest region, forms a boundary between the Imjatse and Honku valleys of Panch Pokhari / Five Lakes.

The high Amphu Labtsa-La Pass is normally traversed and crossed coming from Makalu and Barun valley or for the Mera Peak climb. One of the few passes seldom ventured by normal and main flow of trekkers and adventurers. 

Amphu Labtsa-La Pass either crossed after flying into Lukla and then heading towards Hinku Valley for the Mera Peak climb. Options are either heading towards Imjatse Valley and climbing Island Peak on crossing Amphu Labtsa-La or saving it for the end.

Salpa-La Pass

Salpa-La Pass is a moderate-high pass at 3,800 m or 12,467 feet high, located in between Solu-Khumbu and Bhojpur districts. The pass is seldom used by trekkers after walking from Arun Valley towards Khumbu and Everest areas.

Salpa-La Pass marked with a Buddhist monument called Chorten, offers views of the Khumbu Himal and peaks of the Makalu area. 

Lamjura-La Pass

Lamjura-La Pass another smaller high ridge at 3,500 m / 11,483 feet, connects the trail of Jiri to the Solu-Khumbu areas. A lovely spot amidst a forest of rhododendron and pine trees, where planes fly overhead to Lukla from Kathmandu. Lamjura-La Pass is located on the old classic route to Everest base camp and Pikey Peak trek following the footpath of legendary mountaineers Tenzing and Hillary.

Tashi Labtsa-La Pass

Tashi Labtsa-La is a high and tough pass that obstructs the boundary of the beautiful Rolwaling Valley and Khumbu / Everest areas. 

Tashi Labtsa-La, situated at 5,400 m / 17, 716 feet high close to the base of Pachermo Peak 6,187 m. The pass is seldom frequented by a few groups of trekkers other than climbers to Pachermo Peak. The adventure begins by driving from Kathmandu and then walking into a high and beautiful Rolwaling valley on leaving the last Bedding village. Then heading towards the complete mountain wilderness of ice and snow and the glacial Lake of Tsho Rolpa.

A technical climb using supports of fixed ropes to the top of Tashi Labtsa-La Pass, facing a vista of surrounding peaks. From the pass, long descent towards Khumbu at Thame village and onwards to Namche Bazaar and Lukla.

Annapurna Himalaya Region

Thorang-La Pass, Kang-La Pass and Meso-Kanto La Pass.

Thorang-La Pass

One of the most famous of all passes is Thorang-La, due to the popular and most scenic Annapurna Circuit trekking. The trek listed as the world’s top ten adventure destination involves traversing over Thorang-La Pass reaching Mustang from the Manang areas. Thorang-La is situated at 5,416 m / 17, 769 feet high in between Yakawa Kang or Thorang Peak with Khatung Kang. 

The pass is festooned with thousands of Buddhist prayer flags and rock cairns as a marker. Stands a board with the name of the pass and heights, facing the outmost panorama of surrounding giant peaks. 

A scenic traverse from Manang Valley to enter beautiful areas of the Mustang district at holy Muktinath and Jomsom town.  

Kang-La Pass

Kang-La is a scenic pass at 5,306 m / 17, 408 feet, located within the upper side of Manang Valley and Nar-Phu. Crossing Kang-La from Nar- Phu or vice versa, where special permits are required as Nar and Phu fall within the restricted area.

From the pass overlooking grand views of Annapurna, Damodar, and Chulu’s peaks as you enter the Manang and Annapurna circuit route. you just need to follow Nar- Phu Valley trek to get to Kang-la Pass.

Meso-Kanto La Pass

Meso-Kanto La Pass is less ventured due to its remote location, an adventure walking from Tilicho Lake to Jomsom. An exciting trek from the mainstream of scenic Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake through Manang village, then reaching the world’s highest Tilicho Lake. Which is at a height of 4,919 m, spending time around the beautiful lake, considered holy.

The walk leads to pure mountain wilderness in between the high peaks of Tilicho, Nilgiris, and the southern mountain range of Thorang-La Pass. 

Crossing Meso-Kanto La Pass at 5,100 m / 16, 732 feet high, requires camping gear and food for a few days. Until Jomsom town is reached on leaving Tilicho Lake Base Camp, then back into the comfort of nice lodges. 

Upper Mustang and Dhaulagiri Region

Teri-La Pass, French Pass, and Thapa-Dhampus Pass.

Teri-La Pass

Teri-La at 5,595 m / 18, 356 feet, connects the route of Manang upper valley of Nar-Phu with Upper Mustang. Least trekked and ventured Teri-La Pass due to its remote location and isolation, where camping equipment and food are required to carry. One of the greatest and most scenic passes of the Himalayas, it will be a great exploration rather than a normal trekking adventure. 

Located north of Kang-La and close to Damodar and Bhrikuti Himal range of the Upper Mustang region. Traverse from Nar-Phu to Upper Mustang or one can do it vice-versa after visiting the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang.  

French Pass

French Pass is located in between the district of Mygdi and Mustang and is quite close to the Dolpo area. French Pass at 5, 360 m / 18, 192 feet, situated in between Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Hidden Valley. A scenic top-facing grand views of Mt. Dhaulagiri North-West Face, Tukuche, and an array of Dhaulagiri range of peaks. The pass is crossed on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, which normally starts from the Mygdi areas towards the Kaligandaki River valley of the Mustang district. One of the toughest treks around the Himalayas, walking for a few days on the ice, and glaciers till Hidden Valley crosses French Pass. 

An exciting adventure amidst mountain wilderness for a week till lovely Marpha village is reached at the end of trekking.

Thapa or Dhampus Pass

Thapa Pass also called Dhampus Pass at above 5, 250 m/ 17, 520 feet. The pass is traversed after crossing French Pass to Hidden Valley via Dhaulagiri Base Camp or can be done vice versa. From the pass stunning views of Thapa / Dhampus peak, and the Dhaulagiri Himal range with Annapurna and Nilgiris Himalayan peaks. Thapa or Dhampus Pass involves crossing on the adventurous Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking just a day behind after French Pass. Eventually leads downhill to Kaligandaki River within the Mustang district at Marpha village and Jomsom town on the main trekking trail. 

Langtang & Manaslu Region

Ganja-La, Laurabinaya or Gosainkund-La Pass and Tilman Col, with Larke-La Pass.

Ganja-La Pass

Ganja-La Pass, located south of Langtang Himal range the route connect with Langtang Rasuwa district to Helambu areas. One of the technical high pass at 5,122 m / 16,800 feet high, close to adjoining Naya-Kanga peak or Ganja-Chuli. 

Ganja-La is normally crossed after visiting the scenic Langtang valley at Kyanjin, with a rest day for acclimatization before heading higher.

The pass is well hidden from sun-lights with an icy trail to negotiate, where main ropes are required for a safe descent. Reaching the bottom at Kelsang 4,250 m, and then walking to the main village of Helambu at Tarke-Gyang. 

Laurabinaya / Gosiankund-La Pass

Laurabinaya or Gosainkund-La Pass is one of the famous and popular routes and passes around the Langtang Himal range of Rasuwa district. Gosainkund glacial pond is regarded as sacred and holiest of all holy sites around the Himalayas range. Laurabinaya / Gosainkund-La Pass at 4,610 m / 15,120 feet is the main religious hub for Hindu and some Buddhist followers.

Laurabinaya / Gosainkund-La Pass can be reached from three various routes, straight from Dhunche town. As well as trekking around Langtang Valley and then heading towards Gosainkund via Sing Gompa, and then crossing Laurabinaya / Gosainkund-La Pass. After the pass towards Helambu or back to Kathmandu, the other alternative is to walk anti-clockwise direction to Gosainkunda. During the religious festival of ‘Jani Purnima’ in the full moon time of August as per the Hindu calendar filled with pilgrims. Takes a holy dip and bathes on the pond, the belief is it relinquishes the sin of a hundred lifetime. 

Tilman Col

Tilman Col is another high pass around the Langtang Himal range, hardly frequented once in a year. The Tilman Col is named after a famous British explorer and adventurer Bill Tilman, who pioneered the route in the 1950s.

In search of a new passage and route to Tibet, situated in the mountainous wilderness eastern range of Langtang Himal. Which is close to Langshisa Peak the traverse takes you towards Tin and Panch Pokhari (3 and 5 pounds). 

The crossing of Tilman Col can be done from both directions trekking to Langtang Valley and then over the pass. Some trekkers use the other sides from Panch Pokhari near the Jugal Himal range of Sindupalanchok district reaching the Rasuwa area. After an exciting traverse over Tilman Col at 5,320 m / 17, 454 feet high.

Larke-La Pass

One of the popular trekking adventures in Nepal Himalaya is Manaslu Circuit, which involves crossing a high scenic Larke-La Pass. 

The pass at 5,106 m / 16, 752 feet, forms a boundary of Manaslu Valley, Gorkha, and Manang districts. Manaslu Circuit has been open for outside visitors since 1991 but remains a restricted region, where trekkers need special permits.

The Manaslu Circuit, trekking around the world’s 8th highest Mt. Manaslu at 8, 163 m / 26, 781 feet high. A scenic and cultural trek with an adventure over the high Larke-La pass, then ending the walk at Dharapani in Manang. 

Far Eastern Himalaya Kanchenjunga and Makalu Region

Selele-La Pass, Mirgin-La Pass, Lumba-Sumba-La and Sherpani Col.

Selele-Mirgin / Tamo-La and Tseram-La Passes

Selele-Mirgin or Tamo-La and Tseram-La are three passes to cross in a day on Kanchenjunga trekking. After visiting both North and South Base Camps, the only trek where one can enjoy trekking around two base camps. 

Mt. Kanchenjunga, located in Nepal’s Far Eastern Himalayas, is the world’s 3^rd highest peak at 8, 856 m / 28, 169 feet.

The passes Selele-Mirgin or Tamo-La and Tseram-La, are closely adjoined at the height of 4,250 m to below 3,870 m. The adventure takes you to traverse all three passes in one long day’s climb and descent within a lovely forested trail.

The pass offers exciting views of Kanchenjunga massive with Talung and Kabru peaks, as far as Mt. Makalu. The treks with both options visit the first south base camp or the north base camp at Lhonak and Pangpema.

One of the longest trekking with more than three weeks, in the perfect wilderness from lush vegetation to a barren arctic zone.

Lumba- Sumba La Pass

The Lumba-Sumba-La Pass is at 5,160 m / 16, 929 feet, one of the most remote regions of the Eastern Himalayas. Located North of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is en route to the Tibet border of Walanchung-Gola a mountain village in the sheer wilderness. Lumba-Sumba La is also the starting point of the Great Himalayan Trekking trail, an adventure from the Far East to Western Nepal.

The trekking region around Walanchung-Gola involves crossing Lumba-Sumba-La Pass towards the Makalu trail and at the low warm Arun Valley area. 

Sherpani Col

The Sherpani Col, the highest pass around the Himalayas, a traverse from Makalu and Barun Valley to cross over Sherpani Col. The high pass of Sherpani and West Col leads to Honku Valley and then over Amphu Labtsa to the Everest region. 

This is an extremely adventurous trek and quite challenging in snow conditions, however, it is slowly gaining more popularity among veteran trekkers and adventurers.   

Sherpani Col is a well-hidden pass North West of Mt. Makalu and close to Baruntse Himal. The high pass of Sherpani Col at 6,135 m / 20, 128 feet, the climb starts from Makalu High Camp. Spending overnights in tented camp around a moraine of ice, rocks, and snow for some days till the treks reach Chukung. A small settlement around high Khumbu of Everest area and then easy walk downhill on main trails to Lukla.