9 Popular Mountain Passes
1. Thorong La Pass– Annapurna
Thorong La Pass stands as a monumental challenge and a highlight for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit, representing the culmination of days of trekking. It stands at an elevation of 5416 meters/1770 ft above sea level. Thorong La Pass is more than just a mountain pass- it is a rite of passage, a symbol of the indomitable human spirit, personal triumph and a reminder of the power and majesty of the natural world.
Here, you’re rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with the vast expanse of the Tibetan plateau visible in the distance on clear skies. It sits between Thorong peak and Yakwakang and connects Manang and Muktinath. Most trekkers most trekkers stop overnight at Thorong Phedi or high Camp before reaching this challenging yet rewarding crossing during their Annapurna Circuit trek. Trekkers reach Muktinath after crossing this passes for an overnight stay.
2. Larkya La Pass- Manaslu
Larkya La Pass situated at an elevation of 5135m/16847 ft, is more than just a mountain pass and one of the most significant high-altitude passes and famous viewpoints of the entire Manaslu region. It is a gateway to adventure, a portal to the pristine wilderness of the Himalayas, and a testament to the enduring sprit of exploration.
Larkya La offers stunning views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, CheoHimal, Himlung and their neighboring. Trekkers often encounter steeper and more arduous while crossing this pass.
3. Cho La Pass- Everest
Cho La pass is one of the three high passes, lies at an altitude of about 5420 meters/ 17782 ft above sea level. The pass is situated between the peaks of Lobuche east and surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and many more.
Trekking through the Cho La Pass usually forms part of the Everest Base Camp trek or the three high pass and trekkers need to walk passing rocky terrain and snowy paths that make the journey even adventurous and rewarding trekking experiences in the world. It is better to pass Cho during the autumn and spring seasons. Trekkers may need trekking gears ass micro spikes, crampons, trekking gears etc.
4. Renjo La Pass- Everest
The Renjo La pass is another high mountain pass located in the Everest region, near the village of Gokyo, at an elevation of 5340 meters/ 17520 ft above sea level. Crossing passes connects Nagpa La, where you find few trekkers unlike Cho La pass in the region. The ascent to the pass through a steep climb, often cross rocky moraines and snowfields.
Trekkers can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, among others and also provides stunning vistas of the Gokyo Lakes. Renjo la pass is commonly included in trekking itineraries such as the three passes trek or variations of the Everest Base Camp trek.
5. Kongma La Pass- Everest
Kongma La stands at an altitude of 5535 meters/ 18159 ft above sea surface, making it of the highest passes in the Everest region. It is one most skipped passes among three high passes and the route is more slipper than any other of entire region.
However, the pass offers spectacular views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse and its ridges Thamserku and many more, making a highlight of any trekking adventure in Nepal. Crossing Kongma La Pass requires careful navigation, especially during periods of snow or inclement weather. In addition, trekkers spend overnight at Lobuche, continuing the journey towards Everest Base Camp or other destinations in the region.
6. Kang La Pass- Annapurna
Kang La Pass sits at 5320 meters/ 17454 ft, located in the Manang district of the Annapurna region, making it one of the significant passes along the Annapurna Circuit trek. You can witness spectacular sceneries of almost every mountain of Annapurna and Manaslu ranges including Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and others.
You can also see the scenes of valleys, lakes, small villages, glaciers, diverse landscapes and many more in the Annapurna region, which is just awe! Trekkers need equipped with suitable gear, including warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles.
7. Ganja La pass- Langtang
One of the most popular trekking passes of the Langtang – Ganja La Pass, sits at 5122/1680 ft connecting the Langtang valley with the Helambu region. The trail typically starts from the village of Syabrubesi or the popular trekking hub of Kyanjin Gompa in the Langtang valley.
Trekkers can witness the astounding view of Himalayan peaks, including Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Langshisa Ri and others and also provides vistas of the rugged landscapes and glaciated valleys. Trekkers walk following the Langtang valley trek while ascending and descending into the valley of Helambu.
8. Meshokanto La pass- Annapurna
The Meshokanto La Pass is a lesser-known high-altitude pass situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal, stands at an elevation of 5100 meters/ 16732 ft above sea level that emerges between Manang and Jomsom.
The trail Meshokanto La Pass usually begins from the village of Jomsom or the picturesque town of Kagbeni in the Mustang region. It offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore pristine and untouched landscapes and the panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), among others.
9. Amphu Labtsa Pass-Everest
Amphu Labtsa Pass connects the Everest Base Camp trekking route with the Imja valley and the upper Hongu Basin, standing at an altitude of 5845 meters/19177 ft above sea level. It is one of the challenging passes in the Khmbu region.
Crossing Amphu Labtsa Pass requires technical climbing skills and experience in handling steep ice slopes and crevasses. The peak point of the trek offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu and other giant massifs. Trekkers need to be equipped with proper mountaineering gear, including ropes, harness, crampons and ice axes. Perfect destinations for who are not afraid of taking risk and chance to explore lesser-known.