Due to its location on the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is well known for its trekking. Nearly every trekking area has a mountain pass, and some trekking routes are famous for their mountain passes. Without passing through any passes, a trek in Nepal is not complete. Such hiking passes are available in the majority of destinations as either accessible or adventurous. There are stunning passes to cross while trekking from Everest to Annapurna and from Langtang to Manaslu. These passes, sometimes referred to as La, provide difficulties for hiking expeditions but are unquestionably worthwhile. Additionally, the passes might be regarded as the ideal vantage places for seeing the gorgeous and sublime mountains.
- Thorong La Pass – Annapurna:
The Thorong La Pass, which is located at 5,416 meters, is regarded as Annapurna’s entrance. This pass is formed by the two mountains Yakawa Kang (6,482m) and Khatung Kang (6,484m). It separates the Marsayangdi and Kali Gandaki river valleys of the Annapurna region while joining Manang and Muktinath. Trekkers can witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna peaks (I–IV), Manaslu (8,156 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and even Langtang Lirung from the pass (7,234m). It is the highest peak that can be reached during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the terrain is considered challenging. It will therefore be a beautiful success that you won’t soon forget when you reach the top of the pass. You need to pass via Thorong Phedi to get here.
- Amphu Labtsa pass:
At the head of the Honku valley, at a height of 5,845 meters (19,177 feet), is Amphu Labtsa Pass, a glaciated pass surrounded by serac cliffs. It offers a passage out of the Honku valley, which is otherwise rather remote. At 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), the valley’s base is home to several glacial lakes, notably the Panch Pokhri or Five Sacred Lakes. Mountaineers must perform technical climbs to travel over the Amphu Labtsa pass on their way to Island Peak or Baruntse excursions. The exposed ice and rock peak offers excellent views of Island Peak, Lhotse Shar, and the Imja Glacier. On the other side of the pass, there is an abseiling route that is followed by a fixed rope down into the Imja valley. The Amphu Labtsa pass would receive a roughly “D” in the alpine scale.
- Cho La Pass:
In the Solukhumbu District of northeastern Nepal, at a height of 5,420 meters (17,782 feet), is the summit pass known as Cho La. It links the communities of Thagnak (4,700 meters (15,400 feet)) to the west and Dzongla (4,830 meters (15,850 feet)) to the east. The pass is located in the Khumbu Everest region on the Gokyo path. The route continues to the Gokyo Lakes in the west, passing across the Ngozumpa glacier. The trail connects with the Everest Base Camp trek to the east. It is located between Lobuche and Gokyo valley, high above. Trekkers can take in a breathtaking vista of the mountains surrounding Mount Everest when crossing this pass. On top of the slick glacier, the pass may necessitate the use of crampons, which can be physically demanding.
- Larkya La pass:
The second-most traveled pass in Nepal after Thorong La is Larkey Pass (5106m/16748ft), which is located in the Manaslu region and connects to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Larkey La, which gives breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu, Himalchuli, Cheo Himal, Himlung, and their surrounding ones, is one of the most well-known viewpoints in the entire Manaslu region. Despite not being the highest mountain pass in Nepal, this one nonetheless calls for exceptional enthusiasm and dedication. When crossing this pass, hikers frequently encounter rocky terrain and unpredictably bad weather.
- Renjo La Pass:
Another stunning trail pass in the Himalayan Khumbu region is called Renjo La. Renjo La, the first of the Three High Passes Trek, is located above the lovely Gokyo Valley and leads to the Everest Base Camp. Despite being a magnificent viewing point, this pass sees less hikers than the nearby Cho La pass. You can take in the view of the enormous Himalayas and the lakes in the Gokyo valley below.
- Kongma La Pass:
It is the highest and most eastern of the three passes in the Khumbu region, rising to a height of 5,535 meters. The Kongma La Pass is the hardest of the three passes, although not being classified as technical. Because it sees a lot of snow and ice, the path to Kongma La Pass is less stable than the other passes. The crossing offers breathtaking views of numerous mountains, including Thamserku (6,623m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Makalu (8,481m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Everest (8,848m). While descending from Kongma La Pass, one passes by the Khumbu Glacier. Opposite this pass sits Lobuche, one of the primary overnight stations on the traditional Everest Trek.
- Lauribinayak La Pass:
Lauribinayak La Pass, another well-known route across the Langtang region that rises to a height of 4610 meters (15124 feet), rewards travelers with breathtaking views of the Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Gosaikunda, and numerous more mountain massifs. Trekkers may also be able to see some of the mountains on the Tibetan side, depending on the exact weather. A trip to Gosainkunda Lake is required to reach Lauribinayak Pass. Finally, after passing this revered lake, you will reach a crossing and enter the Helambu region. Comparatively speaking, it is a simpler and shorter pass than other high mountain passes. However, it is a barren area surrounded by glaciers and landslides.
- Salpa Pass:
At 3,350 meters, Salpa Pass is situated in the Makalu region just above the Arun Valley. The entrance to Makalu Barun National Park is another name for it. The pass offers breathtaking views of Everest (8,848 meters), Makalu (8,481 meters), Mera Peak (6,364 meters), Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), Chamlang (7,319 meters), and other Mahalangur range mountains because of its location. The Salpa Pass trek is a moderate walking track and one of the less popular trekking routes in the area, therefore it is less congested. The route departs from Tumlingtar and follows the Arun River towards the Arun Valley. This road was once utilized by the locals to transport agricultural goods from Namche Bazaar to Tibet.
