High Pass Trek in Nepal

Embark on the High Pass Trek in Nepal if you’ve completed the treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, or Everest Base Camp Trek. The high passes trek is an upgrade to these base camp treks as they sit at higher elevations than the base camps. They sit over 5,000 to 5,600 meters, and crossing these offers unmatched adventure. Moreover, if you dream of climbing a 6,000-meter peak, embarking on a high passes trek provides adequate acclimatization.

Larke Pass in Manaslu, a popular high pass trek in Nepal
Larke La (Pass) in Manaslu Circuit Trek, a popular high pass trek in Nepal (Image © NepTrek)

For adventurers, the high pass trek in Nepal can be a step up on their high-altitude trekking. It’s more than the base camp and less than climbing a trekking peak over 6,000 meters like Lobuche and Island Peak.

The complete experience the high passes trek offers is a once-in-a-lifetime. It includes walks in terraces, through valleys, hamlets, base camps, high-altitude glacial lakes, glaciers, and elegant mountain panorama. What makes this trek a high value is that by embarking on it, you’ll circumambulate around some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mt. Everest, Manaslu, and Annapurna.

What’s in this blog?

This blog details some of the most popular high passes in Nepal and the trek you’ll embark on for each. Moreover, you’ll get an idea of the best time, trek difficulty, altitude profile, trek preparations and planning, and the cost.

Note: This blog is a firsthand experience of our trek leader (Geetangey), who completed all the mountain passes mentioned here before 2024. Thus, every piece of information presented here is authentic.

High Pass in Nepal

There are many high mountain passes in Nepal. However, trekkers prefer only a few that are accessible, not challenging, and rewarding.

Here’s a list of the most popular high passes in Nepal, with their altitude profile.

High Pass

Where? Altitude
Kongma La In Everest region

5,540 meters

Cho La

In Everest region 5,420 meters
Renjo La In Everest region

5,345 meters

Thorong La

In Annapurna region 5,416 meters
Larke La In Manaslu region

5,106 meters

Kang La

In Annapurna region

5,320 meters

Everest Three Pass Trek is the most popular among the high pass treks in Nepal. The main reason for this is Kongma La, the highest among all the passes. Moreover, it incorporates the trek to popular landmarks like Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes.

However, the Manaslu Annapurna Three Passes Trek is a new concept that combines the Manaslu Circuit Trek,  Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek. Thus, combining these two popular treks is more adventurous than the Everest Three High Pass Trek.

However, if you don’t have adequate time for a three-pass trek, you can embark on individual treks and still cross one or two of these passes.

For example, you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek for Larke Pass. Likewise, Thorong La Pass is in Annapurna Circuit and Kang La Pass in Nar Phu Valley. Moreover, you can trek to Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass with Gokyo Lakes on the Everest Two Pass Trek.

Crossing Kang La Pass during Nar Phu Valley Trek
Crossing Kang La Pass during Nar Phu Valley Trek (Image © NepTrek)

Let’s look at each of these high pass treks in Nepal and explore them in a bit of detail. Shall we?

Everest Three High Pass Trek

Trekking in the Everest region for adventurers is like a Mecca to Muslims and Jerusalem to Christians. For trekkers, embarking on a trek to circumambulate around the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest is at the top of the bucket list. And it’s Everest Three Pass Trek. It’s not just a trek. It’s a complete Everest experience.

High Passes in Everest

Kongma LaCho La, and Renjo La are the three high passes in the Everest region. The highest is Kongma La at 5,540 meters, and the lowest is Renjo La at 5,345 meters. The most adventurous among these is Kongma La, and the panoramic is Renjo La. Cho La Pass is more like a bridge between the Everest region and Gokyo Valley, but crossing it is no less than an adventure.

Approach to Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La

The easiest way to approach the Everest Three Pass Trek is anti-clockwise because the clockwise route is steep with many uphill ascends. However, the anti-clockwise route is less steep and less tiring. Moreover, the anti-clockwise approach reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Kongma La is the first pass you’ll cross. First, you’ll trek to Chhukung from Dingboche, cross Kongma La, descend to Khumbu glacier, cross it, and trek to Lobuche. And from Lobuche, you’ll visit Everest Base Camp.

Returning from base camp, you’ll trek to Dzongla, cross Cho La Pass, and trek to Gokyo Lakes via Thangnak.

With a day of rest and a hike to Gokyo Ri, you’ll trek to Lungden via Renjo La Pass.

Everest Three High Pass Trek Difficulty

If you’re a novice trekker, the Everest Three Pass Trek is challenging. However, it’s a moderate trek if you’re a seasoned trekker.

The most challenging part of this trek is Kongma La Pass. The route to Kongma La changes every year due to the glacier’s shift. Moreover, if it gets snowy or foggy, the navigation along the pass can get challenging.

Cho La Pass is easy, with very few ascends. Plus, it’s doable in 2-3 hours from Dzongla. But, attempting this pass from Thangnak can get tiring as most sections are steep ascends.

You’ll love the stone-paved staircase at Renjo La Pass. However, a few ascends from the Gokyo side are tiring and exposed to the rock fall sections edging the pass.

Trek Duration

Everest Three High Pass Trek can take 18-20 days based on how well you can trek. However, the seasoned trekkers often complete it in 14-15 days.

Everest Three High Pass Trek Cost- For 2025

Pax

Cost Per Person (USD) Availability Want to book?
1-2 1850 Available

Inquire Us

3-4

1800 Available Inquire Us
5-6 1780 Available Inquire Us

7 and more

1750 Available Inquire Us

Manaslu Annapurna Three High Pass Trek

It’s a new concept not many trekkers have imagined or know about. But it’s more adventurous than the Everest Three High Pass Trek.

The High Passes

Manaslu Annapurna Three High Passes Trek includes one from Manaslu and two from Annapurna.

Larke Pass, at 5,106 meters, is the highest elevation in Manaslu Circuit Trek. Likewise, Kang La Pass, at 5,320 meters, is the highest elevation in the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Moreover, Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters, is the highest mountain pass in the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Among these three, Thorong La and Larke La are the most popular. Nar Phu Valley is an off-beat path trek, and Kang La Pass is the least popular. However, Kang La Pass is the most beautiful and adventurous to cross among the three.

Approach to Larke La, Thorong La, and Kang La

You’ll start this trek with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, along Manaslu Circuit, cross Larke Pass, and trek to Dharapani. From Dharapani, you’ll take a jeep to Koto, trek to Nar Phu Valley, cross Kang La Pass, and trek to Manang. With a day of rest in Manang, you’ll trek to Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and cross Thorong La Pass. It is how you’ll complete a 24-day Manaslu Annapurna Three Pass Trek in the central Himalayas.

All three passes are popular for the anti-clockwise approach because the clockwise approach for these three passes is extremely demanding and tiring. Moreover, doing these high passes anti-clockwise won’t allow you to acclimate well.

Difficulty of Manaslu Annapurna Three High Pass Trek

Collectively, the Manaslu Annapurna Three Pass Trek is extremely demanding, more than the Everest Three High Pass Trek. It’s because of the long walking distance, steep ascends and descends at the pass, wind gusts, etc.

Crossing Thorong La in the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the easiest among the three in Manaslu Annapurna Three High Pass Trek. However, the Nar Phu Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek are demanding. Thus, crossing the high passes in these treks is also tiring and demanding.

All these passes have a straightforward approach. But the long walking distance and steep descent before and after the high pass makes it tiring. Moreover, all three passes are close to Manang, the most windy region in Nepal.

Thus, a windy day at any of these passes can cause serious issues with the extreme drop in temperature. Also, during the ascends and descends, the wind gusts often make trekkers tumble, which can cause severe damage to some.

Trek Duration

The standard Manaslu Annapurna Three Pass Trek Itinerary is 24-25 days. However, based on your physical fitness and walking conditions, it can take longer as well.

Manaslu Annapurna Three High Pass Trek Cost – For 2025

Pax

Cost Per Person (USD) Availability Want to book?
1-2 2500 Available

Inquire Us

3-4

2460 Available Inquire Us
5-6 2440 Available Inquire Us

7 and more

2400 Available Inquire Us

High Pass Trek in Nepal: Know this before you plan it!

Unlike the base camp treks, the high pass treks are challenging. Moreover, a lot of trek preparations are a must.

Let alone embarking on a circuit trek with a high pass can get challenging. Here, you’re approaching the three high passes on a single go. You can imagine how demanding it would be.

So, here are the basics you need to understand to trek to the high passes, either one, two, or three on a single go.

High-altitude trek experience- A must!

Crossing the high passes isn’t an accomplishment. It’s about how comfortably you complete the trek without getting altitude sickness matters the most. Thus, get a few high-altitude trek experiences if you want to embark on the high pass trek in Nepal. It’s highly recommended. Whether it is one, two, or all three high passes, crossing each of them still demands some form of trekking experience.

For example, those with previous trekking experience can comfortably climb Kongma La and Kang La. However, for novice trekkers, these passes can be a nightmare to cross. Some even get scared during the attempt and return back without doing the pass.

However, passes like Larke La, Thorong La, Cho La, and Renjo La are easier to cross, even for novice trekkers with some struggle. The novice trekkers here refer to the ones who are fit, can walk good, and overcome altitude sickness.

The reason why we’ve mentioned that you should at least have a few trek experiences is because:

  • you’ll have an idea of your strengths and weaknesses in high-altitude terrain
  • you’ll have a picture of what trekking in high altitudes will be
  • you’ll get used to the high altitude and get an idea of how trekking should be done
  • you’ll have proper fitness for the trek
  • you’ll know how every day on the trek will be

Thus, it’ll be more easy for you to complete the high pass trek in Nepal with previous high-altitude trek experience.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is a must if you want to trek to the high passes in Nepal. As a trekking agency, we suggest our clients work on physical fitness, even for those on the base camp treks. Here, we’re talking about the high pass trek, a step up on the base camp treks. Thus, you must be at the peak fitness level while embarking on the high pass trek in Nepal.

Embarking on either trek makes you walk at least 10 kilometers each day. Furthermore, in treks like Manaslu Circuit Trek and Nar Phu Valley Trek, each day walking distance is close to 20 kilometers. It won’t be easy without proper fitness to endure the tiring long walk. Moreover, you’ve to trek at a pace to keep up with the group and itinerary.

Another reason to have peak fitness is to overcome altitude sickness. If you prepare well for the trek with hiking and cardio exercises, there’s a very low probability of getting altitude sickness.

Thorong La Pass in Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La Pass in Annapurna Circuit Trek (Image © NepTrek)

How to work on fitness?

Maintaining fitness for the trek doesn’t mean that you need to join the gym. Even the basic exercises maintain physical fitness.

Here are some of the most effective fitness exercises that you can look into for the high-pass trek.

  • Hiking (short day hikes at least 2-3 before the trek)
  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Treadmill running or open trail running

The most important is maintaining the breathing while trekking. Thus, these exercises help in maintaining efficient breathing.

Altitude Sickness

The High Pass Treks in Nepal are altitude sickness prone as they are over 5,000 meters altitude with thin oxygen level. Due to less oxygen, trekkers often get altitude sickness, typically past 4,200 meters. However, you can prevent altitude sickness by trekking in proper ways.

Acclimatization

Getting adequate acclimatization along the trek is the most basic and effective technique to avoid altitude sickness. Usually, during acclimatization, you’ll stop at a landmark for a day and hike for a few hours to a higher elevation, like the viewpoints.

For example, you’ll acclimate at Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo Lakes in the Everest Three High Pass Trek. Likewise, in Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll stop for a day at Sama Gaun and hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pung Gyen Gompa for acclimatization.

Acclimatization works on the principle of Hike Up and Sleep Low. First, you’ll trek to a higher elevation, stopping there for a few hours, and descending to a lower altitude is the best way to let your body understand that you’re at the higher elevation.

Don’t skip acclimatization if you’re planning to trekking in Nepal.

Adequate Meals and Rehydration

Another effective remedy for dodging altitude sickness is to consume adequate meals each day on the trek. Moreover, you must rehydrate frequently. It’s advised that trekkers must drink 2-3 liters of water each day on the trek.

With more fluid and calories, you’ll have a properly functioning circulatory system.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Please avoid alcohol and caffeine during the trek. Consuming this stuff causes dehydration and lack of sleep, both degrade your physical health. Dehydration is among the primary reasons why most trekkers get altitude sickness.

Medication

Trekkers often consume Acetazolamide or Diamox (people know better with this name). This medicine absolutelyprevents you from altitude sickness. However, it has side effects, like frequent urination and tingling fingers.

Our recommendation: Acclimatization and consuming adequate meals with frequent rehydration is best. Diamox makes your body dependent on it, and you can’t trek to high elevations without it on further occasions.

Travel Insurance for high pass trek- A must

Travel insurance is a must if you’re planning to embark on a high-pass trek in Nepal. These treks are demanding, and trekkers often get altitude sickness. As such, a helicopter rescue backed by travel insurance is necessary.

While getting travel insurance, make sure that you get helicopter coverage up to the highest altitude of the trek.

For example, if you’re in Everest Three High Pass Trek, the highest elevation you’ll reach is Kala Patthar, at 5,645 meters. Likewise, if you’re in Manaslu Circuit, get travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage up to 5,106 meters.

Also, confirm that your travel insurance covers the entire helicopter rescue cost. You may need to buy a premium insurance plan for this.

Helicopter Rescue

Here’s a scenario.

You’re at Sama Gaun or Samdo in Manaslu or at Thorong Phedi in Annapurna Circuit. Suppose you get altitude sickness at these places, descending on a horse or a jeep won’t be possible. Also, during altitude sickness, the quickest you descend to a lower altitude ensures your health safety.

Thus, a helicopter rescue comes in at such times. Unlike days of descending to a lower altitude, a helicopter brings you to Pokhara or Kathmandu within an hour. Sounds safe?

Cost of helicopter rescue

High-altitude helicopter rescues are expensive, up to $4-5000. Moreover, the rescue from restricted regions like Manaslu and Nar Phu is even more expensive.

Can you call a helicopter and pay this fee for the rescue while trekking to Everest Three High Pass or Manaslu Annapurna Three Pass? We’d say it’s very unlikely.

But, buying travel insurance with helicopter coverage for a few hundred dollars can save a few thousand dollars from your pocket. Sounds cool?

Once you plan and confirm the high pass trek in Nepal, buy travel insurance with helicopter rescue. It can be a lifesaver at a high altitude during health emergencies.

Hospitalization Cost and Personal Belongings Reclaim

More than helicopter rescue coverage, travel insurance also covers the hospitalization cost. For example, if you get injured or sick along the trek and get hospitalized, travel insurance pays all the bills. Or, you pay the bill on discharge from the hospital and claim the amount later.

Travel insurance also compensates for the theft, loss, and damage of personal items, trekking gear, and gadgets.

High Pass Trek Solo: Is it doable?

Most high pass treks are in the restricted region except Everest Three High Pass. Thus, if you’re planning to trek to other high passes than Everest, you can’t trek solo.

Everest Three High Pass Trek Solo

The Everest region is not a restricted area. Thus, you can do solo trekking without hiring a licensed guide or planning the trek with a trekking agency. And every trekking season, a handful of solo trekkers embark on Everest Three Passes Trek.

Note: Solo trekkers who embark on the Everest Three Pass Trek are the most experienced ones. Thus, if you’re a novice trekker, we don’t recommend you do it solo. Rather, you plan it with a trekking agency like us.

Manaslu Annapurna Three High Pass Trek

Manaslu is a restricted region. Thus, you must trek here with a licensed trekking guide, get a restricted area permit, and trek through an agency. Likewise, Nar Phu Valley in Annapurna is also a restricted area. Due to this, you can’t trek solo.

Nepal government mandates you to trek in a group and with a guide in the restricted regions. It’s because these regions sit close to Tibet and share a border.

Other High Pass Trek in Nepal

Trekking like Makalu and Kanchenjunga also features the high pass trek, which is restricted for solo trekking.

Hire a licensed trek guide

An experienced licensed trekking guide knows better about the high passes than you do, no matter how much research you do about them.

Hire a licensed trek guide if you’re planning the high pass trek in Nepal in 2025. It’s for your safety along the trek, which is crucial.

A licensed trekking guide with years of guiding experience can help you organize the trek in better ways. Moreover, during the peak of the trekking season, a trek guide can get you the best tea house for accommodation. Also, a trekking guide ensures your complete safety and exercises every safety measure during health emergencies.

Best Time for High Pass Trek in Nepal

Spring and Autumn months are the best times for the high pass trek in Nepal. It’s because the high pass must be less windy, picturesque, less snowy, and absolutely rain-free.

March, April, and May are the best months in Spring. These months are an absolute time to trek the high pass due to rain-free days, warm temperatures, and snow-clad mountain panorama. The rhododendron blossom of lower elevations and snowy higher elevations, backed by crystal clear weather, makes your high pass trek in Spring a blast.

Autumn months are the best months for high passes treks for a few good reasons. First, they are post-monsoon rain months. Thus, the days in October and November are absolutely rain-free. And if you trek in September, the higher elevations appear lively with green bushes, wildflowers, and grasses.

The high passes remain absolutely snow-free, which for trekking, is an ideal condition, ensuring safety and comfort. Also, the mountains get thick snowcoats with the summer rain. Thus, the mountain panorama appears spectacular during September, October, and November.

What’s next?

If you’ve made it this far, we believe that you’re interested in a high-pass trek in Nepal in 2025. You can embark on high pass treks like Everest Three High Pass and Manaslu Annapurna Three Pass Trek with us in 2025. Also, if three passes are more for you, you can embark on treks like Nar Phu Valley Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek and accomplish the feat of crossing a high pass.

Guided by our experienced trekking guides and handpicked itinerary, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Himalayas. Feel free to join us for the 2025 season.

Contact us to learn more about the high passes treks you can do in Nepal in 2025.

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