Popular Mountain Passes in Nepal

The Himalayas have always stirred the human spirit—beckoning adventurers, pilgrims, and dreamers alike. Though Nepal is well-known worldwide for its lofty peaks, it’s the mountain passes—those brave corridors carved high in the clouds—that usually provide the most memorable experiences in a trekker’s trip. These high-altitude gateways link you to a genuine, spiritual, and breathtaking Himalayan experience as well as valleys and areas. Every mountain pass in Nepal has a story, from sacred pilgrimage routes to old trade routes, from glacier crossings to arid alpine deserts. Let’s start a trip through most popular mountain passes in Nepal.

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Popular Mountain Passes in Nepal

1. Amphu Lapcha Pass – Everest to Makalu Border

The Amphu Lapcha Pass sits at an elevation of 5,845 meters and is tucked between the Hinku and Khumbu valleys. It is one of the most technical and dramatic high passes of Nepal. Oh and it is not your typical trail, you would have to be equipped with crampons, ropes, harnesses and a courageous heart to cross this icy saddle.

What sets it apart? Through the isolated Imja Valley, the pass connects the Mera Peak area with the Everest region. The views? Rising around you like sentinels of stone and snow, Lhotse (8,516m), Island Peak (6,189m), Baruntse (7,129m), and Makalu (8,481m) rise somehow from this world. If you seek for a real wilderness and mountaineering-grade thrill, then Amphu Lapcha Pass definitely delivers.

2. Thorong La Pass – Annapurna Classic

Thorong La, at 5,416 meters, is among the most renowned and often hiked passes in Nepal. Linking the dry Mustang with the verdant Manang Valley, it is the crown jewel of the Annapurna Circuit.

The terrain changes from high alpine to frigid moonscape as you ascend from Thorong Phedi. Once you reach the summit, you are welcomed by a sea of snow-draped peaks: Annapurna I-IV, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Manaslu, and beyond. Standing on that saddle-shaped pass offers an unmatched feeling of victory.

3. Kang La Pass – Gateway to Nar Phu Secrets

Kanga La Pass or Kang la is a mountain pass hidden in the folds of the Annapurna region, situated in the Manang District of Gandaki province in Nepal. Kang La Pass The mountain pass is at an altitude of 5,320 meters and connects the lost valleys of Nar and Phu with the more traveled Manang. Though less popular, the pass provides a genuine and rough Himalayan experience.

The road up is narrow, but the peaks like Annapurna II, Himlung, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna overwhelm the horizon. The descent to Ngawal village from the pass reveals a dreamy alpine meadow. This area is a restricted zone, hence permits are crucial—but so is a sense of wonder.

4. Renjo La Pass – The Everest Panoramic Gateway

Renjo La Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,360 meters which is one of the three high passes of Everest region. The mountain pass offers one of the most stunning panoramic views in the Everest region. As you cross from Lumde into the Gokyo Valley, the world opens up in all directions.

Imagine this: the turquoise Gokyo Lakes below, the shimmering Ngozumpa Glacier beside you, and the giants—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—lining the skyline. It’s less technical than the other two Everest high passes, making it more accessible for those who want the thrill without the gear.

Also have a look at the popular lakes in Nepal.

5. Cho La Pass – Icy Trail of Khumbu

Cho La Pass lies between Dzongla and the Gokyo Valley at 5,420 meters. It is the second of the illustrious three passes of Everest and maybe the most spectacular. Depending on the season, the path cuts across a glacier, scales steep rock walls, and occasionally calls for microspikes or crampons.

The reward is close-up views of Cholatse, Nirekha, Lobuche East, and the path to Everest Base Camp just forthcoming. Among those completing the Everest circuit, Cho La is a favorite since it links the spiritual beauty of Gokyo with the legendary Everest Base Camp.

6. Kongma La Pass – Everest’s Silent Beast

Kongma La Pass is at the towering height of 5,535 meters located southwest of Mount Everest. It is the highest pass among the renowned Three Passes of Everest. This mountain pass is both mentally and physically demanding but if you’re ready to face these difficulties, the rewards you’ll be getting are unmatched and out-of-this-world.  It connects the Everest Base Camp with the Imja Valley and Chhukung village. 

Trekkers often approach Kongma La after visiting Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. The crossing is filled with wild alpine terrain, glacial moraines, and icy ridges. On a clear day, the views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse dominate the skyline. The descent into the Imja Valley offers a contrasting landscape filled with yak pastures, stone-walled fields, and views of Ama Dablam.

7. Larkya La Pass – Manaslu’s Mountain Gateway

If the search is for a secluded trail with spectacular Himalayan rewards, Larkya La Pass is perfect for you. Larkya La is situated at an altitude of 5,160 meters on the Manaslu Circuit. It’s among one of the most long and striking passes in the Himalayas. 

Crossing this pass will let you view Manaslu—the “Spirit Mountain”—in all its glory, together with Larkya Peak, Cheo Himal, and Himlung. Often exposed, sometimes icy and erratic, the route to the summit is long; the descent into Bhimthang is a surreal stroll through an alpine fantasy.

8. Mesokanto La Pass – Tilicho’s Icy Sibling

Rising high above Tilicho Lake—one of the highest lakes in the world—Mesokanto La (5,099m) or Tilicho Pass Often needing camping and navigation over rough routes, this pass is wilder and less frequented than Thorong La.

This is it if you wish a spectacular detour trekking to or from Jomsom. Look for windswept ridges, snow-covered slopes, and vistas of Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. It’s a wild trip few people take.

Tilicho Lake Trek

9. Lauribinayak La Pass – Sacred Trail of Langtang

Lauribinayak La Pass (4,610 m), which lies just above the hallowed Gosainkunda Lakes in the Langtang area, is as much scenic as spiritual. Many trekkers who cross this pass also partake in the Gosainkunda–Helambu Trek.

Though its altitude is moderate, the vistas are stunning; Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and even heights in Tibet adorn the horizon. Particularly during the Janai Purnima celebration when visitors trek to the lake for ritual baths, the path is rich in spiritual energy.

10. Salpa Pass – Hidden Trail of Makalu

Not every Nepalese pass rises above 5,000 meters. Some, like Salpa Pass, provide a more subdued but culturally varied choice. Located in the lower Solukhumbu area, this pass ties the Everest and Makalu sectors via lush forests, terraced farms, and little Rai and Sherpa communities.

Once an important pilgrimage and trade route, Salpa Pass is perfect for hikers hoping to see rural Nepal, traditional ways of life, and varied scenery without the intensity of high-altitude crossings.

It is calm, spiritual, and ideal for a more introspective trip into the mountains.

Conquer Mountain Passes

Trekking over Nepal’s high mountain passes is more than simply moving from one valley to another; it is also about entering a whole different world. Every Renjo La, Cho La, Kongma La, Kang La, or Mesokanto La pass presents a different view of Nepal’s geography, culture, and spiritual center. 

Though only the ready and driven can undertake these demanding hikes, the experience of standing on a Himalayan pass surrounded by nothing but mountains and sky will permanently imprint your spirit.

Are you ready to overcome the heights?