Top 15 Highest Mountain Passes in Nepal

Nepal, trekker’s paradise, is a land of the Himalayas. Nepal is known for its staggering peaks. Besides its iconic peaks, there are some of the most exhilarating and highest mountain passes in Nepal.

These passes not only offer breathtaking views but also adventure to the daredevils. Hiking in some of the highest mountain passes in Nepal provides an adrenaline-pumping experience along with a soothing, peaceful environment in the wilderness of the Himalayas.

Overview of Mountain Passes in Nepal

If you are planning to explore the rugged terrain and get some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas and picturesque villages, visiting Nepal has it all for you.

In addition to that, trekking in some of the high passes of Nepal is a challenging yet rewarding experience, offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

Mountain passes in Nepal are a natural gateway connecting valleys, regions and even nations. These passes are one of the most significant and exciting features of the trek in Nepal.

Each pass has its unique charm and challenges. They have their own story to tell, offering cultural immersion and a feeling of achievement.

The top 15 highest mountain passes in Nepal are mentioned below in descending order.

Sherpani Col Pass

Located in the Makalu region, Sherpani Col Pass is the highest mountain pass in Nepal as well as in the world. This pass connects Barun Valley with Hongu Valley. The pass is especially known for the great views of Makalu, Everest, and other towering peaks.

Top Highlights of Sherpani Col Pass

• Sherpani Col Pass lies in Sankhuwasabha district within Makalu-Barun National Park.
• It sits at an elevation of 6155 meters (20,194 ft).
• The difficulty level of this pass is categorized as extremely challenging due to its altitude, requiring technical climbing skills.
• It forms part of the trek trail from Makalu Base Camp to Everest Base Camp Trek.
• Spring and autumn are the best season for trekking in this region.
• The trek begins from Tumlingtar.

Amphu Lapcha Pass

The Amphu Lapcha Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal, connecting Everest and Makalu region. It is a technically challenging pass to conquer but provides an awe-inspiring view of its landscapes.

Top Highlights of Amphu Lapcha Pass

• This pass lies near Chhukung in Solukhumbu district in the Everest region.
• It stands at an elevation of 5845 meters (19,177 ft).
• The difficulty level of this pass is graded very challenging.
• Best time to do Amphu Lapcha Pass is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
• The starting point of the trek to reach this pass is Lukla.
• Some of the nearest landmarks are Island Peak and Imja Valley.

Tashi Lapcha Pass

Located in the Rolwaling region of Nepal, Tashi Lapcha Pass connects the Rolwaling Valley and the Everest region. This pass offers a mix of technical climbing experiences with jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas.

Top Highlights of Tashi Lapcha Pass

• Tashi Lapcha Pass lies in the Dolakha district.
• It is situated at an elevation of 5755 meters (18,881 ft).
• The difficulty level of this pass is considered very difficult due to its high altitude and technical terrain.
• This pass is situated on the trek route from Rolwaling to Khumbu trek.
• Best time to do this trek is spring and autumn.
• Trekkers usually start the trek from Charikot.
• Notable landmarks around here are Tsho Rolpa Lake and Beding Village.

Nangpa La Pass

The Nangpa La Pass is one of the most prominent passes in Nepal. It is an ancient trade route connecting Nepal with Tibet. This pass is popular for its unique cultural values and panoramic views of the world’s highest mountain peak, Everest (8848.86 m/29,032 ft), and Cho Oyu Mountain ranges.

Top Highlights of Nangpa La Pass

• Nangpa La Pass lies in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, near the Tibet border.
• The maximum elevation of this pass is 5716 meters (18,753 ft).
• Due to its challenging and demanding altitude, this pass is categorized as a difficult route.
• This pass is a part of the trekking route from Everest to Tibet.
• Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit this pass.
• Trekkers can start the trek from Lukla or Thame.
• Some of the major landmarks near this pass are Cho Oyu Base Camp and the Tibetan Plateau.

Kongma La Pass

One of the major passes during the Everest Three Passes Trek is the Kongma La Pass. Located in the Everest region of Nepal, Kongma La Pass offers one of the best views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Makalu peaks.

Top Highlights of Kongma La Pass

• It lies in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal.
• Kongma La Pass reaches 5535 meters (18,159.5 ft) in elevation.
• Passing this pass is challenging, requiring excellent physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
• Like other passes, spring and autumn seasons are best for trekking.
• Trekkers begin the trek from Lukla.
• Chhukung Village and Khumbu Glacier are some of the famous spots near Kongma La Pass.

Cho La Pass

A picturesque high pass in Nepal, Cho La Pass connects the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes. The most alluring feature of this trek is crossing its glaciers and great views of the surrounding peaks.

Top Highlights of Cho La Pass

• This pass lies in the Everest region, in the Solukhumbu district.
• The maximum elevation of this pass is 5420 meters (17,782 ft).
• Crossing Cho La Pass is moderately difficult, particularly due to glaciers.
• It is a part of Everest Three Passes Trek.
• Best time to trek is spring and autumn.
• Lukla is the beginning point of this trek.
• Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and Dzongla Villages are some of the major sights near Cho La.

Thorong La Pass

The highest point in the Annapurna Circuit Trek and one of the most popular mountain passes in Nepal is Thorong La Pass. It offers a great view of Annapurna (the 10th highest peak in the world) and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Top Highlights of Thorong La Pass

• Thorong La Pass lies in the Manang district within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• It is situated at an elevation of 5416 meters (17,769 ft).
• The difficulty level of crossing this pass is considered moderate but challenging due to its high altitude.
• It is part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
• Spring and autumn are the best season to do this trek.
• Trekers begins this trek from Besisahar or Dharapani.
• Thorong Phedi and Muktinath are the major attractions of this trek.

Renjo La Pass

A scenic high pass in the Everest region, Renjo La Pass offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and the Gokyo Lakes.

Top Highlights of Renjo La Pass

• Renjo La Pass lies in Solukhumbu District, near the Gokyo Valley.
• The pass is situated at an elevation of 5360 meters (17,585 ft).
• Difficulty level of this pass is graded moderate to challenging due to its altitude and unpredictable weather.
• Best time to cross Renjo La Pas is spring and autumn.
• The trek begins from Lukla.
• Notable landmarks near Renjo La Pass are Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier.

French Pass

French Pass is a breathtaking pass located in the remote Dhaulagiri region. Surrounded by towering peaks, it provides exceptional views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and the Annapurna range.

Top Highlights of French Pass

• French Pass is in the Dhaulagiri Region, Myagdi District.
• It is positioned at an elevation of 5360 meters (17,585 ft).
• The pass is moderately difficult, requiring good fitness and proper acclimatization.
• It is part of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.
• The ideal seasons for hiking to French Pass are spring and autumn.
• Usually, the trek begins from Beni.
• Some notable sites during this trek include the Hidden Valley and Dhaulagiri Base Camp.

Tilicho Pass

Tilicho Pass, is the gateway to one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region, the Tilicho Lake trek. During this trek, trekkers can reach up to the pristine Tilicho Lake (the highest altitude lake in the world).

Top Highlights of Tilicho Pass

• Tilicho Pass lies near Tilicho Lake, within the Annapurna region.
• It is located at an elevation of 5340 meters (17,520 ft).
• Crossing this pass is graded moderately to challenging in difficulty.
• This pass can be reached from Manang Village on the route to the standard Annapurna Circuit Trek.
• Spring and autumn are considered the best time to trek in this region.
• The starting point of Tilicho Lake Trek is Jagat.
• Tilicho Lake, Annapurna ranges, and Manang Villages are some of the attractions of this trek.

Kang La Pass

The Kang La Pass is a high-altitude pass that connects Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna region. From Kang La Pass, trekkers can get spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding valleys.

Top Highlights of Kang La Pass

• Kang La Pass lies in the Manang district.
• The maximum elevation of this pass is 5320 meters (17,454 ft).
• Crossing this pass can be graded moderately difficult, requiring physical endurance.
• This pass is part of the Nar Phu Valley Trek.
• Best time to visit this pass is spring and autumn.
• The beginning point of the trek is from Koto.
• Some of the nearby landmarks include Nar Village and Phu Village.

Tilman Pass

The Tilman Pass connects Langtang Valley with the Panch Pokhari region, providing a thrilling trekking experience with Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal views.

Top Highlights of Tilman Pass

• Tilman Pass lies in the Rasuwa district in the Langtang region.
• The maximum altitude of this pass is 5320 meters (17,454 ft).
• Due to its remoteness and technical landscape, this pass was graded as very challenging.
• Best time to cross this pass is spring and autumn.
• The trek starts from Syabrubesi.
• Some notable landmarks include Langshisa Glacier and Panch Pokhari.

Dhampus Pass

Dhampus Pass is a less-travelled yet beautiful pass that connects the Hidden Valley near Dhaulagiri Base Camp with the Kali Gandaki Valley. It is an ideal choice for adventurers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Top Highlights of Dhampus Pass

• This pass lies in the Myagdi District, Dhaulagiri Region.
• The elevation of Dhampus Pass is 5220 meters (17,126 ft).
• Moderate to challenging, mainly due to altitude and steep ascents.
• It is part of the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek.
• Best time to trek is spring and autumn.
• The journey usually starts from Beni.
• Major highlights of this trek include Dhaulagiri Base Camp and the Hidden Valley.

Surya La Pass/Surya Peak

The Surya La Pass, popularly known as Surya Peak, is a famous trekking and expedition destination in the Langtang region. It offers visitors an incredible view of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal.

Top Highlights of Surya La Pass

• Surya La Pass lies in the Langtang region, within Langtang National Park.
• The pass reaches a maximum elevation of 5145 meters (16,880 ft).
• Difficulty level for crossing this pass can be considered moderate to challenging.
• This pass is a part of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.
• For the best views, trekking in spring and autumn is recommended.
• This trek usually starts at Syabrubesi.
• Some of the major attractions of this trek are Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake.

Ganja La Pass

Nestled in the Langtang region, Ganja La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects the Langtang Valley with the Helambu region. Known for its isolation and rugged terrain, it offers trekkers mesmerizing views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Top Highlights of Ganja La Pass

• Ganja La Pass lies in Rasuwa District, Langtang Region.
• The pass rises to an impressive height of 5130 meters (16,831 ft).
• It is considered difficult due to its remote location, steep trails, and unpredictable weather.
• Ganja La is a part of the Langtang Helambu trek.
• The most suitable seasons are spring and autumn.
• Trekkers typically begin their journey from Syabrubesi.

Other Mountain Passes in Nepal

Apart from the above-mentioned highest mountain passes in Nepal, there are several other high-altitude, challenging, yet rewarding passes in Nepal.

Some of them are mentioned below.

Kangmara La Pass

It is located in the remote regions of Upper Dolpo Trek. The Pass is situated at an elevation of 5115 meters (16,781.5 ft), offering one of the best trekking experiences in the remote terrain of the Dolpo region.

Larkya La Pass

Nestled in the Manaslu region, Larkya La Pass is one of the key features of the popular Manaslu Circuit Trek. The pass is located at a staggering height of 5106 meters (16,751 ft), which provides panoramic views of several snow-capped peaks in the Manaslu region.

Nyalu La Pass

Situated in the Humla district of Nepal, Nyalu La Pass stands tall at an elevation of 4995 meters (16,388 ft). The pass offers an extraordinary view of the untouched, tamed, rugged landscapes of the Humla region to true adventurers.

Sinelapcha La Pass

The Sinelapcha La Pass (4860 m/15,945 ft) is one of the highest passes on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek route. The pass serves as a connecting route between Tseram and Sele Le, providing a unique perspective of the Kanchenjunga region to the trekkers.

Zatrwa La Pass

The Zatrwa La Pass is situated at an elevation of 4610 meters (15,125 ft) in the Everest region. The pass offers trekkers spectacular views of the Everest massif.

Gosaikunda Pass

The Gosaikunda Pass, at 4610 meters (15,125 ft) elevation, lies in the Langtang region on the famous pilgrimage destination to Gosaikunda Lake. Trekkers are offered with great views of vistas and their surroundings.

Lauribina Pass

Situated near Gosaikunda, Lauribina Pass is a significant pass at an elevation of 4600 meters (15,092 ft). The pass offers one of the most spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and serves as a gateway to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake.

Jang La Pass

Situated in the Dolpo region, Jang La Pass is one of the most prominent and challenging passes. The Pass is situated at an altitude of 4519 meters (14,826 ft). It is known for its stunning views of rugged and remote landscapes.