High altitude pass trekking in Nepal
High altitude pass trek in Nepal
Nepal is renowned for its high mountain passes and offers numerous high pass treks for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular high pass treks in Nepal.
The Best time to do a high pass trek in Nepal
The best time for high pass trekking in Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons offer the most favorable weather and optimal trekking conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
Spring (March to May):
Temperature: Mild to warm temperatures during the day, with colder nights at higher altitudes. Weather: Generally stable and clear, with minimal rainfall and clear mountain views. Highlights: Vibrant rhododendron forests in bloom, lush green landscapes, and a pleasant trekking environment. Autumn (September to November):
Temperature
Mild temperatures during the day, cool to cold temperatures at higher altitudes. Weather: Clear skies, excellent visibility, and stable weather conditions. Highlights: Clear mountain views, moderate temperatures, and a festive atmosphere with various cultural celebrations. During these seasons, the weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, providing excellent visibility of the mountain peaks and surrounding landscapes. The temperature is comfortable for trekking during the day, although it can be colder at higher altitudes and during the night.
Crossing high-altitude passes Trekking in Nepal
It’s important to note that high pass treks involve crossing high-altitude passes, which may have snow and icy conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your high pass trek during the earlier part of these seasons (March to April and September to October) to avoid excessive snowfall and harsh winter conditions.
High pass trek December to February
Winter (December to February) is generally not recommended for high-pass treks due to extremely cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and potential risks associated with avalanches and difficult trail conditions. Similarly, the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, landslides, and cloudy skies, making it less suitable for high-pass treks.
Consult with a local trekking agency
It’s essential to check weather forecasts, consult with local trekking agencies, and be prepared for varying conditions even during the best seasons. Additionally, permit regulations and trail accessibility should also be considered when planning your high pass trek in Nepal.
Everest Three Passes Trek:
Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft)
Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek French Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) Dhampus Pass (5,200m/17,060ft)
Langtang region
Langtang Valley with Ganja La Pass Trek: Gosaikunda pass and Tilman pass Ganja La Pass (5,130m/16,830ft)
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft)
Upper Mustang Region
Lo La (or Lo Manthang Pass) (4,250m/13,944ft)
Rolwaling Valley and Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek
Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755m/18,881ft)
Makalu Base Camp to Khumbu Trek
Sherpani Col (6,135m/20,128ft) West Col (6,135m/20,128ft)
Upper Dolpo Trek
Kang La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) Jyangtala pass and Sangdala pass
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Sele La Pass (4,290m/14,073ft) Sinon La Pass (4,640m/15,223ft)
These are just a few examples of high-pass treks in Nepal. Each trek offers unique landscapes, stunning mountain views, and challenging passes to cross. It’s important to note that these treks require proper preparation, experience, and acclimatization due to the high altitude and technical challenges involved. It is advisable to trek with an experienced guide or join a reputable trekking agency for these high-pass adventures.
