Top three most difficult treks in Nepal

The thrill of a hike is not only about testing physical limits, but some go a couple of steps further and do something that gets the adrenaline flowing as well. In fact, to access the most treasured and remote landscapes anywhere in the world on two feet is gut-wrenching and challenging, even for those who are supremely fit.

While it takes a brave and ambitious hiker to set out on a hazardous trek, the lifelong memories and the humbling experience are a reward in themselves. So if you want to undertake a trek that can change your life, here are the three toughest hikes to attempt in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal.

Keep in mind, though, that while trekking in Nepal is rewarding, everything is not a walkover. Hence it’s a good idea to book your holidays in Nepal with KE Adventure to ensure the best guides to embark on this journey with you.

The treks below are tough because of the altitude, but the cold, mountain sickness and the elements all take their toll.

Everest Three High Passes Trek

• Duration: 21 days
• Distance: 166 km
• Maximum elevation: 5545m
• Level of difficulty: Extremely strenuous
• Best season: March-May, Sept-Oct 
• Permits needed: TIMS from Kathmandu and Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo checkpoint on the first day of your trek.

Normal trekkers associate not missing out on the iconic Mount Everest when on a trip to Nepal, but the spectacular Everest Three High Passes Trek is something that hikers dream about undertaking in their lifetime. This extremely physically demanding trek covers crossing three high mountain passes, namely Renjo La, Cho La, and Khongmalai, all in a matter of three weeks.

The starting point of this trek is the high mountain airport of Lukla, a short thirty minutes but thrilling ride from Kathmandu. The infrastructure for trekkers here is excellent, and the teahouse lodges you pass on your way up and down are of high quality and serve good meals.

The high pass trail reaches a maximum elevation of 5545m and has many steep ascents and descents, involving crossing glaciers at places. You will be rewarded with spectacular views that will remain etched in your memories for many years to come. 

It is generally recommended to do the Three Passes trek anticlockwise to counter the steep altitude gain of crossing the Renjo La pass first. In addition, you can add an extra day to your trek and visit the remote Gokyo lakes from Gyoko, which lie further up the glacial valley.

In addition to the Three Passes, you will also get to see the famous viewpoints of Gokyo Ri and Kalpathar, both above 5000m from sea level. All this makes the whole trip a challenge, but the views and the thrills make the trip worth every penny.

Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass

• Duration: 18 days
• Maximum elevation: 6272m
• Level of difficulty: Very strenuous 
• Best season: Mar-May and Sept-Nov 

Permits: Pachermo Peak climbing permit, Rolwaling Valley restricted arai permit, Gaurishankar conservation area permit, Sagarmatha National Park permit, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit 

The Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass trek passes through one of the less traveled routes that cover the remote Rolwaling Valley, Gaurishankar, and the Khumbu region of Nepal, all in one package. The route passes through some key attractions like Melungtse(7181m) and Melungtse II(7023m) along with Gaurishankar (7134m), lying on the country’s border.

Apart from these mega peaks, there are over 50 other mountains, all over 6000m, beginning from the Nangpa Pass right up to the Tamaki River in the southwest. You will also come across Tsho Rolpa Lake, one of the largest glacial lakes in the country, located at an altitude of 4580m.

Due to the high altitude involved, this is an extremely demanding trek, especially when passing through the Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5755m. The trek begins with a drive to Shigatse village (3800m) to Simigon(3520m) and further to Na, where the valley opens up.

After leaving Na village, you ascend to the Tsho Rolpa Glacial lake and then to the icefield of the glacier itself. From here, there is a steep climb to Tashi Lapcha Pass, from where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks before descending on the trail, which leads back to Namche Bazar and then to Lukla to catch your scenic flight to Kathmandu.

Trekking Tashi Lapcha Pass is challenging and involves walking 6-7 hours a day. This requires past high-altitude trekking experience, though not a prerequisite. The main issue is high altitude sickness and the adverse effects it can have on your body if it strikes. It is, therefore, important to increase your oxygen intake and stamina before leaving for Nepal. The better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the trek.

Upper Dolpo Trek 

• Duration: 24 days
• Maximum elevation: 5350m(Nagdalo La Pass
• Level of difficulty: Demanding 
• Best season: May to October 
• Permits needed: Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit 

Though this region adjoining the Tibetan Plateau is relatively unexplored, it explores a part of Nepal seldom used by trekkers, mainly because this hidden kingdom was not revealed. Mysterious and spectacular, the Upper Dolpo Trek covers one of the last surviving examples of Tibetan culture. This is a restricted area trekking zone and requires special permission to make it happen.

Most of the Upper Dolpo region is wilderness, with a few small scattered communities here and there. Teahouses and homestays are available but involve walking long distances, which means you need to carry camping gear. However, this will allow you to explore even the remotest of regions on your itinerary.

The traditional trail begins from Dhorpatan to the south of Dunai and Tarkot from the lakeside town of Pokhara. The trek is a magical venture with roaring waterfalls and quaint villages, not to forget the exotic animals and birds which exist in this region, with the snow leopard and the Musk deer being the star attractions.

Some of the peaks you will come across are the Dhaulagiri range and Crystal mountain, but by far, the major highlight is the Phoksundo Lake, situated at an altitude of 3611m. Here the turquoise blue waters of the lake with the surrounding snow-covered mountains make for a phenomenal setting. Moreover, if luck is on your side, you may spot a snow leopard or a Himalayan black bear on the trip.

The cultural wonders of the Shey Gompa and the scattered Himalayan villages that lie along the trail contribute to a large extent to the whole experience. Again, you will encounter a few trekkers on the route and get to explore the area in a peaceful environment.