Real-time Tibet Mountain Pass Closures 2025

Few places on Earth feel closer to the sky than Tibet, and most of Tibet's mountain passes soar above 4,500 meters, offering panoramic vistas that make every step of the journey worthwhile. However, their beauty comes with challenges. From November to March, heavy snowfall blankets some high-altitude passes, turning them into paths where roads are buried under snowdrifts and icy surfaces pose a danger to travelers. Even outside winter, sudden closures are common: late spring and early summer bring unexpected blizzards, while July–August monsoons trigger landslides and mudslides. Border control measures can also lead to unannounced restrictions.

Our travel agency closely monitors these developments, ensuring guests receive instant updates on closures. It's important to note that iconic treks like Mount Kailash Kora and Mount Everest East–Gama Valley are rarely accessible from November to March. The extreme cold, snow-choked trails, and violent winds—capable of reducing visibility to zero—make these seasons perilous. Such conditions naturally extend to the passes along these routes, rendering them impassable during winter months.

Notable Passes on the Kailash Circuit Trek

The Kailash Circuit Trek spans approximately 52 kilometers, with an average elevation exceeding 4,700 meters, leading trekkers through landscapes of profound spiritual significance. The highest mountain pass is Dolma La Pass, standing at around 5,630 meters—the highest point on the route. Here, vibrant prayer flags stretch across the horizon, their fluttering forms creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the stark mountain backdrop. From this vantage point, pilgrims and adventurers alike are rewarded with unobstructed views of Mount Kailash's perfect pyramidal peak, a sight that has inspired reverence for centuries. The pass is believed to cleanse the sins of those who cross it, turning the arduous ascent into a rewarding pilgrimage.

Key Passes in the Eastern Side of Mount Everest–Karma Valley

Gyatso-la Pass (5,248 meters) serves as the dramatic entrance to Everest Nature Reserve. This is where the Himalayas unveil their grandeur: for the first time, trekkers can gaze upon three 8,000-meter giants simultaneously—Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu—their snow-cloaked summits gleaming in the sunlight. Prayer walls and mani stones lining the pass add a spiritual layer to this already awe-inspiring encounter.

Further along the route, Showo-la Pass (4,900 meters) emerges as a photographer's paradise. Renowned as the best spot to capture the golden hues of Makalu and Zhumu Langzhuo during sunrise, it transforms these peaks into fiery masterpieces. Trekkers should come prepared: snow is common in May and late October, making ice cleats essential, while the July–August rainy season turns trails into slippery, rock-strewn paths. 

At 5,350 meters, Langma-la Pass offers a front-row seat to Everest's legendary "banner clouds"—wispy formations that stream from the summit like celestial flags on clear days. The pass demands respect, with thin air and unpredictable weather testing even seasoned hikers, but the reward of witnessing Everest's ever-changing skyward display is unparalleled.

Conclusion

Even minor colds can exacerbate altitude sickness, so staying healthy and hydrated is critical. Rest assured, our travel agency prioritizes safety: all treks follow well-established routes, guided by experienced professionals trained to navigate sudden changes in weather or trail conditions. With their expertise and our real-time updates, we strive to minimize risks, letting you focus on the wonder of Tibet's high-altitude landscapes.