Larke La Pass is one of the longest passes in the Manaslu region of Nepal located in between Dharamshala and Bimthang. This pass connects the Manaslu region to the Annapurna Circuit. The altitude of Larke La Pass is 5,106 meters which is the highest point of Mansalu circuit trek. The Larke La Pass is home to wildlife like the snow leopard and Himalayan tahr.
The Larke La Pass Trek is ideal for seasoned hiker and seek varied landscapes including subtropical forests to glacial valleys. This pass encompasses stunning mountain views, natural scenarios as well as exposure to Sherpa and Tibetan-influenced villages. However, the number of trekkers is low as compared to trails of Annapurna or Everest regions because of less commercialization. This is the challenging pass to ascend but the destination is really worthy with snow covered mountains and landscapes.
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Where is Larke La Pass located on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Larke La pass is located in the Manaslu conservation area between Dharmasala and Bhimtang in the Manaslu circuit trek route.
The Larke La Pass map covers the route from the lowest elevation up to the highest point at 5106 meters. The journey to this Pass starts from Kathmandu to Soti Khola with eight hours of ride.
The next spot is Jagat (1370m) after Soti Khola, reached by crossing several suspension bridges. During acclimatization, you can explore the village and help your body adjust to the high altitude. The acclimatization day takes place at Samagaon (3517) following stops at Deng (1,950m), Namrung, and Syala – Ghap (2,050m), Lho (3,148m).
The trail gradually climbs from Samagaon to Samdo (3,738m), then to Dharmasala (4,480m). Finally, you can reach the highest point of Manaslu circuit trek the magnificent Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters.
The ultimate destination provides pristine view of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Kangguru (6,981m) including parts of Annapurna II and Manaslu. You can enjoy some quality time there, to capture photos and create memories beneath the prayer flags with mountains behind you.
To get to Dharapani, descend through Bhimtang (3,890m) after crossing Larke La. You can drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani in a private or local jeeps via Besisahar. Else, you can also proceed for the Annapurna circuit trek from Dharapani.
How challenging is the Larke La Pass Trek?
The Larke La Pass is the amazing trekking destinations for nature and serene lovers. However, the main difficulty of the Manaslu circuit trek is its highest altitude of 5,106 meters. The highest altitude needs proper acclimatization, otherwise trekkers might deal with Acute Mountain Sickness. This leads to dizziness, headaches and even difficulty in breathing.
The trail to Larke La Pass is steeper and required long day of walking, 6 to 8 hours per day. The Larke La Pass path is rocky and uneven, making the trail more challenging for beginners to climb.
The path is more slippery and risky due to icy trail in the winter and monsoon season. Instant weather fluctuations, especially in the early morning or late in the afternoon creates obstacles for Larke La Pass trek.
This high altitude pass is quite challenging and exhausting. Nevertheless, the view after reaching there is truly rewarding and worth the effort. Trekkers can enjoy the trip to the fullest with proper acclimatization. Planning the trip with proper acclimatization and essential trekking equipment before start can helps trekkers to enjoy the journey.
Best time to Cross Larke La Pass safely
Spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November) are thebest times to cross this pass. You can experience the clear weather, mountain views and safer trails on the Manaslu Circuit in these seasons.
In Spring Season, clear skies and snowcapped mountain along with blooming rhododendrons and warmer temperature makes the path more enticing.
In Autumn Season, cool temperature, clean trails and clear view of mountains and skies makes it ideal for trekking. There is no risk of heavy rainfall or snowfall.
Winter and Monsoon Season
The trek to Larke La Pass should be avoided in the winter and monsoon season. In monsoon, there is risk of heavy rainfall leading to landslides and slippery path. The trail is filled with snow in winter season making icy path and leading to minor to major accidents.
Larke La Pass Altitude and Acclimatization Tips
The Larke La pass is the highest altitude of Manaslu Circuit trek at 5,106 meters. The body need some adjustments to the high-altitude environment. The high altitude sickness above 3000 meters is common for most of the trekkers. Trekkers might show the common symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of appetite and difficulty breathing. This condition can also be described as Acute Mountain Sickness.
Proper acclimatization for Manaslu trek is mandatory to avoid unnecessary circumstances. For acclimatization during Larke La Pass Trek, Samagaun is the best place. Staying hydrated, taking proper sleep and climbing gradually helps your body to adjust to the new environment.
What to expect on the Larke La pass day hike?
Being part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Larke La Pass trek day is challenging and adventurous in overall. Before the Larke La Pass crossing, trekkers usually spend the night at Dharamshala (4,460m) to rest and prepare. Starting the hike from early morning at 4am, you could reach Larke La Pass after 8-10 hours walk.
The steepy, icy route provide the amazing destination with beautiful views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru Peaks. The Larke La Pass provides opportunity to experience the serene environment, beautiful prayer flags, snowy icy terrain and photography.
Physical Preparation for the Larke Pass Crossing
The Larke La Pass trek is good for those with physically fit individuals, as it requires good stamina for the high-altitude ascent. Starting the trek to Larke La Pass requires physical strength as well as mental preparation.
- Endurance Training like cycling, running and swimming.
- Short hike on uneven, rocky terrain boosts your strength.
- Carrying your own backpack while hiking is essential to know your physical strength.
Gear required for Larke La Pass Trek
For a successful trek, a complete packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is essential. The gears with lightweight is essential for making the journey comfortable and durable. The detailed list of gear required for the Larke Pass trek is provided below.
| Clothing | Trekking Gear | Foot Wear | Other Items |
| Waterproof Jacket and pants | Trekking Poles | Liner socks | Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush and paste |
| Thermal Wears | Backpack | Sandal | Towel, wet and dry wipes |
| Trekking shirts and pants | Sleeping Bag | Gaiters | Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, |
| Gloves | Rain Coat | Trekking socks | Sunscreen, Lipbalm |
| Insulated Gloves | Crampons | Waterproof trekking boots | Reusable water bottle, charger |
| Hiking Shorts | Headlamps | Slippers | Trekking Permits |
| Sunhats | Trekking Map | Travel insurance | |
| Down Jacket |
Larke La Pass Weather Conditions (Month-by-Month Guide)
| Season | Spring Season (Mar-May) | Summer Season (June-Aug) | Autumn Season (Sep- Nov) | Winter Season (Dec-Feb) |
| Temperature | 15 to 21˚c | 15 to 25˚c | 10 to 20˚c | -5 to -25˚c |
| Weather | Mild and Fine | Hot weather | Cool Weather | Extreme Cold |
| Environment | Vibrant blooming flower | Heavy rain Slippery trail | Best season Clear skies Mountain view | Snowy trail |
Is a Guide compulsory for the Larke La Pass Trek?
Larke la Pass or the Manaslu region is enlisted in the restricted area of Nepal, therefore it is mandatory to hire a local guide for any trekkers. As a part of Larke La Pass permit, you must take a licensed guide for ensuring safe and comfort journey.
Government licensed guide will help you while communicating with local people, lodging arrangement and navigating local trail. They can also help you with your backpack and overcome unforeseen circumstances because they are well-known about local culture and weather patterns.
Accommodation and Tea Houses around Larke Pass
At lower elevations of Larke La pass trek, Single rooms with attached bathrooms are available in the teahouses. However, you will find a twin-sharing room and common washroom as you go to the higher altitude. There will be breakfast, welcome, and farewell dinner provided in Kathmandu.
In a room, you will find two beds with mattresses, pillows, and warm blankets. Manaslu region has a wide variety of food including typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan and Indian at teahouses.
Staying in a teahouse costs around $5–$7 about NPR 500–1000 per night. And food cost around $5–$10 for each meal, which is NPR 700–1200. Meal prices may increase as you gain altitude.
Larkye Pass has limited teahouses, so sometimes you may need to sleep in tents. Tents are usually provided by the teahouses, but you may have to share them with other travelers.
How Cold Does It Get at Larke La Pass?
Larke La Pass is the highest point (5106m) of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The average temperature at Larke La Pass is -10°c to -20°c. The weather of higher altitude is extreme cold causing altitude sickness (AMS). So, using warm clothes and hot water help you to stay warm at higher elevation of Larkye Pass.
Even during the best trekking seasons, it can get more windy and freezing cold at Larke. You might also get encounter with snowfall, so it’s imperative to be prepared with warm clothing and trekking boots.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary with Larke La Pass
Well-crafted itinerary is essential for the successful Manaslu circuit trek. So, here is a standard Manaslu circuit trek itinerary with proper rest days.
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m) – 8hrs drive
Day 2: Trek to Jagat (1370m) – 6 hrs walk
Day 3: Trek to Deng (2095m) – 8 hrs walk
Day 4: Trek to Namrung (2630m) – 6 hrs walk
Day 5: Trek to Syala (3500m) – 6 hrs trek
Day 6: Trek to Samagaun (3530m) – 2 hrs walk
Day 7: Acclimatization: Samagaun Exploration Day
Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3850m) – 4 hrs walk
Day 9: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m) – 4 hrs walk
Day 10: Trek to Bhimtang (3,950m) via Larke La (5,106m) – 8/9 hrs walk
Day 11: Trek to Dharapani (1680m) – 7/8 hrs walk (You can add Annapurna circuit trek from this point)
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu (1400m) – 11 hrs drive
Permits Required for Larke La Pass / Manaslu Region Trek
It requires four permits that are Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Chumnubri Rural Municipality permit. Permits costs of Manaslu Larke Pass trek for foreigners are as given below:
| Permits | Costs | Season |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | USD 100 for the first week and plus USD 15 per extra day. USD 75 for the first week and USD 10 per extra day. | Autumn season Spring/Winter/Rainy season |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Project | NPR 3,000 | For all season |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Project | NPR 3,000 | For all season |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit | NPR 1,000 | For all season |
Process for getting permits
- Start by booking with government-registered agency.
- Submitting Required Documents such as valid Nepal visa, passport copy, trekking itinerary, passport-size photographs, guide details and travel insurance details.
- Submission of applications through agency and takes 1 day for processing.
RAP : Department of Immigration
MCAP/ACAP: Nepal Tourism Board
- Permits Granted along with entry and exit days.
Permits must be obtained through authorized trekking agencies to ensure the safety and flexibility of trekker. Also, it helps in preventing organize trek in Nepal along with evaluation of foreign movement.
Larke La Pass vs Thorong La Pass – Which is Harder?
Larke La Pass is the trekking route of Manaslu Circuit Trek at 5,106m, whereas Thorong La Pass is the route in Annapurna Circuit at 5,416m. Ascending to both of the pass is quite challenging because of higher elevations. Travelers might face difficulty in breathing and freezing temperature at such higher altitude.
However, the Larke pass is considered as more risky as compared to Thorong La Pass due to some reasons. The path to Larke La Pass is more steepy, uneven, rocky and snowy in comparison to Thorong La Pass. Teahouses, accommodation and rescue operations are limited in Larke La cross.
The Larke La Pass Trek requires longer walk of 8 to 10 hours from Dharamshala to Bhimthang. Whereas, the Thorong La Pass can be achieved through trek of 6 to 7 hours from Thorong Phedi. The Manaslu Larke La Pass has less trekkers as compared to the Thorong La Pass. So, you can enjoy the serene environment with pristine beauty and mountain views. As compared to the Thorong La Pass, Larke La Pass has stricter permit restrictions.
