Explore Larke Pass Trek: Nepal’s Hidden Gem

Where is Larke Pass?

Larke Pass is located in the central-western part of Gorkha in Nepal. Also known as Larkya La (named by the locals), it lies in the Manaslu region of Nepal within the Manaslu Conservation Area. The conservation area extends and covers a total area of 1,663 sq. km. The elevation of Larke Pass reaches a maximum height of 5106 meters (16751.97ft). The pass reaches the proximity of the Tibetan border, offering magnificent views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Himchuli Himal range, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, etc.

What is Larke Pass Nepal?

The Larke Pass Nepal is one of the toughest but beautiful treks in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. La Pass begins from Jagat village, which is at a lower altitude, and goes up to Larke Pass, having an altitude of 5160m. The trek is famous for its cultural and scenic beauty. On the way, one can visit monasteries that make the journey more joyous, have many options to taste local food, spend a day in a village, witness flora and faunas and so on. On the Manaslu Larke La-Pass trek, there are fascinating things: clear rivers, waterfalls, different types of land formations, and many others.

Highlights of Larke Pass

• Hospitality, culture, and tradition of local ethnic communities.
• Explore Mu Gompa, which dates back to over 800 years.
• Explore Pyungen Monastery, which is over 1000 years old.
• Visit the Tibetan border.
• Reach Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek (5,106m).

Manaslu Larke Pass Trek Itinerary

The Manaslu Larke Pass trek itinerary may take 12-15 days, depending on the route and trek difficulty. With Himalayan Masters, you can complete the trek within a 13-day itinerary.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Maccha Khola (930m)

Day 2: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat (1340m)

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng/Dyang (1,860m)

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,660m)

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Shyala Village (3,420m)

Day 6: Trek from Shyala Village to Samagoun (3,540m) via Pungyen Monastry

Day 7: Rest Day (Side trip to Manaslu Base Camp/4,800m)

Day 8: Trek from Samagoun to Samdo (3,860m)

Day 9: Acclimatization Day (Side trip to the Tibetan Border/4,995m)

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,480m)

Day 11: Dharmasala to Larke Pass (5,106) and descend to Bhimtang (3,750m)

Day 12: Descend from Bhimtang to Tilche Village (2,250m)

Day 13: Drive from Tilche to Besisahar to Kathmandu

Altitude, Time, and Distance

Day 1: Kathmandu to Maccha Khola

Altitude: 930m

Time: 6-7hr drive

Distance: 146km

Day 2: Maccha Khola to Jagat

Altitude: 1340m

Time: 5-6hr trek

Distance: 12-15km

Day 3: Jagat to Deng/Dyang

Altitude: 1860m

Time: 6-7hr trek

Distance: 18-20km

Day 4: Deng to Namrung

Altitude: 2660m

Time: around 7hr trek

Distance: 19-20km

Day 5: Namrung to Shyala Village

Altitude: 3420m

Time: 6-7hr trek

Distance: 10-12km

Day 6: Shyala Village to Samagoun via Pungyen Monastry

Shyala to Samagoun

Altitude: 3540m

Time: 1.5-2hr trek

Distance: 3-4km

Shyala to Pungyen Monastry to Samagoun

Altitude: 4700m

Time: 6-7hr trek

Distance: around 15km

Day 7: Rest Day (Side trip to Manaslu Base Camp)

Altitude: 4800m

Time: 6-7hr

Distance: 13km

Day 8: Samagoun to Samdo

Altitude: 3860m

Time: 2-3hr trek

Distance: 5km

Day 9: Rest Day (Side trip to the Tibetan Border)

Altitude: 4995m

Time: 7-8hr

Distance: 9-12km

Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala

Altitude: 4480m

Time: 5-6hr

Distance: 7-8km

Day 11: Dharmasala to Larke Pass to Bhimtang

Dharmasala to Larke Pass

Altitude: 5106m

Time: 4-5hr

Distance: around 7km

Larke Pass to Bhimtang

Altitude: 3750m

Time: around 4hr

Distance: around 8km

Day 12: Bhimtang to Tilche Village

Altitude: 2550m

Time: 5-6hr

Distance:

Day 13: Tilche to Besisahar to Kathmandu

Tilche to Besisahar

Altitude: 760m

Time: about 1hr private jeep drive

Distance: 25km

Besisahar to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1400m

Time: 5-6hr drive

Distance: 175km

Larke Pass Weather

You can find the Larke Pass Weather map below:

Best Time To Go

Depending on your interest, the best time to go to Larke La Pass can be any time of the year. If you are a nature lover and wish to know more about the vegetation around Manaslu Larke La Pass, then monsoon trekking is the best for you. Despite the rainy climate, monsoons offer remoteness and the best view of the jungle. Likewise, another best season for Larke Pass Trek is Winter. Winter presents itself in a blanket of white and eye-popping views of mountain ranges. However, Winter is the toughest season for trekking.

In addition, the Larke Pass route is busy in the autumn and spring seasons. As for the climate, it is more favourable for walking in the period of Autumn and Spring. The weather is fine and slightly hot, or else there is no sign of hot conditions; the sky is sunny. During such seasons, one gets a wonderful view of Manaslu’s surroundings and the other towering peaks of the mountains. However, the trekking route and teahouses are crowded during peak trekking season. So, it is better to book your accommodation beforehand.

Larke Pass Trek Permit

To navigate through the Larke Pass route, you must obtain four Larke Pass Trek permits.

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

Nepali: NRS.100

SAARC: NRS.1000

Foreign: NRS.3000/$27

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Nepali: NRS.100

SAARC: NRS.1000

Foreign: NRS.3000/$27

• Tsum Valley Permit

Tsum Valley Permit is optional. However, it might cost $35 per person per week.

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Special Permit)

September-November

USD 100 per person/week

USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

December – August

USD 75 per person/week

USD 10 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

Note: A TIMS card is not required.

Cost for Larke Pass Manaslu

The cost of Larke Pass Manaslu ranges from $900-$1500, depending on the trekking season and additional side trips. However, with Himalayan Masters, you can book your Larke Pass Trek at for just $995.

The breakdown of the Larke Pass Manaslu cost is as follows:

Food: The breakfast on the Larke Pass trek will cost you around $5-$7, and lunch and dinner will cost you around $4-$8, depending on your choice of food. You can also order dessert at around $3. So, the total cost of food is around $28-$30.

Accommodation: Accommodation in Manaslu Larke La–Pass is cheaper at lower altitudes, costing just $3-$5. At higher altitudes, it costs you around $7-$8.

Guide and Porters: the cost per day for a guide can range from $25-$30; for porters, it will be cost $20-$25.

Transportation

Private Jeep: You can share a private jeep for around $40-$50 per person, or you can book a jeep for around $150-$200.

Local Bus: Local bus costs you around $5-$8 per person (one-way).

Additional Expenses: Additional expenses can include drinks, personal snacks, tips for the guide and porters, etc. Therefore, you can set aside $200-$300 for additional expenses on the Larke Pass route.

In map of Nepal

How Difficult is Manaslu Larke Pass?

Manaslu Larke Pass comes under the list of difficult treks in Nepal. The trek reaches to a significant height of 5106m. A high-altitude trek comes with its own perks and challenges. The pros of this trek include breathtaking views of high peaks, river valleys, gorges, Larkya Pass, and a dynamic ecosystem.

However, the fact that the whole trek is about 140km, the altitude influences the trekkers, exhaustion, remote trekking area, and basic accommodation and food make this Manaslu trek difficult. Apart from that, there are some other difficulties, which the trekkers can face: the unpredictable weather and wild, beautiful landscapes. The trek requires one’s endurance of the participants, both physically and psychologically. Thus, it is recommended that trekkers have decent trekking experience and physical fitness to make the most of the trip.

Side trips from Manaslu Larke Pass Trekking

There are many other side expeditions that you can make from Manaslu Larke Pass Trekking. Other options include the Pungyen Gompa trek, Manaslu Base Camp, and the visit to the Tibet border, which are added to the standard Larke Pass Trek:

Rupina Lake Trek

The Rupina Lake Trek is one of the untouched trekking Shangri-la in the Manaslu region. The untouched beauty offers spectacular views of Himalayan vistas, pristine Rupina Lake, a picturesque village, and wilderness.

Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek combines the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek and carries on with the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek includes all the activities and hardships one can imagine in a trekking adventure. It begins from the Manaslu region, covering the Larke Pass up to the Annapurna Circuit area. It is also possible to view the Manaslu mountain range, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, and interesting traditional Tibetan and Gurung lifestyles all through the trek.

Serang Gompa

The Serang Gompa is an additional two-day trek to the original Larke Pass trek. The trek’s highlight is a historic Buddhist monastery in Namrung. The monastery lies in the center of a Tibetan village, and trekkers can emerge themselves in the tranquil and calming surroundings.

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek, also known as Hidden Valley, is a gem route in the vicinity of Manaslu. The Valley is known for its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, old monasteries, mani walls, and more. Please visit Tsum Valley Trek for a full description.

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is a union of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek. The trek is a longer trek but covers all the attributes of both the trekking routes. Please visit Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek for further information.

How high is Manaslu Larke La – Pass?

The Manaslu Larke La – Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,106 meters (16,751.97ft) and is the highest point of the trek.