Larkya La Pass: What to Expect at the Highest Point of the Manaslu Circuit

Crossing Larkya La Pass is the defining moment of the Manaslu Circuit. It’s a place where silence meets snow, where effort meets reward, and where nature strips things down to their rawest form.

Here’s what you can expect when approaching, crossing, and descending Larkya La, the highest and most challenging point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The Ascent: Starting from Dharmashala

Most trekkers begin the push to Larkya La from Dharmashala (Larke Phedi), a high camp at 4,460 meters. The settlement is very basic—with just three small teahouses serving all trekkers preparing to cross the pass. Due to its limited capacity, you’ll almost certainly share a room with other trekkers, and privacy is minimal.

There’s no heating, and food options are simple, but it provides a crucial overnight stop before the highest and longest day of the trek.

Trekkers typically wake around 3:00 AM to start the climb while conditions are most stable. If you're a slower hiker, it’s wise to wake up an hour earlier to give yourself extra time for the ascent. Headlamps pierce the cold darkness as you step onto the trail, surrounded by silence and stars.

The climb winds through rocky moraines, glacial terraces, and icy switchbacks, gaining altitude steadily. It’s not a technical route, but the combination of thin air, frigid temperatures, and long hours makes it physically demanding.

Expect the ascent to take 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and the weather. This is the section of the trek where your preparation—especially acclimatization—makes all the difference.

The early start isn’t just tradition—it’s necessity. Weather conditions worsen after mid-morning, and reaching the pass before the winds pick up is key to a safe crossing. 

At the Top: Welcome to the Wind-Swept World of Larkya La

At 5,160 meters, Larkya La offers a surreal landscape: wide open, windswept, and lined with prayer flags fluttering between ice and sky. There are no tea houses here, just rock cairns, snow patches, and the feeling of being somewhere few ever reach.

Look around—and you’ll see:

• Mt. Himlung (7,126 m) to the north

• Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, and Kangguru on the Tibetan border

• Annapurna II (7,937 m) looming to the west

• A vast sweep of glaciers and high plateaus
  

It’s beautiful. It’s brutal. And it’s completely doable.

Trekkers typically spend 20–30 minutes here—just enough time to take photos, celebrate, and prepare for the descent. The cold and altitude won’t let you linger.

The Descent: Down to Bimthang

The trail descends steeply through scree and snowfields toward Bimthang (3,590 m). This section demands just as much attention as the ascent, especially if snow or ice covers the path. Trekking poles help with stability, and layers are key—the wind up high can chill even seasoned hikers.

The descent takes 4 to 5 hours and is often done with breaks for hydration and quick snacks. As you drop in altitude, the landscape changes rapidly—from high alpine tundra to lush yak pastures and eventually, forests.

Bimthang is a welcome sight: a quiet village nestled in a wide glacial valley with teahouses, warm meals, and soft beds. You’ve just crossed the highest point of the trek—and earned every step.

How to Prepare for Larkya La

• Acclimatization is non-negotiable. Places Nepal’s itinerary includes a built-in acclimatization day in Samagaun (3,530 m)—a scenic village perfect for rest, short hikes, and adjusting to the thin air before pushing higher.

• Hydration and layering are crucial. Cold mornings turn to windy afternoons.

• Fitness counts. You’ll be trekking over 8–10 hours on pass day. Prepare for stamina, not just strength.

• Guides matter. The weather can shift fast. Local guides from Places Nepal Treks are experienced in choosing the right timing and ensuring a safe crossing.

Manaslu Trek: A High-Altitude Reward Like No Other

Tucked deep within Nepal’s rugged Gorkha District, Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters / 16,929 ft) is the dramatic climax of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and stark alpine wilderness, this high mountain pass is more than a crossing—it's a physical and mental milestone for every trekker who dares to go remote.

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal. The trek covers 180 km (110 miles) and involves 6–7 hours of hiking per day through villages, forests, and the Larke high pass.

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It's not easy—but that’s exactly why it’s worth it.

At Places Nepal Treks, we’ve guided hundreds of trekkers across this legendary pass. With proper pacing, expert support, and a spirit of adventure, Larke La becomes not just the highest point of your trek but the high point of your journey.