Trekking · Nepal
Larkya La Pass
The 5,106 m climax of the Manaslu Circuit, a wild crossing beneath Manaslu into the Bimthang valley.
Larkya La is the 5,106-metre high point of the Manaslu Circuit and one of the wildest of Nepal's great trekking passes. It crosses a broad, glaciated saddle on the northern flank of Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain, linking the Tibetan-influenced village of Samdo with the remote Bimthang valley on the western side. The crossing is the dramatic climax of a circuit prized for its remoteness and authenticity.
Where it is
The pass lies in the Gorkha district of north-central Nepal, threading between the Manaslu massif to the south and the peaks of the Tibetan border to the north. It is the centrepiece of the Manaslu Circuit trek, a restricted-area route that loops the entire Manaslu range. Larkya La is one of the seven great Himalayan passes of Nepal and the natural eastern counterpart to Annapurna's Thorong La pass.
Crossing the pass
Trekkers stage the crossing from Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi), a single cluster of basic lodges, leaving before dawn. The route climbs steadily over moraine and, often, snowfields past small glacial tarns to the prayer-flag-draped saddle, where the panorama spans Himlung, Cheo and Kang Guru. The descent into Bimthang is long and steep, dropping through a dramatic glacial amphitheatre, and the full day commonly runs eight to ten hours.
Difficulty and altitude
Larkya La is non-technical but demanding. There is no climbing, yet the length, exposure and altitude make it a serious day, and snow underfoot is common on the pass. Because the Manaslu Circuit gains height gradually over its first week, most fit trekkers acclimatise well, but understanding altitude sickness in Nepal is essential. An acclimatisation stop at Samdo before the crossing is standard.
Permits and access
Manaslu is a restricted area. You need a special restricted-area permit, the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation permits, and a licensed guide; solo trekking is prohibited and you must travel in a group of at least two. This protects the route's remote character and keeps numbers far lower than the busier Annapurna and Everest trails.
Best time and preparation
Aim for October to November for the most stable weather, or April to May in spring. Avoid winter snow and the monsoon. Prepare with warm layers, trekking poles and sometimes microspikes, and read the Nepal trekking guide for kit and acclimatisation strategy before committing to this wild, rewarding crossing.
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Larkya La pass?+
Larkya La sits at about 5,106 metres, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit. While slightly lower than Thorong La, it is more remote and the crossing day is long and exposed, so acclimatisation and an early start still matter a great deal.
How difficult is the Larkya La crossing?+
It is a long, strenuous, non-technical day of eight to ten hours from Dharamsala, with a steady climb over moraine and often snow to the pass, then a very long descent to Bimthang. Cold, wind and altitude are the main challenges rather than any climbing.
Do you need permits and a guide for Larkya La?+
Yes. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area, so you need a special restricted-area permit, the MCAP and ACAP conservation permits, and you must trek with a licensed guide in a group of at least two trekkers. Solo trekking is not allowed.
When is the best time to cross Larkya La?+
October to November is the prime window, with stable weather and clearer pass conditions, followed by April to May in spring. The pass can be blocked by snow in winter and is risky in the monsoon, so plan for autumn and carry buffer days.
