Larkya La Pass Travel Guide

Larkya La Pass, at an astonishing 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), is the absolute highlight and most challenging day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trek's highest point is the transition from the Budhi Gandaki valley's harsh isolation to the Annapurna region's stunning views. 

The pass is an incredible natural sight, more than its mere height. It is a place of harsh, high-altitude beauty due to the surrounding very high glaciers and huge valleys. The area is covered with large moraines, the slopes are very exposed to the wind and, at the same time, there is a soul-stirring silence that is only present in such lonely places at extreme heights. The sight, hearing, and feeling of the Himalayas' magnificent mountains are strongest and most impressive here in the lap of nature.

The day of the pass starts out in the dark, with the stars being your only source of light. As you walk up in the cold dawn air, past ice-cold creeks and hard stone, you'll feel the vast force that the hills hold for you and your small hike. It truly tests your courage and determination, but each step brings you closer to the summit. When you finally reach the flapping prayer flags, a stunning view greets you. You’ll have towering Himalayas on all sides, and you will be able to see Manaslu, Himalchuli, and a lot of others. This is the point where you know the reason you came here. This is the moment when you truly experience a sense of euphoria. 

Best Season for Larkya La Pass

Autumn (September to November): The Peak Season

Autumn is probably the favorite time that people choose to cross the Larkya La Pass. The monsoon rains are usually over, so the sky is clear and the mountains are stunningly visible. The weather is very good, and the low daytime temperatures are still suitable for the difficult climb. The trails are not wet and the risk of falling is minimized since you can walk where the pass is exposed.

Spring (March to May): The Second Best

Another good time to pass across the pass is in spring. The weather is generally good despite a few storms or a light snow at the highest heights but tends to be a little more unpredictable than in the autumn. The greatest attraction of spring is the picturesque scenery; in the lower valleys all is color as the snow melts, and the rhododendron and other wildflowers are in blossom. 

Winter (December to February): For the Highly Experienced

In winter, only the most experienced and prepared can cross the pass. The temperature drops considerably to below zero and the pass is many times covered with heavy and deep snow. As a result, the crossing becomes very difficult and risky, as there is a high possibility of avalanches in addition to other dangers. A large number of teahouses that are located at the higher altitudes have closed down and trekkers, therefore, have to take care of themselves.

Monsoon (June to August): Not Recommended

The most difficult and disheartening time to attempt the pass is during the monsoon season. It becomes very muddy and slippery on the trails and the pass itself, and there is a threat of landslides. They are always covered with clouds and thick fog, so a clear view from the top is extremely disappointing. The lower valleys are green and lush, but the conditions are too extreme on the high side of the Pass to allow crossing by the majority of trekkers.

How to Reach Larkya La Pass?

Reaching the Pass: The Only Way is on Foot

Unlike a typical destination with road or air access, Larkya La Pass can only be reached by trekking. It is the culminating point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and the journey to the pass is as important as the destination itself.

The Trekking Route

From the East (Manaslu Circuit): Generally, the trekkers come to the pass via the east side, after they have spent some days hiking up the Budhi Gandaki valley. They make the last climb to the pass from Samdo, the last village. This is the most common and well-known route for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The trek gradually acclimates you to the high altitude with stops in villages like Sama Gaun and Samdo. The climb from Samdo to the pass and the descent to Bimthang constitute a challenging day, which is, in most cases, 8–10 hours long. 

From the west side, specifically the Annapurna side, it is still possible to access the pass; however, this route is less frequently used and is not part of the standard Manaslu Circuit. The path starts at Annapurna, specifically from the village of Dharapani, and the climb to the pass is steep and difficult; therefore, there is a high risk of altitude sickness, making this route not highly recommended. The trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit are the ones who do the pass crossing and then go down into the Annapurna region, ending the circuit at Dharapani or Besisahar. 

Accommodations and Food

The Larkya La Pass area is devoid of villages. Samdo village (the east side) and Bimthang village (the west side) are the closest places where one can stay overnight. Nonetheless, the last stop before the pass is usually at a place known as Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi). It is a very simple, high-altitude camp with only a few lodges. The accommodation at this place is very rough, generally made of simple stone and wood huts. The rooms are primitive and unheated, and most of them are communal, bunk-style sleeping arrangements. You will certainly require your sleeping bag for a night here, as the temperature can go down to freezing point. Don't expect to be pampered with a hot shower or a private bathroom, as the facilities are there strictly for the purpose of providing a safe place to rest before the big day. 

Major Attractions

• Enjoy a breathtaking mountain panorama with snow-capped peaks surrounding the pass.
• Witness iconic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II from a single vantage point.
• Walk across glacial moraines and soak in the raw beauty of the alpine wilderness.
• Capture the charm of symbolic prayer flags fluttering in the powerful winds at high altitude.
• Admire awe-inspiring ice formations and the unique landscapes shaped by nature.
• Experience a profound sense of triumph upon reaching the trek's highest point.
• Relish the ultimate photo opportunities and the high-altitude serenity of this geographical gateway.

Things to Do at Larkya La Pass

Summit the Pass 

It is not only about getting to the top but also being the very best there. Then you are finally putting all the hard work of the previous days to the test, and this great physical and mental effort you are making is your last one. The amazing experience of getting to the peak is a very intimate win; this is how the whole trip becomes a battle against a huge mountain that has now been overcome.

Admire the Panoramic Views

After a short time, really enjoying the amazing 360-degree view, you are beyond surrounded by the Himalayan giants. Looking north, the tall pointed peaks of Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal can be observed. The huge cliff of Annapurna II covers the farthest view to the west and the wonderful Manaslu is really great to see from a different point of view too.

Photograph the Landscape

The view at the pass is like no other on the walk. The air is thin and clean, making the mountains look very sharp and near. Use the cool Iceland in front to make your photos look deep. The mix of ice-cut rock, white snow hills, and bright blue sky gives you a dream spot for photos.

Observe the Glacial Terrain

Around the pass, the scenery is a demonstration of nature's geological might. Your feet will be on glacial moraines—ridges consisting of rocks and other materials left by a melting glacier. These characteristics, quite apart from the boulders that happen to be lying around and the streams that are still frozen, speak of the enormous forces that have shaped this terrain for ages. 

Interact with Fellow Trekkers

The summit of Larkya La is a place of shared triumph. Everyone who makes it to the top has been through a similar experience. The camaraderie is powerful; a quick conversation, a shared cup of tea, or a simple high-five can create a lasting memory and a bond with people from all over the world

Experience the High-Altitude Atmosphere

The air lacks oxygen so your lungs will have to work harder. Sadly, the pass's strong, cold winds will block your view. The formidable nature of the elements makes you aware of your great height and evokes a sense of being in an untouched, somewhat perilous place. 

Available Packages

Nepal Trek Adventure has specialized in offering guided trekking through the famous trails of Nepal, such as the Manaslu Circuit. Our crew of professionals, who are locals and have outstanding expertise, is always there to guarantee that your trekking experience is smooth and safe. We take care of all the necessities that make trekking comfortable, starting with the permits and going all the way to lodging so that the trekkers can enjoy the beauty and culture without any hassle. Our services come with the promise of safety, sustainability, and real cultural interaction. some of the available packages are

• Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 Days
• Manaslu Express Trekking - 10 Days
• Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking
• Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek
• Manaslu Base Camp Trekking

Final Words

Trekking over the Larkya La Pass is literally the most incredible thing to do at the end of the Manaslu Circuit trek. It is the one day that justifies all the others—the long uphill walks, the freezing nights, and the weary legs. When you are at the top, surrounded by countless snow-capped mountains, you are no longer just a trekker; you are a winner. It's not only a place of the highest altitude on the map but also a very happy, victorious moment in your life that will probably be the memory of this achievement forever.