Larke La Pass is one of the famous trekking passes in western Nepal and between Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas. The journey to Larke La Pass is a thrilling adventure inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. Elevation of 5106m above sea level, on the lap of Larke Peak this pass offers a breathtaking glimpse of giants’ snowy peaks.
Passing Through the typical villages, rainforests, trasses farmland, Hindu temples, and Buddhist monasteries and stupas; make the journey to Larke La Pass unforgettable. Pristine glacier lakes, walking on the lap of the world’s 7th highest peak Mount Manaslu, and off the beaten track will make this trek a great experience.
Larke La Pass 5106m can be reached by doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek or can be combined with the Tsum Valley Trek. That is why the trek to Larke La Pass is also called Manaslu Trek or Tusm Valley Manaslu Trek. Whichever trekking you do during the Larke Pass, it will be once a once-a-lifetime holiday memory for adventure seekers.
Day-by-Day Journey to Larke La Pass
Kathmandu to Soti Khola – Today’s journey will be on the road, the first part on the blacktop road, and then a bumpy and jumpy road to reach Soti Khola. You can even drive further to Machhekhola if you want to shorten your trek.
Soti Khola to Khorla Besi – Walk on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. Nowadays there is a road connection therefore most of the time need to walk on the road so you can skip it on day 1 by directly driving to Machhekhola as well. But it is worth trekking in the lower elevation as acclimatization.
Khorla Besi to Jagat – The road continues but rarely drive a jeep on the road because the road’s condition is not good enough to drive. Can witness and enjoy the natural hot spring at Tatopani on the way to Jagat. Doing ups and downs will take you to Jagat.
Jagat to Philim – Jagat where the permit will be checked before commencing the journey to Larke La Pass. It’s half day walk after two long days of trek.
Philim to Deng – Trekking through the typical trekking trail, cross suspension bridge, gorgeous waterfall, river streams, and rain forest to reach Deng. Not very long hours to walk still will take around 5 to 6 hours.
Deng to Namrung – Slowly an elevation and cold will grow as reaches Namrung Village. As altitude grows the atmosphere, surroundings, and nature will differ in the lower part of the Manaslu region.
Namrung to Lho Gaun -As much as climb up while trekking to Larke La, can enjoy the fantastic view of the mountains and nature. Buddhist monasteries, stupas, prayer flags, and wheels will blessed for a successful trip.
Lho Gaun to Samagaun – Panoramic mountain view, peaceful Monastery, ice-cold rivers, and alpine jungle are today’s attractions to enjoy.
Acclimatization Day – Today hikers can hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake and explore the Samagaun Village. Where you can exchange and experience local ways of living.
Samagaun to Samdo – Samaagaun to Samdho is a half-day trek but it will be challenging to walk at a high altitude. If you are earlier at Samdho then hike up around 300 to 500m which will help you to digest altitude. Explore village is an opportunity to be close to local lifestyle and culture.
Samdho to Dharmasala – Last day before the Larke La Pass. Getting to Dharmalasa from Samdho will be around 3 to 4 hours but the high altitude will make it difficult to breathe. But the picturesque view of the surroundings will make everything easy.
Dharmasala to Bimtang via Larka La Pass – Today is the most important and dangerous day of the Larke La Pass Trek because have to wake up early to hike Larke Pass 5106m. Walk at a high altitude is hard but the views of the surrounding areas will push you to get to the top. After ascending the descending is also not easy.
Bimtang to Surki Khola / Talche – Bimtang is a nice place to rest after a long day’s walk. But there are very few people who will stay there because they want to go to lower elevations and enjoy modern life. The trail is mostly down and inside alpine and rainforest.
Surki Khola to Dharapani – There is a road till Talche so you can drive to Beaisahar as well. But better to walk till Dharapani and then the next day drive to Besisahar and then Kathmandu. Dharapani is the place where you will meet the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek trail.
Dharpani – Besisahar and Kathmandu drive – Driving on the bumpy and jumpy road to Besisahar is fun as well as scary. From Besisahar there is a blacktop road to get to Kathmandu.
Best season to Make the Journey to Larke La Pass
The best time to visit the Manaslu region is Spring and Autumn. The spring season ( March, April, and May) and Autumn season (September, October, and November) those are are usually the best months to travel but the perfect months are April and May in the spring season and October and November in the autumn season.
Required equipment for Larke La Pass Trek
Travel documents:– Passport, Visa, Travel insurance, Air tickets,
Duffel Bag, Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket
Day Pack: (Better with waist straps),
Items to use in Head: Warm Head, Sun Cap, headlamps, sunglasses, torch/flashlight/ earplug, and eye mask.
Items to use in Feet: Thin, lightweight inner socks, Thick, warm wool hiking socks, Hiking boots with spare laces, Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)Gaiters for hiking in winter
Items to use in Hands: – Lightweight gloves, Heavyweight gloves, or mittens, With a waterproof shell outer (Seasonal
Lower Body: – Undergarments, Hiking shorts. Lightweight cotton long pants, Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, fleece or wool pants (seasonal), Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Upper Body:- T-shirts, Light, and expedition-weight thermal tops, fleece jackets or pullovers, Fleece Wind-Stopper Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Accessories:- Sleeping bag inner liner, Batteries, Kindle, First aid kit, Trekking Poles, Water bottles, Toiletries, Small wash towel, Toilet papers, Hand sanitizer, lip balm, face and body moisturizer, Ear Plug, Sewing kit, knife, lighter, a small padlock.
Toiletries:– Nail cutter, Small mirror, Toothbrush/paste, multipurpose soap
Extras Equipment List:- Wet wipes (baby wipes), Tissue /toilet roll, Anti-bacterial hand wash, book, Trail Map/Guide book, Pencils and small notebooks, Regular Medicine, sanitary pads, and play cards.
