Manaslu Larkya La Pass Camping Trek Quick Facts
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On top Larke-La Pass at 5,106 m / 16,752 feet
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Gorkha district (Manaslu) to Manang district, Gandaki Province, Nepal
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17 days, 16 nights
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12 days (Day 4 to Day 15), including 1 acclimatization day at Sama Gaun
Highlights of Manaslu Larkya-La Pass
- Experience harmonious Tibetan culture of Manaslu region
- Rich vegetation, pristine ecosystem, and rhododendron forests
- Spectacular mountain views including Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Ngadi Chuli
- Endangered wild animals like Snow Leopard and Musk Deer
- The Larkya-La Pass (5,106m)
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Online nowOverview
Manaslu is a relatively new trekking region in Nepal. Among different regional routes, Larkya La Pass Trekking is a rare opportunity to explore the spectacular views along the Nepal and China border. In the west of Kathmandu in the Manaslu region, Larkya La Pass is situated at an elevation of 5135m (16844ft).
Nepal’s Manaslu Larkya-La Pass Camping Trek starts from Shotikhola via Arughat, a small town bordering the Gorkha and Dhading districts. The drive to Arughat from Kathmandu is around 8 hours. The trail ascends through the vast geography and wilderness of the region.
Numerous waterfalls, swift rivers, suspension bridges, gorges, wildlife, and forests lead you to multiethnic villages, gompas, and monasteries. The trails are a bit challenging but people of all ages have done it. However, one needs to be in a moderate physical condition.
As you gain altitude, you will be presented with gorgeous views of the snowcapped Himalayas such as Himalchulit (7,893m), Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal (7,450m), Ngadi Chuli (7,879), and beautiful landscapes. The rich vegetation of Manaslu is refreshing and spreads an aura of joy. At high altitudes, we will be required to sleep in tents and prepare food for ourselves. But, you need not worry since we will provide you with our professional cook for the trek.
Alternative Camping Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Camping Trek is the old-school way to walk around Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). For 13 nights you…
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) on a Manaslu camping trek run by a local Nepali team. Over 17 days you follow the Budhi Gandaki valley, camp beside Tibetan-influenced villages, rest in Sama Gaun, then climb over the pass to Bimthang. Our trek cook makes your meals. Our licensed guide handles permits, pace and safety. You carry a daypack and take in the views.
Manaslu Larkya La Pass Camping Trek at a Glance
The Manaslu Larkya La Pass camping trek is a 17-day tented trek around Manaslu (8,163 m) that crosses Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. It is challenging, so it suits fit walkers who want a remote route. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons.
Why Choose the Manaslu Larkya La Camping Trek?
- Cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m and look out over the Manaslu range and the Annapurna side.
- Walk through rhododendron forest, river gorges, waterfalls and suspension bridges.
- Pass Tibetan-style villages, prayer walls and monasteries, including Sama Gaun and Samdo.
- See Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Ngadi Chuli from the trail.
- Walk in a conservation area that is home to snow leopard and musk deer, though sightings are rare.
- Camp at Dharmasala (4,460 m), the last stop before the pass.
Manaslu stayed closed to foreign visitors until 1991. Even now it is a restricted area, so you need a special permit and a licensed guide.
Manaslu Larkya La Trek Itinerary Overview
This table shows the route at a glance. Each day is explained below.
| Day | Route | Sleep altitude | Walking time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | 1,340 m | None | Hotel |
| 2 | Trek prep, gear check, Kathmandu sightseeing | 1,340 m | None | Hotel |
| 3 | Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola | 700 m | About 7 hours by road | Tent |
| 4 | Soti Khola to Machha Khola | 930 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 5 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,345 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 6 | Jagat to Pewa | 1,625 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 7 | Pewa to Namrung | 2,630 m | About 6 hours | Tent |
| 8 | Namrung to Lho | 3,185 m | About 4 hours | Tent |
| 9 | Lho to Sama Gaun | 3,520 m | About 3 hours | Tent |
| 10 | Rest day at Sama Gaun, optional day hike | 3,520 m | Short hike | Tent |
| 11 | Sama Gaun to Samdo | 3,875 m | About 3 hours | Tent |
| 12 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m | About 4 hours | Tent |
| 13 | Dharmasala over Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang | 3,590 m | 8 to 10 hours | Tent |
| 14 | Bimthang to Tilje | 2,300 m | About 7 hours | Tent |
| 15 | Tilje to Tal | 1,700 m | About 5 hours | Tent |
| 16 | Drive Tal to Kathmandu via Besisahar | 1,340 m | About 8 hours by road | Hotel |
| 17 | Departure | Not applicable |
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Online nowDetailed Itinerary
Written & checked by Nim Bhatta
Licensed by the Nepal Department of Tourism, Nim has led treks on the Manaslu Circuit since 2009 and is trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness response. He last walked the full Manaslu Circuit in spring 2025 to check lodges and trail conditions.
Last updated:
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 : Trekking Preparation day & Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayabhunath Stupa
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 : Kathmandu to Soti Khola by drive
Soti Khola 700 m / 2,297 ft 7 hrs- 7 hours drive by private vehicle
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 4 : Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Machha Khola 930 m / 3,051 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 5 : Machha Khola to Jagat
Jagat 1,345 m / 4,413 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 6 : Jagat to Pewa
Pewa 1,625 m / 5,331 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 7 : Pewa to Namrung
Namrung 2,630 m / 8,629 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 8 : Namrung to Lho
Lho 3,185 m / 10,449 ft 4 hrs- 4 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 9 : Lho to Sama Gau
Sama Gau 3,520 m / 11,549 ft 3 hrs- 3 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 10 : Acclimatization at Sama Gaun
Sama Gaun 3,520 m / 11,549 ft- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 11 : Sama Gaun to Samdo
Samdo 3,875 m / 12,713 ft 3 hrs- 3 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 12 : Samdo to Dharmasala
Dharmasala 4,460 m / 14,633 ft 4 hrs- 4 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 13 : Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
Bimthang 3,590 m / 11,778 ft High point 5,106 m 8 hrs- 8 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 14 : Bimthang to Tilje
Tilje 2,300 m / 7,546 ft 7 hrs- 7 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 15 : Tilje to Tal
Tal 1,700 m / 5,577 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Day 16 : Tal to Kathmandu via Besisahar
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft 8 hrs- 8 hours drive by private vehicle
- Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17 : Departure
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Online now1,340 m4,396 ftDay 2 Trekking Preparation day & Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayabhunath Stupa
1,340 m4,396 ftDay 3 Kathmandu to Soti Khola by drive
700 m2,297 ftDay 4 Soti Khola to Machha Khola
930 m3,051 ftDay 5 Machha Khola to Jagat
1,345 m4,413 ftDay 6 Jagat to Pewa
1,625 m5,331 ftDay 7 Pewa to Namrung
2,630 m8,629 ftDay 8 Namrung to Lho
3,185 m10,449 ftDay 9 Lho to Sama Gau
3,520 m11,549 ftDay 10 Acclimatization at Sama Gaun
3,520 m11,549 ftDay 11 Sama Gaun to Samdo
3,875 m12,713 ftDay 12 Samdo to Dharmasala
4,460 m14,633 ftDay 13 Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
5,106 m16,752 ft5,106 m16,752 ftDay 14 Bimthang to Tilje
2,300 m7,546 ftDay 15 Tilje to Tal
1,700 m5,577 ftDay 16 Tal to Kathmandu via Besisahar
1,340 m4,396 ftDay 17 Departure
1,340 m4,396 ft1357911131517
High 17°C63°F · Low 6°C43°FJanFeb Machha Khola
High 19°C66°F · Low 8°C46°FFebMar Machha Khola
High 23°C73°F · Low 11°C52°FMarApr Machha Khola
High 26°C79°F · Low 14°C57°FAprMay Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 18°C64°FMayJun Machha Khola
High 28°C82°F · Low 22°C72°FJunJul Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 23°C73°FJulAug Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 23°C73°FAugSep Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 21°C70°FSepOct Machha Khola
High 25°C77°F · Low 17°C63°FOctNov Machha Khola
High 22°C72°F · Low 12°C54°FNovDec Machha Khola
High 18°C64°F · Low 8°C46°FDec
High -1°C30°F · Low -10°C14°FJanFeb Samagaon
High 1°C34°F · Low -9°C16°FFebMar Samagaon
High 3°C37°F · Low -5°C23°FMarApr Samagaon
High 6°C43°F · Low -1°C30°FAprMay Samagaon
High 8°C46°F · Low 3°C37°FMayJun Samagaon
High 13°C55°F · Low 7°C45°FJunJul Samagaon
High 15°C59°F · Low 10°C50°FJulAug Samagaon
High 15°C59°F · Low 10°C50°FAugSep Samagaon
High 13°C55°F · Low 8°C46°FSepOct Samagaon
High 8°C46°F · Low 2°C36°FOctNov Samagaon
High 5°C41°F · Low -3°C27°FNovDec Samagaon
High 3°C37°F · Low -8°C18°FDec
Average temperatures (approx.), 2015 to 2024. Source: Open-Meteo, adjusted to each village's altitude.
Manaslu Larkya La Trek Cost: What Is Included and Excluded
Included
- 3 nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel, twin-sharing, with breakfast
- 13 nights in twin-sharing tents on the trek
- Jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and from Tal or Dharapani back to Kathmandu
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea or coffee on the trek, cooked by our trek cook
- Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Licensed guide, Sherpa and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers), with their food, lodging, pay, gear and accident insurance
- Boiled drinking water and a hot shower
- Farewell dinner with a cultural show in Kathmandu
- Local and government taxes
Excluded
- Drinks of any kind, including bottled water, plus phone calls and laundry on the trek
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips for the crew
- Personal trekking and climbing gear
- Optional trips and sightseeing if you extend your stay
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, unless listed
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Online nowBest Time for the Manaslu Larkya La Camping Trek
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Both give stable weather, though the pass can see snow in any month.
- Spring (March to May): Longer days and blooming rhododendron. Afternoons can turn cloudy, and there is light rain or snow higher up.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and sharp views. Days are shorter and mornings and nights are colder.
Nights near Dharmasala are cold in both seasons, so bring a warm sleeping bag and layers. Ask us before you plan a winter or monsoon trip, because snow can close the pass.
Permits and Rules for the Manaslu Larkya La Trek
Manaslu is a restricted area. You must trek with a licensed guide, and the Restricted Area Permit must come through a registered trekking company. We handle the paperwork. Bring your passport and 2 passport-size photos.
| Permit | Where it applies | Who arranges it |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | The restricted section of the route, from about Jagat to the Dharapani side | We apply for it through our registered company |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit | The protected area along the Budhi Gandaki valley | We arrange it |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit | The final section after you cross into the Annapurna region | We arrange it |
Solo travellers can now apply for the restricted area permit alone. The old two-trekker rule was removed on 22 March 2026. You still need a licensed guide and a registered trekking agency.
Major Attractions of the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is a mesmerizing trekking route in Nepal that offers a blend of cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and stunning mountain vistas. Here are some of the major attractions of the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek:
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Larke Pass (Larke La):
The highlight of the trek, Larke Pass stands at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). The panoramic views from the pass include the Manaslu range, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna range.
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Manaslu Conservation Area:
The trek takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a region rich in biodiversity. You may encounter various flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and diverse bird species.
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Unique Culture and Villages:
The trek passes through several traditional Tibetan-influenced villages with unique cultural practices. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo provide an opportunity to interact with the friendly local people, witness their traditional lifestyle, and explore ancient monasteries.
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Budhi Gandaki River Valley:
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, offering breathtaking views of the river gorge, waterfalls, and terraced fields. The landscapes change dramatically from lush green valleys to high-altitude barren terrains.
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Manaslu Base Camp:
Although not the primary destination, a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp is often included for those who want to explore further. The base camp provides stunning views of the Manaslu massif.
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Birendra Tal (Birendra Lake):
A serene glacial lake located at an altitude of around 3,450 meters, Birendra Tal offers a picturesque setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It’s a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.
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Pungyen Gompa:
Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, Pungyen Gompa is a Buddhist monastery with historical significance. The monastery provides insight into the local culture and offers spectacular mountain views.
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Diverse Landscapes:
The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, including subtropical forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and high mountain deserts. The ever-changing scenery adds to the trek’s allure.
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Remote and Less Crowded:
Compared to some of the more popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is relatively less crowded, providing a more authentic and tranquil trekking experience.
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Warm Hospitality:
The locals along the trail are known for their warm hospitality. Teahouses and guesthouses offer a cozy place to rest, delicious local cuisine, and a chance to interact with the local communities.
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that appeals to trekkers seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion.
- A Real Camping Trek17 days in tents through the Budhi Gandaki valley, beside Tibetan-influenced villages.
- Our Trek CookFresh meals cooked by our own team at every camp.
- Local Nepali TeamRun by our local team. Your licensed guide handles permits, pace and safety.
- Larkya La at 5,106 mRest at Sama Gaun, then climb over the pass and drop into Bimthang.
- Wild ManasluRhododendron forest and the home of snow leopard and musk deer.
- 24/7 SupportOur team stays on call for your whole trek, including emergency evacuation coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The trek takes 17 days and 16 nights. You spend 3 nights in a Kathmandu hotel and 13 nights in tents. You are on the trail for 12 days (Day 4 to Day 15), including one rest and acclimatization day at Sama Gaun.
Larkya La Pass is 5,106 m (16,752 ft) above sea level. Some maps and guidebooks show slightly different figures, from about 5,100 m to 5,160 m. Our highest camp is Dharmasala at 4,460 m.
It is a challenging trek. The terrain is not technical, but you walk for several days at altitude and the pass day is long, about 8 to 10 hours. You need good fitness, and long training hikes with a loaded daypack help.
Yes. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you must trek with a licensed guide and a Restricted Area Permit arranged through a registered trekking company. This route also needs conservation area permits for Manaslu and Annapurna. We arrange all permits for you.
You cannot trek Manaslu independently. A licensed guide and a registered agency are required. Since 22 March 2026 you can apply for the restricted area permit as one person, so a solo traveller can join with a private guide.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. Skies are clearer and the pass is more likely to be open. Spring brings rhododendron blooms and autumn gives sharp mountain views. Expect freezing nights near the pass in both seasons.
You sleep in twin-sharing tents. Our trek cook prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea or coffee. We provide boiled drinking water and a hot shower. Porters carry your main bag, with one porter for every two trekkers.
Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early about any headache, nausea or dizziness. The itinerary includes a rest day at Sama Gaun (3,520 m). Ask your doctor about altitude medicine before you travel. If symptoms get worse, you must go down.
We provide boiled drinking water on the trek. If you fill bottles from streams or taps, treat the water first with purification tablets or a filter.
Yes. Travel and rescue insurance is not included in the trek cost. Your policy should cover trekking above 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation.
