Larkya Pass: A Majestic Adventure in Manaslu Circuit Trek

What is Larkya Pass?

The highest point of the Manaslu Trek is between Dhrmasala and Bhimtang. Larkya La is an incredible and one of the longest glacier passes in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering a breathtaking, thrilling experience. At an altitude of 5106m, it connects with Budi Gandaki Valley and Marshyangdi Valley. It is known for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, valleys, and rugged terrains of the Manaslu region.

Larkya Pass is the leading feature of Manaslu Trek, one of the most popular restricted trekking routes in Nepal. The trek journey to the Larkya Pass is challenging with its ascending and descending steps which add glory to the trekkers.

Trekkers from the top of the pass can share their stories with the world's eighth-highest Peak Mt. Manaslu 8361m. Mt. Manaslu is known as the mountain of spirit. Besides Himchuli (7893m), Nagadi Chuli (7871m) and Ganesh Himal (7422m) are the major attractions of the Larkya Pass. Manaslu Region is a remote trek of Nepal so due to its remote location, Larkya Pass offers less crowded trekking and diverse wildlife experience to the trekkers.

Manaslu is a restricted trekking in Nepal, connected to the border with Tibet, Larkya Pass is included as a restricted zone so it requires a special permit. The trails pass through the village inhabited by Tibetan people adding cultural elements to the adventure journey.

Short details about Larky Pass

Elevation and Location

• Larkya Pass altitude: 5106m/16930ft.
• Location: It connects with the Budi Gandaki River in the south and the Marsyangdi River to the North, and it is between the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges.
• Regions: It lies in central Nepal within the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Trek Difficulty

Trekking in Larkya Pass including the overall Manaslu trekking is challenging due to its high altitude, rugged terrains, and sometimes unpredictable weather in Manaslu Region.

Route Description

Typically, the trek begins from Sotikhola or Machhakhola after a couple of hours' drive from Kathmandu. The trek then passes several villages, forests, valleys, rivers, and alpine meadows. The ancient village of the region is Sama Gaon, which has an incredible Tibetan lifestyle and a Buddhist community near Manaslu Base Camp.

Highlighted view from Larkya Pass

• World's eighth tallest Peak Mt. Manaslu (8160m)
• Himchuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli(7871m) and Ganesh Himal(7422m)
• A couple of glaciers, Valleys, and rugged terrains from the top are breathtaking.

Acclimatization and Trekking Season

Acclimatization

Due to its high altitude, acclimatization is crucial so trekkers must make at least 2 days of rest day in high-elevation zones like Samagaon. Acclimatization is necessary during high-altitude trekking to avoid altitude sickness.

Best season for Manaslu Trek

The ideal season and trekkers' choice season for Manaslu and Larkya Pass Trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), at that time weather becomes stable and clear with smooth trails.

Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek and Larkya Pass. 

The Manaslu Trek includes Larkya Pass is a restricted trekking trail in Nepal. The trek permit for Manaslu is as follows.

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
• Restricted Trekking Permit

Note: Trekkers need to travel with government government-registered company and licensed trekking guide and a minimum of 2 people is required for issuing permits.

How difficult is the Larkya pass trekking?

Larkya Pass is considered a challenging trek in Manaslu due to its high altitude and challenging terrain, which requires physical effort to cross (5106m).

What is the best time for Larkya La pass?

Autumn and spring are the best times for Larkya Pass when the weather gets clear, and mild and the trekking trail becomes smooth and dry. Avoid monsoon season which brings heavy rainfall that generates issues in the trails.

How long does it take to complete the Larkya Pass Trek?

The journey of the Manaslu circuit including Larkya pass trekking takes 11 -14 days on average if you make a genuine itinerary. The trek also involves several rest days to avoid altitude sickness.

Do I need a guide for the Larkya Pass trek?

Larkya Pass is the highest point of Manaslu Circuit Trek which requires a restricted trekking area permit. So trekking with a guide to Larkya Pass is mandatory. For the restricted area, a minimum of 2 trekkers is necessary.

Is the Larkya Pass trek safe?

Yes, Trek to Larkya Pass is generally safe.it is high-altitude trekking that carries a risk of altitude sickness. So it is crucial to take proper precautions. Follow the guide tips and stay hydrated to avoid such kind of mountain sickness issues.

Is there mobile network/ internet coverage during the Larkya Pass trek?

During the Manaslu trek mobile network is accessible at lower altitudes but as you ascend slowly network becomes unstable along the trails somewhere you can get WIFI by charging a certain amount.

Conclusion

Larkya Pass is a highlight of Manaslu Circuit Trek that offers a truly impressive experience in the Nepalese Himalayas. The trek can demand good physical and mental well-being and requires proper acclimation. Manaslu is Nepal’s less crowded and more beautiful trekking. The remote culture makes the journey incredible and rewarding.