There is one moment on the Manaslu Circuit Trek that every trekker remembers for the rest of their life.You are standing at Larke La Pass, 5,106 metres above sea level. The air is thin and cold. Prayer flags are snapping in the wind around you. And right in front of you, filling the entire sky, is Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world.
Larke La Pass is the highest point and the greatest viewpoint of the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is the moment every trekker works toward from day one. It is the reason people fly to Nepal, lace up their boots, and walk through remote mountain villages for two weeks. And when they finally get there, they all say the same thing: it was worth every single step.
At Nepal Mountain Adventure, we have guided hundreds of trekkers to this pass over more than a decade. This 2026/2027 guide will tell you everything you need to know before you go, including how to customize your trek from Kathmandu and back.
Larke La Pass: The Highest Point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Most high passes in Nepal are simply a crossing point. You go up, you go over, you come down. Larke La is different.
The views from Larke La Pass are some of the best in all of Nepal.
When you stand at the top, you can see:
- Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) directly in front of you, closer and more powerful than you have ever seen it
- Himlung Himal (7,126m) rising to the north
- Cheo Himal (6,820m) and Kang Guru (6,981m) stretching along the horizon
- Annapurna II (7,937m) appearing to the south as you begin your descent
- Glaciers, snowfields, and frozen valleys spreading out in every direction below you
The prayer flags at the top of the pass flutter in the wind. Mani stones carved with Buddhist prayers line the trail around you. The sky at 5,000 metres is a deeper blue than you have ever seen anywhere else on Earth.This is not just a high point on a map. This is a destination.
And in 2026 and 2027, the Manaslu Circuit remains one of the least crowded and most rewarding treks in all of Nepal. If you are planning your Himalayan adventure for either of these years, there is no better time to do it.
Larke La Pass: Location, Altitude, and Key Facts
Larke La Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It sits at 5,106 metres above sea level in the Gorkha District of northern Nepal, inside the Manaslu Conservation Area.
The pass sits between two valleys. On one side is the Budhi Gandaki valley, which trekkers walk up through villages, forests, and monasteries over the first half of the trek. On the other side is the Dudh Khola valley, which leads down toward Bimthang and the Annapurna region.
Crossing Larke La is what completes the Manaslu Circuit. Without it, the loop cannot be finished.
Key Facts for 2026/2027:
| Detail | Info |
| Elevation | 5,106m / 16,752ft |
| Location | Gorkha District, Nepal |
| Protected Area | Manaslu Conservation Area |
| Start of Summit Day | Dharmasala / Larke Phedi (4,460m) |
| End of Summit Day | Bimthang (3,720m) |
| Summit Day Duration | 7 to 10 hours of walking |
| Best Months to Cross | March to May and September to November |
| Trek Duration | 12 to 16 days from Kathmandu and back |
| Minimum Group Size | 2 trekkers and 1 licensed Nepali guide |
The View from Larke La Pass
We want to take a moment just to describe what you will actually see when you reach the top, because this is the heart of everything.
You will arrive at the pass in the early morning, usually just as the sun is beginning to rise. The sky will be turning from dark blue to gold. And right there, directly ahead of you, is Manaslu.
The summit of Manaslu at sunrise is one of the most dramatic sights in the entire Himalaya. The peak glows orange and gold in the first light while the valleys below are still dark. The glaciers catch the light one by one. The air is perfectly still for a few minutes before the wind picks up.
Behind you and to the sides, the mountain panorama continues. Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the distant white wall of Annapurna form a circle of giants around you.
Below the pass on the western side, you can see the green meadows of Bimthang waiting far below. It looks impossibly far away. By afternoon, you will be sitting there with warm tea in your hands, looking back up at the pass you just crossed.
That feeling is what the Manaslu Circuit Trek is all about.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Journey in 2026/2027
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just one fixed route. At Nepal Mountain Adventure, we offer many different versions of this trek so that you can choose the experience that fits your interests, your time, and your sense of adventure.
Here are all the ways you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026 and 2027. Every single one of these includes the Larke La Pass crossing as the centerpiece of the journey.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
This is the full original circuit. You walk from Soti Khola up through the Budhi Gandaki valley, cross Larke La Pass, and descend through Bimthang to Dharapani. It takes around 14 to 16 days from Kathmandu and back. This is the most popular option and gives you the complete Manaslu experience from start to finish.
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you have limited time but still want to cross Larke La Pass and see the best of the Manaslu region, the short version uses transport to reach a higher starting point and skips some of the lower walking days. You still get the full pass crossing, the best mountain scenery, and the cultural highlights. This runs around 10 to 12 days from Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek With Serang Gompa Stay
This version adds an overnight at Serang Gompa, a remote Buddhist monastery that almost no trekkers visit. Staying here gives you a rare look at real Himalayan monastery life, with monks, butter lamps, and mountain views that most trekkers never experience. If spiritual culture and remote places matter to you, this is a very special add on.
Manaslu Circuit Trek With Tibet Border Day Hike
From the village of Samdo, you can hike right up to the Nepal and Tibet border. The landscape at this altitude looks completely different from the rest of the trek. Wide open plateaus, yak herders, and an extraordinary feeling of space and remoteness. This is combined with the full Manaslu Circuit and adds a completely unique day to your itinerary.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Through Pungyen Gompa
Pungyen Gompa is a 500 year old monastery sitting high above the village of Samagaon with direct views of the Manaslu summit. Including it in your route adds both cultural depth and some of the best mountain photography of the entire trip. The walk up is steep but short and the views from the top are worth every step.
Manaslu Circuit Trek With Tsum Valley
This is the big one for 2026 and 2027. Tsum Valley is one of the most untouched places in all of Nepal. It was only opened to foreign trekkers in 2008 and still sees very few visitors compared to other routes. The Tsumba people who live there have kept their Tibetan Buddhist culture completely alive for centuries. Ancient monasteries, carved mani walls, yak herders, and a way of life unchanged for generations. Combined with the full Manaslu Circuit and Larke La Pass crossing, this trek runs 18 to 21 days from Kathmandu and is the most complete Manaslu region adventure available anywhere.
Tsum Valley With Manaslu Circuit Trek Through Ganesh Himal
This version takes the combined Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit route one step further by routing through the Ganesh Himal area. This adds even more dramatic and remote mountain scenery to an already extraordinary journey. This is for trekkers who want to go deep into the Himalayas and see places that almost no other travelers reach.
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
This is the grand traverse of north central Nepal. You complete the full Manaslu Circuit including the Larke La Pass crossing at 5,106m, then continue directly into the Annapurna Circuit and cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Two of the great trek circuits of Nepal combined into one epic journey. This runs around 24 to 28 days from Kathmandu and back and is one of the best long distance treks in the world.
Not sure which version is right for you? Our team at Nepal Mountain Adventure will help you decide based on your time, your fitness, and what matters most to you in 2026 or 2027.
Browse All Manaslu Region Trek Options for 2026/2027
Permits You Need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026/2027
The Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area. This means you must have a licensed Nepali guide and the correct permits before you begin. You cannot do this trek without a guide. Nepal Mountain Adventure handles all permits as part of every single package we offer.
You need three permits in total.
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This is the main permit for the trek. It must be arranged through a registered trekking agency and cannot be purchased on your own.
Fees for 2026/2027:
- September to February: USD $100 per person per week
- March to August: USD $75 per person per week
Most trekkers need around three weeks of coverage. The permit is checked at multiple points on the trail starting at Jagat. The law requires a minimum of two trekkers and one licensed Nepali guide. Solo travelers can join one of our regular group departures throughout both seasons.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
This covers the conservation area that most of the trek passes through. It costs around NPR 3,000 per person which is approximately USD $22 to $25. This fee goes directly toward conservation management, trail maintenance, and community development in the region.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
The final section of the trek from Bimthang to Dharapani enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit also costs NPR 3,000 per person.
All three permits are fully arranged by Nepal Mountain Adventure and included in every guided package. You arrive in Kathmandu and we take care of everything else.
Best Time to Cross Larke La Pass in 2026 and 2027
Spring (March to May) is one of the most beautiful times to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The hillsides fill with rhododendron flowers in red, pink, and white. Snow on the pass is stable by late March. April offers long days and clear mornings. Light afternoon cloud can build from late April onward so we always schedule very early summit day departures in spring, usually between 3am and 4am.
Autumn (September to November) is the most popular and most reliable season. October is our top recommendation. After the monsoon clears in late September, the skies over the Himalayas become crystal clear. Mountain views are at their sharpest and most dramatic. Trail conditions are stable and temperatures at the pass are cold but very manageable with the right gear. November is quieter and colder but still excellent for trekkers who prefer fewer people on the trail.
Avoid the monsoon (mid June to mid September). Heavy rain, landslide risk, leech season on the forest sections, and thick cloud hiding the mountain views all day make this a difficult and unrewarding time to trek.
Avoid winter (December to February). The pass is buried in deep snow. Temperatures at the top can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius before dawn. Avalanche risk is high. We do not run standard Manaslu Circuit treks during these months.
| Season | Conditions | Our Advice |
| March to May | Rhododendron flowers, stable snow, clear mornings | Excellent, book early for 2026 |
| June to mid September | Heavy rain, landslides, poor mountain views | Not recommended |
| Mid September to November | Crystal clear skies, stable trails, peak season | Best overall, October is ideal |
| December to February | Extreme cold, deep snow, high avalanche risk | Not recommended |
How Difficult Is the Larke La Pass Crossing?
Larke La Pass is rated as a challenging high altitude trek. It is not a technical climb. You do not need ropes or special climbing gear. But it is also not a casual walk. It demands real fitness, mental strength, and proper acclimatization before you attempt it.
The summit day is the hardest part. You wake up at around 3am in freezing cold temperatures at Dharmasala. You walk for 7 to 10 hours straight. The first few hours are in complete darkness across rocky and sometimes icy trails. As you gain altitude above 4,500 metres, every step feels heavier and your breathing becomes slower and more deliberate. This is completely normal. The key is to go slow and keep moving.
The descent to Bimthang is long. After reaching the top, you still have several hours of downhill walking ahead of you. Your legs will be tired. Trekking poles are essential here.
Who is this trek suitable for:
- Trekkers with previous experience at altitude above 3,500 metres
- People who can walk 6 to 8 hours a day for multiple days in a row
- Anyone who has completed Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp before
Who should prepare more before attempting it:
- First time high altitude trekkers
- Anyone with heart or lung conditions
- Trekkers who have not trained consistently before departure
The good news is that with the right preparation, the right gear, and an experienced guide beside you, Larke La Pass is absolutely achievable. Thousands of trekkers cross it successfully every single year. Our team at Nepal Mountain Adventure will make sure you are one of them.
Acclimatization: The Most Important Part of Your Trek
Your body needs time to adjust to high altitude. There is no shortcut and no amount of fitness that replaces this process. At 5,106 metres on Larke La Pass, you are breathing roughly half the oxygen available at sea level. The good news is that the Manaslu Circuit route naturally allows for a gradual altitude gain that gives your body time to adapt.
We also build specific acclimatization steps into all our 2026 and 2027 itineraries.
Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) from Samagaon: You climb high and sleep low. This is one of the most effective acclimatization methods available. You also get the closest and most dramatic views of the Manaslu south face on the entire circuit. This hike is included in all Nepal Mountain Adventure Manaslu packages.
Full rest day at Samdo (3,860m): A complete rest day before pushing to Dharmasala. Many trekkers also do a short morning walk toward the Tibetan border plateau, which is a stunning high altitude landscape that looks more like Central Asia than Nepal. The afternoon is for rest, hydration, and mental preparation.
Careful pace management above 4,000m: Our guides actively monitor pace and physical condition above 4,000 metres. If a trekker needs to slow down, the whole group slows down. No summit schedule is worth your health.
Know the warning signs of altitude sickness: Persistent headache, nausea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, and dizziness. Mild symptoms often improve with rest and drinking more water at the same altitude. If symptoms get worse or do not improve within 24 hours, descend immediately. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and are trained in altitude illness response and emergency evacuation.
Every Nepal Mountain Adventure guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks the blood oxygen levels of all trekkers daily. A resting oxygen reading below 75 percent is a medical warning sign that we act on immediately.
What to Pack for Larke La Pass
Clothing:
- Moisture wicking thermal base layers, top and bottom, at least two sets
- Insulated down or synthetic jacket rated to at least minus 10 degrees Celsius
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers for summit day
- Insulated trekking trousers for Dharmasala overnight and the pass crossing
- Warm gloves and waterproof outer mitts, both are needed
- Warm hat that covers your ears or a balaclava
- Neck buff or gaiter
- High quality wool or synthetic thermal socks, at least three pairs changed daily
- Waterproof insulated high ankle trekking boots, fully broken in before departure
Equipment:
- Trekking poles, very important for balance on the icy predawn approach and essential for the long descent to Bimthang
- Waterproof knee high gaiters for snow on the pass approach
- Microspikes or lightweight crampons for icy sections before dawn
- Sleeping bag rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder
- Headlamp with spare lithium batteries, which perform better in cold temperatures
- Sunglasses with strong UV protection, Category 4 is recommended
- Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm with UV protection
- Insulated water bottle, a hydration bladder will freeze above 4,500m
- Pulse oximeter, compact and inexpensive but genuinely useful
- Basic first aid kit with blister care, ibuprofen, and any altitude medication your doctor has prescribed
Full Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek (Larke La Pass)
This is our itinerary for 2026 and 2027. It starts in Kathmandu, crosses Larke La Pass on Day 9-10, and returns you to Kathmandu by Day 13. We also offer 14 day and 18 day versions depending on your available time.
| Day | Route | Altitude | What Happens |
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Soti Khola by road | 700m | Scenic drive through the hills and mountains via Arughat, around 7 to 8 hours |
| Day 2 | Soti Khola to Machha Khola | 930m | Trek begins through subtropical forest, river gorge, and the first suspension bridges |
| Day 3 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,340m | First restricted area permit check, dramatic cliff trails, waterfalls, and narrow gorges |
| Day 4 | Jagat to Namrung | 2,630m | Pine forest walking, more suspension bridges, first high mountain villages and rice terraces |
| Day 5 | Namrung to Samagaon | 3,520m | First clear views of Manaslu, Birendra Lake visible nearby, Tibetan cultural influence begins |
| Day 6 | Acclimatization day in Samagaon | 3,520m | Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800m or Birendra Lake, visit the ancient Pungen Gompa monastery |
| Day 7 | Samagaon to Samdo | 3,860m | Short but beautiful walking day, wide open Tibetan plateau landscape, yak herders, stone walls |
| Day 8 | Rest day in Samdo | 3,860m | Optional morning hike toward the Tibet border, afternoon rest, hydration, and preparation for the crossing |
| Day 9 | Samdo to Dharmasala (Larke Phedi) | 4,460m | Short day, arrive early for rest, hot meal, pack everything, sleep early |
| Day 10 | Dharmasala to Larke La Pass to Bimthang | 5,106m then 3,720m | Summit day, the Larke La Pass crossing, the best views of the entire trek, the longest and greatest day |
| Day 11 | Bimthang to Tilje | 2,300m | Long descent through beautiful rhododendron forest, the air gets warmer and richer with every step down |
| Day 12 | Tilje to Dharapani to Besisahar | 760m | Final trekking day, road connection at Dharapani, drive to Besisahar |
| Day 13 | Besisahar to Kathmandu by road | 1,400m | Return drive to Kathmandu, around 6 to 7 hours, celebration dinner in Thamel |
All our 2026 and 2027 Manaslu Circuit packages can be customized. Add Tsum Valley. Add the Tibet Border Day Hike. Add a night at Serang Gompa. Add the Pungyen Gompa route. Extend into the Annapurna Circuit. We will build the perfect itinerary around your time, fitness, and goals.
Reach Out for a Custom Manaslu Itinerary for 2026 or 2027
Safety on Larke La Pass
We will never make the mountains sound easier than they are. Our job is to prepare you properly so that you can cross them safely.
Risks to know and respect:
- Altitude sickness is the most common health problem on this trek and should never be ignored. Symptoms include persistent headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and unusual tiredness. If they get worse, descend immediately.
- Hypothermia is a real risk at 3am on the glacier before dawn. Wear every layer you have from the moment you step outside at Dharmasala.
- Ice on the predawn trail is common throughout the spring and autumn seasons. Trekking poles and Microspikes are not optional.
- Dehydration catches many trekkers off guard at altitude because cold air reduces the sensation of thirst. Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water every day and more on summit day.
- Avalanche risk exists on the upper slopes of the pass after heavy snowfall. Our guides check conditions before every summit day departure and will delay or cancel if the risk is too high. No view from the top is worth a life.
- Frostbite affects fingers and toes first. Check your extremities during every rest stop on summit day and add layers immediately if you feel numbness.
What Nepal Mountain Adventure does to keep you safe in 2026 and 2027:
- All our guides are certified in high altitude rescue and Wilderness First Responder protocols
- Emergency oxygen is carried on every trek operating above 4,500 metres
- We do daily blood oxygen and heart rate checks on every trekker using a pulse oximeter
- We maintain active contact with Kathmandu throughout the trek for helicopter evacuation coordination
- We hold firm on our summit day go or no go criteria and will never push a trekker across the pass if conditions are unsafe
Please get comprehensive travel and emergency evacuation insurance before you leave home. Helicopter evacuations in the Manaslu region cost very high. Insurance purchased from home before your trip is always more comprehensive and more affordable than anything available in Kathmandu.
Must See Places on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Larke La Pass is the centerpiece but the journey to it is full of extraordinary experiences that many trekkers end up loving just as much as the crossing itself.
Samagaon and Pungen Gompa: The village of Samagaon at 3,520m is one of the most atmospheric stops on the entire circuit. The ancient Pungen Gompa monastery above the village has been standing for over 500 years. Inside you will find butter lamps, thangka paintings, and a silence broken only by the wind and the occasional sound of monks chanting. Behind the monastery, Manaslu rises directly above you. Sit quietly for a few minutes. This is one of those places that people carry with them for years after they leave.
Samdo and the Tibet Border Hike: Samdo feels like the edge of the world. The landscape here is wide open and treeless, more like a Central Asian plateau than anything you have seen lower on the trail. From Samdo you can hike to the Nepal and Tibet border, a high windswept ridge with views in every direction that very few travelers ever see. This day hike is one of the most underrated experiences on the Manaslu Circuit.
Bimthang Meadows: After you cross Larke La Pass and descend through the afternoon, you arrive at Bimthang, a beautiful alpine meadow at 3,720m surrounded by mountains. The view back up to the pass you just crossed, with Manaslu and Himlung Himal towering above it, is one of the most satisfying sights in all of trekking. You did that. You crossed that.
Tsum Valley: A Hidden World Worth Exploring
If you want to take your Manaslu adventure one extraordinary step further, Tsum Valley is waiting.
Located to the northeast of the main circuit, Tsum Valley was only opened to foreign trekkers in 2008. It remains one of the most culturally preserved and least visited places in all of Nepal. The Tsumba people who live there have kept their Tibetan Buddhist culture, language, art, and way of life alive for centuries with very little outside influence.
Walking through Tsum Valley feels like stepping back through time. The ancient monastery of Mu Gompa, perched high on a cliff above the valley floor, and the spiritual atmosphere of Rachen Gompa, a nunnery of extraordinary beauty, are two of the most remarkable religious sites accessible to trekkers anywhere in the Himalayas.
A combined Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek runs 18 to 21 days from Kathmandu and back. Our guides on the Tsum Valley extension are not just licensed trekking guides. Several of them have family connections to these communities. They know the monastery caretakers personally. They know which villages are celebrating festivals on which dates. That is the difference between a local guide and a guidebook.
See All Tsum Valley and Combined Manaslu Trek Options for 2026/2027
Why Trek with Nepal Mountain Adventure in 2026 or 2027?
We are Manaslu specialists. The Manaslu Circuit is one of our signature routes and several of our senior guides have been crossing Larke La Pass every single season for more than ten years. They know this mountain the way you know your own neighborhood.
We put safety above schedules. We have turned groups around before the pass when conditions were not right. We have delayed summit days when fresh snow increased avalanche risk. We have kept trekkers in Samdo for an extra day when their oxygen readings gave us concern. These decisions are never popular at the moment. They are always right.
We run small groups. Smaller groups mean more personal attention from your guide, more flexibility in pace and timing, and a much more authentic experience on the trail and in the teahouses along the way.
We handle everything. Permits, guides, porters, teahouse bookings, airport transfers, safety equipment, and full pre trek briefings. When you book a trek with Nepal Mountain Adventure, you arrive in Kathmandu ready to go. We take care of everything else.
We operate ethically. Our porters are paid above the industry standard, fully insured, and given proper gear for the altitude and conditions they work in every single day. We are fully licensed by the Nepal Tourism Board.
Book Your Manaslu Adventure with Nepal Mountain Adventure for 2026 or 2027
2026 and 2027 departure dates are now available.
Larke La Pass is waiting for you. The views are real. The challenge is real. The feeling when you stand at the top and look out at Manaslu rising into the morning sky is something you will remember for the rest of your life.
Whether you want the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek, a shorter version, an extended route through Tsum Valley, a combined Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit adventure, or something completely custom built around your schedule, our team is here and ready to help you plan it.
Browse All 2026 and 2027 Manaslu Region Trek
Frequently Asked Questions About Larke La Pass
How difficult is Larke La Pass?
Challenging but achievable. It is a 7 to 10 hour walk at high altitude, not a technical climb. Good fitness and proper acclimatization are all you need.
What is the best time to visit in 2026/2027?
October for autumn and April for spring. These months give you the clearest skies and most stable trail conditions.
What permits do I need?
Three permits. The Restricted Area Permit, the MCAP permit, and the ACAP permit. Nepal Mountain Adventure arranges all three for you.
Can I trek without a guide?
No. A licensed Nepali guide is legally required. Solo travelers can join one of our group departures.
How long is the full trek?
14 to 16 days from Kathmandu and back for the standard circuit. Shorter and longer versions are available.
How high is Larke La Pass and what can you see?
5,106 metres. From the top you can see Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II all at once.
Is it harder than Thorong La Pass?
Both are equally challenging. Thorong La is higher but Larke La has a longer summit day and more remote surroundings.
What should I pack for the crossing?
Sleeping bag rated to minus 15 degrees, warm layers, trekking poles, Microspikes, headlamp, and a pulse oximeter.
