Larke La Pass Nepal

Larke La pass is the high hill that connects Annapurna conservation area and Manaslu conservation area. It is located at 5168 m above sea level exactly between Dharamsala and Bhimthang. It is one of the best places to explore the hidden gems of western Nepal. The stunning view of Manaslu and Annapurna region from Larke is outstanding. It is a part of Manaslu circuit trekking route. This article tends to give a complete information about Larke La pass that will help trekkers and climbers to know about this place before planning a trek to Manaslu circuit or Larke peak climbing. 

Where is Larke La pass situated?

Larke La pass is situated at border between Manaslu and Annapurna conservation area. Ascending either from Bhimthang or Dharamsala takes us to Larke, the highest elevation of Manaslu circuit trek. The elevation of Larke pass is 5168 m/ 16955.38 ft. 

Attractions of Larke La Pass

1. Stunning view of mountains and glacier

We can enjoy the amazing view of Larke peak (6219 m), Mt Manaslu (8163 m), Gurkha massif (Ngadi Chuli), Himlung Himal (7126 m), Cheo Himal (6820 m), Annapurna II, and glacier from Larke: the highest elevation of Manaslu circuit trek. Similarly, the snow fed Larkya Glacier is also the amazing natural entity adding beauty in Manaslu region.

2. Biodiversity

The diverse landscape: the alpine meadows rhododendron forest, barren high-altitude passes are major landmarks of Manaslu circuit which are visible on the route to Larke Pass. The diverse geographical arrangements are unique to explore during the trek. There are more than 2000 plant species and over 110 bird species within Manaslu conservation area. It is home of an endangered snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan marmots and many more mountain animals. 

3. Cultural diversity

The ethic Tamang and Gurung communities are the locals of Manaslu. Tibetan lifestyle, Buddhist religion and tradition are different than other part of Nepal. We can see amazing architecture in the monasteries on the route to Larke pass. There are different ancient Buddhist Gompas and chortens decorated by prayers flag. We can see high altitude pastures with transhumance practices.

4. Adventure and experience

Larke pass is the challenging high pass of Manaslu circuit trekking route. Passing through the highest elevation is adventurous. We can experience the amazing trek from Jagat to Deng, Namrung, Manaslu base camp, Birendra Lake, Sama Gaon, Dharamsala and reaches Larke la pass.

5. Less crowded trekking route

Manaslu is the remote region where we can see simple lifestyle and innocent people. Traditional villages with a smaller number of people can be seen as a selective part of the trekking route. Similarly, it is restricted area where we can see limited trekkers resulting in less crowded trekking route. 

6. Rewarding descends

Descend from Larke takes us to Bhimthang (3720 m) in Annapurna conservation area. The longest descend to Bhimthang is one of the rewarding descend on which trekkers will cover 14 to 15 kilometer distance with 1400 m elevation loss. The trekking route from Larke pass to Bhimthang is steep and rocky trial covered by snow most of the time. The dramatic change in landscape from alpine pasture to rhododendron and pine forest is amazing.

How to reach Larke Pass? 

We can reach Larke pass by trekking. We need to walk for seven days for reaching Larke Pass. Trek to Larke pass begins from Dharamsala. We should start the trek early in the morning to reach Larke La Pass before 12 pm. It takes around four hours to reach Larke La pass covering 8 km distance from Dharamsala to Larke Pass. The high-altitude trial to Larke pass is relatively challenging. 

Manaslu Larke pass itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2: Drive to Machha khola
• Day 3: Trek to Jagat
• Day 4: Trek to Deng
• Day 5: Trek to Sama gaon
• Day 6: Rest day in Samagaon
• Day 7: Trek to Bhimthang via Larke pass

The day seven of Manaslu circuit trek is the actual Larke pass trek, We will spend around one hour in Larkey pass and descend towards Bhimthang. The windy weather and melting of snow are the major challenges we face in Manaslu. 

Can mules or horses walk through Larke pass?

Yes, mules or horses walk through Larke pass. The trekkers who find it difficult to walk the ascending trial to Larke pass can ride on horses as well. If the landscape is filled with snow, then horse cannot walk on it. Therefore, those who are planning to ride on horse should plan their trekking in late April May, September, October or November. 

Why is larkya Pass famous?

Larke Pass is famous for its scenic beauty. It connects Annapurna and Manaslu region. It offers shortest route for trade and business. Since Mananslu is remote area, purchasing daily goods is also difficult for local people. Therefore, local people trek through larke La pass to buy and selling daily household products. 

Along with trade route, Larke pass is famous for camping during Larke peak climbing. It is one of the challenging point in Manaslu circuit trek where the low temperature and windy weather after noon creates difficulty to bypass through it. 

Best time for Larke Pass trek

Spring and autumn are the best time for Larke Pass trek.  Mid-March to mid-May of spring and mid-September to mid-November are the best months for treking to Larke pass. The pleasant weather and moderate temperature during spring and autumn worth it. 

Early march and late November is not favorable for Larke pass trekking due to heavy snow. We can use crampons even though cold weather will increase difficulty. 

Weather in Larke

The table below shows average monthly temperature in Manaslu circuit and average seasonal temperature on Larke La pass which represents over all temperature of Manaslu region.

Table 1: Manaslu circuit and Larke pass temperature profile

Overall june is the hottest month and January is the coldest month in Manaslu circuit. The Average day temperature in the table 1 shows the monthly temperature in lower region of Manaslu circuit. Average seasonal temperature in Larke pass

Difficulty in Larke La Pass

Altitude sickness is the most common difficulty in Larke La Pass. Ascending a trail towards high altitude increases the difficulty in breathing, and trekkers may suffer from headaches. We should not spend more time at such high elevation. Trekkers should descend towards Bhimthang as soon as possible if you feel uncomfortable. 

How hard is Larke La Pass? 

Larke La pass is leveled as moderately hard due to Larkey pass elevation. Its highest altitude is a challenge with thin atmosphere and high chance of altitude sickness. Walking with crampons, cold weather, and steep slopes to Bhimthang is also a difficult trial of Manaslu.

Possible side trips from Larke Pass

Larke La Pass offers peak climbing and descending trek to Bhimthang. Therefore, the possible side trips to Larke pass are:

• Larkey peak climbing
• Trek to Bhimthang

Permit for Larkey pass

There is no separate permit for Larke Pass. The permits for the Manaslu circuit trek are enough for Larkey Pass as well. 

The required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are:

• Manaslu restricted area permit
• Manaslu conservation area permit
• Annapurna conservation area permit

Conclusion of Larke La pass Nepal

Larke Pass is the attraction of Manaslu. It is one of the longest and highest passes of Nepal. Along with challenges, it offers stunning views of the mountains and landscape of both the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. Larke Peak climbing is also possible with a peak climbing permit.