Mountain
Larke Pass Trek – 14 Days

Larke Pass Trek – 14 Days

Duration :   13 Nights/14 Days
Places Covered :  
  • Kathmandu
  • Machha Khola
  • Jagat
  • Namrung
  • Lho Gaun
  • Samagaon
  • Samdo
  • Larkya La Pass
  • Bhimtang
  • Tilije

The Larke Pass Trek is a rewarding Himalayan journey that takes you through remote mountain villages, peaceful forests, deep river valleys and high alpine landscapes in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The path is scenic and offers a glimpse into the traditional culture of the area, making it a great option for those who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s also a wonderful way for trekkers to experience a less-traveled route that offers beautiful scenery and a glimpse into the local culture. As you trek, you will pass across the suspension bridges, visit the traditional villages and experience changing landscapes as you slowly move into the high Himalayas along the Budhi Gandaki River.

The path winds through villages that have been visited by people over thousands of years and much of the life remains unchanged. The Tibetan Buddhist influence can be seen as you climb higher: the monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, prayer flags and the warm-natured locals. There is something new and different that can be seen every day: green hills, terraced farmland, rugged mountains and broad glacial valleys. Traveling is interesting and rewarding, from start to finish, because of the changing scenery.

The Larkya La Pass Trek is the highest and most picturesque trekking pass in Nepal, at the elevation of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft). It is a wonderful achievement to reach the top, where we can see the panoramic view of the Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II and several other snow-covered peaks. The day before going over the pass of the mountain, the day is spent in Samagaon (3520 m / 11549 ft) for acclimatisation. This slow and steady approach will make the journey easier and more enjoyable.

The Manaslu Larke Pass trek is appropriate for physically fit and experienced trekkers willing to hike for several days in the remote mountain area. The walks are generally from 4 to 9 hours long and there are comfortable tea house lodgings along the way. A combination of natural beauty, local culture and high mountain adventure offers a well-balanced trek for all levels of experience and for the more enthusiastic first-time trekker.

From your arrival in Kathmandu to the end of your trek, Nyindha Adventures provides experienced guides, a well-planned trek and dedicated local support to enjoy a safe, well-organised and memorable trek.


Package Highlights

  • Cross the fantastic Larkya La Pass and enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayan range.
  • Experience the scenic and less crowded area of the Manaslu trekking area.
  • Explore the old villages of Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient monasteries.
  • Get a view of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II.
  • On your acclimatization day, take a hike up to the beautiful Birendra Lake.
  • Stroll through forests, rivers, alpine meadows and glacier valleys.
  • Cross over the Budhi Gandaki River with exciting suspension bridges.
  • Overstay at traditional tea houses and experience the warm hospitality from the locals.
  • Get a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of the Himalayan villages.
  • Go on a scenic Himalayan tour with all different kinds of landscapes and mountain views.

Daywise Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal. A representative from the Nyindha Adventures team will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and help you with your luggage upon arrival and then take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. It will take about 30 minutes to drive. Upon arrival, you may check in and unwind from your travels. Later in the day, you will be introduced to the other members of your group and your trekking guide for a detailed trek brief. The guide will inform you about the route, safety measures and other essential information about the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek. You’ll have time to pick up any last-minute packing essentials or personal items in the local area. By the time you get up the next morning, the long journey to Machha Khola is in front of you, so it is advised that you get an early night’s sleep.

  • Activity: Airport transfer and trek briefing, 30 minutes
  • Maximum Altitude: 1300m / 4,265ft (Kathmandu)
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel in Kathmandu

After an early breakfast, we begin a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu towards Machha Khola. The route is taken on the Prithvi Highway, passing through Thankot and the Trishuli River Valley and then detours from the main highway near Dhading. While the road traverses the hills, take in sights of terraced farms, rivers, traditional villages and green forests. As we cross through Arughat, Soti Khola and a few small villages, we enter a rough mountain track as the road turns into a dirt track. On clear days you can glimpse views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and Langtang along the way. Once you arrive at the village, you can relax in your lodge and get ready for the first day of the hike.

  • Activity: 8 to 9 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 900m / 2,953ft (Machha Khola)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

This is the first day of your journey. After breakfast, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River and crosses a number of suspension bridges through small villages. This path climbs and descends the forests and farmlands and is a good introduction to the Manaslu region. You will cross through Khorlabesi and end up at the natural hot springs of Tatopani (1,040 m / 3,412 ft), where numerous trekkers spend a brief period. Then the trail passes by Dobhan and passes the Yaru Khola on a long suspension bridge, then climbs through Thulo Dhunga to Jagat. Jagat is a traditional stone village and the official gate to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.

  • Activity: 7 to 8 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 1340m / 4,396ft (Jagat)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

The route starts with a moderate, rocky ascent through a ridge and leads to Salleri (1,440 m / 4,724 ft), where you can see Chamar Peak. It then heads down to Sirdibas and then on through the large Gurung hamlet of Philim, which is characterised by its traditional stone houses and its terraced fields. The trail runs through forested areas of Philim, Ekle Bhatti, Nyak Phedi and Pewa before heading into the narrow valley. As you continue deeper into the area, you will see prayer wheels, mani walls and Buddhist symbols increase in prevalence. After a final hike through forests and across suspension bridges, you arrive at a quiet village that is nestled amongst hills and mountains where you can spend an evening.

  • Activity: 8 to 9 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 1860m / 6,102ft (Deng)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

Once you have left Deng, the trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki River and then rises through the forest and through small villages. It goes through Bihi Phedi and crosses the river Serang Khola via a suspension bridge. You will see a change of cultural and natural scene as you ascend on the trail. The footpath then passes through bamboo and rhododendron forests and then into Ghap and Prok villages. En route, you will also catch glimpses of Lidana Glacier and several snow-covered peaks. As you get closer to Namrung, you’ll see more prayer flags, mani walls and traditional Tibetan villages. Once there, one can spend time in the village monastery and enjoy stunning views of the mountains in the vicinity.

  • Activity: 7 to 8 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 2630m / 8,629ft (Namrung)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

Following breakfast, we climb through forests of oak, fir and rhododendron to a more alpine setting. The trail crosses through the traditional village of Lihi (2,910 m / 9,547 ft), where stone houses, prayer wheels and cultivated fields show the influence of the Tibetan Buddhist culture that prevails in the upper Manaslu region. We leave Lihi and take a trail towards Larkya Pass rather than to the Base Camp of Himalchuli. You will pass through the village of Sho (3,000 m / 9,843 ft) and gain more of a view of Manaslu, Saula Himal and Himalchuli. We walk gently uphill through forest to reach the peaceful village of Lho Gaun, where we can visit Ribung Monastery and enjoy the view of Mount Manaslu.

  • Activity: 4 to 5 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 3180m / 10,433ft (Lho Gaun)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

Today’s trek is a shorter one and you will be able to climb higher and higher while taking in the stunning scenery of the mountains. The trail from Lho goes through the valley of the Thusang Khola, through alpine meadows to the lovely village of Shyala. The surrounding peaks such as Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli and Peak 29 are magnificent, providing a spectacular mountain view. The track goes through light forests and over several suspension bridges before reaching the biggest settlement of the upper Manaslu region, Samagaon, from here. In this traditional Tibetan-influenced village, there are prayer walls, stone houses and monasteries. Once you have arrived, you can rest, walk around the village, or appreciate the great features of Mount Manaslu, which is rising above the valley.

  • Activity: 4 to 5 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 3520m / 11,549ft (Samagaon )
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

It is a day for acclimatization to the higher altitude and a vital component of the trek. You’ll spend most of the day on a short hike to acclimatize, but view some amazing mountain views. The most popular choice is a hike to the beautiful and scenic Birendra Lake (3460 m / 11352 ft), a glacial lake surrounded by the rocky hills at the feet of Mount Manaslu. For those who feel fit and want to go further, you can trek on to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). This trail passes through the Manaslu Glacier and starts to get steep near the end, where you’ll be able to walk close to the glacier and to the surrounding peaks. After the hike, you will reach Samagaon again for another night.

  • Activity: 3 to 7 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 4800m / 15,748ft (Manaslu Base Camp)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

After Samagaon, the path is more open and rugged, less wooded and more open country. The path slowly ascends through Kermo Khanka, passing through yak grazing areas and the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As you climb higher, the views of the glaciers and neighbouring mountains grow impressive.

The path follows the glacier moraine, then ascends slightly to reach the traditional Tibetan village of Samdo, near the Nepal-Tibet border. It has a special cultural vibe and several Tibetan families inhabit the village. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing and/or strolling around the village, before tackling the higher ground up ahead.

  • Activity: 4 to 5 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 3875m / 12,713ft (Samdo)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

This is a comparatively easy but higher elevation trek. The path then follows a gentle ascent through open alpine meadows which follow the Larkya Glacier. The walk traverses grazing grounds and then crosses the Salka Khola before ascending above it. On the way, you’ll find great views of the northern slopes of Manaslu and surrounding glaciers. This leads you to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi) by early afternoon, which is the last place before crossing Larkya La Pass. This is a small temporary village for housing trekkers. There is time for a bit of rest, fluid intake and preparations for the hard pass crossing early the following morning.

  • Activity: 4 to 5 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 4460m / 14,633ft (Dharmasala)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

This is the hardest and best day during the trek. We depart early in the morning, enjoying the peace of the pre-dawn conditions, when we cross Larkya La Pass. The path ascends through the Larkya Glacier until it starts to rise steeply through rocky, snowy terrain. The last stretch is a bit harder but is worth it for amazing vistas of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Annapurna II and other snow-capped mountains. A long descent through both Larkya Kharka and the alpine meadows of Tanbuche follows after a few minutes at the pass. The trail eventually leads to the lovely village of Bhimtang amidst glaciers and peaks. You can unwind at the lodge and the quiet alpine environment is ideal for relaxation after a hard day’s work.

  • Activity: 8 to 9 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 5106m / 16,752ft (Larkya La Pass)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

The trail is followed after breakfast through beautiful alpine scenery until it slowly enters greener forests. After crossing a wooden bridge, we head towards Hampuk before passing some grazing grounds such as Jangli Kharka, Sangure Kharka and Puktu Kharka. The landscape is more distinct as the height lowers and pine forests take the place of the rocky high mountain landscape. The track follows to Karche and then across the small Karche Pass (2715 m / 8907 ft). It then drops down gradually to the peaceful village of Goa, also known as Gho. Enjoy nice views of the hills, rivers and traditional villages along the way. Once you reach Goa, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind and toast to the completion of the most challenging part of the trek.

  • Activity: 6 to 7 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 2715m / 8,907ft (Karche Pass)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

The last day is spent with a nice downhill walk along the river Dudh Khola. After we cross the forests, the farm and small settlements, we arrive at Tilije where our private car is waiting for us. After a short distance, we cross Dharapani where the Dudh Khola enters the Marshyangdi River and the famous area of Annapurna trekking starts. We proceed along Dharapani Road to Besisahar and then back to Kathmandu via the highway. Along the way, the journey will take you through hills, rivers, villages and terraced fields. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will check in at your hotel and will be given the rest of the evening free at your disposal to relax, enjoy a farewell dinner or explore Kathmandu one last time.

  • Activity: Trekking and private drive, 9 to 10 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 1350m / 4,429ft (Kathmandu)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Today is the end of your Manaslu Larkya Pass trek. Our representative will send you to Tribhuvan International Airport from your hotel according to your flight time. The journey normally takes about 30 minutes, but may take longer during peak hours. Please be sure to pack all your belongings and travel papers before leaving the hotel. If you have time to spare in Nepal, you can consider extending your time by doing another trek, another sightseeing tour, or another wildlife adventure. Hopefully you have great memories of the mountains, culture and people you met on the trip and look forward to coming back again in the future.

  • Activity: Airport transfer, 30 minutes
  • Maximum Altitude: 1300m / 4,265ft (Kathmandu)
  • Meals: Breakfast

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Three-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, as per the itinerary.
  • Kathmandu – Machha Khola and Tilije – Kathmandu transportation.
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Best available tea house / lodge accommodation during the trek.
  • English-speaking, experienced, government-licensed trekking guide, including salary, food, accommodation, transport and insurance.
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits.
  • All government taxes and official expenses.
  • No Hidden Fees/Costs.

Exclusions

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • All hot and cold drinks.
  • Porter service (available at an additional cost).
  • Wi-Fi, hot showers and battery charging at tea houses.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s).

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