Larkya La Pass (Manaslu Region): Overview
Region – Manaslu Region
Starting Point – Soti Khola
Altitude – 5106 meters
Nearest Landmark – Dharmashala and Bhimphedi
Best Time – Autumn and Spring
Permits – Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
Treks Related to the Pass – Manaslu Circuit Trek
One of the highest and longest Passes in the world comprises the Larkay La Pass. This Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek. It lies at 5106 meters above sea level. The remote height of the pass and its length make it a very tough Pass to cross. Trekkers often practice a high level of caution and preparation to cross the Larkya La Pass.
The Larkay La Pass is popularly named after the Larkay Peak that lies close to it. The Larkay Peak is one of the tallest peaks in the Annapurna range at 6249 meters. The Manaslu circuit trek, or the Larkya La trek, allows you to get closer to this peak. The pass lies quite close to the Nepal- Tibet borders. Hence, excellent views of the northern Himalayas are seen during this trek.
Crossing the Larkay La Pass is an excellent way for an adventure. Plus it will give you brilliant views of the mountains in Annapurna and Manaslu range.
Highlights
- Get spectacular views of the Himalayas, including the eight-thousanders, the Manaslu, and many other mountain ranges.
- Get to travel to the place that is marked as the Mount Manaslu Base Camp.
- Travel to remote places in Nepal and familiarize yourself with the lifestyle of Sherpas Tamangs and Gurungs.
- Also, experience a unique Tibetan lifestyle
- Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola to start your trek
- Observe ancient monasteries or Gompas of the Manaslu region
- Pass through the alpine forest in the Manaslu conservation area.
- See the aesthetically pleasing valleys of Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi.
How to Reach the Larkya La Pass ?
The Larkya La Pass can be reached by traversing through various places in the Manaslu region. It will take you around 10 to 12 days to reach the Larkya La Pass and get back to your starting point.
You have to start your journey by taking a drive from Kathmandu to reach Soti Khola. It will be around a 7-hour long drive. From Soti Khola, your trekking journey begins. You will head towards Machha Khola, traversing through vibrant forests alongside the river.
From Machha Khola, the next destination will be a place called Jagat. The trek to Jagat comprises passing vibrant alpine green forests. After Jagat, you will then head to a Buddhist hamlet named Deng. Deng is a very cozy and welcoming place that is great for cultural exploration. Then you will find yourself marching towards another similar hamlet called Namrung.
The road further to reach Larkay La Pass will lead you to Samagaon. Samagaon is a hub for acclimatization. People stay here for a day or two to rest and get accommodated in these remote hamlets. After that, you will have to head to Samdo, which can be led through steep terrains and smooth trails.
Past Samdo, you will not find densely populated places. You will have one more stop before reaching the Larkay La Pass, and it is quite remote. The next ascent during your trek will be a place called Larkay La Phedi or Dharmashala. The next destination from Dharmashala is Larkay La Pass.
Larkay La Pass is basically a traverse road between Dharamshala and Bhimthang. After you leave Larkay La Phedi or Dharmashala, you will head for Bhimthang. This will consist of a rough trail that passes through the Larkay La Glacier. You will gain quite a bit of elevation during this hike as you ought to reach the point at 5106 meters.
You will reach Bhimthang after around 8 hours of arduous trek. After that, you have to follow the trails to return back to Kathmandu. You will descend down to Dharapani from Bhimthang. The trails will be similar to previous ones with alpine forests. You can find Rhododendrons, pines, and bamboo tree forests throughout the hike. After you reach Dharapani, you can rest as your hike ends here. You can return back to Kathmandu through a by-road travel via Besi Sahar.
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