If you are looking for a trek that is wild, beautiful, and still far from the crowds, the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is your answer. This incredible journey takes you around the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163m), through ancient villages, dense forests, and high alpine glaciers. Furthermore, it crosses the famous Larke Pass Manaslu at 5,106 meters, offering some of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Nepal.
The Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass is not just a walk in the mountains. It is a full adventure that blends cultural discovery, natural wonder, and personal achievement into one unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a curious explorer, this guide will give you every reason and every detail to pack your bags and go.
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is a high-altitude circular route located in the Gorkha Manaslu region of Nepal. It circles around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, and crosses the legendary Larke La Pass at an elevation of 5,106 meters. Additionally, this trail connects with the Annapurna Circuit connection, making it one of Nepal’s most exciting and rewarding long-distance treks.
Unlike Everest or Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit Trek remains a restricted trekking zone. That means fewer tourists, more authentic experiences, and a deeper connection with the Himalayan wilderness. The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, rich with biodiversity, glaciers, and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages like Samagaun village.
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek has grown in popularity for very good reasons. Here, therefore, are the 7 most compelling reasons why this trek deserves to be on your bucket list.
First and foremost, Mount Manaslu trekking offers solitude that is nearly impossible to find on Everest or Annapurna trails. Because the Manaslu restricted area permit limits visitor numbers, the trails feel pure and peaceful.
Furthermore, as you trek deeper into the Gorkha Manaslu region, the culture shifts dramatically. Lower valleys show Hindu traditions, while upper villages near Samagaun village reflect Tibetan Buddhism.
Moreover, when you finally reach the Larke La Pass height of 5,106 meters, the visual reward is absolutely staggering. The Larke Pass altitude puts you above the clouds, with 360-degree views of massive Himalayan giants.
Additionally, the Manaslu Conservation Area protects one of Nepal’s richest ecosystems. As you trek through it, you walk through multiple climate zones.
Notably, the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek 14 days itinerary is one of the most balanced high-altitude trek schedules in Nepal. It gives your body enough time to acclimatize safely.
Another great reason is the Annapurna Circuit connection. After crossing Larke Pass, the trail descends into Dharapani, the entry point of the Annapurna Circuit. So, you can continue trekking if you wish!
Finally, the Larke Pass Trek is transformative. Crossing a 5,000m+ pass, sleeping in remote teahouses, and pushing your body to new limits builds resilience, confidence, and gratitude.
The Larke Pass Manaslu crossing is the hardest single day of the entire circuit. Consequently, most trekkers start before dawn, around 3–4 AM, from Dharamsala to Larke Phedi to avoid afternoon storms. The approach involves walking across a glacier with loose rocks and steep snowfields.
However, with good preparation, proper acclimatisation, and a reliable guide, the Larke La Pass height is absolutely achievable by most healthy adults.
The Manaslu trek difficulty is rated moderate to challenging. Therefore, a complete beginner who has never hiked before should not attempt Mount Manaslu trekking without first building fitness. However, an intermediate hiker who has done multi-day trails can absolutely do it with the right mindset.
Beginners who prepare well are often surprised by how much they can achieve. Additionally, the supportive teahouse culture along the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass makes the journey far more manageable than it sounds.
The Manaslu trekking itinerary below covers the classic Larke Pass Trek 14 days route. Moreover, this is the most popular schedule used by trekking agencies in Nepal.
Getting the right permits is essential for the Larke Pass Trek. In fact, without a proper Manaslu restricted area permit, you cannot legally enter the trekking zone.
Furthermore, the Annapurna Circuit connection at the end of the trek requires an ACAP permit, so plan ahead and get all permits at the same time.
Choosing the right season is critical for a safe and enjoyable Larke Pass Trek.
The best time for Larke Pass Trek is without doubt spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these seasons, the Larke La Pass height is safely crossable, the skies are clear, and the mountain views are extraordinary.
Both treks are iconic. But which one should you choose? Here is a direct comparison to help you decide.
The Larke Pass Trek vs Annapurna Circuit debate depends entirely on what you want. If you crave raw wilderness, cultural depth, and fewer fellow trekkers, the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass wins clearly. On the other hand, if you want easier logistics and a more developed trail, Annapurna Circuit is easier to manage.
Interestingly, the Annapurna Circuit connection at Dharapani means you can combine both routes. That way, you experience Larke Pass Manaslu AND Thorong La Pass, two of Nepal’s greatest high-altitude crossings in one grand journey.
Nepal has many tough treks, but the Larke Pass Trek consistently ranks among the most challenging accessible treks in the country. However, the truly toughest is widely considered to be the Upper Dolpo Circuit or the Kanchenjunga Circuit, both even more remote and physically demanding.
The 3 Passes Trek in the Everest region is generally considered harder than the Larke Pass Trek because it crosses three high passes instead of one. Furthermore, it requires more days and covers greater distances. However, the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass is actually more remote and culturally immersive.
Packing smart is essential for the Larke Pass Trek. Because the trail enters remote terrain and high altitude, every item on your Manaslu trek packing list should serve a clear purpose.
The Larke Pass Trek 14 days itinerary starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, then trekking through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun village, Samdo, and Dharamsala Larke Phedi before crossing Larke Pass Manaslu and descending to Bimthang and Dharapani. The route covers approximately 177km and crosses through the Manaslu Conservation Area. It includes two acclimatisation days to help your body adjust to the high altitude. The trek ends with a drive back to Kathmandu. This is the most popular and recommended format for the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass.
You need three main permits: the Manaslu restricted area permit (mandatory, requires a licensed guide and minimum 2 trekkers), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and if you continue to Dharapani, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You also need a TIMS card. All Larke Pass Trek permit documents must be carried throughout the trek, as there are multiple checkpoints along the Larke Pass Trek map route. These can be arranged in Kathmandu through a registered trekking agency.
The best time for Larke Pass Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the skies are clear, the trail is dry, and the Larke La Pass height at 5,106m is safely crossable. Spring also brings beautiful rhododendron flowers throughout the lower Manaslu Conservation Area. Autumn offers crystal-clear visibility and excellent mountain views. Monsoon (June–August) brings dangerous trail conditions, while winter makes the Larke Pass altitude extremely dangerous due to heavy snow.
The Larke Pass Manaslu crossing is the most challenging day of the entire Larke Pass Trek. Trekkers typically begin at 3–4 AM from Dharamsala Larke Phedi to safely reach the top before afternoon storms. The Larke La Pass height of 5,106m means thin air and reduced oxygen. The trail crosses a glacier with icy, steep sections near the summit. Despite this, thousands of trekkers complete it yearly with proper preparation and acclimatization. Manaslu trek difficulty on pass day is rated high, but manageable with fitness and a good guide.
A complete beginner is not recommended to attempt the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass without prior hiking experience. However, an intermediate hiker with basic fitness training can do it with proper preparation. The key is to train for at least 3–4 months, choose the Larke Pass Trek 14 days format for better acclimatisation, hire a reliable guide, and study the Larke Pass Trek map in advance. Manaslu trek difficulty is real but achievable. Many first-time high-altitude trekkers have completed it successfully by pacing themselves and listening to their guide.
The Larke Pass Trek map is available from trekking agencies in Kathmandu’s Thamel district, from the Nepal Tourism Board, and as digital offline maps through apps like Maps.me and Gaia GPS. The map shows the full circuit route through the Gorkha Manaslu region, including checkpoints for your Larke Pass Trek permit, key villages like Samagaun village, acclimatisation stops, and the trail to Dharamsala Larke Phedi. Having both a physical and a digital offline copy of the Larke Pass Trek map is strongly recommended for safety in the remote Manaslu Conservation Area.
Your Manaslu trek packing list should include: a -10°C sleeping bag, down jacket, waterproof jacket and pants, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, sturdy waterproof boots, gaiters, trekking poles, a headlamp, altitude medicine (Diamox), a first aid kit, water purification tablets, high-energy snacks, cash (no ATMs past Arughat), and copies of your Larke Pass Trek permit. Also download an offline Manaslu Larke Pass Trek map on your phone. Pack light, ideally under 12kg, and hire a porter for heavier bags. Cold nights near Dharamsala, Larke Phedi demand quality gear.
The Annapurna Circuit connection happens at Dharapani, the village you reach after descending from Larke Pass Manaslu through Bimthang and Tilije. Dharapani is the official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit, so after completing the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass, trekkers can seamlessly continue into the Annapurna region. This combined route is one of Nepal’s ultimate trekking experiences. However, you need to obtain an ACAP permit in addition to your Manaslu restricted area permit to do so. Many experienced Mount Manaslu trekking enthusiasts complete both circuits in a single trip.
Samagaun village sits at 3,530m and is the cultural crown jewel of the Larke Pass Trek. Located directly beneath the massive south face of Mount Manaslu, it is a traditional Tibetan-Buddhist village with ancient gompas (monasteries), mani walls, prayer flags, and warm Tibetan hospitality. Most Manaslu trekking itinerary plans include a full acclimatisation day here, allowing trekkers to explore the village and visit the famous Pungyen Gompa. Samagaun village also serves as a base camp for Manaslu expedition teams and is a key checkpoint for your Manaslu Trek permit.
Absolutely, the Larke Pass Trek is worth every step. It offers a rare combination of dramatic mountain scenery, authentic Tibetan-Buddhist culture, rich wildlife in the Manaslu Conservation Area, and the thrilling achievement of crossing Larke Pass at an altitude of 5,106m. Unlike more commercialised treks, the Manaslu circuit trek with Larke Pass remains beautifully remote due to the Manaslu restricted area permit system. Furthermore, the Annapurna Circuit connection makes it extendable for those who want more. Trekkers consistently rank Mount Manaslu trekking as one of their top life experiences, and the Gorkha Manaslu region never disappoints.
