Larkya La crosses the ridge between the upper Budhi Gandaki and the Dudh Khola, a tributary of the Marsyangdi on the Annapurna side. Wikipedia and Nepal maps give its height as 5,106 m, while many trekking agencies quote 5,160 m; we use the lower figure, but you will see both on signs and certificates. It is one of the longest pass crossings in the Nepal Himalaya, with a gradual approach from the east and a steep, rocky drop on the west.
The day starts at Dharamsala, also called Larkya Phedi, a group of stone lodges and tent platforms at about 4,460 m. Trekkers leave between 3 and 5 am with headtorches, climbing slowly over the lateral moraine of the Larkya Glacier past small frozen lakes. Dawn arrives as you gain height, lighting the peaks around you. Most people reach the prayer flags at the top in 3 to 5 hours, depending on fitness and snow.
From the pass the view opens west to Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. Then comes the hardest part for many: a long, steep descent on loose scree and often snow or ice, followed by moraine and grass down to Bimthang at about 3,590 m. With the climb and descent together, plan 8 to 10 hours. Good weather, good acclimatisation and an early start are what make the day safe.
What to see and do
- Pre-dawn climb
Headtorches bob up the moraine in the dark, stars bright overhead and frozen lakes crunching underfoot. As light comes, the peaks of the Larkya and Manaslu ranges turn pink around you. The early start is cold but one of the most memorable parts of the trek.
- Prayer flags at 5,106 m
The top of the pass is marked by a cairn and long strings of prayer flags. Most groups spend 10 to 20 minutes here for photographs, a hot drink from a flask and a moment to take in the highest point of the circuit.
- Annapurna side panorama
West of the pass a new set of mountains appears: Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II (7,937 m). The change from the Manaslu side is dramatic and marks the end of the climb.
- Larkya Glacier
The approach from Dharamsala follows the Larkya Glacier's moraine, with views across the ice to the surrounding peaks. Small glacial lakes, often frozen in autumn, lie beside the trail.
- The long descent to Bimthang
The steep drop on the west side loses about 1,500 m to Bimthang. Loose scree and seasonal snow make it slow, but the reward is Bimthang's meadow with the north face of Manaslu glowing at sunset.
Experiences in Larkya La
How to reach Larkya La
On foot
From Samdo walk 3.5 to 4 hours to Dharamsala (4,460 m) and sleep there. Next day leave by 4 am and climb 3 to 5 hours to Larkya La (5,106 m), then descend 4 to 5 hours to Bimthang (3,590 m). The total crossing is about 15 to 16 km.
Helicopter
There is no planned helicopter service over the pass for trekkers. In emergencies helicopters can land at Dharamsala or Bimthang in good weather. Trekkers who do not want to cross can fly out from Samagaun instead, a common choice on our heli return itinerary.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation on the pass itself. The night before the crossing is spent at Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi, about 4,460 m), where a few basic stone lodges and a tented camp offer dormitory or twin rooms, a shared dining hut and outside toilets. Beds are limited and fill quickly in October, so in peak weeks some groups sleep in tents provided by the lodges. After the pass you sleep in Bimthang, which has a row of teahouses on its meadow. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least −15 °C for Dharamsala.
Tips from our trip managers
- Go to bed by 7:30 pm at Dharamsala and pack the night before; most groups leave between 3 and 5 am.
- Carry 2 litres of water in insulated bottles or keep them inside your jacket so they do not freeze.
- Pack microspikes or ask your guide about them from November, when ice and snow are common on the descent.
- Eat a proper breakfast at Dharamsala and keep snacks in your pocket; you will burn a lot of energy.
- Turn back to Samdo if anyone has altitude symptoms at Dharamsala; the pass is not the place to test them.
