We leave Tsarang after breakfast and drop into the Charang Khola canyon, crossing the stream before climbing the far side on a clear path. The landscape is bare and wide, with eroded hills in shades of grey, ochre and purple. Chortens and cairns mark the way, and you may pass horse caravans or herders moving goats.
After about two hours of steady climbing, gaining around 400 m, you reach the Lo La, a broad pass at about 3,950 m strung with prayer flags. Below lies the plateau of Lo, and in its middle the rectangular walls of Lo Manthang with the palace rising inside. On a clear day the snow peaks of the Tibetan border and the Annapurna range stand behind.
From the pass it is about an hour down across fields to the main gate. Tradition asks visitors to enter on foot. The walk is moderate: total time 3–4 hours, about 400 m up and 100 m down, at an altitude where every step uphill counts. Jeep travellers can do the same route on foot by having the jeep wait below the pass.
Good for
- Photographers
- Couples
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How high is the Lo La?
The Lo La pass between Tsarang and Lo Manthang is about 3,950 m. From Tsarang at 3,560 m that is a climb of roughly 400 m over 2–2.5 hours. It is a broad, gentle pass with prayer flags and a view of Lo Manthang's walls below. Altitude is the main difficulty.
Can jeep travellers walk the last stage to Lo Manthang?
Yes, and we recommend it if you are fit. The jeep can drop you near the pass or wait in Tsarang while you walk the 3–4 hours to Lo Manthang, carrying only a daypack. Seeing the walls appear from the Lo La on foot is the classic way to arrive.
Is the Tsarang to Lo Manthang stage hard?
It is moderate. Expect 3–4 hours of walking with about 400 m of climbing to the Lo La at around 3,950 m. The trail is clear and not steep for long, but the altitude makes you breathless. Walk slowly, drink water and keep warm layers handy for the wind on the pass.
