Larkey La Pass (5106)

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Larkey La Pass (5106)

Larke La pass is one of the world’s longest and highest hiking passes. It is a part of the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Larkya La stands at the height of 5106 meters above sea level. It is a junction for the treks to Manaslu Base Camp and Bhimtang Valley. The pass has its name after the Larkya peak. Larkya peak is a 6249 meters tall mountain in the Annapurna region. The trail leads to the right sub-peak of Manaslu.

The Nepal-China border is not far from Larkya Pass. It connects Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is also known as the Larkya Pass Trek. Trekkers must cross a high, protracted mountain pass to complete the Manaslu circuit trek.

The trek of Larkya La pass gives you the most mesmerizing views of the Annapurna and Manaslu range.

How to reach Larkey La pass

Route

When touring the Manaslu Circuit, you have to reach Arughat by jeep. Then you will reach Macha Khola and pass Jagat-Dyang-Ghap-Lho Gaun-Samagaon. People use Samagaon as an acclimatization spot. You must get to Dharmasala from Samagaon to reach the Larke La Pass. The destination is the Dharmasala, also referred to as Larkya la Base Camp.

The trek will provide breathtaking views of Manaslu and Manaslu North, Samdo Peak, Naike Peak, Larke Peak, and Cheo Himal.

After that, you ought to go back to the Larke Phedi. Reaching the Phedi will give you enough time to acclimatize to the next destination. People usually stay the night and cross the Larkya La Pass the next day.

The following day would be the day to cross the Larkya La. After getting a head start and rest, you will arrive at the Larkya Glacier. Its route will rise very steadily.

Kang Guru (6981 meters), Himlung (7126 meters), Annapurna II (7937 meters), and several other peaks are all visible from here. They are accessible from the summit and rise above 6000 meters. As you move closer to Bhimtang, prayer flags will flutter in the wind. A rocky, uneven trail will take you across the glacial moraine. But the breathtaking sunrise views over Larke Peak will make it worthwhile.

Permits

Reaching the Larkya La Pass will require certain permits. They coincide with the permits for the usual Manaslu trek. There are three of these permits. The Manaslu Restricted Area permit (MRAP), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Tourist Information Management System Permit(TIMS). The first two permits are special permits required for the area. But the TIMS permit is a general trekking permit needed to trek anywhere in Nepal except on some routes.

The cost of the permits varies based on the season you’re trekking. Winter, Spring, and Summer Seasons will cost USD 145 per person. USD 7 is charged for each additional day.

Autumn Season’s cost is USD 165 per person for seven days. Then an additional USD 10 per day following that.

Difficulties of Larke La Pass

Altitude sickness

Larkya La Pass is the longest and highest elevation pass in Manaslu region. This destination is among the highest trekking point of various Manaslu treks. The dangers of altitude sickness are quite common. So, people usually travel with a pre-planned itinerary. They acclimatize a day or two before reaching the highest elevation point. They also travel less a day before crossing the highest elevation point.

Moreover, a trek with guides and porters makes the altitude sickness risks less. The guides are an experienced bunch and can teach you what to do. Similarly, a heavy load will cause burden if you suffer from altitude sickness. Thus, consider taking porter as well.

Taking a first aid kit with medication like Diamox will also help you. Hydration and avoiding caffeine is also the best way to prevent such sickness.

Rugged and Steep Land-form

The Manaslu region is a very remote tourist destination. Above that, the Larkya La Pass is the trek’s highest point, and the route is rough. It is very steep and has tough icy trails. Especially in winter, the roads will be very tough and cause a lot of trouble. You could get sick or get frostbite. You might slip and fall along the icy trails and so much more.

These challenges are, however, overcome by planning the trek in the appropriate season. If you want to cross the Larke La pass, do it in autumn or spring. The monsoon rains will make the trails very rough. The winter will be more dangerous with snow storms and slippery trails.