--- title: "Larkya La Pass Guide: 5,106 m Crossing, Snow, Weather and…" description: "Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit" canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide" last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45" --- High pass # Larkya La Pass Guide: 5,106 m Crossing, Snow, Weather and Turnaround Decisions Larkya La is the Manaslu Circuit's highest and most committing stage, commonly planned at about 5,106 m although published figures vary. The crossing combines an early start, high-altitude ascent, possible snow or ice and a long descent toward Bimthang. Current conditions and group health decide whether it is safe. **5,106 m**Site reference **8–10 h**Typical stage **Early**Start window **Bimthang**Descent goal DB **By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**3 min read **✓ Reviewed 21 Aug 2026** Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change. [Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology) Current information ✓ Last checked: 21 Aug 2026 Permits, fees, flights, border rules and operating conditions can change. We use official and current sources whenever possible and recommend reconfirming time-sensitive details before travel. [Official sources ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/mount-manaslu)[What to recheck →](/data-methodology) Details and source context Status Planning guidance reviewed Applies to Manaslu Circuit Trek Last checked 21 Aug 2026 On this page ## What the pass day involves A typical plan leaves Dharamsala early, climbs through high moraine or snow terrain, reaches the broad pass area and descends for several hours toward Bimthang. Walking time is a planning range, not a promise. Darkness, weather or illness can make the descent more serious than the ascent. ## The evening-before check - Group health, headache, nausea, sleep, balance and breathing - Forecast, wind, visibility, fresh snow and recent trail reports - Water, fuel, food, headlamp, layers, gloves and eye protection - Start time, turnaround time, descent route and communication plan Local Planning Note · Amigo Treks Team **Field advice** Do not treat the pass as compulsory. A safe delayed crossing is better than a rushed high-altitude decision. ## Pass-day decision table Use the guide's local assessment and the person's symptoms together. - Stable group and clear conditions: start early, pace slowly and keep the group together. - Worsening headache, nausea or unusual fatigue: do not gain more sleeping altitude or continue without assessment. - Confusion, poor coordination, breathlessness at rest or a wet cough: treat as an emergency and arrange urgent descent. - Fresh snow, high wind, poor visibility or unsafe ice: delay, turn around or use the agreed lower fallback. ## Equipment and pacing - Insulated layers, shell, gloves, hat, sunglasses and headlamp - Water capacity, high-energy food and any personal medication - Trekking poles and traction only when the guide confirms the current need - A pace that protects the slowest member and avoids a late descent - A daypack that keeps essentials accessible even when porters are ahead ## The descent to Bimthang The pass is only the midpoint of the hardest day. Loose rock, snow, ice, fatigue and changing visibility can affect the descent. Keep enough daylight and energy margin, and do not let a successful pass ascent force a group to continue when the lower trail becomes unsafe. ## Who should reconsider the crossing Trekkers with insufficient acclimatization, worsening symptoms, no weather margin, limited high-altitude experience or a fixed onward flight should discuss a lower or delayed plan with the guide and operator. A pass statistic cannot replace a current route decision. Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### Manaslu altitude guide Review symptoms and descent decisions before pass day.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-altitude-sickness)[Related guide ### Manaslu trek difficulty Match training and recovery to the longest high stage.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-difficulty)[Related guide ### Manaslu trek itinerary See where Samagaun, Samdo and Dharamsala create margin.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-itinerary) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions What is the altitude of Larkya La?+ This guide uses about 5,106 m while noting that published maps also show higher figures. Treat the pass as a very high-altitude crossing regardless of the exact number. How long is pass day?+ Allow a full, demanding day and use the guide's current estimate. Terrain, snow, weather, pace and the descent can change the duration. Is Larkya La open all year?+ Do not assume it is. Snow, wind, ice, route conditions and lodge operations can change access, especially in winter or after storms. Do I need crampons?+ Microspikes or crampons are required when snowpack or morning ice covers the pass approach; licensed guides assess current trail safety daily. What if I cannot cross?+ Turn around or use the agreed lower fallback. The operator should explain the route, cost and timing implications before the trek starts. ## Sources & methodology Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking. [**Nepal Tourism Board — Mount Manaslu** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/mount-manaslu) [**Nepal Tourism Board - safety in the mountains** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/en/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/safety-in-the-mountains) Continue planning ## Related Manaslu Circuit guides [Contingency planning ### Pass closure plan Read the Pass closure plan guide →](/manaslu-circuit/what-if-larkya-la-pass-is-closed)[Safety ### Snow and Larkya La Pass Closure Read the Snow and Larkya La Pass Closure guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-snow-pass-closure)[Monthly guide ### in January Read the in January guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-in-january)[Monthly guide ### in February Read the in February guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-in-february) Personalised planning ## Plan Your Manaslu Circuit Journey Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Manaslu Circuit itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers. [Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Manaslu%20Circuit%20journey.)[Back to Manaslu Circuit](/manaslu-circuit) Plan with context ## Custom Himalayan Route Planning Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing. [Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Larkya%20La%20Pass%20Guide.)[← All Manaslu Circuit guides](/manaslu-circuit) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Larkya La Pass Guide. Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place. Your request goes directly to [Amigo Treks & Expedition](https://www.amigotrekking.com/), our Kathmandu-based trekking and tour team. The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending. See the Privacy Policy. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy) - Route and pace fit for your dates - Practical trade-offs and fallback options - A reply from the local planning team Usually replied to within 1 business day. This is not an emergency channel or medical assessment. **Send a short planning request**Name and a short message are required. Add an email or phone number so we know where to reply. Your name * Email (or phone; one required) Phone (or email; one required) Short message *At least 10 characters. Do not send passport, payment or medical documents. 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[Explore Community Discussions](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide#discussion)[Sign in](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/login?redirect=%2Fmanaslu-circuit%2Flarkya-la-pass-guide%23discussion)[Create an account](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/register?redirect=%2Fmanaslu-circuit%2Flarkya-la-pass-guide%23discussion) Verified accounts share firsthand field notes; new submissions are moderated for accuracy. ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#organization","name":"Himalayan Travel Guide","description":"A practical, source-aware travel planning library for Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Mount Kailash and the wider Himalaya, published at nepaltibetbhutan.com.","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#logo","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/_next/static/images/himalayan-travel-guide-logo.webp"},"founder":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal#person"},"parentOrganization":{"@id":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/#organization"},"sameAs":["https://www.amigotrekking.com/"],"address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Kathmandu","addressCountry":"NP"},"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"editorial corrections","email":"info@amigotrekking.com"}},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/#organization","name":"Amigo Treks \u0026 Expedition","url":"https://www.amigotrekking.com/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#website","name":"Himalayan Travel Guide","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide#webpage","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide","name":"Larkya La Pass Guide: 5,106 m Crossing, Snow, Weather and Turnaround Decisions","description":"Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit's Larkya La crossing with route sequence, altitude, weather, equipment, pace and conservative turnaround decisions.","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#website"},"dateModified":"2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45","mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide#article"}},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide#article","headline":"Larkya La Pass Guide: 5,106 m Crossing, Snow, Weather and Turnaround Decisions","description":"Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit's Larkya La crossing with route sequence, altitude, weather, equipment, pace and conservative turnaround decisions.","url":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/larkya-la-pass-guide#webpage"},"inLanguage":"en","dateModified":"2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45","author":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal#person"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/author-dinesh-bhusal#person","name":"Dinesh Bhusal","jobTitle":"Director \u0026 Co-Founder, Amigo Treks \u0026 Expedition; 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