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Punam Phuyal
Larke Pass is the high hill that connects Annapurna conservation area and Manaslu conservation area. It is located at 5168 m above sea level exactly between Dharamsala and Bhimthang. It is one of the best places to explore the hidden gems of western Nepal. The stunning view of Manaslu and the Annapurna region from Larke is outstanding. It is a part of the Manaslu Circuit trekking route. This article tends to give a complete information about Larke Pass that will help trekkers and climbers to know about this place before planning a trek to Manaslu circuit or Larke peak climbing.
Larke La Pass is situated at the border between Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Areas. Ascending either from Bhimthang or Dharamsala takes us to Larke, the highest elevation of the Manaslu Circuit trek. The elevation of Larke Pass is 5168 m/ 16955.38 ft.
We can enjoy the amazing view of Larke Peak (6219 m), Mt Manaslu (8163 m), Gurkha massif (Ngadi Chuli), Himlung Himal (7126 m), Cheo Himal (6820 m), Annapurna II, and the glacier from Larke: the highest elevation of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Similarly, the snow-fed Larkya Glacier is also an amazing natural entity, adding beauty in Manaslu region.
The diverse landscape- the alpine meadows, rhododendron forest, and barren high-altitude passes are major landmarks of the Manaslu Circuit, which are visible on the route to Larke Pass. The diverse geographical arrangements are unique to explore during the trek. There are more than 2000 plant species and over 110 bird species within Manaslu Conservation Area. It is home of an endangered snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and many more mountain animals.
The ethic Tamang and Gurung communities are the locals of Manaslu. Tibetan lifestyle, Buddhist religion, and tradition are different than other parts of Nepal. We can see amazing architecture in the monasteries on the route to Larke Pass. There are different ancient Buddhist Gompas and chortens decorated by prayers flag. We can see high-altitude pastures with transhumance practices.
Larke Pass is the challenging high pass of the Manaslu Circuit trekking route. Passing through the highest elevation is adventurous. We can experience the amazing trek from Jagat to Deng, Namrung, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Sama Gaon, Dharamsala, and reach Larke La Pass.
Manaslu is a remote region where we can see simple lifestyle and innocent people. Traditional villages with a smaller number of people can be seen as a selective part of the trekking route. Similarly, it is restricted area where we can see limited trekkers resulting in less crowded trekking route.
Descending from Larke takes us to Bhimthang (3720 m) in Annapurna conservation area. The longest descend to Bhimthang is one of the rewarding descend on which trekkers will cover 14 to 15 kilometer distance with 1400 m elevation loss. The trekking route from Larke pass to Bhimthang is steep and rocky trial covered by snow most of the time. The dramatic change in landscape from alpine pasture to rhododendron and pine forest is amazing.
We can reach Larke Pass by trekking. We need to walk for seven days to reach Larke Pass. The trek to Larke Pass begins from Dharamsala. We should start the trek early in the morning to reach Larke La Pass before 12 pm. It takes around four hours to reach Larke La pass covering an 8 km distance from Dharamsala to Larke Pass. The high-altitude trek to Larke Pass is relatively challenging.
Day seven of the Manaslu circuit trek is the actual Larke Pass trek. We will spend around one hour in Larkey pass and descend towards Bhimthang. The windy weather and melting of snow are the major challenges we face in Manaslu.
Yes, mules or horses can walk through Larke Pass. The trekkers who find it difficult to walk the ascending trail to Larke Pass can ride on horses as well. If the landscape is filled with snow, then horses cannot walk on it. Therefore, those who are planning to ride on a horse should plan their trekking in late April, May, September, October, or November.
Larke Pass is famous for its scenic beauty. It connects the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. It offers the shortest route for trade and business. Since Mananslu is remote area, purchasing daily goods is also difficult for local people. Therefore, local people trek through Larke Pass to buy and selling daily household products.
Along with trade route, Larke Pass is famous for camping during Larke peak climbing. It is one of the challenging points in the Manaslu Circuit trek where the low temperature and windy weather after noon creates difficulty to bypass through it.
Spring and autumn are the best times for the Larke Pass trek. Mid-March to mid-May of spring and mid-September to mid-November are the best months for trekking to Larke Pass. The pleasant weather and moderate temperatures during spring and autumn worth it.
Early March and late November are not favorable for Larke Pass trekking due to heavy snow. We can use crampons even though cold weather will increase difficulty.
The table below shows average monthly temperatures in the Manaslu Circuit and average seasonal temperature on Larke La Pass, which represents over all temperature of the Manaslu region.
Table 1: Manaslu circuit and Larke pass temperature profile
| months | Average day temperature in lower region of Manaslu circuit | Season | Average temperature in Larke pass |
| March | 7.3 to 18.3 ℃ | Spring season | 0 – 6 ℃ in day -5 to -15 in night |
| April | 11.3 to 22.2 ℃ | ||
| May | 14.3 to 23 ℃ | ||
| June | 16.3 to 24.8 ℃ | Summer season | Day temp. 5 to 8 ℃ Night temp. below 0 ℃ |
| July | 16.8 to 22.8 ℃ | ||
| August | 16.1 to 22.8 ℃ | ||
| September | 14.3 to 21.8 ℃ | Autumn season | Day temp: 0 to 6 ℃ Night temp: -5 to -15 ℃ |
| October | 10.4 to 20.1 ℃ | ||
| November | 7.0 to 16.6 ℃ | ||
| December | 3.8 to 13.6 ℃ | Winter season | Day: -2 ℃ to 6 ℃ Night: -10 ℃ to -20 ℃ |
| January | 1.4 to 11.8 ℃ | ||
| February | 3.4 to 14.3 ℃ |
Overall, June is the hottest month, and January is the coldest month in the Manaslu Circuit. The average daily temperature in Table 1 shows the monthly temperature in the lower region of the Manaslu Circuit. Average seasonal temperature in Larke Pass
Altitude sickness is the most common difficulty in Larke La Pass. Ascending a trail towards high altitude increases the difficulty in breathing, and trekkers may suffer from headaches. We should not spend more time at such a high elevation. Trekkers should descend towards Bhimthang as soon as possible if you feel uncomfortable.
Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is rated as moderately hard due to Larke Pass elevation. Its highest altitude is a challenge with thin atmosphere and a high chance of altitude sickness. Walking with crampons, cold weather, and steep slopes to Bhimthang is also a difficult trial of Manaslu.
Larke La Pass offers peak climbing and a descending trek to Bhimthang. Therefore, the possible side trips to Larke Pass are:
There is no separate permit for Larke Pass. The permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are enough for Larke Pass as well.
The required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are:
Larke Pass is the attraction of Manaslu. It is one of the longest and highest passes of Nepal. Along with challenges, it offers stunning views of the mountains and landscape of both the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. Larke Peak climbing is also possible with a peak climbing permit.
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