Manaslu Larke Pass Trek leads into a virgin territory, where only a few trekkers dare to venture. The extreme isolation of the region and trodden trail makes the 16 Days Manaslu Larke Pass Trek a strenuous journey. Located in the western part of Nepal, trekking in the Manaslu region opened only in 1992 AD, and Manaslu still remains a restricted region. One requires a special restricted area permit from the Immigration of Nepal and at least 2 trekkers, excluding a trekking guide, to trek in the Manaslu region. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for adventurous trekkers. Don't miss it!
Manaslu is situated near the border of Nepal and Tibet. The name Manaslu means "The spirit mountain." As per the locals, it is believed that the compassionate and robust deity mysteriously dwells within its realm. The trail leads through a magnificent woodland with rhododendron, magnolia, birch, and pine trees. In the spring, these areas resemble paradise, with a wide range of vegetation and fauna.
Manaslu region with Larke La Pass in it blesses you with the breathtaking vistas of gigantic towering peaks rising above 8,000 meters, including the world's eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu, at 8,163 meters. Buddha Himal, Himalchuli Peak, Ganesh Himal in the east, and Annapurna Himalaya in the west are the other peaks you'll see. Furthermore, the trek offers cultural heritage, incomparable beauty, and biological varieties that will leave you speechless.
Manaslu Larke Pass Trek of 16 days provides an authentic experience with ancient art, culture, Himalayan valleys, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. With high mountains surrounding the trail, this trek rewards you with amazing Himalayan scenery. Trekking in the Manaslu region has been considered one of Nepal's finest adventures. Hiking in the Manaslu region needs a very well-planned itinerary and preparation.
At Outfitter Nepal, we have designed our 16 Days Manaslu Larke Pass Trek Itinerary that will take you to the best parts of the route and help you complete this trek without any problem. We have years of experience in organizing excursions in the Himalayas of Nepal. Our Larke Pass Trek package will let you have the most adventurous journey of your life.
If you have a few additional days, you can prolong your Larke Pass Trek for another week by adding Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek to your schedule. Compared to the classic Manaslu Circuit, the trail to Tsum Valley is significantly more solitary and inaccessible.
Join us on one of our trek departure dates, or contact us to customize a Manaslu trek to suit your needs. Enjoy this thrilling, magnificent adventure in the remote Himalayas of Nepal alongside our knowledgeable, experienced guides and porters who will assist you at every stage. At Outfitter Nepal, we try to achieve all your trekking dreams. We look forward to aiding you in creating lifelong experiences on your vacation.
Explaining everything about the region and its beauty in one package is impossible. Explore more blogs on our website. Here are some reasons you must choose your Manaslu Larke Pass trekking experience with us.
Best Features of the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek
- Trekking in the restricted area trail
- Off-the-beaten trekking route via Larke La Pass
- Sightseeing tours of historical UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, Beshisahar, and Sotikhola
- Visiting remote parts of Nepal with unique nature and culture
- Gorgeous forests, calm rivers, breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains, and other natural treasures
- The beautiful backdrop of the Ganesh Himal mountain range & Mt. Manaslu
- Hike in the prosperous cultural heritage village, Sama Gaun
- The best views of the Himalayas range throughout the path
- Chance to see the abundant flora and critically endangered creatures of the Manaslu region, such as the Himalayan tahr, the snow leopard, and others
What does a brief itinerary of the 16-day Manaslu Larke Pass Trekking look like?
Our 16 Days Manaslu Trek Itinerary has been meticulously crafted to ensure you get the most out of your trip with the least amount of physical effort! The itinerary we've put together is based on our years of expertise in the trekking profession so you can count on the best from us!
The trip begins with a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, but the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola in the Budhi Gandaki Valley will kick off the adventure. To get to Soti Khola, we take an eight to nine-hour bus ride from Kathmandu. According to this plan, we'll stay on the trek path for 11 days before returning to Kathmandu. The route takes you through various communities like Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Sama Gaon, Samdo, and Larke La Phedi, before ascending to Larke La Pass and then again descending through Bhimthang and Dharapani to Jagat, where the trek ends.
We take a jeep to Besisahar from Jagat, then change vehicles to return to Kathmandu. On the last day of the trip, we'll drop you off at Kathmandu International Airport.
How difficult is trekking in the Manaslu Larke Pass?
The Manaslu Trek 16 Days is fairly strenuous! However, the terrain is harsh and isolated. As a result, the trails may sometimes become slippery, steep, rocky, and full of snow. The trek takes you to an altitude of 5106 meters which is high enough to experience altitude sickness. Thus, you must exercise extreme caution while walking, eating, and resting. And, with sufficient planning and physical strength, you can accomplish this expedition.
This trek can be challenging if you are a first-time hiker, especially on the Himalayan trail. Every day, you must walk for at least 5 to 7 hours. The track features multiple ups and downs as well as a steep and challenging path. This journey necessitates good health and physical fitness.
Overcoming the difficulties while crossing Larke La Pass will boost your confidence. You'll return home with memories of the glory you've achieved!
When is the best time to go on a Larke Pass Trek in Manaslu?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the best times to trek the Manaslu region. People believe these seasons to be the best for trekking in Nepal since the weather is mild and the skies are frequently clear. When traveling in the spring and autumn, the weather is more pleasant for trekking and tends to stay more consistent. You may also take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and landscapes because the skies are clear even on the hottest days.
Manaslu, unlike the majority of Nepalese treks, is not a year-long trek. It is not recommended to trek to Manaslu during the monsoon season (June to August) because you will be walking through landslide-prone areas, which can lead to unfortunate health-related circumstances. Or, you might get stuck in the Himalayas for several days as there aren't any means to clear the landslide.
Winter (December to February) is typically cold and snowy. This trek will take you over glacial moraines and the Larkya La Pass. As a result, winter trekking will be challenging. Thus, trekking to Manaslu at this time of year is not recommended.
How much does the 16 Days Manaslu Larke La Pass Trek Package cost?
At Outfitter Nepal, we've spent a lot of time planning an itinerary that would provide you with the best possible experience at the most affordable cost. When it comes to trekking in the Manaslu region, we've made sure to cover all of the services you'll require during the drek, like transportation, accommodation, food, permits, guides, and potters. The trek will undoubtedly be a good deal with the services we offer.
We're a trusted trekking company with over two decades of expertise. Therefore, we've included our trekking experience while establishing the cost and itinerary! For a party of 7-10 persons, the 16-day Manaslu Trek package costs US$ 1025. However, if you have a small party of 2-6 persons, the cost can range from US$ 1075 to US$ 1150.
Nonetheless, we can customize your trekking plan to meet your specific requirements and prolong your days to cover more territory. This would influence the cost of the package, though. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your plans.
Major Attractions of the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola via Arughat Bazar
From Kathmandu, you drive to Sotikhola via Arughat Bazar, which is a long drive. On the way, you will get to see the countryside view. You catch a glimpse of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal, spectacular views of terraced fields and lush hills as you travel over the slope of Kathmandu Valley. Driving through the Dhadingbesi or Gorkha Bazaar or the Benighat Siurintar are two routes for getting to Arughat Bazaar and continuing to Sotikhola.
Because of the unpaved road after Dhadingbesi, the route is difficult to navigate. The valley opens up for many days north of Arughat, revealing the lovely alpine meadows and little Tibetan-style settlements clustered beneath Manaslu's majestic North Face. The trail travels through Tibetan settlements such as Jagat, Ghap, Bihi, Lhi, Lho, and Shyo, which have prayer wheels and Mani stones lining the streets.
Off-the-beaten trekking experience
Manaslu trekking is different from other treks in Nepal. The trail here is not like any other trekking trail. It is a tougher, rugged, and steep side. You have to trek to the trodden trail and pass through Manaslu Conservation Area. It is home to 110 species of birds, 211 species of butterflies, 33 species of mammals, 2,000 species of flowering plants, and 11 types of forests. You travel the region trekking through this wilderness.
Because of the magnificent views of the mountains, the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is Nepal's most picturesque trekking trek. There are numerous peaks, and you will travel through the base of some of those high mountain peaks. The Siringi Himal, Himal Chuli, Buddha Himal, Cheo Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu, Samdo Peak, Manaslu North, Larke Peak, Himlung Himal, and many other geological features that make up the landscape are likewise spectacular.
Less crowded trail to Manaslu Larke Pass Region
During the trek, you come across many isolated settlement areas. The 16 Days Manaslu Larke Pass Trek receives fewer people than other trekking paths in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Poon Hill Trek, due to its isolation, government restrictions, and less popularity.
As we all know, most trekkers dislike being in a crowd while on vacation. This is ideal for trekkers who prefer calm and peaceful exploring the untamed outdoors. You will also get a lot of opportunities to interact with the locals. However, in the peak season, especially in October, you can also find other fellow trekkers.
Prosperous cultural experience in Manaslu
The route you follow during the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is full of Mani walls, monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens. The isolation of this region has preserved its culture and tradition for decades. And because of that, you get to experience the practices that are still alive here. Most people here follow Buddhism. Tibetans influence the culture, tradition, and language of locals here. Locals are friendly and kind, don't feel shy to say "hello" to them.
As you pass through the mixed settlement of the people in the Manaslu trek, you will get a unique cultural experience. Buddhists and Hindus coexist in the region. You will learn about Hinduism at the trek start point; then, you will observe Buddhist culture as you progress higher.
The chorten at every village entry, as well as the numerous Mani walls, will astound you. You'll see that the locals are relatively traditional in their attire. On the way to the Larke Pass in the Manaslu Trek, there are large monasteries where monks study Buddhism. This will undoubtedly be a unique cultural experience for you.
Stunning landscape and snow-capped mountain views
The views in this region are unparalleled compared to any other place in Nepal. The raw, untouched nature and ruins of villages are like paradise, where only you and the Himalayas are left behind. There are stunning views of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and many others. Getting this close to the Himalayas is surely one of the best feelings in the world.
Simply put any nature and culture enthusiast should visit the Manaslu region. The journey will expose you to a plethora of completely new experiences that you only get to see once in a lifetime.
Crossing Larke La Pass
Trekkers are becoming more and more familiar with the Larke La Pass. The "Larke La pass," which is the highest point of the Manaslu hike and is located at a height of 5,160 meters, is regarded as one of the most challenging passes in the Himalayas. You can have some of the most exhilarating Himalayan experiences of your life by trekking the Manaslu circuit. The path up the pass is challenging, and it can put your resolve and tenacity to the test multiple times. But once you get to the top, there are no words to adequately describe the view you get to see or the sense of accomplishment you get to experience. You must personally witness that.