Manaslu Two Passes Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas
10 May 2023 Chandra Gurung
Discover the Manaslu Two Passes Trek, a hidden gem of the Himalayas, before heading out on a journey of a lifetime! This amazing experience takes you on an adventurous trek through some of the world’s most incredible scenes as you explore the challenging mountain terrain of the Nepalese Himalayas.
As you go deeper into this remote region, you will come across snow-capped peaks, majestic glaciers, and gurgling waterfalls while at the same time immersing yourself in the local culture and the people.
The Manaslu Two Passes Trek
The Manaslu Two Passes Trek is marked by its difficult mountain passes, Larkya La Pass and Thorong La Pass, which provide a unique and intense experience for even the most experienced trekker.
From the high-altitude passes, you’ll be welcomed by incredible panoramas of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.
Discover the locals’ traditions and way of life as you travel through this unspoiled paradise. While enjoying the dazzling atmosphere and natural wonders, you’ll stay in traditional teahouses and enjoy the best Nepalese food.
If you want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas in a truly unique way, the Manaslu Two Passes Trek is the perfect excursion for you!
Two Passes of Manaslu
Two Passes Trek is a spectacular excursion that takes hikers through the 5160-meter-high Larkya La Pass and the 5416-meter-high Thorong-La Pass. This trek offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges and their tributaries. Two passes of Manaslu are:
- Thorong La pass
- Larkya La Pass
Thorong La pass
The Thorong La Pass rises 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level in Nepal’s central Himalayas. The Thorong La Pass is difficult among Manaslu two passes that need good physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes.
The trek offers views of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, and a wide range of landscapes, ranging from thick tropical forests to high-altitude deserts.
Additionally, the Thorong La Pass is normally suitable for trekking from mid-March to May and October to November, though weather conditions might change and alter trekking conditions. Trekkers should take safety precautions, including carrying the proper equipment, hiring a local guide or porter, and being ready for unpredictable weather.
Larkya La Pass
Larkya La Pass is another mountain Pass in Nepal’s Himalayas, located 5,135 meters (16,847 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Manaslu Circuit trip, an isolated and less busy trekking route that circles Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.
The Manaslu Circuit trip, which includes the Larkya La Pass, takes between 14 and 21 days to accomplish, depending on the schedule and pace of the trekker. Through remote towns, green forests, and high-altitude landscapes, the trek offers an exceptional cultural and natural experience. The trek also provides breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and nearby peaks such as Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. Among Manaslu Two Passes, it is considered less explored and less challenging.
Likewise, trekkers should traverse the pass early to avoid potentially severe snow and ice conditions later in the day. Trekkers should also be prepared for extreme conditions and take precautions such as carrying suitable gear and hiring a local guide or porter for Manaslu two passes.
Itinerary of Two Passes Trek
You can make plans before you travel to Manaslu by using this itinerary for the Manaslu Two Passes Trek.
Day 0
Arrival at Nepal International Airport (1350M). We will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transport you to the pre-arranged hotel. You can rest a few hours before we meet to review our trekking itinerary.
Day 1
Trip Preparation and Trekking Equipment Check. Today will be spent preparing for the trek and double-checking our trekking equipment. We will also handle all of the relevant legal documentation for the expedition.
Day 2
The trip begins in Kathmandu with a local bus ride to Arughat Bazar, followed by a drive to Arkhet Bazaar. The hike to Soti Khola begins from there, taking approximately 7-8 hours. The walk winds past shaded sal trees, Gurung towns, and along the Buri Gandaki river until it reaches Machha Khola Gurung village, where an overnight stay at a lodge is reserved. It is the common way to trek Manaslu in two passes.
Day 3
The 7-8-hour hike from Machha Khola to Jagat travels through Gurung settlements and Khola Bensi. From Tatopani, we follow the left bank of the Buri Gandaki River. We spent the night in Jagat.
Day 4
We will trek to Salleri with views of Shringi Himal, cross the Dudh Pokhari Khola suspension bridge, and then hike up and down to Sirdibas on this day. After crossing the Buri Gandaki suspension bridge, we’ll stop for lunch in Philim. Later, after passing through Ekle Bhatti and New Bridge, we will follow the left branch, cross an old suspension bridge, and arrive in Nyak. We’ll travel through the jungle to Pewa and stay in a resort for the night.
Day 5
The next day’s trek begins with grassy hills and pine trees before entering a narrow, empty gorge. We cross the river after Deng and climb to Rana, then Bhi Phedi. We continue, passing the Serang Khola across a suspension bridge and arriving in Ghap for an overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 6
The trek takes you through rhododendron trees and provides breathtaking views of Shringi and Ganesh Himal. There is a hydroelectric checkpoint after reaching Namrung and ascending a series of well-made stairs. Lunch is given in Lihi, followed by a climb to the Himalchuli viewpoint of Lamagaun. The day’s goal is Lho, which gives a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu and other snow peaks from the Mani wall.
Day 7
The day begins with a short and simple climb through a valley of pine and rhododendron trees with a clear stream to Syala at 3510m. Because of the blaze and extensive deforestation, you can enjoy 360-degree views here. Another simple hour’s climb will take you to the village of Samagaun at 3520m, where you’ll be surrounded by yaks, meadows, and cottages beneath Mt. Manaslu’s majestic peaks.
Day 8
The eighth day is full of leisure and relaxation, so do your laundry, read a book, and shower nicely. Today is an acclimatization day for Larkya Pass (5135m). We spend the day visiting Punggye Gomba, Manaslu Base Camp, and the Monastery of Sama town or Birendra tal. We’ll spend the night at a lodge.
Day 9
The route from Samagaun to Samdo follows Birendra Tal and the Buri Gandaki River. After passing a wooden bridge, ascend to a ridge and reach Samdo at 3875m. The primary path to Tibet can be seen from Samdo via the Lajang La when we turn left. Even though the road to Tibet is closed, yaks deliver goods to Samdo. Similarly, Samdo is one day’s drive from the nearest Tibetan town, and we’ll spend the night in a lodge.
Day 10
The trail descends from Samdo to the Budhi Gandaki River before ascending to Larkya Pass, which offers views of the Larkya Glacier. The pass was formerly a bustling market but is now deserted. The trail climbs through Juniper, with views of the Larkya Glacier. And Then, after passing a 4000m viewpoint, we will arrive in Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), a little lodge beside the glacier where we will spend the night.
Day 11
Alongside the Larkya Glacier’s lateral moraine, the trail gradually climbs the hill behind Dharamsala. Meanwhile, the views of Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and Himlung Himal are visible from the pass.
Day 12
The hike from Bimthang to Tilije begins with a 25-minute walk through a magnificent rhododendron woodland, crossing the Kechakyu Khola Glacier. Mt. Manaslu’s back view is breathtaking. The trip is primarily downhill along the Karche River, and the group rests for lunch after 3-4 hours. The path climbs steeply up and across a ridge before dropping to the Gurung settlement of Gho. Finally, we arrived at Tilije for the night.
Day 13
The trip begins in Tilije village and descends through scrub woodland as it passes the Dudh Khola. The trail connects with the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani village, where the ACAP permit is checked. As the trail descends through Marsyangdi Gorge, a wooden bridge passes Thonje and a Chorten-shaped arch. Dharapani is reached by crossing the Marsyangdi on a long suspension bridge. Furthermore, the road then continues to Danaque, where an overnight stay at a lodge is planned.
Day14
Danaque to Chame is a 6- to 7-hour climb that travels through the Tamang village and provides stunning views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. The route continues through a pine forest and the historic village of Thanchock before reaching Koto. Later the hike ends at the Manang District Headquarters in Chame, where you can get a resort room for the night.
Day 15
We will pass through a thick forest and a small valley on the five to six-hour climb from Chame to Pisang. Before reaching a beautiful curved rock wall, the trail crosses the Marsyangdi Khola River. The trail ascends to Dhikur Pokhari, a well-liked lunch spot. Then the trail passes through the U-shaped valley of Manang, where trekkers can spend the night in Pisang in a lodge.
Day 16
The next day’s trip will take about 4-5 hours from Pisang to Manang. The Marshyangdi Khola can be crossed from two directions: crossing or following it. The upper route via Gyaru and Ngawal offers breathtaking mountain views, while the lower route meanders through a pine forest and the Manang Valley. Both routes reunite at Mungji, then proceed to the distinctive village of Braga before arriving in Manang to spend the night at a lodge.
Day 17
Today is an acclimatization day in Manang, which is necessary before proceeding to Thorung La at 5416m. Optional activities include:
- Visiting Gangapurna Lake and relaxing near the glacier.
- Visiting Milarepa Cave.
- Taking a day trip to Ice Lake.
Trekkers should bring a packed lunch and stay overnight in Manang for the Ice Lake expedition.
Day 18
Today’s trip will take 3-4 hours from Manang to Yak Kharka/Chauri Lader. The path ascends through Ghung Sang, following the Jar Sang Khola valley and crossing pastures and juniper forests. We will reach Yak Kharka after crossing a small river on a wooden bridge and passing an antique Mani wall. It takes an extra hour uphill if you stay at Chauri Ladder. We will stay in a lodge for the night.
Day 19
From Chauri Ladder to Thorong Phedi, the journey will take about 3 to 4 hours. Thorong Phedi is the last camp before going over Thorong La Pass. The route passes through areas where yaks graze before descending to Jarsang Khola, which must be crossed before reaching Durali. Before returning to Phedi for an overnight stay at the resort, we stop in Phedi for lunch.
Day 20
The route to Muktinath through Thorong Pass involves climbing 850m and descending 1700m. The top of Thorong-La Pass at 5416m, marked by Chortens and prayer flags, takes 3-4 hours to climb and offers a spectacular view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Dhampus Peak. Moreover, the trek finally ends at Muktinath. It is an ancient and popular pilgrimage site enclosed by a white wall, with lodges accessible for overnight stays.
Day 21
The trek goes from Muktinath to Jomsom, which takes 3-4 hours by walking. Jomsom is the district headquarters of Mustang. It is a good place to spend the night before catching a flight the next day.
Day 22
There is a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, which provides amazing views of the mountains and Kali Gandaki Gorge. The flight lasts 35 minutes and ends in Pokhara, where there is an overnight stay in the city.
Day 23
There are several ways to get from Pokhara to Kathmandu, including a tourist bus, a private automobile, or a flight. Finally, we will have a farewell dinner at night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this blog will guide hikers who want to start the Manaslu Two Passes Trek. For additional information, you can check out other blog postings on our website that go into greater detail about the walk. Furthermore, you can rely on Himalaya Guide Nepal P. Ltd.’s services for a stress-free trip to the Manaslu circuit. With their superb services, your journey to the Manaslu two passes trek will surely be easy.
