Thorong La vs Larkya La: which pass is harder?

The Thorong La, on the Annapurna Circuit, is higher at 5,416 m, with a steeper climb and descent. The Larkya La, on the Manaslu Circuit, is lower at 5,106 m but longer, on rough moraine, and more remote. Most people who have done both find the Thorong La harder on the lungs and the Larkya La harder on the legs.

Thorong La and Larkya La at a glance

• Height. Thorong La: 5,416 m. Larkya La: 5,106 m.
• Starting point. Thorong La: Thorong Phedi about 4,540 m, or High Camp about 4,880 m. Larkya La: Dharamsala, about 4,460 m.
• Climb. Thorong La: 880 m, or 540 m from High Camp. Larkya La: about 650 m.
• Descent. Thorong La: 1,700 m to Muktinath. Larkya La: 1,500 m to Bimthang.
• Time. Thorong La: 7 to 10 hours. Larkya La: 8 to 10 hours.
• Facilities. Thorong La: tea shops on both sides in season. Larkya La: almost none.

The Thorong La day

From Thorong Phedi the trail climbs steeply to High Camp, then more gradually over a series of false tops to a wide saddle with prayer flags and a small tea house. The descent to Muktinath is long and hard on the knees. Many trekkers shorten the day by sleeping at High Camp, at the cost of a poorer night's sleep. See Thorong Phedi or High Camp.

The Larkya La day

From the basic lodges at Dharamsala you walk for hours along the side of a moraine, past frozen lakes, gaining height so gently that the top is hard to identify. The pass itself is broad. The descent begins with a steep, loose slope, sometimes icy, then a long moraine valley to the meadows of Bimthang, with Manaslu, Himlung and Cheo Himal all round.

Weather and wind

Both passes are crossed early, because wind rises from mid-morning. Both have histories of serious storms: the Thorong La in October 2014 especially, when a blizzard caught many trekkers. On either, the rule is to wait if the weather is doubtful.

Remoteness

The Thorong La is busy, with dozens or hundreds crossing on a good day, and jeep roads within reach on both sides. The Larkya La is crossed by far fewer people, and help is much further away.

Which should come first?

For a first pass above 5,000 m, the Annapurna Circuit is the usual choice, because of its lodges, health posts and acclimatisation at Manang. The Manaslu Circuit suits a second or third trek.

What to carry on pass day

For either pass: a head torch, warm gloves and spare liner gloves, a down jacket, windproof trousers, sunglasses, sun cream, at least two litres of water kept from freezing, and snacks you can eat on the move. Add microspikes if there has been snow. On the Larkya La carry lunch as well, since there is nothing to buy until Bimthang.

Views from the top

The Thorong La itself is a bare saddle, and the reward is the descent with Dhaulagiri ahead. The Larkya La's finest view comes just after the top, where a whole cirque of peaks and glaciers opens above Bimthang.

Altitude sickness on the passes

On both, the rule is the same: do not go up with symptoms. A headache that eases with rest and fluids is common. Worsening headache, vomiting, loss of balance or breathlessness at rest mean going down at once, in the dark if need be.

Choose Thorong La if

• It will be your first 5,000 m pass.
• You want support close by.
• You want to finish at Muktinath.
• You prefer a shorter, steeper day.

Choose Larkya La if

• You have been over a high pass before.
• You want fewer people.
• You like a long, wild day.
• You are travelling as two or more, as the permit requires.

Can you do both?

The two circuits join at Dharapani. A trek of about four weeks can cross the Larkya La and continue up to Manang and over the Thorong La.

Plan it

See the Thorong La guides and crossing the Larkya La.

Common questions

Which pass is higher?

The Thorong La, by about 310 m.

Which is more dangerous?

Both are safe in good weather with acclimatisation. The Larkya La is more remote, so problems are harder to deal with.

Do I need crampons?

Not normally. Microspikes are useful after snowfall on either.

When are they closed?

Often from mid-December to February, and after any heavy snowfall.

Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.