Samagaun to Larkya La Pass on the Manaslu Circuit covers 3 stages, via Samdo and Dharamsala. It goes from about 3,520 m to about 5,106 m, a net gain of roughly 1,590 m. Total walking time is about 9 to 12 hours.
Quick facts
- Start: Samagaun, about 3,520 m
- End: Larkya La Pass, about 5,106 m
- Change: a net gain of roughly 1,590 m
- Stages: 3
- Total time: about 9 to 12 hours of walking
- Hardest stage: hard
Stage by stage
- Samagaun to Samdo: 3 to 4 hours (moderate)
- Samdo to Dharamsala: 3 to 4 hours (hard)
- Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass: 3 to 4 hours up (hard)
How to split it
This is more than a day of walking, so trekkers usually break it into stages and sleep along the way. The route passes through Samdo and Dharamsala. Lodge availability changes by season, so confirm night stops with your operator.
Altitude and health
This route reaches about 5,106 m. Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 m, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.
Reverse direction
Walking Larkya La Pass to Samagaun is the same route in reverse. It is mostly downhill and usually quicker, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.
Common questions
- How long is Samagaun to Larkya La Pass? Total walking time is about 9 to 12 hours, depending on pace and stops.
- Which places are on the way from Samagaun to Larkya La Pass? The route passes Samdo and Dharamsala.
Plan it
Back to all route information or see the Manaslu Circuit guides.





