Bimthang is a wide high valley on the western side of the Larkya La, with open views of Manaslu, Himlung and Cheo Himal. It is the first overnight stop after the pass, at about 3,600 m. It is also the base for the short trip to Ponker Lake.
Altitude: about 3,600 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Bimthang is and why trekkers stop
Bimthang lies after the Larkya La and before the long descent to Gho, Tilije and Dharapani. Our route pages include Larkya La Pass to Bimthang, Dharamsala to Bimthang, Samdo to Bimthang and Bimthang to Dharapani. After the pass crossing, it is the sensible place to sleep, since the lodge is much lower. Some trekkers also visit Ponker Lake as a separate side trip above the valley. Trekking poles take weight off the knees on the long steps and descents.
What to expect at Bimthang
The valley feels open and quiet, with wide meadows, grazing land and a handful of lodges. After the stark pass, the space is a relief. Views toward Manaslu, Himlung and Cheo Himal are best in the morning. Walking down the next day is long, and the trail descends through forest, with times that vary with pace and trail conditions. Expect cold evenings, and sometimes snow. Local people share the trail with mules, yaks and porters, so step aside uphill when animals pass.
Altitude and how you may feel
Bimthang is at about 3,600 m, roughly 1,500 m below the pass, so symptoms often ease after sleeping here. Still, tiredness after the crossing can hide mild altitude signs, so keep drinking and listen to your body. If you plan the lake side trip, note that it climbs again. Fitness does not protect you from altitude illness. Weather in the Himalaya changes quickly, so keep a spare day in your overall plan.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are simple, with a shared dining room, dal bhat, noodles, soup and tea. Hot water and charging cost extra, and supplies arrive by porter. Restricted-area rules apply to the Manaslu side, so keep your permits ready with your guide. Bring warm clothes, dry socks and a head torch. Your legs will feel the long descent, so trekking poles are useful, and a rest evening helps. Boiled or filtered water is safer and cheaper in the long run than bottled water.
Stage guides that pass through Bimthang
These day-by-day guides start or end at Bimthang, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Bimthang to Dharapani trek: altitude, time and route
- Larkya La Pass to Bimthang trek: altitude, time and route
- Samdo to Bimthang trek: stages, altitude and time
- Dharamsala to Bimthang trek: stages, altitude and time
- Samagaun to Bimthang trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
How high is Bimthang?
Bimthang is at about 3,600 m, although figures vary by source. It is much lower than the Larkya La at 5,106 m, so most trekkers sleep better here.
What is near Bimthang?
Ponker Lake lies high above the valley and is usually done as a side trip or as a short trek from Dharapani or Tilije. The trail climbs steeply, so go only if you feel well.
What is the walk from Bimthang to Dharapani like?
It is a long descent on the Annapurna side, passing Gho and Tilije. Our route page gives the stage details. Time varies with pace and trail conditions, and knees can feel it.
