Manaslu Circuit Trek Update: Larkya La Pass Reopens After Heavy Snow

Latest update: 2 October 2026

The Manaslu Circuit Trek has seen difficult weather conditions over the past several days, with heavy rain at lower elevations and snowfall and blizzard conditions around the high mountain passes. Larkya La Pass (5,106m) was temporarily difficult to cross, causing some trekking groups to delay their itinerary.

The latest information from the trail is more positive. On 1 October 2026, several trekking groups successfully crossed Larkya La Pass, indicating that the pass is currently open for trekking. However, the crossing remains challenging because significant snow is still present on sections of the trail.

Trekkers planning to cross the pass in the coming days should therefore continue to check local conditions and allow enough flexibility in their itinerary.

Current Larkya La Pass Conditions

Larkya La is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit and one of the most demanding days of the trek.

The pass reaches 5,106 metres (16,752 feet) above sea level. Trekkers normally start from Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, at around 4,460 metres, very early in the morning. From there, the route climbs steadily toward the pass before descending for several hours toward Bimthang.

Under normal conditions, the crossing can take around 8 hours of walking, although the actual time depends on weather, snow, trail conditions, group fitness and acclimatization.

Following the recent snowfall, some sections of the trail have been covered by deep snow. This makes the ascent and descent slower and more physically demanding than usual.

As temperatures rise and the snow gradually melts, conditions may improve over the next few days. However, this cannot be guaranteed. Weather at 5,000 metres can change rapidly, and new snowfall or strong winds can make the crossing difficult again.

What the Larkya La Crossing Day Looks Like

The crossing usually begins before sunrise.

From Dharamsala, trekkers climb through the high-altitude landscape toward the pass. The route becomes increasingly exposed as you gain elevation, and cold temperatures, wind and snow can make the final section particularly demanding.

After reaching the 5,106m summit of Larkya La, the trail descends toward Bimthang.

Although the distance may not appear extreme on a map, the combination of altitude, elevation gain and loss, snow and long walking hours makes this one of the most important days of the Manaslu Circuit.

With the current snow conditions, trekkers should be prepared for the possibility that the crossing will take longer than the standard estimated walking time.

Why an Extra Day Can Be Important on Manaslu

One of the most useful lessons from years of guiding on the Manaslu Circuit is that an extra day in the itinerary can be extremely valuable during periods of unstable mountain weather.

A trekking itinerary may look straightforward on paper, but high passes cannot always be crossed according to a fixed schedule.

If heavy snowfall, strong winds or poor visibility make Larkya La unsafe to cross, having a spare day allows a trekking group to wait for better conditions instead of immediately changing the entire itinerary.

For this reason, trekkers with flexible schedules may consider adding a buffer day before the Larkya La crossing.

A spare day does not guarantee that the pass will be open, but it provides additional flexibility when weather conditions cause delays.

Should You Cross Larkya La Now?

The fact that trekking groups successfully crossed the pass on 1 October is encouraging, but it does not mean that conditions will be identical every day.

Mountain conditions can change quickly.

The decision to cross should be based on the weather forecast, current trail conditions, visibility, snowfall, wind, snow depth and the physical condition of the trekking group.

Your licensed trekking guide should assess the situation on the morning of the crossing and make the final decision.

Even if a trekker feels physically strong, high-altitude weather and trail conditions should not be underestimated.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Flexibility

The Manaslu Circuit is generally planned as a multi-day trek, with different itinerary lengths available depending on transportation arrangements, acclimatization requirements and the trekker’s available time.

A typical itinerary includes time around Samagaun for acclimatization before continuing toward Dharamsala and eventually crossing Larkya La.

For trekkers planning the route during periods of unstable weather, it is useful to compare itineraries based not only on the total number of days but also on where acclimatization days and flexibility are included.

An itinerary that leaves no room for weather delays can become difficult if the high pass is temporarily closed.

Manaslu Trek Permit and Guide Requirements

The Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area, and trekkers must obtain the appropriate Restricted Area Permit before entering the restricted section of the route.

Trekking in the Manaslu restricted area also requires a licensed trekking guide and must follow the applicable government regulations.

Permit requirements, guide regulations and trekking conditions should be confirmed before departure, particularly because regulations can change.

Latest Situation: 2 October 2026

Based on the latest trail information available:

– Larkya La Pass: Open, with trekking groups successfully crossing on 1 October

– Elevation: 5,106m

– Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi: Approximately 4,460m

– Recent conditions: Heavy snow remains on parts of the trail

– Crossing difficulty: Currently challenging in snowy sections

– Expected trend: Conditions may gradually improve as snow melts, but this depends on weather

– Important: Conditions can change from one day to the next

This update reflects conditions reported on 2 October 2026. It should not be treated as a guarantee of conditions for a future trekking date.

Planning the Manaslu Circuit This Season

If you are planning to trek the Manaslu Circuit in October or later this season, check the latest conditions before beginning the high-altitude section of the trek.

The most important preparation is not simply carrying more equipment. Allowing enough time in the itinerary is equally important.

Weather delays are part of high-altitude trekking, and having some flexibility can make it easier to respond safely when conditions change.

For the latest information, trekkers should communicate with their guide and local trekking operators shortly before approaching Larkya La.

Trail conditions reported as of 2 October 2026. Mountain conditions can change daily.

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