Larke La Pass Manaslu vs Thorong La Pass Annapurna Circuit

The most popular trekking route of the Annapurna region is the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the most popular trekking route of the Manaslu region is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The iconic High Mountain Passes of these trekking routes are the ultimate destinations. Therefore, there are so many debates about Larke La Pass Manaslu vs Thorong La Pass Annapurna Circuit.

In today’s blog, we try to delve into finding out various aspects of these two destinations of Manaslu and Annapurna region. Moreover, we will go deeper into the comparison between these two trekking routes in terms of difficulty level, distance, altitude, approach trek route, and cost. At the end of the blog, we intend to provide you correct guidance to make decision.

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

This blogger is an experienced trekking guide and travel planner who has been working in the field of Nepal Trekking for more than two decades. Therefore, if you ask me to choose between Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek then it is always both treks for me. Both of these trekking routes have their own peculiar thrill and attractions. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek route is one of the oldest trekking routes of Nepal. It opened its trekking trail on 1977 whereas Manaslu Circuit Trek was opened in 1992.

Despite the newness of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, it is gaining lots of popularity since 2023. Therefore, people have started to list out it among the commercial trekking routes of Nepal alongside the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek revolves around an abode of the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit Trek route revolves around the lap of the world’s 10th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m).

The trekking trail of the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail traverses through Manaslu and Annapurna region whereas the Annapurna Circuit Trek route traverses through Manang and Mustang Valleys of the Annapurna region.

There is no doubt in the presence of the natural wonders and cultural grandeurs in both. Therefore, making a decision to choose any one trekking trip depends upon the preferences of a trekker.

Larke La Pass Manaslu vs Thorong La Pass Annapurna Circuit

Now, let’s delve deeper into these two trekking trips and compare them under various topics:

1. Trekking Region

Larke La Pass is in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The region is inside the restricted zone of Nepal. Therefore, trekkers need to follow strict guidelines for any kinds of touristic activities. Special Restricted Area Permit is required along with the ACAP and MCAP permits. The cost of the Special Restricted permit is 100 $ (7 Days with extra 15 $ per additional day) for September to November season. It costs 75 $ (7 Days with extra 10 $ per additional day) for December to August season.

Thorong La Pass is inside the Annapurna region of Nepal and trekkers can do trekking by obtaining the ACAP permit only.

2. Distance and Altitude

Total trekking distance of the Larke La Pass is about 24.5 kilometers from Dharmasala to Bimthang including the top of the Larke La Pass whereas the trekking distance of Thorong La Pass is about 16 kilometers from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath. Thorong La Pass is at an altitude of 5416 m and the Larke La Pass is at an altitude of 5106 m.

3. Difficulty Level

The distance of the Larke La Pass is more than the Thorong La Pass but interestingly the difficulty level is lesser in Larke La Pass5106 m. than in Thorong La Pass 5416 m. Trek to cross both of these passes begin early in the morning before dawn but the trail steepness and trail condition make Thorong La Pass more difficult. Trekkers have to trek steep uphill for about 3 to 3.5 hours to reach the top of the Thorong La Pass. It is shorter but difficult whereas it takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top of the Larke La Pass but gentle uphill trail makes it easier for trekkers to walk.

4. Cost and Itinerary

The cost of the Larke La Pass Trek is available from 930 $ and more. The price increases according to the preferences of a trekker and also the addition of number of days in an itinerary. In comparison to the Larke La Pass, the Thorong La Pass Trek is slightly on higher level as you can get the package starting from 899 $ per person. There are different styles of itineraries for both trekking trips. You can customize the trekking itinerary from short to long or classical route.

5. Accommodation and Meals Availability

The availability of accommodation and meals is comparatively higher in the Thorong La Pass Trek route. However, the Larke La Pass is also not far behind. In both the trekking trips, trekkers can get cozy and warm room to sleep. Menu items are almost identical in both trekking routes. Food cost ranges from 35 $ to 50 $ per day which is same in both trek routes.

If we are discoursing on Larke La Pass Manaslu vs Thorong La Pass Annapurna Circuit then they both become similar in terms of meals and lodging.

6. Possible Side Trips

Do you know that the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the center of attractions for any kinds of trekking while the Manaslu Circuit Trek is still regarded as off the beaten trekking trail of restricted region.? Yes, you can do various side trips in both of these trekking routes. Major side trips possible from the Annapurna Circuit Trek are Tilicho Lake and Nar Phu valley. Tsum Valley Trek, Serang Gompa Monastery Trek, Kaal Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek, etc. are side trips from the Manaslu Circuit Tek route.

Is it possible to do Thorong La Pass after crossing Larke La Pass?

Yes, it is possible to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek after finishing the Larke La Pass Trek. Please feel free to contact the Whatsapp number +9779851311073 Or email us at info@adventurehikers.com for more information like these. All these information are to help you find answer regarding the Larke La Pass Manaslu vs Thorong La Pass Annapurna Circuit.