Highlights
- Panoramic mountain and landscape views from Larkya La, Kang La, and Thorong La Passes above 5000 meters
- Walk through the scheduled and isolated, less crowded section of the Nar and Phu valleys
- Warm hospitality of different ethnic groups: Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Manangi, and Tibetan-influenced locals
- Visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, stone-walled houses, mani walls, chortens, and prayer-flag-filled villages
- Reach the foothills of the world's 8th highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), an expansive glacier, and a peak glance
- Trail along the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, Budhi Gandaki, and Marshyangdi valleys
- Experience the classic, famous Annapurna Circuit, after the excursion of the remote Manaslu and Nar Phu sections
Manaslu Annapurna Three High Passes Trek - Overview
The Manaslu Annapurna Three Pass Trek is a challenging Himalayan expedition, linking three of Nepal’s most spectacular high passes—Larkya La, Kang La, and Thorong La — in a single journey. The adventure begins in the remote Manaslu region, crosses the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), and then proceeds into the hidden Tibetan-influenced Nar Phu Valley. The journey continues onto the classic Annapurna Circuit, finishing with the legendary crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), making this one of the most rewarding long-distance treks in the Himalayas.
The route circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) and Annapurna I (8091 m), the 8th and 10th tallest mountains in the world, showcasing distinct and expansive views of the legendary giants. From lush green valleys, rushing rivers, and cascading waterfalls to windswept Tibetan plateaus, high-altitude settlements, and isolated wilderness trails, this journey unfolds through six distinct climatic zones.
Every day unravels the dramatic change in landscape and mountains, offering expansive insights into the Himalayan peaks, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Gangapurna, Annapurna I, II, IV, Tilicho Peak, Mt Dhaulagiri, and many more.
Beyond the mountains and landscapes, it is a full tea house and deep cultural journey, as walking through the Manaslu region, via Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages, such as Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo, reflects centuries of Buddhist heritage. The hidden Nar Phu Valley feels even more remote, preserving a way of life strongly connected to Tibetan Buddhism, yak herding, and high-altitude farming. Villages like Nar and Phu offer a rare glimpse into a culture that has remained largely untouched by modern development.
While rejoining the trail of the Annapurna region, the cultural landscapes marvellously shift as it passes through Manang, one of the most beautiful high-altitude villages with dramatic peaks, and visits Muktinath — a sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Basically, this itinerary is curated for adventure seekers who have enough time to explore the mountains and crave a deeper sense of wilderness, culture, and challenge. It is the extended version of the famous Manaslu Annapurna Trek, adding more exploration of remote valleys, high passes, and the isolated twin settlements of Nar and Phu.
Trekking Route
The Manaslu Annapurna Three Passes Trek begins with a drive to Dovan followed through alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, past traditional villages, green woodland, and deep river valleys. As you ascend higher, the trail leads to Namrung, Lho Gau, and Samagaun, where one acclimatization day with an optional hike to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp is set to help your body acclimatize and assist in safe crossings of the pass further.
From Samagaun, the route continues to Samdo and Dharamsala before crossing the challenging pass Larkya La at 5106 n, one of the most beautiful passes or viewpoints in Nepal. After a descent to Bhimtang, the trail then enters the restricted area of Nar Phu Valley, known as one of the least explored places, where ancient villages, monasteries, and strong Tibetan Buddhist culture remain as pristine as years before. Crossing the Kang La Pass at 5320 m, the route then rejoins the Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal and continues toward Manang.
The final stage of the trip follows the classic Annapurna trail through Yak Kharka and Thorong High Camp, before crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5416 m. After visiting the sacred temple of Muktinath, you descend to Jomsom and then fly back to Pokhara, and it concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu, completing one of the unforgettable trekking circuits.
Three High-Altitude Passes of the Manaslu Annapurna Journey
The high-pass trekking of Manaslu and Annapurna includes Larkya La, Kang La, and Thorong La, where each crossing brings a dramatic change in landscape, culture, and mountain views, making the trip rewarding and a true Himalayan expedition.
Larkya La Pass (5106 m)
Larkya La is the first main pass that you will encounter on the journey, which connects the remote Manaslu region with the Annapurna region. After traversing through the traditional settlements of Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala, an early morning ascent that starts at 3 AM leads you to the top of the pass, which reveals the great sweeping Himalayan vistas. From the top, the morning sunrise hues in shades of pink and gold over the peaks of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru, and the entire Annapurna range, welcome you with rewarding views.
Kang La Pass (5320 m)
Kang La is the hardest and most challenging pass among the three major passes of Manaslu Annapurna, covering 9-10 hours of walk, that connects the Nar Phu and Annapurna Circuit Trail. The trail is steady and goes all the way downhill, which makes the crossing quite strenuous; it is also the least explored pass, giving an opportunity to enjoy the glaciers, peaks, and landscapes more. The Annapurna massif stretches expansively across the horizon, revealing a unique perspective and glimpse of the Himalayan peaks. After reaching the top, it takes a downhill walk to Ngawal, which takes you back to the classic Annapurna Circuit, where you get to witness a stunning change into open meadows and Tibetan plateau landscapes.
Thorong La Pass (5416 m)
Thorong La is the highest and longest pass among the passes, and it takes an ascent from Thorong High Camp, where the trip kicks off early in the morning, and an early morning sunrise at 4:00 AM reveals the stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The long downhill walk to Muktinath Temple provides a spiritual retreat and adds more cultural exposure and value to the journey.
Together, Larkya La, Kang La, and Thorong La define the true character of this journey—combining remote wilderness, demanding climbs, ever-changing landscapes, and sweeping views of some of the world’s highest peaks.
