
High Passes and Peaks | Comparing Everest’s Cho La Pass with Manaslu’s Larkya La Pass
On the high altitude mountain passes of the Himalayas, you get to feel the most enjoyable moments when the difficult sections add thrill to the trek. In Nepal, the two difficult major mountain passes are the Cho La Pass (5,420 meters) on the Everest Three Passes Trek and the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Even though both passes can be difficult, they bring a beautiful environment, scenery, distinct trekking experience, and a sense of accomplishment. This detailed analysis helps trekkers select high pass treks that match their adventure preferences.
Factor | Cho La Pass (Everest Region) | Larkya La Pass (Manaslu Region) |
Altitude | 5,420m | 5,106m |
Difficulty | More technical and requires mountaineering skills | Not very technical, but is lengthy and stamina based |
Scenery | Everest Views, Glaciers, Lakes | Dramatic ridges, Untouched wilderness |
Crowds | More hikers, social connection | Less crowded, isolated trek |
Best for | Experienced trekkers wanting thrill and views of Everest | Isolating trekkers wanting varied landscape |
Geographical Location and Route Overview
One of three challenging high-altitude passes, Cho La Pass on the Everest Three Passes Trek links Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp Trek. Starting from Lukla, the trail follows the standard Everest Base Camp path then splits off for the amazing Gokyo Lakes and ascends to Cho La. Dzongla at 4,830 meters and Thagnak at 4,700 meters are connected by the pass, bringing quick, steep, and technical climbs on the glacial terrain.
Larkya La Pass, which stands as the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, links Dharamsala village at 4,460 meters with Bimthang settlement at 3,590 meters. Unlike the multiple high passes being the part of Cho La, Larkya La remains the toughest and most defining challenge on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Travelers pass through rocky hills and moraines during this lengthy climb to reach their vantage point which brings astonishing views of both the Manaslu and Annapurna peaks.
Trekking Difficulty and Technical Challenges
The Cho La route ranks as one of Nepal’s most difficult passes requiring physical fitness because of its steep inclines and unpredictable snow and weather. Travelers need either crampons or microspikes due to the icy glacier terrain they need to navigate.
The trail from Dzongla has a steep elevation while the route down to Thagnak poses hard climbing and scrambling over loose rocks and crevasses. Although the hike doesn’t need mountaineering technical skills, it requires prior experience in navigating rough and high altitude terrain.
Manaslu Circuit Trek also demands physical fitness. You will face strenuous climbing at Larkya La Pass but still have easier slopes when compared with Cho La. The main challenge lies in the process of continuous elevation gain not in challenging slopes themselves. The trek starts early from Dharamsala as trekkers walk up steep snow-covered mountains under strong winds on rocks.

You will not need to cross a glacier at Larkya La, but the end of the route presents steep exposures that strain climbers with altitude sickness. On the descending trail to Bimthang, professional skills are not essential as this arduous trek mainly tests a hiker’s stamina.
Scenic Beauty and Views from the Pass
Crossing Cho La rewards trekkers with three impressive mountain views including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse while providing a wide view of Gokyo Valley and its turquoise lakes. The climbing route has the best views of the Everest region, featuring stunning views of snowy peaks, glaciers, and terrain. If you seek a wide view of all the scenery in the Everest region, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour offers you the best chances for it.
Larkya La Pass provides hikers with an impressive sight of four giant mountains including Manaslu at 8,163 meters, Himlung Himal at 7,126 meters, Cheo Himal (6,820 meters), and Kang Guru (6,981 m). From here the land turns starkly remote compared to regular trekking routes as if it were a true alpine wilderness. The downhill path from Bimthang passes through a majestic unspoiled valley with forests and rock formations to offer one of Nepal’s best mountain crossings.
Acclimatization and Altitude Considerations
When crossing Cho La Pass most trekkers adapt to high altitudes through a planned break in Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Gokyo (4,790m), and Dzongla (4,830m). Because this trek crosses high altitude multiple times you need to properly acclimatize to avoid getting sick from high elevations.
Travelers can slowly acclimatize to handle altitude as the Manaslu Circuit trail starts low at Budi Gandaki Valley and then rises to higher areas. Most trekkers prepare for the pass by staying at Samagaon (3,530m) and Dharamsala (4,460m). The slow climbing up helps tourists adjust to high elevations better which lowers their risk of getting altitude sickness.
Best Time to Trek
Cho La Pass is best traveled in spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) when glacier conditions and weather stay stable. Cold and ice formation during winter create risky conditions while monsoon rain turns the path into an unsafe slippery area.
Stable temperatures and excellent visibility make Larkya La also easier to cross in both spring and autumn. Traveling in winter becomes troublesome when snow piles up and during the monsoon months (June to August) crossing rivers becomes risky in lower regions.

Crowds and Trekking Experience
Cho La gets more visitors because it is a part of the popular Everest Three Passes Trek route. Strong infrastructure in the Everest region lets you stay in comfortable lodges but will be in a busy crowd, particularly during the peak seasons of trekking (Spring and Autumn).
The Larkya La trek draws fewer visitors and gives you space to enjoy your solitude. The Manaslu Circuit controls trekkers strictly through trekking rules, needing permits and licensed guides. This trek feels more remote and wild than Everest due to its untouched environment.
Which High Pass Reigns Supreme?
Experienced hikers will love Cho La for its intense climbs at high altitudes plus the famous mountain top wonders it provides.
The Larkya La trek brings travelers into the pure and unspoiled natural condition of Nepal where they can find essential isolation away from the crowds.
However, most trekkers select Everset Base Camp with Cho La Pass because of its demanding glaciers as well as its access to classic Everest views. Cho La brings steep trails amid icy ground while you navigate dangerous heights and adjust your body’s tolerance to severe altitude. It is a popular path where trekkers share adventures with many other hikers and enjoy quality lodge accommodations.
The Larkya La Pass offers travelers who seek isolation and rich cultural exposure to stunning natural landscapes. The Larkya La Pass is a challenging route and gives hikers a demanding trek without the need for mountaineering skills but with spectacular wilderness scenery and long-distance views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna range.
Choose Cho La Pass if you:
- Want to see the famous sights of the Everest region.
- Have done glacier and technical hiking trips before.
- Like a larger group of fellow trekkers.
Choose Larkya La Pass if you:
- Want a peaceful solitude and fewer travelers
- Prefer slow altitude gain and varied scenarios.
- Need a demanding mountain crossing but without extreme technical skills.