Rupina-La Pass Trekking

Rupina-La Pass Trekking
Background
Enjoy one of the most discreet and beautiful treks inside the Manaslu Region. Rupina La Pass, located at the sheer altitude of 4,610 meters, makes a challenging trek. You will get to trek through the wilderness of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Experience the rich tradition and culture of indigenous Tamang, Gurung, and Tibetan tribes. Enjoy the majestic panorama of the snowcapped peaks such as Ganesh Himal (7422m), Mt. Himalchuli (7853m), Mt. Manaslu (8163m), and Shringi Himal (7161m).
Rupina La Pass lies in an off-beat destination in the Manaslu region. The region opened for trekking only recently in 1992. You must get a special permit to enter the Manaslu Area. The region is home to different species of the rich flora and fauna; diverse landscapes such as forests, rocks, and snow; and traditional Tibetan-styled villages. During this trek, you will also get to cross another high mountain pass of Larkya La situated at a sheer altitude of 5,160 meters.
Rupina-La Pass Trekking begins with a half-day drive to Barpak village in the Gorkha District located at the foothills of the Manaslu Region. The trail advances through the off-beat path and crosses major villages of Sumbe Khadi, Danda Kharka, and Bheri Kharka towards Rupina La Base Camp (4000m). You’ll begin climbing the alpine forests and cross permanent snowline to arrive at the top of Rupina La Pass. Enjoy the majestic scenery of the mountains from the snow-laded pass before heading to the other side towards Boudha Himal Base Camp.
You will pass by small villages of Jongchet, Syangyen, and Nyak to arrive at Deng village. The difficult, rugged terrain will take you to Larkya La Pass through Narmung, Samagon, Samdo, and Dharmasala. Enjoy the panoramic scenery of the mountains, such as Ganesh Himal (7429m), Himalchuli (7893m), Himlung Himal (7126m), and Cheo Himal (6812 m). A few days of easy descent through the Tamang villages will bring you to Besisahar hence concluding the trek. A half-day drive will take you back to Kathmandu.
Book your trek with Himalaya Holiday Service for outdoor experience around Nepal. We specialize in all kinds of treks, and you can choose from our fixed groups or embark on a private trip at a reasonable price. Our Rupina-La Pass Trekking packages are full-board.

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Rupina-La Pass Trekking Facts
Geography: Himalaya
Location: Manaslu
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Duration of Trek: 22 days
Max Altitude: 5160 m
Religions: Multi-religious
Ethnic People: Multi-ethnic
Accommodation: Lodges, Camping
Transportation: Private Vehicle, jeep
Minimum Pax: 02

Rupina-La Pass Trekking highlights
Traverse through the foothills of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), one of the highest Himalayan peaks in the world.
Cross the discreet and beautiful high mountain passes of Rupina La (4610m) and Larkya La (5160m)
Explore the Tibetan-styled villages. Witness the unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions of indigenous Tamang, Gurung, and Tibetan tribes.
Enjoy the majestic mountainous panorama of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himlung, Shringi, and Cheo Himal.

Itinerary of Rupina-La Pass Trekking:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
One of our representatives will welcome you outside the airport with a garland and a big smile! Upon arrival, he will meet you and bring you to your hotel. You will stay in one of the most beautiful Three Star hotels in Thamel. A meeting will take place at our office, where you will meet your trek guide and staff. He will brief you about the trip in detail — overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Preparation for trekking. Overnight at hotel
Today is a rather preparatory day. You will prepare for the upcoming trek and buy any needed gear and equipment. Shop for snacks and procuring the special permit for Manaslu Conservation Area. You can indulge in a sightseeing tour of the historic city. Visit some of its popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or you can head to the nearest rock climbing arena. There are no plans for today so that you can prepare for the trip at your discretion. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Barpak by bus, driving 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a bus and enjoy the 7hr long road journey to Barpak village in Gorkha District. The scenic road journey goes alongside the massive Budi Gandaki River and takes you through Gorkha Bazaar to Barpak. Gorkha is a historic district. Barpak is a village inhabited by multi-ethnic groups of people such as Gurung, Chettri, and Brahman. You will rest here for the night.

Day 04: Barpak to Sumbe Khadi. Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
You’ll wake up to the beautiful view of the mountains up north. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on the first day of the trek. The trail begins to descend several steps and pass alongside the terraced fields towards the forested hills. You’ll walk past few multi-ethnic settlements and enjoy lunch comprising of local cuisines such as Dal and Bhat en route to Sumbe Khadi village. Spend the noon, enjoying the beautiful light of the sunset radiating the mountains — overnight in Sumbe Khadi.

Day 05: Sumbe Khadi to Danda Kharka. Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on an easy hike and begin climbing through small villages and terraced fields en route to Danda Kharka. The latter section of the trail encounters a steep hike, which can prove to be complicated. Enjoy the splendid view of the snowcapped mountains such as Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal en route to Danda Kharka. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 06: Danda Kharka to Bheri Kharka. Walking for 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Danda Kharka, you’ll begin tracing the forested valley and climb uphill, enjoying the local flora and fauna. The deep forest of Manaslu remains home to much wildlife such as Black bear, Sambar deer, leopard, and many mountain birds. The trail climbs, offering a beautiful view of the mountains. It rises to a small village of Bheri Kharka. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 07: Bheri Kharka to Rupina La Base Camp. Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
You’ll encounter a problematic part of the trek as you leave the comfort of the forested path and begin climbing the rugged and rocky terrain towards Rupina La Base Camp. After breakfast at the guest house, you’ll start climbing uphill. Almost 6-7hr into the trek, you’ll arrive at a vegetated region called Rupina La Phedi, also known as Rupina La Base Camp (4000m). Catch the beautiful views of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, and Shringi Himal en route to Rupina La Base Camp.

Day 08: Rupina La Base Camp to Boudha Himal Base Camp via Rupina La Pass (4720 mt.). Overnight at guest house.
You’ll encounter a rather lengthy and challenging part of the trek as you leave the base camp and begin climbing towards Rupina La Pass. The trail starts with an uphill hike and descends towards the Daraudi River. Upon crossing the river, you’ll start climbing the tough trail leading to the top. You’ll climb through the vegetated region to lush pine forests and then arrive at alpine meadows. You’ll begin crossing the snowline and head towards the top. Enjoy the beautiful sight of the nearby mountains before descending to the other side to make way towards Boudha Himal Base Camp (4000m).

Day 09: Boudha Himal Base Camp to Jongchet. Walking for 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Boudha Himal Base Camp, you’ll begin trekking through the foothills of Boudha Himal and take a detour towards Jongchet village. The trail begins with a trek through lush rhododendron forests and heads into blue pines and bamboo bushes. Enjoy the majestic views of Mount Manaslu and Ganesh Himal towards Jongchet. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 10: Jongchet to Syangyen. Walking for 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
One of the least traveled trails; you’ll begin walking along with fig and pine trees. The trail goes past the beautiful rhododendron forest and begins to descend along with the small villages. A 6hr long trek with easy walk will take you to a Buddhist community of Syangyen. Overnight in a guest house.

Day 11: Syangyen to Nyak. Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Syangyen, you’ll begin trekking towards Nyak village. The trail encounters many ups and downs through lush forests and continues alongside Chilung Khola (River). You will walk past the beautiful Buddhists forests of Gomna and Sehrang village en route to Nyak village. For the rest of the day, you can explore the village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Nyak to Deng (1920 mt.), Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
After delicious breakfast at Nyak, you’ll begin climbing over a rocky ridge and head towards Salleri. Enjoy the beautiful views of Sringi Himal en route. The narrow path will take you alongside the Gurung villages towards Ekle Bhatti, a Tibetan-styled community. From here, you’ll begin trekking uphill and continue alongside the river to arrive at Gata Khola village. Continue trekking alongside Shar Khola through bamboo forests to reach at Deng. Enjoy the beautiful view of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himalchuli from the village.

Day 13: Deng to Namrung (2250 mt.), Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
You’ll begin trekking along the off-beat Larkya La trail. Leaving Deng, you’ll begin descending and cross the Budi Gandaki River to arrive at Rana village. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of large waterfalls and lush rhododendron forests en route to Prok village. After having a warm lunch, you’ll continue trekking uphill and hike alongside the beautiful Namrung Chorten to arrive at Namrung village. Catch the fantastic sight of Sringi Himal at a distance.

Day 14: Namrung to Sama Gaun (3450 mt.), Walking for 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Namrung, you’ll begin trekking uphill and cross few Tibetan-styled villages of Bengsam, Li, and Khani to arrive at Hinan Khola. The trail passes through small streams en route to Sho village from where you can catch the beautiful sight of Naike peak, Manaslu North and Manaslu. Sho village contains gorgeous farm fields. After a brief stop, you’ll continue along the trail and cross a wooden bridge to enter the forested path. Cross the Pungen glacier valley and walk past a Chorten to arrive at Sama Gaun.

Day 15: Rest day for acclimatization and exploration at Sama Gaun. Overnight at guest house.
Spend the day acclimatizing at Samagaon before heading further up. You can use this day to indulge in a short hike around the beautiful village and the nearby Birendra Tal (Lake). Or as an option, you can also consider making an adventurous hike towards Manaslu Base Camp (4800m). Head back to Sama Gaun for the overnight stay.

Day 16: Sama Gaun to Samdo (3780 mt.), Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Sama Gaun, you’ll begin to climb the rocky path leading towards Samdo village. The trail further rises and continues alongside Budhi Gandaki River to arrive at a narrow path. Continue along the rugged Larkya La trail and walk past large Mani walls covered with Buddhist prayer flags to arrive at Kermo Kharka. Enjoy your lunch, and continue trekking towards Samdo village.

Day 17: Samdo to Dharmasala (4460 mt.), Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at guest house.
From Samdo, the trail begins to rise along the Budi Gandaki River towards Dharmasala. Continuing along the Larkya La trail, you will cross few small streams towards Salka Khola. A pleasant hike will bring you to Dharmasala overlooking the beautiful sight of Larkya Glacier. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing. You can choose to hike towards Larke Phedi and head back to Dharmasala for the overnight stay.

Day 18: Dharmasala to Bimthang (3630 mt.) via Larkya La pass (5160 mt.), Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Dharmasala, you’ll begin approaching the Larkya La Pass, the highest mountain pass in the region. The trek starts along the rocky path and continues towards the snowy road. Walk past alpine meadows overlooking the beautiful Larkya Glacier towards Larkya La Pass. The top of the pass offers the majestic panorama of Larkya Peak, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kanguru. After a brief rest, you’ll begin trekking downhill towards the village of Bimthang.

Day 19: Bimthang to Tilje (2240 mt.), Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Bimthang, you’ll begin trekking downhill along the pleasant terrain through alpine meadows, and pine and rhododendron forests towards Hampuk. The trail further drops towards Dudh Khola. Cross the massive stream fed by the source Kichke Himal and continue hiking towards Karche. The trail drops towards Gho village, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. Continue trekking alongside the river towards the Gurung village of Tilije.

Day 20: Tilje to Dharapani (1430 mt.) and drive to Besisahar. Walking 2-3 hours and driving 4-5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
Leaving Tilje, you’ll begin climbing down towards Dharapani village. A couple of hours of trekking will take you alongside Dudh Khola through the bamboo forest towards Dharapani. You’ll make a brief entry towards ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). Once at Dharapani, you’ll embark on a jeep and drive alongside the Tibetan-styled villages towards Besisahar. Almost 5hr of the drive will take you along the beautiful forested trail and Gurung villages en route to Besisahar. Overnight in Besisahar.

Day 21: Drive back to Kathmandu by bus. Driving 5-6 hours. Overnight at the hotel.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a private jeep and begin driving towards Kathmandu. The scenic road journey goes alongside the Budi Gandaki River and arrives at Prithvi Highway. Continue driving alongside the massive Trishuli River towards Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll check into the hotel. Spend the evening enjoying a delicious farewell dinner in one of the finest diners in the city.

Day 22: Transfer to the airport for your final departure from Nepal
After breakfast, you can indulge in a brief shopping spree at Thamel or head to the nearest massage center before driving towards the airport. We’ll drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport almost 2hr before your flight.

Key Information
Manaslu Circuit lies inside the protected region of the Manaslu Conservation Area. A part of the trek goes through Annapurna Conservation Area. You must get the permits to Annapurna Conservation Area and Manaslu Conservation Area before embarking on this trek. You must also get TIMS Card for this trek.
Your trek guide will assess your health daily. Depending on the report, your trek guide will tell you to travel further. Because of the difficulty of this trek, you must stay fit.
During your stay in Kathmandu, you will get one room per person for your visit. The lodging during the trek, you will get a room on sharing basis.
You will be trekking inside the landslide-prone areas. It is an off-beat wilderness trail. Hence, you must follow the guidelines provided by your trek guide to keep yourself safe.
The upper trek trail lies close to the Tibetan Border. You will get to travel and stay inside the highlight preserved Tibetan-styled villages while observing the unique culture, tradition, and cuisine of the region.

FAQ of Rupina-La Pass Trekking
When can I do Rupina La Pass Trek?
The best seasons to indulge in the trekking are spring and autumn. Rupina La Pass Trek can be undertaken during spring and autumn when the weather remains warm and bright. The high-altitude region may witness snowfall during autumn. Spring lasts from March until June and autumn lasts from September until the mid of November.

Is the trek challenging? How many hours will I have to walk daily?
Crossing two high mountains pass; Rupina La Pass at 4610 meters and Larkya La Pass at 5160 meters, remain the challenging part of this trek. Both of these are off-beaten mountain passes lying above 4,000 meters. The average altitude of the trek remains 2500 meters. You will walk 5-6 hours on average every day.

What sort of cultural observation will I get during this trek?
During this trek, you will visit and stay in rural settlements inhabited by people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. The lower valley remains home to multi-ethnic people while the upper valley comprises of Tamang and Tibetan tribes. Observe the unique culture, tradition, and cuisine of the region as you trek through many Tibetan-styled settlements.

What kind of flora and fauna will I get to see during Rupina-La Pass Trekking?
You will get to trek through the wilderness of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Manaslu region is home to thirty-three different species of mammals. Snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar are few of the endemic animals to the region. You will find over hundreds of species of birds. The area is also home to over 1500 species of flowering plants.