Dharmasala

Dharmasala is not a village in the traditional sense; it is a high-altitude shelter built specifically for trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit.

Sitting at 4,480m in a broad, barren valley beneath Larkya La Pass, it serves as the final overnight stop before the trek's most challenging day.

No permanent residents live here. The stone teahouses open only during trekking season and close completely once heavy snowfall arrives.

Where is Dharmasala Located?

Dharmasala lies in the upper Larkya Khola valley, within the Manaslu Conservation Area in Gandaki Province, Nepal. It sits at 4,480 m (14,698 ft), directly beneath Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m (16,929 ft).

To the north and west, the terrain rises steeply toward the glaciated flanks of the pass.

To the south, the valley descends back toward Samdo (3,875m), approximately 3–4 hours trekking away.

To the east, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) rises above the surrounding mountains.

Country	Nepal
Province	Gandaki Province
District	Gorkha District
Municipality	Chumnubri Rural Municipality
Region	Manaslu Region
Latitude	28.6589° N
Longitude	84.5844° E
Elevation	4,480 m (14,698 ft)

What is Dharmasala Famous For?

Dharmasala is famous mainly for its position as the last overnight stop before Larkya La Pass. Trekkers normally arrive from Samdo, spend the night here, and leave early the next morning for the pass.

It is also known as Larkya Phedi, meaning the base or foot of the Larkya La approach. From here, the landscape opens into a high alpine setting with rocky slopes, glaciers, and little vegetation.

The next stage reaches Larkya La at 5,160 m (16,929 ft) before descending towards Bimthang. That makes Dharmasala an important staging point rather than a destination with a long list of tourist attractions.

How to Reach Dharmasala?

Dharmasala is accessed only on foot as part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. There is no road access, no airport nearby, and no scheduled helicopter service.

Trekkers reach Dharmasala after 9–10 days of walking from the trek's starting point at Machhakhola, passing through villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo.

By Road

Route: Kathmandu → Arughat → Soti Khola → Lapubesi → Machha Khola

The drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola covers about 160 km and takes around 8–9 hours. The road passes through Arughat and Soti Khola before following the Budhi Gandaki Valley towards Machha Khola. The final sections can be rough, particularly after leaving the main highways.

On Foot

Route: Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Samagaun → Samdo → Dharmasala

From Machha Khola, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki Valley through Jagat, Deng, Namrung and Samagaun before reaching Samdo. Trekkers normally spend an acclimatisation day around Samagaun before continuing higher.

The final approach follows:

Samdo → Fuka Kharka → Larke Bazar → Dharmasala

The Samdo-to-Dharmasala stage covers about 8 km and takes around 3–4 hours. The trail passes open slopes, old grazing grounds and Larke Bazar before reaching Dharmasala at 4,480 m.

The distance is not especially long, but the route gains about 605 m from Samdo to Dharmasala. At this elevation, that climb requires a slow and steady pace.

Places to See and Things to Do in Dharmshala

Enjoy Mountain Views

Dharmshala opens onto a high alpine landscape with glaciers, rocky ridges, and several major Himalayan peaks. From the settlement and the approach trail, you can see the following mountains

1. Larkya Peak: 6,249 m (20,502 ft): The peak rises close to Dharmshala and appears prominently around the Larkya La approach.
2. Manaslu North: 7,157 m (23,481 ft): The mountain appears across the upper Manaslu landscape, particularly from open sections around the Larkya Valley.
3. Himlung Himal: 7,126 m (23,379 ft): You can see Himlung Himal towards the north-west on clear days, particularly around the higher route towards Larkya La.
4. Annapurna II: 7,937 m (26,040 ft): The peak comes into the panorama more clearly around the Larkya La crossing and the western side of the pass.

The Larkya Glacier is another major feature. You can see its glacial terrain as the trail leaves the more open grazing areas and approaches the pass.

Explore the Traditional Dharmshala Village/Settlement

Dharmshala is not a large permanent village like Samagaun or Samdo. It functions mainly as a seasonal trekking settlement, with accommodation and food services built around the needs of people crossing Larkya La.

A short walk around the settlement lets you see the simple stone shelters, seasonal structures, and open grazing areas used around the upper Larke Valley. The setting also shows how little infrastructure exists once the trail reaches this altitude.

See Traditional Houses and Local Architecture

The teahouses at Dharmasala are constructed from stone and wood, with corrugated metal or tarpaulin roofing. Rooms are small, typically holding two to four wooden platform beds with thick yak-wool blankets.

The buildings are designed for function, not comfort; those thick walls retain heat from the central dining room stove, and the compact layout minimises heat loss. There are no traditional houses because no one lives here permanently.

Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset Views

Sunrise and sunset at Dharmasala bring striking changes to the surrounding peaks. In the evening, the last sunlight reaches the higher summits, often giving Manaslu and the nearby mountains warm shades of orange and pink while the valley falls into shadow.

Early morning feels different. At 4,480 m, the thin, clear mountain air can give you sharp views of the stars before dawn, and on a clear night, you can even get to see the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

 

Short Hikes and Day Trips from Dharmasala

Larkya Bazaar (Larkya Bazar)

Larke Bazar lies along the trail between Samdo and Dharmasala. It is linked with the area's former seasonal trading and grazing activity and is now mainly a point along the route to Larkya Phedi.

From Dharmasala, it takes around 1–1.5 hours to reach Larke Bazar, covering roughly 3–4 km. It is best visited as part of the trail rather than as a separate day trip.

Upper Salka Khola Valley / Larkya La Approach Viewpoints

A short walk above Dharmasala towards the Larkya La approach takes you into the Upper Salka Khola Valley, where the landscape opens up to glacier views, rocky ridges and high mountain peaks. It also gives you a closer look at the rugged terrain you will cross on the way to Larkya La.

A short outing of around 1–2 km each way usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on how far you will climb.

Dharmasala Ridge Walk

The Dharmasala Ridge is a short climb above the settlement, offering wider views of the Larkya Glacier, rocky slopes and surrounding mountain peaks.

It gives trekkers a closer look at the high-altitude terrain leading towards Larkya La. The ridge is about 1 km from Dharmasala and takes around 1 hour return.

Larkya Glacier Viewpoint

The Larkya Glacier Viewpoint is a short walk from Dharmasala along the Larkya La approach. From here, you can get a closer look at the Larkya Glacier, glacial moraine, rocky ridges and surrounding high peaks, giving you a feel for the rugged landscape ahead.

The viewpoint is about 1.5 km from Dharmsala and takes around 1–1.5 hours to walk there and back. The trail climbs steadily, so keep the pace relaxed and save your energy for the Larkya La crossing.

Popular Treks Passing Through Dharmsala

• Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 days): The classic route around Mount Manaslu, using Dharmsala as the final overnight stop before crossing Larkya La Pass.
• Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: Combines the full Manaslu Circuit, including the stop at Dharmsala, with a side trip into the remote, sacred Tsum Valley.

History of Dharmasala

The teahouses at Dharmasala were constructed as the Manaslu Circuit grew in popularity during the 1990s and 2000s.

As more trekkers attempted the circuit, the need for a high-altitude stop before Larkya La Pass became clear. Previously, trekkers camped in tents at this location.

But slowly, the stone teahouses replaced seasonal tent camps, providing more reliable shelter. The name "Dharmasala" (also spelled "Dharmsala") comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "house of religion" or "resting place for pilgrims."

In Nepal, the term often refers to shelters built for travelers or pilgrims. At Dharmasala, the name reflects its function as a resting place for trekkers undertaking the challenging crossing of Larkya La Pass.

Today, Dharmasala remains a seasonal settlement. The teahouses open during the main trekking seasons (spring: March–May; autumn: September–November) and close completely once heavy snowfall arrives. No one lives here year-round.

Best Time to Visit Dharmshala

Dharmasala is a high-altitude stop on the Manaslu Circuit, so the season makes a noticeable difference. Spring and autumn bring clear mountain views and comfortable trekking conditions, while winter and monsoon give Dharmasala a quieter, more rugged feel.

Spring (March to May)

Spring brings milder daytime temperatures to the upper Larkya valley as winter loosens its grip. March mornings can still feel sharp at 4,460m, but April and May warm up steadily, making the walk from Samdo and the acclimatisation hikes around Dharmasala more comfortable.

Mornings tend to offer the clearest views of Mt. Manaslu, Larke Peak, and the surrounding peaks, with cloud building up later in the day as the season moves toward May. The snow on Larkya La Pass begins to soften, making the crossing more manageable than in the depths of winter.

Spring is also one of the two most popular seasons for the Manaslu Circuit, alongside autumn. It also coincides with Tibetan Buddhist festivals such as Saga Dawa, when monasteries in villages like Samagaun and Lho hold special prayers and rituals.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is widely considered the best season for visiting Dharmasala and crossing Larkya La Pass. The monsoon clears out by mid-September, leaving the valley drier and the air noticeably cleaner heading into October.

By October and November, days are typically dry and stable, with some of the sharpest, most consistent mountain views of the year. This is when Mt. Manaslu, Larke Peak, Himlung Himal, and the surrounding peaks are most likely to stay fully visible for days at a stretch, rather than clouding over by afternoon.

Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's two biggest festivals, usually fall during this period, adding a cultural layer for anyone passing through villages like Samagaun and Namrung during the celebrations.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is quiet at Dharmasala, with far fewer trekkers and a noticeably calmer pace at the teahouses. Mornings and nights turn seriously cold, with temperatures often dropping well below -10°C, and sometimes reaching -20°C with wind chill on the pass.

Clear winter days can deliver some of the sharpest mountain visibility of the year, with snow building up on the surrounding peaks and higher trails, adding real drama to the scenery. However, heavy snowfall can block Larkya La Pass, and some teahouses may reduce services or close for the season entirely.

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon brings the heaviest rainfall of the year to the Manaslu region, though Dharmasala itself sits high enough that precipitation often falls as snow rather than rain.

Days are cool and humid at lower elevations, with occasional heavy rain. The trail itself changes character completely during these months.

Lower valleys turn a deep, saturated green, and the forest sections along the route feel genuinely lush. The trade-off for this season is mud, leeches on the lower trail, and a higher chance of landslides blocking sections of the road and path.

Where to Stay in Dharmshala?

Dharmshala has two to three teahouses, with the exact number varying slightly depending on the season and whether all owners have reopened after the previous winter.

These are among the most basic accommodations on the entire Manaslu Circuit.

It is not recommended to come expecting the standards of the teahouses at Samagaun or even Samdo.

Dharmasala is a high-altitude shelter, and everything about it reflects the difficulty of supplying and maintaining structures at 4,460m.

 

Room types and facilities:

• Room style: Small rooms with two to four wooden platform beds, thick yak-wool blankets, and minimal furniture. No heating in rooms.
• Bedding: Thick yak-wool blankets is usually provided
• Bathrooms: Shared outdoor toilet, squat style. Basic, no flush system. Hot showers are not available.
• Electricity: Solar only, very limited. Charging may be available at NPR 400–600 per device; not guaranteed, especially on cloudy days.
• Wi-Fi: There is slightly Not available of internet connection at this altitude.
• Phone signal: Intermittent and unreliable. Some Ncell signal occasionally; Nepal Telecom variable.
• Heating: Yak-dung or wood stove in the dining room only. The dining room is the warmest place in the building.

Typical costs:

• Twin room (basic teahouse): NPR 300–600 per person per night (higher than lower villages due to supply difficulty). Prices often drop or rooms become free if you take all meals at the same lodge.
• Hot shower: Not available.
• Wi-Fi: Not available.
• Device charging: NPR 200–400 per device (sometimes even unavailable on cloudy days).

What Permits Are Required for Dharmasala?

By the time you reach Dharmasala, all your permits should have been checked multiple times at checkpoints in Jagat, Namrung, Lho, and Samagaun.

No new permits are required specifically at Dharmasala, but the following permits remain valid and can be checked again at checkpoints between the pass and Bhimtang on the far side:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for the entire Manaslu Circuit; must be obtained through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide
  Cost:
  • September–November (peak/autumn): USD 100 for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per additional day.
  • December–August (rest of the year): USD 75 for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per additional day.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Required for entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area. Cost: NPR 3,000
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for the Annapurna side of the circuit after crossing Larkya La Pass. Cost: NPR 3,000

It is recommended to keep all permit documents accessible in your pack. The guide requirement that applies throughout the Manaslu Circuit continues at Dharmasala and on the pass itself. Trekkers are not permitted to cross Larkya La Pass without a licensed guide.

What Should You Pack for Dharmasala?

Everything you need for the pass crossing must already be in your pack when you arrive at Dharmasala. The packing decisions you made in Kathmandu and the items you carried all the way from Machhakhola are what you have available on the pass. There is no shopping area or trekking gear rental facility.

Essential items for Dharmasala along with Larkya La Pass:

• Warm base layers: Wear thermal underwear to retain body heat overnight and during the early start.
• Down or insulated jacket: Keep a warm insulated jacket accessible rather than inside your main luggage.
• Gloves and warm hat: Cold wind can make the morning start particularly uncomfortable.
• Sleeping bag: Carry a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
• Headlamp: The Larkya La crossing starts before sunrise, so you need a reliable headlamp and spare batteries.
• Water: Carry enough water for the pass crossing and use purification tablets, a filter or safe boiled water for refills.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Snow and strong sunlight at high altitude increase glare and exposure.
• Personal medication: Keep all essential medicines in your daypack.
• Power bank: Charging can be limited, so keep your electronics powered.

Is Dharmasala Worth Visiting?

Yes, Dharamsala is worth it, especially if you are completing the Manaslu Circuit.

Dharmasala gives you the final place to rest and prepare before the Larkya La crossing, while its high alpine surroundings provide a completely different landscape from the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley.

You can spend the afternoon looking towards the glacier and surrounding peaks, organising your equipment and preparing for the early start.

The place does not offer extensive sightseeing or comfortable facilities, but that is not its purpose.

Dharmasala matters because it puts you close to Larkya La while providing the basic shelter and food needed before the crossing. It is a practical part of the Manaslu Circuit and an important point in the route.

FAQs

Where is Dharmasala located?

Dharmasala is located in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Gorkha District, Gandaki Province, in the Manaslu region of northern Nepal. It lies between Samdo and Larkya La Pass on the Manaslu Circuit.

What is the altitude of Dharmasala?

Dharmasala is at 4,480 m (14,698 ft) above sea level. This is the altitude used by Discovery World Trekking for its current Dharmasala and Manaslu Circuit information.

How far is Dharmasala from Manang?

Dharmasala does not connect directly to Manang by a short trail. The Manaslu Circuit crosses Larkya La from Dharmasala to Bimthang and then continues towards Dharapani on the Manang side. The total distance therefore depends on the exact route and stopping points.

How long does it take to reach Dharmasala from Manang?

There is no standard direct walking stage from Manang to Dharmasala. The normal direction on the Manaslu Circuit takes trekkers from Dharmasala → Larkya La → Bimthang → Dharapani, rather than travelling directly from Manang to Dharmasala.

For the reverse direction, the journey requires crossing Larkya La and then continuing through the Manaslu Circuit towards Dharmasala, so the time depends on the itinerary and where you start on the Manang side.