The Rupina La Pass at 4,610m is one of the least-visited high mountain passes in Nepal's Manaslu region. This 27-day route approaches from Gorkha, the historic home of the Gurkha soldiers, and climbs through a succession of little-known Tamang and Gurung villages that see almost no trekking traffic. The landscape shifts from rice terraces and tropical forest at the Gorkha bazaar to high-altitude meadows and glaciated terrain near the pass, delivering the same diversity of scenery as major Himalayan routes but without the footfall.
The trail passes through villages including Barpak, historically significant as one of the communities most affected by the 2015 earthquake and now fully rebuilt, before climbing into the more remote upper valleys. The pass crossing itself is demanding but not technical, though snow conditions can require additional equipment and careful timing. The route eventually connects into the Manaslu circuit area, giving trekkers a genuine sense of exploration rather than following an established highway.
This is a route for experienced, independent-minded trekkers willing to accept basic and sometimes improvised accommodation in exchange for genuine remoteness and a trekking experience almost nobody else has had. For more accessible Manaslu region treks, see our Manaslu Circuit Trek or Lower Manaslu Trek. Browse all routes on our Manaslu region trekking page.
Duration: 27 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 4,610m (Rupina La Pass) | Trek Grade: Strenuous — remote, limited infrastructure | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: TIMS Card, Manaslu RAP (portions may apply) — contact us for current requirements
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What is the Rupina La Pass altitude?
The Rupina La Pass stands at 4,610m in the Gorkha district of the Manaslu region. It is a remote, infrequently trekked high mountain pass connecting the Gorkha valleys to the northern Manaslu foothills.
How difficult is this trek?
Strenuous. Recommended for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. The route is remote with limited teahouse infrastructure in the upper sections and the pass crossing requires careful acclimatisation.
Does the Rupina La Trek enter the restricted area?
Portions of the route may enter the Manaslu restricted area depending on the exact itinerary. We arrange all necessary permits including the RAP where applicable as part of your package.
How remote is this trek compared to the Manaslu Circuit?
Significantly more remote. The Rupina La route sees only a fraction of the trekkers that use the standard Manaslu Circuit, with limited teahouses and trail markers in the upper sections.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
TripAdvisor