Larkya Peak Climbing

Larke Peak, also known as Larkya Peak, is a lesser-known but stunning peak in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It stands at an altitude of approximately 6,249 meters (20,502 feet) and is located near the famous Larkya La Pass, a high pass that is part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Larke Peak, also known as Larkya Peak, is a lesser-known but stunning peak in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It stands at an altitude of approximately 6,249 meters (20,502 feet) and is located near the famous Larkya La Pass, a high pass that is part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This peak offers adventurous climbers a unique opportunity to explore an unspoiled part of the Himalayas, often with fewer crowds compared to the more popular trekking and climbing areas like the Annapurna and Everest regions.

To access Larke Peak, climbers usually begin their journey from Kathmandu and travel to the village of Soti Khola, which marks the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit. From there, they pass through a series of remote villages, terraced fields, lush forests, and glacial rivers, with views of impressive peaks like Manaslu, which is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Samagaon, a Tibetan-influenced village, is a key stop for acclimatization before approaching the base camp of Larke Peak.

Climbing Larke Peak involves crossing challenging sections of snow and ice, making it suitable for experienced climbers with technical skills. Reaching the summit rewards climbers with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, including Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and Kang Guru. After the climb, most mountaineers descend back to the Manaslu Circuit Trail, continuing over the Larkya La Pass, which itself is an incredible highlight of the trek. This peak and region offer an off-the-beaten-path experience, blending challenging mountaineering with profound cultural immersion and scenic beauty.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 1:  International Arrival in Kathmandu 1,400m Transfer to Hotel
  • Day 2:  Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
  • Day 3:  Drive Kathmandu to Arughat 600m 9–10 hrs drive
  • Day 4:  Arughat – Soti Khola 710m/2328 ft
  • Day 5:  Soti Khola – Maccha Khola 900m 6–7 hrs
  • Day 6:  Maccha Khola -Jagat 1410m 7–8 hrs
  • Day 7:  Jagat – Deng 1,804m 7–8 hrs
  • Day 8:  Deng – Namrung 2630m 6–7 hrs
  • Day 9:  Namrung – Lho 3180m 4–5 hrs
  • Day 10:  Lho – Samagaon 3530m4–5 hrs
  • Day 11:  Samagaon – Pungyen gompa – Samagaon: 6–7 hrs
  • Day 12:  Sama – Samdo 3860m 4–5 hrs
  • Day 13:  Samdo – Dharamsala to Larkya B. C. 4460m 4–5 hrs
  • Day 14: Lrakya B.C to High camp summit 6249m, and back to base camp 7- 8 hr.
  • Day 15: Lrakya B.C Reserved day for bad weather or extra acclimatization day.
  • Day 16: Cross Larkya La (5106 m) and trek to Bhimthang. (3610 meters) at tea house
  • Day 17: : Trek to Dharapani. (1963 m) at tea house.
  • Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar and stay overnight at Hotel Kathmandu.
  • Day 19: Free day
  • Day 20: Transfer to Airport for your departure flight

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01:  International Arrival in Kathmandu 1,400m/4,264 ft – Transfer to Hotel: Upon our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be warmly greeted by a representative. After completion of our custom formalities (Visa, etc), we pick up our luggage and look for our representative with We will be then escorted to Hotel in Kathmandu. After check in, we can either take a rest or hang around in the city. It all depends upon our interests and condition. At the evening upon our reception, will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.

Day 02:  Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation: Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At the noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 03:  Drive Kathmandu to Arughat 600m/1968 ft: 9–10 hrs drive: At dawn, we set off early today for Arughat. We drive through countryside of Nepal enjoying the countryside and mountain sceneries. First part of drive is easier until Dhading Besi, the headquarter of Dhading District. Another part of drive starts from Dhading Besi to Arughat through direct road and we reach Arughat after around 9-10 hours’ drive. Arughat, our trek starts point is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budi Gandaki River flowing between them. Overnight at Arughat.

Day 04:  Arughat – Soti Khola 710m/2328 ft: 5–6 hrs: Upon crossing the bridge over Budhi Gandaki, we begin our trek from the western part of Arughat. After completing with the ACAP procedure, we follow the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. We further pass through the hydro-electric power project, fields of rice and millet to Maltar, and through forests Sante Bazzar. The trail to Budhi Gandaki valley now becomes steeper and more difficult as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing the shops of Arkhet. While descending we encounter with a cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kyorpani. Then from here the trail descends to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at the campsite at Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola.

Day 05:  Soti Khola – Maccha Khola 900m/2952 ft: 6–7 hrs: At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a bridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach to Khursane. The rocky trail then weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. We head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola.

Day 06:  Maccha Khola -Jagat 1410m/ 4625 ft: 7–8 hrs: The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more walk ups and downs, there is a small trailside hot spring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot Spring we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight at Jagat.

Day 07:  Jagat – Deng 1,804m/5917 ft: 7–8 hrs: Today at the beginning we climb over a rocky ridge to Seller, and then descend to Setibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge. While climb up to Philim we will be at a large gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays fairly in level as it traverses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Beyond Ekle Bhatti the route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this moment, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we keep walking the valley widens through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola.  Upon crossing the khola, we reach at the tiny village of Deng. Overnight at Deng.

Day 08:  Deng – Namrung 2630m/8626ft: 6–7 hrs: After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki on to the north bank and then climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Making ups and downs in forests, we pass mani walls and then turn to a corner that contours to Ghap. Eventhough there is another route; we take route through Prok village. Prok village has a view point from where we see beautiful view of Siringi Himal. We further cross Budi Gandai several times today and come across several gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight at Namrung.

Day 09:  Namrung – Lho 3180m/10,430 ft: 4–5 hrs: Namrung villages is good viewpoint for Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal. There are also a MCAP office, health post, police station in Namrung. To the south rises, we will have the view of Himal Chuli, a huge peak. Climbing steadily in the shade of a forest takes us to Lihi, a fine village with many shortens and many barley terraces. We still have quite bit of trail to reach Lho. Ganesh Himal Rises high into the sky when we turn around. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal. A chorten with detailed paintings announces Sho, another nice village with fine views up the open valley. We cross a stream short after leaving Sho and one final steep climb takes us to village with superb view of Mt. Manaslu. It is Lho Village where we explore the famous Ribung Gompa. Overnight at Lho.

Day 10:  Lho – Samagaon 3530m/11,578 ft: 4-5 hrs: The Budi Gandaki is far down but we follow a small tributary instead. Walking in the shady fir forest is very enjoyable. Upon a short climb to a plateau we will be at Shyala village. Our arrival at the village will be surrunded by huge mountains and those are Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, other snow summits to the right, at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. From a large chorten we look down into a little dip where two rows of houses form the main part of Sama. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Sama. Overnight at Samagaon.

Day 11:  Samagaon – Pungyen gompa – Samagaon: 6–7 hrs: We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. We pay our attention to ponder at the thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. At this juncture we meet the village women in Samagaon who wear a nice silver spoon as jewelry. On a little hill near Samagaon is an old Gompa. We take a side trip to Pungyen Gompa, a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year they met so much resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They finally submitted the mountain in 1959. Overnight at Samagaon.

Day 12:  Sama – Samdo 3860m/12,660 ft: 4–5 hrs: Today, while descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north, we follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight at Samdo.

Day 13:  Samdo – Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. 4460m/14, 628 ft: 4–5 hrs: Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again and come to the stone guest house (4450 m) which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larkya Phedi. We camp here today and have a rest to prepare for next day’s journey. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight at Dharmashala.

Day 14: Lrakya B.C to High camp summit 6249m, and back to base camp 7- 8 hr: Summit Larkya Peak sano (5807 meters) and continue summit Larkya peak Thulo (6249 m) and back to Base Camp. From Summit of Larkya peak we can view the great Himalayan range to the horizon, and the majestic view of Manaslu and Annapurna is pristine as well.

Day 15: Lrakya B.C Reserved day for bad weather or extra acclimatization day: As the weather in the Mountains is unpredictable one must not take unnecessary risks while ascending to the summit. Today will be a reserve day in case the summit can’t be done by bad weather or can be used Acclimatization day.

Day 16: Cross Larkya La (5106 meters) and trek to Bhimthang. (3610 meters) at tea house: We will do the Larkye La pass from the Base camp and walk further down to Bimtang today. Prayer flags welcome you to the Pass and the magnificent view of Manaslu, Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II in Larkye La Pass. Spend some time here and start your descend to Bimtang.

Day 17: : Trek to Dharapani. (1963 m) at tea house: Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani, 1920m 7/8 hours. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar and stay overnight at Hotel Kathmandu: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Beshisahar, and transfer to the hotel. Evening farewell dinner in a typical Nepali cultural restaurant with a dance program. Overnight at hotel on BB plan.

Day 19: Free day:

Day 20: Transfer to Airport for your departure flight: Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today.

INCLUDED

  • All airport transfers from arrival to departure.
  • Internal transfers.
  • 25kg baggage during trekking
  • All Government local Taxes.
  • Peak climbing permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
  • Conservation Area entry permits (MCAP).
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permits (ACAP).
  • Manaslu area restricted area permits.
  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • First aid and equipment for a porter for the extreme adventure route.
  • Porter service.
  • Airport transfers.
  • English-speaking, government-licensed trekking/climbing guide.
  • Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on b&b plan
  • Government taxes, entrance fee, equipment fee, and other applicable fees.
  • Farewell dinner.

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flight ticket.
  • Nepali visa fee.
  • Personal equipment for climbing.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Emergency evacuation by helicopter.
  • Any other service not mentioned in “included” section.