LARKYA PEAK
Larkya Peak, also known as Larke 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.
Larkya peak, also known as Larke peak, is a lesser-known but stunning peak in the Manaslu region. It stands at an altitude of 6,249m/20,502ft 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 Maccha 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.
BESTS
- Larkya peak lies in the remote and pristine Manaslu region, making it less crowded compared to popular trekking peaks in the Everest or Annapurna regions
- Which offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a rich cultural experience with Tibetan influenced villages
- The trek to Larkya peak blends adventure with the beauty of the Manaslu circuit featuring rivers, lush forests, suspension bridges, and high-altitude landscapes
- A wonderful experience with crampons, ice axes and ropes
- Possibility of custom modification of the trip program with other activities or visits as well
COST
2600 USD per person with 3 participants with local guide
Private trip possible every day. Contact us to receive a customized quote for 1 or 2 people. Contact us to receive a customized quote with European guide speaking English, French, Italian.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
- Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02. Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (900m/2952ft) by drive, 8-9 hours
- Day 03. Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4,396ft), 7-8 hours
- Day 04. Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft), 7–8 hours
- Day 05. Deng to Namrung (2,630m/8,628ft),6-7 hours
- Day 06. Namrung to Lho (3,180m/10,433ft), 4-5 hours
- Day 07. Lho to Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft),4-5 hours
- Day 08. Samagaon: acclimatization day
- Day 09. Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft), 4-5 hours
- Day 10. Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m/14,632ft), 3-4 hours
- Day 11. Dharamsala to Larkya base camp (5,160m/16,925ft), 4-5 hours
- Day 12. Larkya base camp to summit (6,249m/20,501ft) and back to base camp (5,480m/17,979ft), 7-8 hours
- Day 13. Day for summit if in case of bad weather or acclimatization day
- Day 14. Base camp to Bhimthang (3,720m/12,204ft) via Larkya La pass (5,160m/16,925ft), 8-9 hours
- Day 15. Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,963m/6,440ft), 5 hours
- Day 16. Dharapani to Kathmandu by drive, 9-10 hours
- Day 17. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
- Day 18. Final departure
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from Airport representative and transfer to hotel. We will serve authentic Nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.
Meals included: dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 02. Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (900m/2952ft) by drive, 8-9 hours
We set off early for Maccha Khola, a scenic 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu, covering 150-160 kilometers. Maccha Khola is the starting point for treks in the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. The drive offers stunning views of the Trishuli river, lush green forests, terraced fields, and small villages. We pass through towns like Galchi, Malekhu, and Arughat, each offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. Finally, we arrive at Maccha Khola
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 03. Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4,396ft), 7-8 hours
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.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 04. Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft), 7–8 hours
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 climbing 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 crosses 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 the tiny village of Deng.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 05. Deng to Namrung (2,630m/8,628ft),6-7 hours
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki on to the north bank and then climb to Rana. 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.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 06. Namrung to Lho (3,180m/10,433ft), 4-5 hours
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 a 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.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 07. Lho to Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft),4-5 hours
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 Samagaon.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 08. Samagaon: acclimatization day
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.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 09. Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft), 4-5 hours
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 see a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 10. Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m/14,632ft), 3-4 hours
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 see a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 11. Dharamsala to Larkya base camp (5,160m/16,925ft), 4-5 hours
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 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.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.
Day 12. Larkya base camp to summit (6,249m/20,501ft) and back to base camp (5,480m/17,979ft), 7-8 hours
In the Early morning we’ll start to climb the summit Larkya peak (6,249m/20,501ft) 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.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.
Day 13. Day for summit if in case of bad weather or 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.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.
Day 14. Base camp to Bhimthang (3,720m/12,204ft) via Larkya La pass (5,160m/16,925ft), 8-9 hours
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 descent to Bhimthang.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 15. Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,963m/6,440ft), 5 hours
A steady trek across the fields leads us to the smaller Karcher La pass and then we descend through a rhododendron forest to Tilje village. We then cross the Dudh Khola river and head uphill passing through a chorten styled arch, passing Mani walls before arriving at Thonje village. After leaving Thonje we enter the Annapurna region at Dharapani where there is a police checkpoint.Â
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 16. Dharapani to Kathmandu by drive, 9-10 hours
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.
Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.
Day 17. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
After breakfast take an excursion visit. Today we will go for sightseeing swyambhunath, Pasupatinath temple, bouddhanath and patan. world heritage site and freely shopping day. evening there will be a typical Nepali dinner organized for you in the typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program.
Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.
Day 18. Final departure
You will have breakfast and You will be free until your departure. A representative will take you airport for your final departure.
Meals included: breakfast.
INCLUDED
- Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
- Overnight stays in common lodges during the trek, double room accommodation
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu
- Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period in the lodges/restaurants
- Surface transport to and from Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Twin sharing accommodation at the tea house lodges
- An experienced certified guide and one trekking helper between 2 persons
- Personal luggage transport during the trek with porters/yaks/ponies up to 12 kg
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
- All required special trekking permits and conservation fees
- Peak climbing permit fees
- Trekking permits (TIMS, ACAP and MCAP)
- Manaslu restricted area permits
- All government taxes and our service charges
- An English speaking experienced trekking guide recognized by Government of Nepal
- Highly experienced trekking porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Assistance during the trek by qualified staff and 24 hr. telephone with our office staff
- Food, transfers, insurance and equipment for accompanying staff
NOT INCLUDED
- Visa fee for Nepal
- International flight to and from Nepal
- Personal trekking equipment
- Travel and medical insurance (if any rescue and evacuation needed)
- Meals and extra night (more nights than stated in itinerary) accommodation in Kathmandu
- Soft and hard drinks
- Personal insurance and other personal expenses
- Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)
- Anything not specified under “INCLUDED”
ON REQUEST
- Single room
- Sleeping bag rental on site
- Guide with knowledge of Italian or French
- Travel insurance
- Superior hotel accommodations in town
- Tour extensions