Nima Adventure Trek & Expedition P. Ltd.
Boudha-06, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9851114058 · info@nimaadventure.com
Boudha-06, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9851114058 · info@nimaadventure.com
Climb Larkya Peak (6,249 m) above the Larkya La on a 21-day adventure combining the restricted Manaslu Circuit, a guided snow ascent and the crossing to Bimthang.
Larkya Peak (6,249 m), also written Larke or Larkey Peak, rises above the Larkya La, the high pass on the Manaslu Circuit close to the Tibetan border. It combines one of Nepal's finest restricted-area treks with a high, glaciated summit, and it is climbed far less often than the peaks of the Everest and Annapurna regions. From the top, the view takes in Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, with the brown hills of Tibet to the north. For fit trekkers with basic mountaineering skills, it is a superb way to add a summit to a classic journey.
The approach follows the Budhi Gandaki valley from Machha Khola, through Gurung villages, terraced fields and deep gorges crossed by long suspension bridges. Higher up, in the Nubri region, the culture becomes Tibetan Buddhist, with mani walls, monasteries and stone villages such as Lho, Samagaun and Samdo beneath the huge east face of Manaslu. We take two acclimatisation days, at Samagaun and Samdo, before walking to Dharamsala, the last stop below the pass, and up to base camp at around 5,100 m near the Larkya La.
From base camp we climb to a high camp at around 5,600 m. Summit day crosses glacier and snow slopes to the summit ridge, with fixed ropes placed on the steeper sections, before returning to base camp. Larkya has more than one summit, and our objective is the 6,249 m summit, approached by whichever line best suits the season's snow conditions. After a reserve day, we cross the Larkya La (5,106 m) and descend to the meadows of Bimthang, with views of Manaslu's western flanks, then walk down to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit and drive back to Kathmandu.
Larkya Peak suits fit trekkers who have walked at altitude before and are comfortable learning crampon, ice axe and fixed-rope techniques, ideally with some previous climbing experience. The Manaslu region is a restricted area, and permits are only issued for groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide through a registered agency, which we arrange. Nima Adventure organises every detail from our office in Boudha, Kathmandu, under Managing Director Kanchha Sherpa, a career Himalayan guide.
We meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Once you have settled in, your guide holds a short welcome meeting to go over the itinerary, collect passport details for the restricted area permit and answer questions. The rest of the day is free to recover from your flight or explore Thamel and the great stupa at Boudha, close to our office.
Our office completes your Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation area permits and your Larkya Peak climbing permit. Your climbing guide checks your equipment, including boots, crampons, harness and down clothing, and helps you buy or hire anything missing in Thamel. In the evening we hold a full briefing on the trek, the climb and safety procedures.
A long but scenic drive leaves the Kathmandu Valley and heads west, then north through Dhading Besi and Arughat into the Budhi Gandaki valley. The final section on a rough road passes Soti Khola before reaching Machha Khola, a small village beside the river. Allow 8-9 hours depending on road conditions, with stops for tea and lunch. Overnight in a teahouse.
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream through a narrow valley, passing the small hot springs at Tatopani and crossing the river on suspension bridges near Dobhan. After a section of stone steps and cliffside paths, we reach Jagat, a neat village with flagstone streets, where our permits are checked at the entrance to the conservation area. Walking time is 6-7 hours.
We climb to the Gurung village of Philim, set among terraced fields, and continue through millet fields and forest past Ekle Bhatti. Beyond the turn-off to the Tsum Valley, the gorge narrows dramatically, and the trail crosses the river several times before reaching the small settlement of Deng. Walking time is 6-7 hours.
The trail climbs steadily through forest and small villages, passing long mani walls carved with prayers as we enter the Nubri region, where Tibetan Buddhist culture shapes daily life. After Ghap, a climb through rhododendron and pine forest leads to Namrung, with the first views of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. Walking time is 6-7 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.
We walk through barley fields and the stone villages of Banjam and Sho, with Manaslu North and Naike Peak rising ahead. Lho is set on a ridge with one of the best views of Manaslu on the circuit, and the Ribung Gompa above the village is well worth a visit in the afternoon. Walking time is 4-5 hours, keeping the gain in altitude gentle.
A short walk through forest and yak pastures, past the village of Shyala with its panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli and Peak 29, brings us to Samagaun, the largest village in the upper valley. Walking time is 3-4 hours. The afternoon is free to explore the village, its monastery and the long mani walls that line its lanes.
A rest day with an active morning. We hike to Birendra Tal, the glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu, or climb towards Pungyen Gompa for close views of the Manaslu glacier, gaining height before returning to sleep in Samagaun. Allow 3-5 hours of walking. In the afternoon your guide introduces the basic climbing techniques you will use on Larkya Peak.
We follow the Budhi Gandaki upstream across open pastures dotted with juniper and mani walls, with Manaslu behind us. Samdo is a Tibetan-style village of stone houses and prayer flags, close to the border, whose people trace their roots across the frontier. Walking time is 3-4 hours, keeping the gain in altitude modest. Overnight in a teahouse.
A second acclimatisation day prepares us for the high ground ahead. We hike up the slopes above the village, gaining several hundred metres for views of the surrounding glaciers and the valley that leads towards Tibet, then return to Samdo to sleep. Allow 3-4 hours of walking. The rest of the day is free to rest and explore the village.
The trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki and climbs steadily past the ruins of the old Larkya Bazaar, once a trading post on the route to Tibet, to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. This simple stone lodge is the last shelter below the pass. Walking time is around 4 hours, and the afternoon is for resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
We follow the moraine towards the Larkya La, then leave the main trail to set up base camp at around 5,100 m beneath Larkya Peak. The walk takes 4-5 hours over rough ground. Our crew pitches the dining and sleeping tents, and in the afternoon your guide leads a practical training session on crampons, ice axe, roped glacier travel and fixed ropes.
A steady climb over moraine, rock and snow brings us to high camp at around 5,600 m, with superb views across the Larkya glaciers to Himlung and Cheo Himal. Allow 4-5 hours with a loaded pack. We have an early dinner, prepare clothing and climbing equipment for the morning and rest before a pre-dawn start.
We leave high camp in the early hours and climb roped together across the glacier and up snow slopes to the summit ridge, with fixed ropes on the steeper sections. From the top, Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II fill the horizon. We descend carefully to high camp and continue down to base camp. Expect 8-10 hours in total.
This spare day is kept in case wind, fresh snow or poor visibility delay the summit attempt, so we never need to climb in unsafe conditions to keep to the schedule. If the summit goes to plan, we use the day to rest at base camp before the long crossing of the Larkya La, or to descend early if anyone needs to lose height.
From base camp we join the trail to the Larkya La, marked by prayer flags, with views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. A long, steep descent over moraine and loose ground follows, before the trail eases into the broad meadows of Bimthang, set beneath the western flanks of Manaslu. Walking time is 7-8 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.
We descend through rhododendron and pine forest beside the Dudh Khola, passing the villages of Gho and Tilije, with the snow peaks gradually giving way to farmland. At Dharapani we join the Annapurna Circuit and the road. Walking time is 7-8 hours on a mostly downhill trail. In the evening we share a farewell meal with our guides and porters.
A 4WD jeep takes us down the Marsyangdi valley on a rough road to Besisahar, where we change to a private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. The whole journey takes 9-10 hours, with stops for meals. On arrival we transfer you to your hotel for a long, hot shower.
A free day to rest or explore the Kathmandu Valley. You might visit Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath or the old royal squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, or shop for souvenirs in Thamel. This day also acts as a buffer in case of road delays. In the evening we host a farewell dinner to celebrate your climb with the team.
Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport around three hours before your international flight. If your flight leaves later in the day, there is time for a final walk around Boudha or Thamel. Thank you for climbing with Nima Adventure; we hope to welcome you back for another Himalayan peak or trek.