Larke North Peak is a false summit of Larkya Peak, which has three distinct summits. The other two are the Sano Larkya (false summit) and Thuli Larkya (actual summit). This stunning peak in the Manaslu region is accessed after multi-day trekking over the adventurous and rewarding circuit’s trail. The Larke North Peak is usually climbed by mountaineers, combining it with the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The combined journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek with the ascent of the Larke North Peak is a gratifying Himalayan adventure.
The Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak climbing is an outstanding trekking and peak-climbing experience around the base of gigantic Manaslu (8,163 meters/26,781 feet), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The avid and enthusiastic travelers will find new tastes of thrills upon undertaking this incredible adventure of trekking in the restricted Manaslu Circuit trails and scaling the technical Larke North Peak.
The Manaslu region falls under the restricted Himalayan zone, and you need to hire licensed guides and obtain special Restricted Area Permits (RAP) to access the region. As only limited travelers visit this region annually, it has become able to preserve its uniqueness. The pristine nature and untampered Himalayan culture are the highlights of the circuit’s trek.
To sum up, the Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak climbing journey is a harmonious mix of deep immersion into the untouched nature, rich cultural encounters, and the unmatched thrill of scaling a mountain in the wilderness of the Manaslu region.
The mixed journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek and Larke North Peak Climb is a challenging adventure involving both high-altitude trekking and technical climbing. The Manalsu Circuit Trek takes place in a remote and secluded alpine Himalayan location. It is considered strenuous due to several steep ascents and descents through its rugged wilderness trails. Likewise, the Larke Peak is considered technically challenging to climb. Negotiating its technical sections, such as ice and snow slopes, glaciers, crevasses, rugged and steep rock sections, etc, requires the use of climbing equipment such as ropes, ice axes, crampons, snow bars, carabiners, etc. You need to have moderate to advanced mountaineering skills to navigate through its technical slopes.
As a whole, to complete this adventure, you need to have extensive preparation as well as previous high-altitude trekking and mountaineering experience. You should also have a considerable level of physical fitness to overcome the demanding trekking and climbing conditions.
We recommend you be involved in pre-climbing training and gain essential mountaineering skills and techniques. Additionally, engaging in strength training and endurance exercises is highly beneficial for the journey. Good preparation with the appropriate gear (for both trekking and climbing), adequate acclimatization, proper physical stamina, and strong determination are keys to a successful adventure of Manaslu Circuit Trek and Larke North Peak climbing.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you warmly. Then, he will take you toward the private vehicle, which will be on standby for a short ride to your designated hotel. Your hotel will be in one of the major areas in Kathmandu. After you reach the hotel, our official will also help you with the check-in procedures. After that, you can rest and refresh at the hotel for a while.
Around noon, you can join the short pre-briefing meeting at the NMA Nepal office. Here, all your fellow travelers will be gathered. So, grab the opportunity to meet, introduce, and socialize with one another. In the meeting, your expedition guide will detail the upcoming adventure of Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak climbing. You will get to know everything, including the permits, transportation, food, accommodation, guides, porters, safety protocols, and many more.
In the evening, you are invited to join our ‘Welcome Dinner’ party. Enjoy the delectable delicacies of typical Nepali cuisines in the dinner event. The welcome dinner marks the initiation of our exhilarating adventure of Larke Peak Climb. So, take it as a ground to set a tone for the onward journey that is on the doorway.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we will spend a whole day touring the capital city. After having breakfast at the hotel, be ready to set off on an exciting and rewarding excursion to the major historical and cultural sites of Kathmandu.
On this guided tour, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa driving in a comfy private car. Time permitting, we will also take you to other UNESCO sites in the nearby cities of Bhaktapur (Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan) and Lalitpur (Lalitpur Durbar Square). Your local tour guide will provide you with comprehensive information and interesting facts about each of the sites you will explore.
In between the journey, you can taste the authentic flavor of delicious local Nepali dishes at one of the traditional restaurants. After the tour is over, we will swiftly transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Our actual adventure of Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak climbing begins today. We will leave the bustling Kathmandu city (1,400 meters) after morning breakfast and head towards our destination, Maccha Khola. Transportation options include either board a direct bus from Kathmandu to Arughat, which will be available at Gongabu Buspark, or catch a bus to Malekhu that drives via a Prithivi Highway. From Malekhu, you can again board a jeep or public-sharing local bus to Maccha Khola.
The picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola takes you through lush countryside landscapes. You will pass by several small rural towns and villages, colorful farmlands, rivers, forests, and waterfalls. The narrow, sandy, and bumpy roads that meander through the hillside will take you to the scenic Gurung village of Maccha Khola (930 meters).
After around 6 to 7 hours of drive from the capital city, we will finally arrive at the starting point of our trek, Machha Khola. The village is encircled by terraced rice fields and captivating landscapes of hills, rivers, and forests. At a cozy teahouse in this charming Gurung village, we will spend a restful night soaking into the warm hospitality and delicacies of local dishes.
Overnight stay in Macchi Khola.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
From Maccha Khola, we will begin on the trail. After breakfast, we will come out of the village to head towards Jagat (1,410 meters). We will walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River and cross a suspension bridge spanning over this gushing river. Then, we will ascend gradually through deep forests with rivers and waterfalls. We will trek further, passing through terraced fields and occasional villages. We will reach Tatopani after some time, where you can dip into its natural hot springs. Again, the trek resumes.
We will cross another suspension bridge and traverse the forest to reach Dobhan. From Dobhan, we will move further, walking beside the Budhi Gandaki River, traversing the forest, crossing a few suspension bridges, and walking past villages like Yaru and Thado Bhanjyang. We will finally descend to Jagat, crossing a large arch bridge. It will take us about 6 to 7 hours to complete this day’s trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat.
Overnight stay in Jagat.
Max. Elevation: Hotel Everest View (3,880 m/12,730 ft)
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We will depart Jagat after breakfast. We will start by crossing the Budhi Gandaki River via a suspension bridge. Then, we will trek uphill, passing through terraced farmlands and a notable hamlet of Salleri. Next, we will walk past Sirdibas, traverse forested trails, and navigate a widely spanning suspension bridge before ascending to Philim. From Philim, we will walk beside a river, pass through the small settlement of Ekle Bhatti, and ascend steeply towards the destination. We will cross the Deng River through a suspension bridge before finally arriving at the Deng village for an overnight stay.
It takes approximately 6 hours to trek from Jagat to Deng (1,800 meters). If time permits, you can stroll around the village and interact with the local people.
Overnight stay in Deng.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, we will leave Deng and begin trekking toward Namrung (2,660 meters), following the captivating Manaslu Circuit trails. We will ascend through the lush forests of thick bamboo grooves. Then, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a long swinging bridge. The forest, rivers, and bridges will come over and over again during the journey. After all, we will reach a picturesque Namrung village.
Upon arriving in the village, with around 5 to 6 hours of trek, you can indulge in the variety of tea and local cuisines prepared locally in teahouses.
Overnight stay in Namrung.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Sama Gaun (3,520 meters) is our this day’s destination. It will be around 5 to 6 hours of trek today. We will ascend gradually on the trail, glimpsing into the Tibetan-influenced lifestyles of the people. We will pass through the house gardens, terraced fields, and forests of fir, rhododendron, and oak. Enroute, we will traverse villages like Lihi and Sho. Enjoying the stunning view of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal at the backdrop, we will ascend through rocky trails to another village, Lho. The straightforward forested trails lined by pine and rhododendron trees from Lho will lead us to Shyala. Now, it is only an hour’s walk to the destination, Sama Gaon. The scenic village of Sama Gaon, surrounded by the high Himalayas, is a perfect place to spend glorious nights.
Overnight stay in Sama Gaun.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is the first acclimatization day of our 19-day-long Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak Climbing journey. We are already over 3,500 meters, and its crucial to acclimatize and adjust to the rising attitudes. After lunch in the teahouse, we will embark on acclimatization hikes to the nearby popular places of Sama Gaon.
Carry snacks and energy bars to eat along the way. We will visit Pungyen Gompa in Nubri Valley’s east, passing through traditional settlements and yak pastures. With the enthralling view of the Manaslu in the background, we will continue moving forward. We will walk alongside the meandering river for around two hours. The shimmering reflective waters of the gently flowing river will keep you engaged. Once we finish exploring Pungyen Gompa, you can also extend the hike towards the Manaslu Base Camp on the northern side and to the picturesque Birendra Tal.
By evening, we will return to the teahouse in Sama Gaon and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Overnight stay in Samaghau.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We will leave Sama Gaon after a delicious light breakfast at the teahouse. Initially, we will slightly descend on the routes and cross small streams. Then, we will traverse wide Yak pastures and thick rhododendron forests. Eventually, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge. Continuing further in rugged mountainous terrains, we will reach white Kani, a nearby hamlet of Samdo. After some time, we will finally reach the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo.
A total of 4 to 5 hours of trek from Sama Gaun will reach us to Samdo (3,860 meters). Upon arriving in Samdo, you can explore this picturesque village and connect with the villagers. We will have a pleasant night in a comfortable teahouse accommodation in Samdo.
Overnight stay in Samdo.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This is our second acclimatization day of our ongoing Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak Climbing adventure. In order to avoid altitude sickness, we need to acclimatize properly. For that reason, we will spend a day resting and taking short acclimatization hikes to the surrounding areas of Samdo. This will prepare our body to adjust to the decreasing oxygen level of depleting air in higher altitudes.
Take time to rest and relax, and after a mouthwatering lunch, you can go for acclimatization walks. You can leisurely ramble around the village, visit local homes, and learn about the unique culture and traditions of the region. You can also ascend to the Samdo Ri (Peak) for eye-filling views of the hill, mountains, and valleys.
Overnight stay in Samdo.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, we will leave Samdo to head towards Dharamshala (4,460 meters). We will ascend gradually through sweeping Yak pastures and rugged Himalayan terrains. The expansive views of Manaslu and numerous surrounding mountains will accompany us in the background. The trail involves a steady elevation gain, and as you climb higher in elevation, you need to be wary of the possible altitude symptoms. Maintain proper hydration and ascend slowly by allowing enough time for the body to acclimatize. This will help you to prevent the potential threats of altitude sickness.
On the final leg of the trek, we will steeply climb to Dharamsala. The slow and relaxed pace hike for around 4 to 5 hours will finally take us to this scenic mountainside village.
Overnight stay in Dharmasala.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today’s walk from Samdo to Larke Peak Base Camp is relatively short, which is only around 4 to 5 hours. The trek involves traversing along the rocky steep rocky paths with gradual altitude gain. During your ascending journey, you will be treated to the astounding wide-angle vistas of towering peaks such as Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, etc. Navigating the rugged mountainous terrains, we will finally arrive at the Larke Peak Base Camp (5,135 meters). It is a strategic point for acclimatization and preparation stage for the adventurous climb of Larke Peak.
After arriving at the Base Camp, our expert expedition crew will set up a cozy campsite in a flat and spacious area. We will spend the first night of the journey in tented camps gazing at the towering peaks and starry sky.
Overnight stay in Larke Base Camp.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
On these two days, we will prepare you for the adventurous climb of Larke North Peak. You will undergo health checkups and acclimatization processes to minimize the risk of altitude sickness and enhance safety during the climb. Your climbing guide will teach you about the safety protocols and emergency procedures to be followed for a secure summit push. He will also train you to use basic mountaineering equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, crampons, ice axes, etc.
On the day of the summit push, we will wake up before the sun rises. In the clear morning weather, you will have the joyful ascent of Larke North Peak. Your guides will fix the ropes and ladders for your safe and efficient navigation over the steep slopes of Larke Peak. They will lead you through the best routes, skipping crevasses, ice and snow sections, rock scree, etc.
The strenuous ascent will finally reward with extraordinary views and senses. Standing atop the Larke North Peak will provide you with a profound feeling of victory and achievement. A 360-degree panorama of the Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and many more adjoining Himalayas will be unveiled before your eyes. After enjoying the stretching vistas from the summit, we will retrace our footsteps back to the Larke Base Camp.
Overnight stay in Larke Base Camp
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
A reserve day is usually separated during adventurous high-altitude climbs of the mountains. This is because the weather at the alpine elevations is unpredictable, affecting the visibility and overall climbing conditions. A reserve day will provide better flexibility in climbing the peak, which can be used to wait out the bad weather and ascent under favorable and safer conditions. You can also use the additional day for better acclimatization or a time for recovery if you are affected by altitude sickness.
With the reserve day, you can complete the Larke Peak climbing journey without rushing or compromising safety. However, if everything goes smoothly as planned, this reserve day can be used to trek back leisurely.
Overnight stay in Larke Base Camp
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We will wake up early at the Base Campsite and enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the majestic view of the Himalayan ranges on all sides. Then, we will begin to trek towards our destination of the day, Bimtang (3,800 meters). The trails are mountainous, involving steep ascents and descents over the rocky terrains. After around 6 to 7 hours of walking from the Larke Peak Base Camp, we will reach the scenic Bimtang village. We will settle in at one of the finest teahouses in Bhimtang.
Overnight Stay in Bhimtang
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is the final day on the trail. We will rise up early in the morning at the teahouse in Bimtang and enjoy a satisfying breakfast. Then, we will begin trekking towards Dharapani (1,963 meters). The distance from Bimtang to Dharapani is approximately 12 kilometers, and it will take you around 7 hours to complete this journey.
Bidding farewell to the Manalsu region, we will move towards Dharapani, descending through pasture land and crossing the river. En route, we will traverse vibrant rhododendron and pine forests and villages like Tilije, Tal, Bagarchhap, etc. We will eventually reach Dharapani for an overnight stay in the teahouse.
Overnight stay in Dharapani.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We are on the last day of our remarkable Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak Climbing trip. Wrapping up this incredible adventure, we will return back to the capital. The distance between Dharapani and Kathmandu is around 234 kilometers. It will be a long day drive of around 10 to 12 hours. So, wake up quickly in the morning and take a direct bus from Dharapani to Kathmandu. Enjoy the drive to the fullest! After reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
In the evening, kindly attend our ‘Farewell Dinner,’ which will come with cultural programs.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Now, you are on your final day in Nepal. Wake up at the hotel and have a nice breakfast. Then pack your bags and stay ready for the airport transfer. If time permits, as per your flight schedule, you can have a quick exploration of the nearby areas in the city. Following your departure time, our airport representative official will come to pick you up at the hotel. He will drop you off at the airport on time. Afterward, catch a flight back home and have safe travel. See you soon on the next Himalayan adventure.
Note: We will provide gear and equipment such as sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, trekking poles, and crampons if you do not have one. However, these need to be returned after the journey is completed.
The permits essential to embark on the adventurous journey of Manaslu Circut with Larke North Peak climb and their costs are:
Note: We will obtain all the required permits on your behalf beforehand of the journey. For this, all you have to do is send us a copy of your passport, airline tickets, and two passport-size photographs.
The Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak climbing is a high-altitude mountain endeavor that encounters you to significant heights in the Himalayas. You will be sleeping above 3,000 meters for several days during the circuit trek. Likewise, you will be at 5,135 meters in the Larke Peak Base Camp. The peak itself is at a breathtaking altitude of 6,249 meters. So, there is a risk of being susceptible to altitude sickness during this alpine journey.
Altitude sickness generally comes with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sleeplessness, breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, etc. Be mindful of these symptoms and if you notice any of these, communicate with your guides and descend to familiar altitudes immediately. Stay there patiently until you fully recover and then only ascend further. To avoid altitude sickness, you can also follow several preventive measures, such as
Yes, travel insurance is vital during any tours or adventures in Nepal. It is very important in emergency cases during a remote Himalayan adventure of Manaslu Circuit and Larke North Peak climb. Travel insurance is essential for the following reasons.
It will be best to get a comprehensive travel insurance policy with extensive coverage, such as a helicopter evacuation. After booking the expedition with us, we recommend you purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy as soon as possible. Kindly submit your insurance papers so that we can use the policy to streamline the process and provide you with immediate assistance in need.
If you haven’t brought gear and equipment for the journey, you can get them from the plethora of shops in Kathmandu. The ideal place to purchase or rent gear, clothing, and equipment is Thamel. A variety of trekking and mountaineering essentials are available here in diverse price ranges. The cost of the gear and equipment depends hugely on their quality, brand, type, condition, demand, etc. For renting gear, the price also depends on the duration of the rental. Usually, the cost of buying gear is USD 20 to USD 500 + and the price to rent them ranges from USD 1 to USD 15 per day.
Larke North Peak is 6,249 meters/20,505 feet high. From the breathtaking height of this peak, you will be treated to the stretching panorama of the surrounding Himalayas such as Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and several more as well as stunning Himalayan landscapes like valleys, glaciers, rugged snowfields, etc.
During the Manaslu Circuit trek with Larke North Peak climbing adventure, you will be served all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit trails will provide you with freshly cooked healthy meals during the trekking phase. Likewise, while at the base camp stay, we will serve you with a range of nutritious foods. Additionally, you will have breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu and a welcome and farewell cultural dinner from our side.
The accommodation during the journey is a mix of hotels, teahouses, and tented camps. During your three-night stay in Kathmandu, you will have standard hotel accommodation. Likewise, while in the pre-climbing and post-climbing phases, i.e., during the trekking period, you will stay in teahouses along the trekking trails. Teahouses will provide you with basic amenities, and you will sleep in shared rooms with two to three beds. On the climbing phases of Larke Peak, you will spend nights in campsites with kitchen, toilet, and dining facilities.
The best time to embark on the Manaslu Circuit with Larke North Peak climbing adventure is during the favorable spring and autumn seasons. The spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November, are pre-monsoon and post-monsoon time respectively. These dry seasons provide ideal trekking and mountaineering conditions with stable weather and mild temperatures. Moreover, the sky is clear, the air is fresh, the atmosphere is clean, the days are long and bright, and there is high visibility in the surroundings.
Yes, you should hire a government-licensed, experienced trekking and climbing guide from a registered trekking agency for this adventurous alpine endeavor. According to the rules of the Nepal Tourism Board, you need to hire guides compulsorily for your remote Himalayan adventures. Besides, there are diverse benefits of traveling with guides, such as:
Yes, porters are important during the remote, high-altitude, and adventurous journey of the Manaslu trek and Larke North Peak climb. They will free you from the heavy loads of backpacks and let you focus on enjoying the trip to the fullest. Usually, local porters are recommended to hire for the alpine adventurers who are habitual in walking on the rugged trails and terrains of the region.
No, the Manaslu Circuit trekking trails usually do not have banking facilities or ATMs. While there can be banks in larger villages like Jagat and Dharapani, the services are basic and limited. So, it is advisable to withdraw enough cash from the ATMs in Kathmandu to cover the expenses incurred during your remote adventure.
In emergency cases, you can use the following communication devices.
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