Larkya Peak Climbing

Useful Info

LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING DIFFICULTY

Larkya Peak Climbing is the newly opened trekking region of Nepal. Therefore, Larkya Peak Climbing is a relatively less traversed trekking destination. It is located in the prestigious Manaslu Region. In terms of difficulty, Larkya Peak Climbing is moderately difficult. But Larkya Peak is one of the least climbed peaks in Nepal. The trail, being challenging, one needs a good level of fitness with prior mountaineering experience.
Though it is not a challenging mountain, it does require some serious glacier walking. The less traversed trail, remote location, altitude, etc. make this climb very strenuous.
Larkya Peak has three summits: two false summits – Sano Larkya Peak, and Larkya North – and the true summit called Thuli Larkya Peak. This climb will be to the true summit of Thuli Larkya Peak. Some trekkers and climbers often have confusion regarding this as well.
Thulu Larkya Peak is a technical climb and is classified as a group “A” expedition, by Nepal Mountaineering Association. This means the Thulu Larkya climb is challenging in terms of physical and mental endurance at a high altitude.

LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING SEASON

The best season for climbing Larkya Peak is from March to May or from September to December. Some of the more advanced climbers may wish to climb in the off-season, but the safe, established times to climb are in the middle of spring and autumn. Irrespective of this, Larkya Peak can be climbed throughout the year.
Autumn season (September, October, and November) is the best time to travel to the Manaslu Region. During this season, the landscapes appear vibrant and invigorated, with brilliantly clear skies that create picture-perfect views of the hills, rivers, and gorges. The daytime temperatures generally remain pleasantly warm that ranges between 12ᴼC-15ᴼC, but the nights can get chilly cold. Therefore, autumn is the best time to climb Larkya Peak.

Spring Season (March, April, and May) is another peak Season. The winter snow begins to deplete and the crystal clear skies create wonderful views of the green valleys and hills. The lower regions of Larkya Peak are covered in colorful rhododendron blossoms and the temperature starts getting warmer, which is perfect for trekking. As May approaches, the days become hotter, and the humidity causes a haze to surround the peaks of hills visible from the lower regions.

Winter Season (December, January, and February) is extremely cold, and as the altitude rises, the temperatures sharply lower down. January and February are the coldest months. Though the days are chilly cold in winter, the night time temperature drops below the freezing point. The bright sunny days even in winters offer splendid views of the Himalayas. If you are accustomed to the mountains and can withstand severe cold, winter is not a bad time for your splendidly blissful journey.

Summer Season (June, July, and August) in Nepal is dominated by monsoons and involves a lot of hot and humid days. Thus, it is unsafe for travelling during the summer season. Frequent rainfalls make the trails muddy and slippery. There will be floods and landslides in several places.

LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING PREPARATION

It is better safe than sorry. Mountaineering obviously is an activity full of dangers. Therefore, safety must be always your priority. Preparing well in advance is very important for your safe, secure, and pleasant climb. Here are some tips in short cut about how to prepare for Larkya Peak. Let’s have a look.
• It is a good idea to take a basic rock climbing course
• Practice enough gym workouts for this climb. Basically, Cardio and strength endurance training must not be avoided.
• Be mentally ready to cope with this strenuous peak
• Consult with your physician to prevent yourself from HAPE and HACE
• Collect adequate gears and clothing
• Consult with a professional and well-established trekking partner
• Hire a professional guide
• Complete all the mandatory paper works and procedures

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING

Larkya Peak Climbing is a technical adventure activity in Nepal that requires previous trekking experience and technical skills in peak climbing gears to have a successful summit. The trip is very suitable for adventure-motivated trekkers who have the ability to walk in snow ridges and adventurous trails. Walking in high altitudes might attract high altitude sickness, slow and steady walk would be the perfect solution. We suggest every trekker who is planning to come to Nepal for trekking and peak climbing adventure do daily physical workouts (jogging, hiking, cycling, gym, etc.) before a couple of weeks. Larkya Peak can be a pleasant warm-up climb for other higher peaks of Nepal if you are well prepared for this adventure. Here is the list of the activities that must be done compulsorily before attempting the Larkya Peak:
• Go for a run or hike to hills where you have to do ascents and descents.
• Once a week, do a long walk.
• Swim and cycle.
• You can also go up and down the stairs of a tall building.
• Eat healthy food.
• Keep on doing yoga. If you can, do more yoga related to breathing.

LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING GEARS AND ESSENTIALS

Larkya Peak Climbing is the most popular mountain expedition in Nepal because it is so beautiful, intact, and peaceful. Though it was opened recently, the latest updates show that this peak has become a popular choice of the climbers over the years. For the safe, secure, and successful Larkya Peak climbing, we suggest you have the following types of equipment:

CLIMBING GEARS:

• Ice Axe w/Leash (General mountaineering tool. Sizing is important: under 5’7″ use a 60cm tool; 5’7″- 6’1″ use a 65cm tool; over 6’1″ use a 70cm tool. (Too short is preferable to too long).)
• Crampons (With flat rather than “cookie-cutter” frame rails)
• 40 ft 6mm perlon (For Prussiks or bring your glacier rig.)
• Alpine Climbing Harness (Harness should fit over all clothing; have gear loops, adjustable leg loops, and be reasonably comfortable to hang suspended in.)
• Carabiners (2 Large Pear or D-shaped locking. 2 standard ovals or D’s)
• Climbing helmet (Must be adjustable to fit, with or without hat or balaclava on)
• 1 Ascender (Recommended: left or right hand.)
• Ski or trekking poles (Snow baskets required. Helpful for balance when carrying a heavy pack or if you have knee problems)
• Double plastic climbing boots.
• Gaiters (Please make sure your gaiters fit around the plastic boot without being too tight around the boot.)

OTHER ESSENTIAL GEARS

• Hiking boots
• Trekking Socks
• Trekking trousers
• Waterproof (trousers/jacket)
• Base layer shirts
• Fleece jacket
• Sunhat and Woolen hat
• Sun protection (including total bloc for lips)
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Head torch (spare bulb and batteries)
• Water bottles 1 Litre
• Antibacterial handwash
• Small towel
• Daypack (25-30 Liters)
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag 4 or 5 seasons (up to – 20ºC)
• Down Jacket
• Personal First Aid Kit

LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING PERMIT AND COST

Larkya Peak Climbing is an adventure that cannot be undertaken without a climbing permit. You need to acquire a permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association to attempt any peak above 5000 meters. The climb without having a permit will be illegal. For climbing Larkya Peak, you need to have a Local Area (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) Permit which costs around $20, TIMS Card Permit (Trekking Information Management System), and others.
The following service charge has to be paid by the foreign climbers who are hoping to attempt Pisang Peak:
Spring Season (March, April, May): Rs.4000
Autumn Season (September, October, November): Rs.2000
Winter Season (December, January, February): Rs.1000
Summer Season (June, July, August): Rs.1000

ACCOMMODATIONS

Larkya Peak Climbing cost and itinerary provides you sophisticated hotels and resorts from normal tourist standard categories to five-star categories that are available in Kathmandu for your accommodation, where you can choose your suitable one. During the entire trekking (apart from the climbing period of Larkya Peak) there is the availability of tea houses/lodges. And during the climbing period for a couple of days, we need to set up a tented camp for accommodations. So we will provide all tea house accommodation at available places and camping accommodation at the places where tea house/lodges are not available. Accommodation can be Single, Double, Triple, or twin sharing basis as per your requirement

MEALS

Larkya Peak Climbing Expeditions are inclusive for all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including the entire trekking and climbing period, apart from the BB plan during the stay in Kathmandu. We will have Dinner and Breakfast in the same teahouse/Camp where we spent overnight and Lunch will be en route of trekking towards the next destination since we have to leave our accommodation after breakfast to continue the trek. You can enjoy the taste of varieties of cuisines; Nepali food, Tibetan, Continental, Indian, Italian, etc. by choosing from the menu. During the camping period, while we are in Larkya Peak Base Camp and High Camp, our kitchen team will prepare hygienic foods to serve you. There might not be several choices of foods during the camp as in the tea houses and restaurants; you have to understand that our crew has to carry all camping gears and kitchen equipment from available places but we are sure we will provide as many services and facilities as we can do to make your adventure holiday awesome.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Altitude sickness is the effect of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues at a high altitude. It is the negative health effect of high altitude due to the rapid exposure to a low amount of oxygen at high elevation. The common symptoms of Altitude sickness include:
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Trouble Sleeping
• Dizziness

Altitude Sickness generally referred to as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs only above 2500m. The main reason for altitude sickness is rapid ascent and decreasing amount of oxygen at the high altitude. There are mainly three types of altitude sickness:
• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema.

Altitude Sickness can become a medical emergency if ignored. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to travel to high altitudes slowly. It normally doesn’t take long for your body to adjust to a changed altitude. At the higher altitudes, the air pressure and oxygen level are comparatively lower. Our body takes time to adjust to such changes. We suggest you keep yourself hydrated, not smoke or drink the alcoholic substance, eat hygienic food, sleep low, take it easy, use Diamox tablets, etc. to prevent yourself from Altitude Sickness.

TIPS FOR LARKYA PEAK CLIMBING

1. Acquire the right and sufficient training
2. Pack Sufficient
3. Collect most essential gears
4. Hire a guide
5. Be mentally ready
6. Follow the instructions of your guide
7. Never underestimate the weather
8. Climb steadily, sleep low
9. Be careful about your health and hygiene