Harka Gurung Chuli, sometimes referred to as Peak 29 or Dakura, belongs to the Manaslu sub-range located within the Nepalese Himalayas. The peak can be found in both the Manang and Gorkha Districts of Nepal and boasts an impressive height of 7871 meters or 25823 feet.
The mountain is named in honor of Dr. Harka Bahadur Gurung, a distinguished Nepali geographer, writer, and politician who was renowned for his substantial accomplishments in conservation efforts. Born in 1939 in Taranche, a village in Lamjung, Nepal, Dr. Gurung was the first person in the country to obtain a PhD and went on to publish fifteen books and nearly 675 scholarly articles and reports. He held various government positions such as Minister of State for Education, Trade and Industry Minister, and Minister of State for Tourism. Additionally, he advised the World Wildlife Fund in Nepal.
Situated within the Gandaki Pradesh province, Harka Gurung Chuli is part of the Mansiri mountain range and falls under the jurisdiction of Lamjung/Gorkha district. The closest assistance center from the basecamp is a police post at Besi Shahar, approximately 41.9 kilometers away. The nearest settlement is Rahudanda, roughly 16.3 kilometers away.
To access Harka Gurung Chuli, one can drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The caravan route includes Gorka-Barpak-Rupina la-Chhilung KholaBC\ Arughat-Nyak-BC\ Besisahar-Nagdi-Mimi Pokhari-BC. Traveling through Besi Shahar covers a distance of about 41.9KM with a climbing route stretching 12.5KM long. Generally speaking, it will take roughly 50 days to complete your adventure.
Fees for climbing Harka Gurung Chuli fluctuate based on the time of year and the climber's nationality. Nepalese climbers face fees of NRs 8000 in spring, NRs 4000 in autumn, and NRs 2000 in winter/summer. Meanwhile, foreign climbers are charged USD 600 in spring, USD 300 in autumn, and USD 150 in winter/summer.
Dr. Harka Gurung's life was tragically cut short in 2006 due to a helicopter crash. Numerous tributes have been paid to him, such as the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival and the Lamjung F.C. Memorial football tournament. Additionally, there's a three-hectare eco-park called Dr. Harka, Chandra & Migma Memorial Laligurans Eco Park located in Pokhara to keep his memory alive along with those who perished with him during the terrible accident.