Tharpu-Chuli/Tent Peak (5,663m) is one of the most climbed Nepal Mountaineering Association group ‘ B’ trekking peaks in Nepal. Another major highlight of the trip is an exclusive exploration of the Annapurna sanctuary. The summit of Tent peak offers a stunning 360 degrees panoramic view of the surrounding Annapurna massif.
This peak is located in the Annapurna sanctuary, where the surrounding peaks are presented in all their glory from the summit. The trek to high camp involves crossing the South Annapurna Glacier. This is not an easy crossing. It involves a steep descent into the glacier through very rough ground among the confused mass of loose rocks of all sizes on the glacier floor. Then it needs to be climbed up the other side of the glacier. It takes almost 7 hours to reach high camp. However, you are rewarded with breath-taking views all the way.
The high camp is at an altitude of 5,100m and is very near to the foot of the steep snow face that leads to the summit ridge of Tharpu-Chuli. Descent to Base camp will take more than 7 hours in very slippery conditions. The normal route follows the North-West Ridge to the summit, although the mountain has been climbed via the South-East Ridge as well as the South-West Face.
The trek starts from a new bridge after a 45-minute drive from Pokhara. Further on, the trail takes us to the Poon Hill, Ghorepani and to the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Poon Hill above Ghorepani, we experience the breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek goes through most spectacular high mountain amphitheater, through charming Gurung villages and rhododendron forests. We spend an extra day for rest and acclimatization at Annapurna base camp and the next day we trek to the base camp of tent peak. We continue to the high camp (5,100m) and the early next morning we will start our summit push and try to reach the summit before noon, and descent to base camp the same day. We have an emergency day for in case of bad weather for the summit push.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in KTM (1300m), Transfer to hotel, Briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu City Tour, Necessary Preparation & Packing
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara (900m), Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga (1480m) 3hrs
After morning tea, we will drive towards Tribhuvan Airport, domestic terminal for Kathmandu to Pokhara flight. Pokhara is the centre of Western Development Region and Gateway to Annapurna Region. In the 20 minutes of scenic flight, we will enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna Mountain, Ganesh Mountain, Nilgiri Mountain, Manaslu Mountain and other mountains. Once we reach Pokhara Airport, we will take an hour long drive, passing through Lumle village to Nayapul. From Nayapul, we will walk along River and walk past tiny villages of Ramgai and Sumde to reach Hile. Ascending trail from Hile will take us to TikheDhunga. Stay overnight at TikheDhunga.
Day 4
Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m) 4hrs
Leaving Tikhedhunga, we will cross Bhurungdi River and follow the ascending path for couple of hours to reach Magar village of Ulleri. Enjoy the scenic views of Annapurna Mountain. From Ulleri, the trail leads us through forest of blooming rhododendrons to Nangethati. Moving further uphill through Deurali, we will reach Ghorepani village. Located on the ridge surrounded by forest, Ghorepani allows scenic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain range. Stay overnight at teahouse.
Day 5
Hike to Poon Hill (3,193m), Trek to Tada Pani (2,590m) 4hrs
We will prepare for trek quite early in the morning as we do not want to miss the opportunity of capturing sunrise view from Poon hill. 40 minutes of walk uphill from Ghorepani will take us to Poon hill. We will follow the scenic path through the Rhododendron forest. The name Poon hill is named after Pun ethnics, the inhabitant of the area. We will enjoy the panoramic views of far western Himalaya of over 600km of range including Dhaulagiri Mountain, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus, Nilgiri Peak, Annapurna Mountain, Machhapuchre Mountain (Fish Tail), Hiunchuli Peak, Manaslu Mountain, LamjungHimal and other peaks and mountains. We will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Lowering down from Ghorepani, we will traverse forest to reach Banthanti and reach Tadapani. Enjoy the views of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains. Stay overnight in Poon hill.
Day 6
Trek to Chhomrong(2,340m) 4hrs
Leaving Tadapani early in the morning, we will follow the descending trail through rhododendron forest to Kimrong River. The trail takes us through the pretty tiny village of Gurjung to Chhomrong village. We will enjoy the close-up views of Annapurna South Mountain, Machhapuchhre Mountain and Hiunchuli Mountain. No one has attempted to climb Machhapuchhre Mountain so far because it is considered sacred. Chhomrong is the largest Gurung inhabited village of the region. Stay overnight at Chhomrong.
Day 7
Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2,920m) 6hrs
Lowering down to Chhomrong River, we will walk through the colourful rhododendron forest and choose the raising path that contours up towards Sinuwa Hill. The Hill greets us with scenic views of Annapurna and other Mountains. The trail ascends gradually towards Upper Modi River Valley. Later, we will descend through bamboo forest to Dovan. Passing through rhododendron forest, we will climb up to Dobhan. From Dobhan, the trail stretches through bamboo forest to Himalaya Hotel. Stay overnight in Himalaya Hotel.
Day 8
Trek to Machapuchre Base camp (3,700m) 4hrs
The path beyond Himalaya Hotel takes us to forest. Enjoy the spectacular view of glacial river before you reach to Hinku Cave. We will lower down to river before climbing uphill to Deurali. Passing through the rocky area, we will reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Climbing Machhapuchhre is restricted. We can get close-up views of Annapurna Mountain Range, Gangapurna Mountain, Hiunchuli and other mountains. Stay overnight in Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The area lies in Annapurna sanctuary.
Day 9
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp(4,130m) 4hrs
After an early breakfast, we will walk through the sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp. Following the ascending path for two hours through moraine, we will reach Annapurna Base Camp. The Base Camp is famous for sunrise view over Annapurna I Mountain (8091m). Enjoy the unobstructed views of Annapurna south Mountain (7219m) Mountain, Hiuchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), SingaChuli Mountain (6501m), Tent peak (5663m), Gangapurna Mountain (7455m) and other peaks and mountains. Annapurna Base Camp certainly is a piece of heaven in earth. Stay overnight at this exquisite place.
Day 10
Acclimatization & Rest Day
Annapurna Base Camp is ideal place for acclimatization. It is better to take break from trekking at AnnapurnaBase Camp as it will help in preparation for climbing Tent peak. The guide will brief you about TharpuChuli Climbing strategy. You will also learn about using climbing gears like crampons, ascender, harness and ice axe. Explore the area for breath-taking view of South Face of Annapurna. Stay overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 11
Trek to TharpuChuli/ Tent Peak Base Camp (4,450m) 5hrs
Early in the morning after tea, we will cross the glaciated pass and then lower down to Annapurna South Galcier. Moving through the rugged path glazed with snow, we will reach to the moraine on the opposite end of glacier. The trail escalates further to take us to a flat area where we will set our camp for overnight stay. TharpuChuli Base Camp greets us with spectacular views of surrounding peaks and mountains.
Day 12
TharpuChuli High Camp (5100m) 5hrs
Climbing to TharpuChuli High Camp is a difficult task. We need to make a steep climb to reach to the High Camp of TharpuChuli. The path is scenic with views of Hiunchuli Mountain (6441m), Annapurna South Mountain (7229m), Annapurna I Mountain (8091m), Fishtail Mountain and other peaks and mountains. We will climb to the glacial zone where we will set our camp. Explore around High Camp and prepare yourself to climb to the summit. Stay overnight in TharpuChuli High Camp.
Day 13
Climb TharpuChuli Summit (5,663m) & Back to Base Camp 8-9hrs
This is the day that we had been waiting for. We will wake up at around 2 am and after taking light breakfast, we will begin our journey. We will make our way by cutting glaciers and move through base of several snow flutings. From that point, we need to use fixed ropes to make the final climb to the summit. Although difficult, climbing TharpuChuli is a rewarding experience. We will enjoy the panoramic views of surrounding peaks and mountains and lower down to Base Camp where we will stay overnight.
Day 14
Spare day for Summit Push/Trek to Dobhan (2,680m)
Including a spare day in our itinerary makes sure that our trip goes according to plan even if we get delayed by unforeseen circumstances like bad weather and other factors. Otherwise we trek out from Base Camp up to Himalaya Hotel/Dobhan for the over night stay.
Day 15
Trek to Dobhan (2600m)/Jhinu Hot Spring (1,780m)
We will begin our return trip on this day. Since the trail is mostly descending, we can retrace the route to Himalaya Hotel on this day. We will lower down to Annapurna Base Camp and move through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Himalaya Hotel and up to Dobhan or if we follow the 2nd option then we trek all the way to Jhinu Hot Spring for the hot spring shower and more relax, where we will stay overnight.
Day 16
Trek to Jhinu Hot Spring/Landruk (1,565m)
If we follow the 1st option using spare climbing day on the mountain, today we trek down to Jhinu Hot Spring for better rest an relax with hot spring shower. Otherwise if we follow the 2nd option plan following the descending trail from Dobhan, we will cross suspension bridge and reach Chomrong. The trail passes through dispersed settlements to Landruk where we will stay overnight.
Day 17
Trek to Kimche & drive to Pokhara/Trek to Kande & drive to Pokhara
After an early morning tea & breakfast, we head to Kimche or the nearest transport available point and drive to Pokhara the same day. Otherwise we will follow the 2nd optional plan, which has long day walk about 7/8 hours. Ascending path to the tiny village of Tolka (1700m). The path escalates uphill from Tolka to Bherikharka. After brief rest, we will continue to gradually ascend towards Deurali (2100m). We will be greeted with views of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain at Deurali. The trail contours down from Deurali to Pothana through oak forest. Pothana is inhabited by Gurung ethnics. Descending from Pothana, we will reach Australian Cam and to Kande and from there we will drive back to Pokhara.
Day 18
Fly back to Kathmandu, Check in hotel, Shopping
We will drive to Pokhara Airport and take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Scenic flight from Pokhara will take us to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel. After check in, you can either spend the day taking rest or you can visit the freak street of Thamel to buy souvenir items like Pashmina Shawl, Khukuri and more.
Day 19
Int’l departure for flight to home
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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