Tent Peak Climbing

Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range peaks sprawls before you. The Nepali support team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

You can either fly or drive from Kathmandu to the Lake City Pokhara. Flight time is just 25 minutes while driving takes nearly 6 hours. But the cost of flight is much higher than driving.

After you reach at Pokhara, you check into the hotel. In the leisure time, take a walkabout to the important places of Pokhara. If the time supports, go for boating on the Phewa Lake or stroll along the streets of the Lake City.

Today’s destination is Tikhedhunga via Nayapul. You drive in a bus or a private jeep up to Nayapul and then walk along the banks of the Modi Khola. Most of the treks to Annapurna region formally begins Nayapul, which is why, it is called the gateway to Annapurna trek. You walk past Birethanti and Hile villages  to reach the nightstop.

The trek begins after you have breakfast. Walking past the 3,500 stone-paved steps, you reach Ulleri. Ulleri is the largest Magar Village of Annapurna region. This village is recognized for well-maintained trails and clean surrounding. From here, you can have the sunrise and sunset view of Annapurna (8,091m) Himalayan Range.

Walking along the dense rhododendron and oak woodlands past Banthali Village, you end up at Ghorepani. Ghorepani is one of the prominent Gurung villages of Gandaki Province. The scenery of the Himalayas and high altitude villages makes this village more interesting to spend a night here.

Waking up as earlier as you can, you hike to Poon Hill to enjoy the enchanting sunrise view of the glittering Himalayas. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (also known as Annapurna Sunrise View Trek) rewards you with the best sunrise view in the world.

Walking for about 1 hour along the dense forests of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), you reach Poon Hill. From the top of 3,210m hill, the vistas of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massifs are just incredible! Have a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy the scenery more memorable.

Then, you trek back to the hotel in Ghorepani and have breakfast. Thereafter, following the trail that runs across oak and rhododendron forests, you reach Tadapani. You might see some birds and animals of ACAP while moving ahead as well.

By crossing the rugged trail along the thick forests, you reach Gurjung Village enjoying the natural scenery. It is another Gurung village conserving their lifestyle, culture and tradition at their best form. Most of the males are engaged in the British and Indian Army, known as the Brave Gurkhas. You might meet some of the old pensioners who would love to share their army life and its experience.

Leaving this beautiful village behind, you move ahead along the comfortable track to reach Chhomrong Village. This is also another Gurung village of Annapurna region. You can also find some homestay facilities here. In the evening, the Aama Samuha (Mothers’ Group) perform some cultural shows to entertain you and conserve their tradition.

Following the banks of the Chhomrong Khola, you reach Khuldighar, a small mountain village. Moving forth through the lush forested region, you get to Sinuwa and Bamboo Village amongst the bamboo forests. Walking through the deep rhododendron and oak forests, you reach Dobhan to wrap up today’s trek.

The trail goes along the Modi Khola banks past the Himalayan Hotel, which is also a popular stop during Annapurna Base Camp trek. Then, you follow the ancient salt trading trail of Tibet and Annapurna region through the Hinku Cave. This cave used to be the travellers’ inn in the past as it saved from the rain and cold.

Continuing the journey, you cross an avalanche prone area and then, reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From here, you have the most enthralling view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna III and Mt. Gangapurna. You know, Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) is among the highest unclimbed peaks in the world.

Walking past the bamboo forests, you enter into the Annapurna Sanctuary premises. Witnessing the captivating view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs, you reach Annapurna Base Camp.

As the trek is short, keep travelling around the base camp of Mt. Annapurna (8,091m). Walking around ABC has double benefits: acclimatization and joy of splendid mountain scenery. It makes your Tent Peak climbing trip more comfortable.

Walking through the ice-covered steep trail, you move further across some Himalayan passes and glacial moraines. Some 6,000m+ peaks are looking at your travel from all around. Take rest at some points to avoid altitude sickness.

Nearly after 5 hours’ trekking, you reach Tent Peak Base Camp (also called the Cave Camp: 4,600m). After taking some rest, keep practising to use the climbing gears and techniques to avoid the possible hazards. Don’t forget to ask your team leader if you have any confusions.

The trail further from base camp to High Camp is quite challenging as it is steep and icy. In some sections, you may have to use the climbing gears as well. Although the distance is short, it takes around 4 hours to reach the destination.

Keep moving around the campsite to keep yourself fit for the last ascent to Tent Peak Summit. From here, you see Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m),  Annapurna (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and other peaks amidst the clouds.

To avoid the strong winds and snowfalls, you must begin the climbing from High Camp to Tent Peak Summit as early as you can. The first part of the trail is rocky, so, easy while the other part is quite challenging as you have to walk over the vast ice mass.

When you reach the top of Tent Peak aka Tharpu Chuli, the amazing view of glaciers, mountains, diverse landscapes and rivers all around makes you forget the hardships.

You will be surrounded by Himchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna Fang (7,647m), Annapurna I (8091m), Gangapurna (7455m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna V (7525m), Mt Machhapuchhre (6993m), and Singu Chuli or Fluted Peak (6501m).

Capture the lifetime moments in your camera and the brain as much as you can! Then, you descend towards High Camp. Follow the instructions of the team leader to avoid any mishap!

Witnessing the natural springs, thick forests of Annapurna Sanctuary and Mt. Machhapuchhre, Huinchuli Peak, etc. you trek down to Bamboo.

You might see some birds and animals of Annapurna Conservation Area Project as well. Bamboo is a village surrounded by the large bamboo forests, the only food of elusive red pandas.

The trail runs across dense forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron that glimpses of birds and animals are obvious. Enjoying the scenery of the forests of Annapurna Sanctuary and mountains of Annapurna Range, you finally arrive at Jhinu Danda.

Jhinu Danda is popular for natural hot waterfalls. Taking hot bath is a good idea to get rid of the travel fatigue. You know, the local people also say that taking bath in this water heals skin diseases if any.

Celebrate the remaining time here with your fellow travellers as you have already completed peak climbing in Nepal! Try out some local cuisines and beverage items, perhaps!

You trek until Nayapul, both the beginning and ending point. Through the rugged trail, you follow the Modi Khola banks and walk past Kyumi Village. Then, the trail passes through the dense forests of rhododendron and oak to reach Syauli Bazar. Leaving behind Birethanti, you finally reach Nayapul.

From Nayapul, you can either hire a private jeep or take a local bus to reach Pokhara. Then, you will be relocated to the hotel. Now, do some merrymaking to mark the lifetime experience of peak climbing in Nepal!

You can either drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Do as the itinerary favours! When you arrive in Kathmandu, the team member shifts you to the hotel. In the spare time, you can visit Thamel Bazar for shopping purpose. The handcraft products of Nepal like relics and garments are good choice!

In the evening, we invite you to farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel. Enjoy the cultural performance while having delicious Nepali cuisines!

According to the flight schedule, the representative of NTR takes you to the Kathmandu Airport.