Tharpu Chuli Peak Climbing - 14 days

For starting your journey, you will be picked up by one of the representatives of Nature Trail Travels & Tours, Trekking & Expedition from your hotel and then drive to Pokhara. During your travel, you can see panoramic mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others and natural scenario followed by Trishuli River. Afterward, you will be followed by Marshyangdi River along the terraced fields until you meet Seti River which takes you directly to Pokhara. Pokhara whispers around us as it gradually comes alive.

Pokhara is one of the most favorable tourist places which is full of its natural beauty. Being naturally gifted does not only makes the place beautiful, instead one can observe cultural heritage sites such as: Stupas, Temples, Mountains, Caves, lakes, Museums and many more. Towards its north, lies Phewa Lake which is just beneath the white peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In a pleasant weather, the sight is worth seeing. You will fall in love with the beauty of this place.

Early morning, drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 1/2 hour drive). Upon arrival, trek down to the river for 10 minutes and cross the suspension bridge. Climb up to the main village located on the ridge. Follow the trail along the Modi River for about 20 minutes to arrive at Birethanti. Take the right hand trail and a gradual ascent will take you through a field of paddy in summer and mustard in the winter to arrive at upper Birethanti village. Walk further through more terraced fields and bamboo groves on a gentle ascent along a hillside to arrive at a riverbed. Take the trail leading into the forest. The forest provides shade and an ideal place for the porters to prepare lunch, as water is readily available from a stream.

Trek through the forest and follow the trail along the hillside and after about 20 minutes to arrive at the settlement of Shauli Bazaar, which is located along the banks of the Modi River. The trail from here continues to climb steadily for about 2 hours and 20 minutes until we arrive at Ghanddruk. Ghanddruk is the largest Gurung village in Nepal where many male members of the local community have served in the Gorkha Special Forces Army. The brave and chivalrous Gorkhas have earned themselves the reputation as the most loyal and indomitable soldiers in the world. The afternoon is free for rest or optional activities such as a visit to the Annapurna Conservation Museum. Overnight at the lodge in Ghandruk.

Commencing trek from Ghandruk, we ascend for about an hour up to Ghandruk Kot and then the trail descends steeply which takes us to Kimron Khola. Then after a shot easy walk, we take a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive. The mountainous view that can be observed from here are of mighty peak Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre Himal (Fishtail Mountain) facing it across the valley. Overnight in Chhomrong.

On the 4th day of our trek, we walk along the Modi Khola Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar.  Then we descend a long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests. Pass through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Doban . Another gentle gradual ascend following the trail above the river through a thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon.

Crossing over the two streams over small bridges, the trail passes through solitary places. The wilderness gives piece to our mind. If you are lucky, then you might get chances to see variety of species of wildlife such as wild pig, deer, snow leopard, etc. We then further ascend to the Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock. Continuing our walk through the ascending path, we reach Deurali. After about half an hour walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in middle of river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. The hike to MBC is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchhre are certainly a rewarding experience. Enjoy the views of Mount Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and, of course, the Fishtail or Machhapuchhre itself.

While trekking from Machhapuchhre you will see the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The vegetation disappears, path widens as we enter the Sanctuary. Following a stream, and then climbing to a few huts alongside a moraine, there are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding panorama of the 360 degrees. Savor the mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Afternoon exploration above base camp.

On this day, you won’t trek further in order to acclimatize yourself and get prepared for the climb. Your guide will brief you about the climb. Feel free to ask any question with your team leader and guides that you may have regarding the climb. After lunch, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and on using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boot, harness, jummer, and how to go up and down using ropes. There will be training on how to fix the ropes, climbing technique, and about the knot and gears. We believe that some training experience will boost up your confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing the chances of scaling the summit as well as fully enjoy the experience. For those not willing to climb the peak, there are plenty of options for walks and exploration in the area including a trip to discover the South Face of Annapurna I.

Our trail descends as we cross the glaciated mountain passes to reach Annapurna South Glacier. Follow the cairned trail across the surface on the ice. Climb the moraine on the opposite bank of the glacier. Enjoy the views of the high mountains from 6000ers to 8000ers. Finally arrive at the Tent Peak Base Camp which is a flat camping area.

Today, we make a steep ascent to the Tent Peak High Camp. Enjoy the panoramic views of Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7229m), Annapurna I (8091m), Fishtail Mountain, and other snow-capped high mountains. Climb the hill to a glacial bowl. After setting up the high camp, we spend the remainder of the day discovering and making preparations.

Around midnight, we get ready for the final push. Cross the short glacier to reach the base of several snow flutings. Climb fixed ropes to the final summit ridge. As we get nearer the summit, a sharp top of Tent Peak (5663m / 18,580 ft) unfolds. After summiting, we return by the same route to the high camp or Annapurna base camp.

From Annapurna Base Camp the route rapidly descends past the Machhapuchhre Base camp, Deurali, Himalayan Hotel and Doban and comes Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. You will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. Pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains.

The route passes through beautiful fields of rhododendron flowers, oaks and bamboo. We then ascent to Kuldi ghar and then to Sinuwa, crossing the Chhomrong Khola and continue on to Chhomrong Village.  From here it descend downhill to Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is small local commercial village where we stay tonight. For those with enough energy there is a 20 min walk to a nearby hot water spring to relax all those muscles.

Trek from Jhinu danda to New bridge and then to Kyumi village. After lunch we trek to Syauli bazaar and then down to Birethanti. From Birethanti, about an hour’s trek and we arrive at Nayapul. The trek ends at Nayapul. From Nayapul we take a vehicle and reach Pokhara in about an hour.

After such a wonderful trip, we drive back to the place from where your journey started. You will take beautiful memories from this trek back to your home.