Annapurna Base Camp & Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli)
- Duration: 18Days
- Activities: Climbing
- Country: Nepal
- Trip Grade: HARD
- Price:3000 USD
- Group size: 2-10 People
Overview
Join our adventurous trek and climb to the Annapurna region’s Tent Peak, also known as the Tharpu Chuli. Lying just south of the Annapurna Base Camp, the Tharpu Chuli (5663m) or Tent Peak summit offers magnificent panoramic views of majestic snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna region. The beautiful landscape at the trekking part adds another reason for choosing a climb to this spectacular Tent Peak. While you trek along the fertile Modi Khola River belt, you will experience the natural grandeur as well as the cultural magnificence of most popular trekking region of Nepal. The alpine plants, lush forests, colorful flowers of lush forests, culturally rich local people, snow covered mountains would surely mesmerize you with their serene beauty. Path to the beginning of the route runs along a steep serpentine road with amazingly beautiful scenery. During the spring season, you will see the mountains tinged with red or pink. As you trek higher, you will experience why the buffer zone near the Annapurna massif is considered the most picturesque in Nepal. Moreover, the easy accessibility of the Tent Peak makes it an ideal destination for those wishing for a short trekking plus peak climbing expedition.
The Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli Climbing trek commences from the Lake City of Pokhara in the Annapurna region. During the initial days, while trekking via Dhampus, Landruk, Chomrong and Dobhan, enjoy the mountainous environment marveling at colorful flora and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders: Mt. Annapurna (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Nepal’s ethnic mountain people. Trekking further we reach MBC and ABC. The climb for Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli starts further from ABC after reaching the Tent Peak Base Camp. After summiting the peak, return the same route until ABC. From ABC, we trek down to Bamboo, Jhinudada, and Nayapul, passing by waterfalls, villages & settlements, and the rhododendron forest that bloom with red flowers during the springtime. From Naya Pul, we drive to Pokhara which announces the end of this marvelous adventure.
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
DAY 03: Drive to Pokhara and trek to Pothana(1890m) 6-7 hours drive and 1 hours trek
DAY 04: Pothana – Tolka – Landruk (1580m) 6 hours
DAY 05: Landruk – Chhomrong (2175m) 6 hours
DAY 06: Chhomrong – Doban (2600m) 6 hours
DAY 07: Doban – Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) 7 hours
DAY 08: Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Annapurna base Camp (4130m) 2 hours
DAY 9: Acclimatization & Climbing Preparation at ABC
DAY 10: Trek to Tent peak Base Camp (4450m) 5 hours
DAY 11: Trek to High Camp (5,200m) 5 hours
DAY 12: Summiting Tent Peak, Return to High Camp: 6 hours
DAY 13: Descent to Tent Peak Base Camp then to ABC: 4-5 hours
DAY 14: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours
DAY 15: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m) 5 – 6 hours
DAY 16: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
DAY 17: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
DAY 18: Final Departure
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Sherpa Holidays’ display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s drive to Kaare via pokhara.
DAY 03: Drive to Pokhara and trek to Pothana(1890m) 6-7 hours drive and 1 hours trek
After breakfast we drive to Pokhara. We can catch an amazing views of the Himalayas,enjoying the landscape driving through Nepalese highway.And then we stop for lunch after 4 hours of drive.After lunch it’s another 2 hours drive to Pokhara.After getting there to Pokhara,we drive to Kaare for another hour.so,we we get of the bus once we get down at Kaare and start to trek from there.And then we walk through a small village via australian Camp making a gradual climb and slowly descend down to a village of Pothana.Overnight in Pothana.
DAY 04: Pothana – Tolka – Landruk (1580m) 6 hours
After breakfast we start to climb up gradually through densed forest to Deurali.Making a stop in deurali,then we start to descend down through rhododendron forest to Baise Kharka and then to Tolka.We stop for lunch here in Tolka enjoying the vie of giants Annapurna south( 7260m) and hiunchuli(6441m).After the lunch we take an easy walk to the village of Landruk and spend the night there.
DAY 05: Landruk – Chhomrong (2175m) 6 hours
We descend from Landruk for a while through stair cases and thenfollow the trail through a dense rhododendron forest. The narrow trail for sometimes opens up to perfectly manicured terraced fields. Next, ascend steadily and pass a few surging waterfalls before reaching a suspension bridge. A few more miles of uphill trek and we reach Jhinu Danda and stop there for lunch.After lunch we start to climb the steep section of the day for couple of hours and finally arrive to Chhomrong. It is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive.You can also enjoy the magnificent view of Fishtail,Annaprna iii,angapurna,Gandarvachuli from your tea house.Overnight in Chhomrong.
DAY 06: Chhomrong – Doban (2600m) 6 hours
The trail from Chomrong descends first on stone staircases to cross the chomrong khola and then we climb very steep all the way to Sinuwa. It can be very hot today as we will be walking mostly in the sun and it’s steep. After Sinuwa the trails enters into the forests and it goes up and down all the way to Dovan 2500meters. There are very few lodges from now on every stop. It can be cold during the night as the sun hides behind the big hill before getting dark and the sun comes out very late.
DAY 07: Doban – Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) 7 hours
After breakfast we pass through the bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with fewer steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls.And then we stop for lunch in Deurali.After lunch we star to climb gently thorough a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. Overnight at Machhapuchre Base Camp.
DAY 08: Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Annapurna base Camp (4130m) 2 hours
Today we are above the treeline.The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
DAY 9: Acclimatization & Climbing Preparation at ABC
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 o discover the South Face of Annapurna I.
DAY 10: Trek to Tent peak Base Camp (4450m) 5 hours
We cross the glacier and moraine mountain passes descending onto Annapurna South Galcier. 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.
DAY 11: Trek to High Camp (5,200m) 5 hours
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.
DAY 12: Summiting Tent Peak, Return to High Camp: 6 hours
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.
DAY 13: Descent to Tent Peak Base Camp then to ABC: 4-5 hours
Today we descend to the glacier and to Tent Peak Base Camp. Trek further down to the Annapurna Base Camp. Reaching the ABC, we take our lunch and relax. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours
From the Annapurna base camp we retrace our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo.
DAY 15: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m) 5 – 6 hours
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy hot springs just 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight in Jhinu Dada.
DAY 16: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu danda we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. We have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
*If the road construction connecting Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul is complete, driving from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara could be another option.
DAY 17: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We fly to Kathmandu in the morning.The left side of the airplane offers some amazing views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. We enjoy the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any landmarks we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will attend a celebration dinner together. Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 18: Final Departure
The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.
- All airport/hotel transfers within Nepal
- Accomodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis
- Flight from pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Transportation enrolled for sightseeing and transfers
- All meals on trek and Climbing periods.
- Accommodation throughout the trek
- All trekking and climbing permits
- Experienced and English speaking trekking/climbin guides
- Trekking and teahouse arrangements on full board basis on trek/Climbing duration
- All your climbing gears ( ascender,descender,ice-axe,figure 8,helmate)
- Group gears and supplies ( ropes,ice screws,snow bars)
- Insurance for all Nepalese staffs
- All camping equipments (kitchen tent,dinning tent,toilet tent,table,chair and kitchen utensils) for our clients and Nepalese staffs
- Base camp crew
- Emergency equipment like medical oxygen, Gamow bag,comprehensive medical kit, etc
- Satellite Phone incase of emergency
- All government taxes and agency service charge
- Sherpa Holidays’ duffel Bag for the trek
- Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket (Puffy jacket)
- Personal trekking gears
- International roundtrip airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and evening meals in the city(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Nepal Visa fee
- Tips for Guides and other staffs
- Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Personal travel /medical/cancellation/rescue insurance
- Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition
- Helicopter or charter flight
NOTE:
You can bring your personal clothing if you already have them with you,if not it’s worth buying all below mentioned clothing and equipments here in Kathmandu in good rates and your guide will help you with it.You will have plenty of time before the trek to buy stuffs in Kathmandu(thamel).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS FOR TREKKING
TREKKING
- Fleece beanie
- sun glasses
- Chapstick / Sunscreen
- Face mask or Scarf
- Hand towel
- Wind stopper / waterproof top and bottom
- Cold weather down jacket below waist
- Fleece jacket and trouser
- Trekking trouser
- T-Shirts(short or long sleeves) dry fit is better
- Polypropylene thermal tops and bottom, at least 2pairs,
- Wind stopper and fleece gloves
- Socks and under wears (expect not to be able to wash at least for week)
- Trekking boot (covering ankle, double check the size, foot swell up after a long walk)
- Snow Gaiter (optional)
- Runners or Snickers for camps
- Head torch
- Personal medical kit (Gastrointestinal and Respiratory disease are common)
- Water Bottle/Camel Pak
- Trekking / Ski pole (optional. Handy for anyone with knee problem)
- Spare batteries for Camera andflash light. Check charging facility along your journey
- Day pack Minimum25L with side pocket for water bottle
MOUNTAINEERING EQUIPMENT ONLY FOR THE CLIMBING GROUP.
- All equipments as in trekking equipment list except 25L day pack. Need a 40L+ day pack.
- Snow Gaiter (compulsory)
- Snow Goggles
- Head torch
- Thick socks at least 3 pairs
- Gloves, thin thermal layer and thick down or acrylic filled wind and waterproof outer layer
- Wind stopper Top /Wind stopper bottom
- Ruck-Sack minimum 40L+, should have loop to hold Ice-Axe, pole and side pocket to hold water bottle
(PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENTS WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED BY SHERPA HOLIDAYS
- Harness: Black Diamond on high quality
- karabiners: Two pieces Screw Gate “D” Shaped and two plain
- Tape Sling: Two meters 1inch wide tape sling with free ends
- Ice-Axe: Choice depends on use. Generally length between your ankle and finger tips on stretched body (60cm to 70cm).This is the choice of shaft length to go for.
- Climbing boots
- Crampons: Quick clip on and release design having detachable anti balling plate and a size to fit your boot.
- Jumar /Ascenders: This is a device for climbing up on a rope and is a must in steep climbing section.
- Descender: This is a device to climb down a rope safely. Figure of eight and ATC are other names.
- Sleeping bag: Good sleeping bag of 80% – 90% down, 1000gm filled to use above base camp & normal trek,
- Down Jacket: A good down filled jacket to use above base camp n normal trek.
- Duffel bag : trekking/Mountaineering Basics 85 litter water proofs.