Tent Peak Tharpu Chuli Trek & Climb takes you to the heart of the picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary. A small plateau within arctic zone landscapes is filled with remorseless fields of moraine, ice, snow, and glaciers. Hidden behind the massif Annapurna Himalayas group of peaks, Annapurna-I, A-III, and Gangapurna Himal with Vara Shikar and Annapurna Fang.
This area includes a range of mountains featuring the prominent Tent Peak, also known as Tharpu Chuli, and the majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail Peak. The Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli Trek & Climb is one of the most scenic and shortest adventures one can enjoy around the Himalayas. The trek leads from high green hills covered in dense alpine forest towards the mountain wilderness within snow-dusted peaks.
Tent Peak was named by early mountaineers and explorers due to its shape, which has the appearance of a rocky tent. As seen from Annapurna Base Camp and the Sanctuary, it is at a height of 5,663 / 18,575 feet. In comparison to other trekking peaks, it is less challenging but leads to a technically challenging climb to reach the summit.
The Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli Trek & Climb starts from the beautiful and renowned tourist city of Pokhara. The journey begins in the low, warm, sub-tropical valley of paddy fields and ascends to cooler hills, passing through lovely traditional Gurung tribe villages. Along the way, you will explore the local cultures with great fascination around the villages of Ghandruk and Chomrong. The trek continues through scenic, forested paths.
The route leads down to a gorge of the Modi River and then follows the river upstream. Right up to its glacial source at Annapurna Sanctuary and Base Camp. From the Annapurna Base Camp, the route diverts away from the main popular areas of Annapurna Sanctuary. The adventure heads north-east amidst glaciers and a rocky moraine of ice and glaciers at Tent Peak base camp.
Located in amazing wild areas sandwiched between giant peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas, from here our real adventure starts. After having an extra day for preparation and acclimatization, the thrill begins, heading higher with a steep climb. As the climb leads towards the ice and rocky ledges with some tough technical vertical sections, for a small and lesser height, Tent Peak is truly a challenging mountain to climb.
The main ropes will be the important supports to reach the top of Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli Summit. After a strenuous climb, you reach the summit of Tent Peak, where you will forget the hard struggle. Getting busy overlooking the tremendous panoramic views of the surrounding towering, gigantic peaks of the Annapurna Himalaya range.
On completing the exciting climb to the top of Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli), Return to the journey on the same scenic route to Annapurna base camp and down to Modi River. Walking back into lush green vegetation and tree lines to Chomrong village and ending the trek at Jhinu village. A lovely place with a natural hot spring to enjoy a refreshing dip and a bath before heading back to Pokhara. A lovely city with a verdant valley is a great place to complete our adventure. After a wonderful experience on the Tent Peak-Tharpu Chuli Trek and Climb.
The best time and right seasons for the Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli Trek and climb are spring and autumn. The spring season lasts from March to May, with most days full of sunshine. During this time, wildflowers like rhododendrons of various species and colors are in seasonal bloom, making the hills lively. Sometimes the afternoons can get overcast with a few showers, and the mornings and nights can be cold, depending on the altitude.
The next best season is autumn/fall, starting from September to November. Most days are fine and crystal clear, offering great views and pleasant walks. However, mornings, late afternoons, and nights can be cold. Snowfall can be expected above 2,000 meters at times.
Those interested can enjoy this trek during the wintertime of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Although days are clearer for views and walks, mornings, late afternoons, and nights are very cold. Days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, but it is still an enjoyable time for views and walks.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel – 1,300m
Day 02: In Kathmandu with optional sightseeing tour and trek preparations – 1,300m
Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara 850 m – 30 mins by air – 06 hrs on road
Day 04: Drive to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk village 1,951m – 04 hrs
Day 05: Chomrong village 2,200m – 06 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Dovan 2, 330m via Bamboo 2,150m – 06 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720m – 06 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130m – 04 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Tent peak base camp 4,500m / 14,600 feet – 05 hrs
Day 10: At Tent Peak base camp for acclimatization and preparation – 4,500m
Day 11: Trek to High Camp 5, 010m – 04 hrs
Day 12: Climb Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli 5,663m / 18,575 feet, descend to Base Camp – 08 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp MBC 3,730m – 06 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Bamboo 2,150m – 06 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Jhinu-Danda a place with hot spring 1,700m – 06 hrs
Day 16: Short last day walk and drive to Pokhara 850m – 03 hrs
Day 17: Drive or fly to Kathmandu of 06-hour journey (½ hour flight) – 1,300m
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities – 1,300m
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, check the Nepal Standard Time, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Outside the air terminal, our staff from RP Adventures will greet and receive you for a short drive to your hotel. The hotel is located in the hub of Kathmandu; on arrival, check into your lovely rooms. Then meet with other members of the trek for a briefing regarding the Tent Peak/Tharpu Chuli Trek and Climb. After collecting all the useful information and trek details, a group welcome dinner in nice authentic Nepali restaurants was an introduction to Nepali foods and cultures.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to prepare for the trek, and also to tour Kathmandu and Nepal's famous landmarks. The Kathmandu Valley and its adjoining cities are steeped in historical monuments listed as World Heritage Sites. Enjoy a tour of Old Durbar Square, the ancient palace and royal courtyard, as well as a visit to the oldest Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, the famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and the large dome stupa of Boudhanath, before returning to the hotel. After an exciting tour, spend the rest of the afternoon at the hotel preparing for the Tent Peak/TTharpu Chuli Trek & Climb.
In the morning, you have the option of flying to Pokhara or taking an exciting overland journey of more than 6 hours, depending on the road conditions of the country's busiest highway. It's interesting to observe the depth of Nepalese rural farm life during this journey. The drive takes you through many farming villages and towns before heading west to the beautiful city of Pokhara. Pokhara is blessed with natural beauty, including lakes, rolling hills, and the peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas. The hotels in Pokhara are situated near the famous and serene Phewa Lake, making it a great place to explore. Flying is also an option, with a 30-minute panoramic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Enjoy the first day of the adventure, taking a few-hour drive beyond Pokhara city and the valley. Morning ride on a pleasant highway for hour-facing views of Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas. As the drive diverts from the main highway heading towards Nayapul town and Bhirethati lovely village, the drive leads on rough dirt tracks and then on, winding uphill to Kimche. A small farm village, from the walk, begins on a gradual uphill to Ghandruk, one of the largest villages around Annapurna region. Enjoy the comfort of a nice mountain lodge with views of snow-clad peas and rolling green hills. Afternoon, have time to explore the village museum and collect information about the Gurung tribes culture and history.
After a pleasant overnight in the nice lodge in Ghandruk village, the walk starts with a short climb to the top of the village. The trail follows a gradual path for a short while and then climbs up to Kimrong Danda Ridge. A place with few tea houses and shops, from here descend to the Kimrong River valley through dense forest. Possible lunch stops at Kimrong Valley in its nice, simple restaurants; an afternoon walk leads to a steep climb for an hour or more. Then reaching on a gradual path paved with stone slabs to Chomrong, the last village before Annapurna Base Camp. A lovely Gurung village with nice lodges for overnight comfort, enjoy the views of Annapurna peaks from the lodge.
In the morning, the walk from Chomrong heads downhill towards a river. After crossing the bridge, the path climbs up to a high ridge. Upon reaching Sinuwa Danda, a small settlement with a few tea houses and shops, the trail continues, gradually winding through the forest. As the walk progresses amidst lovely rhododendron and pine trees, there is a short descent to Bamboo, a nice open area with a number of simple lodges and restaurants. This is a possible lunch stop, with the sound of the Modi River nearby. The bamboo settlement is surrounded by dense trees and some bamboo thickets, hence its name. From here, there is a gradual uphill climb to Dovan for an overnight halt, located above the Modi River gorge.
From Dovan, a morning walk follows through the gorge with some steep climbs, reaching a huge cave at Hinko. After a short descent to the Himalaya Hotel, a small settlement with a number of lodges and tea shops, there's a brief break before crossing old avalanche areas of rocks and boulders to reach close to the Modi River. Then, climb to a plateau in an exposed area at Deurali for lunch at one of its good lodge restaurants. The afternoon walk continues upstream along the Modi River with a steep climb through small bamboo stalks. After a few hours of uphill walking, reach a high ridge where Machhapuchare Base Camp is located. Right beneath the towering North Face of Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail Peak, enjoy overnight accommodation in its nice lodge.
Morning-facing super views of Annapurna-I, Annapurna South, and Huin-Chuli peak with Machhapuchare Himal. After breakfast, we took a short morning walk of a few hours to reach our main highlight and destination, Annapurna Base Camp. The walk leads to a short climb on a grassy slope, reaching an open field and a plateau. Famously known as Annapurna Sanctuary, it was named by early pioneers and explorers due to its extreme beauty. Bounded by tiers of giant snow-capped peaks, the walk leads on a gradual path with a short climb to Annapurna Base Camp. The highest point of the adventure, as well as the only base camp with facilities for cozy lodge comfort, Enjoy the rest of the day, having lunch in the close harmony of the stupendous scenery of towering peaks. Annapurna base camp, situated right beneath the big icy wall of Mt. Annapurna-I at 8,091 m high. Enjoy overlooking the array of peaks that surround you at Annapurna base camp.
In the morning, enjoy the views of the surrounding Annapurna mountain range, with Tent Peak nearby. After breakfast, our route leads away from the popular areas of Annapurna Base Camp. The walk descends to the Annapurna glacier, the source of the Modi River, taking care due to the movement of ice and glaciers. Walking across the glacier, we then undertake a steep climb to a ridge amidst rocky moraine areas with ice and small streams. The route heads northeast to reach a small glaciated field where the Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli base camp is located. Our camping crew will welcome you with warm, refreshing drinks and a hot lunch served and cooked by our cook. After lunch, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for a short hike and practice climbing on nearby rocks and ice walls.
Necessary rest day for acclimatization and preparation for the big ascent of the Tent Peak climb. Enjoy the day getting busy sorting out and checking the climbing gear for the climb.
Due to the tough technical climb, adding an extra camp will be the best way to conquer the summit of Tent Peak. From the base camp, carry only the necessary items and gear for the climb. Ascend above the base camp and enter a hidden gully between the moraine of ice and the glacier to reach the base of Tent Peak. Our high/advanced camp is set here. After lunch, spend the afternoon checking the climbing route.
Getting up early for a small breakfast and carrying a lunch pack after getting well equipped. Start the early morning climb with the support of head lights and follow the lead guide over ice, mountains, and glaciers. Then a steep haul where all climbers will be roped on a steep, icy slope and a fairly straight-forward route. I came across a vertical ledge to climb with technical sections to tackle, and then straight up from 35° to 40°. Then reaching an exposed rocky ridge, climbing on ice and rocks to reach Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli summit. Standing high above 5,663 m (18,575 feet) and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding giant peaks. After a busy photo session, descend with care to High Camp and then back to Base Camp. Enjoy the warm meals and hot, refreshing drinks after a tough struggle with the morning climb and steep descent.
Rise to glorious views of snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, clear the camp, leaving nothing but footprints. Pack up and prepare for the return journey to Annapurna Base Camp, then descend to Machhapuchare Base Camp for an overnight stay in the comfort of a nice lodge.
Morning having breakfast after a great climb, leaving MBC with a long downhill to Deurali, the up to Himalaya Hotel. The walk continues, reaching back into the green forest for an overnight stop in a nice lodge at Bamboo Place.
Morning from the lodge at Jhinu after a refreshing time in the hot spring. Short walk to the roadhead for an exciting drive of a few hours to beautiful Pokhara. Staying in the same hotels by the Phewa Lake, enjoy the afternoon with individual activities. Pokhara offers various adventure sports for an hour or more.
After an early breakfast, embark on an interesting overland journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows a busy highway along the Trisuli River for a few hours, then climbs on winding roads before reaching the Kathmandu Valley. After an exciting drive, check into your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for individual activities. (There's also an option for a scenic half-hour flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.)
A free day to enjoy individual activities in Kathmandu or explore around the three historical cities of the Kathmandu valley. As well, enjoy shopping for souvenirs of Nepal.
The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Annapurna I, the 10th highest peak in the world.
Trekking in the Annapurna Region offers a variety of routes catering to different preferences and fitness levels. Some of the popular trekking routes in the Annapurna Region include: Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek.
To ensure a safe and comfortable trek in the Himalayan region, it is highly recommended to bring the appropriate equipment and gear to cope with the cold temperatures. The following is a list of essential equipment and gear for Tent Peak Tharpu Chuli Trek & Climb, which can be purchased either in the Thamel market or brought from your home country
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
Additional Equipment Checklist
Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.