Introduction of TENT PEAK / THARPU CHULI CLIMBING
Tharpu Chuli, also known as Tent Peak, is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the Annapurna region of Nepal, standing at an elevation of 5,663 meters. It is classified as a trekking peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), making it an excellent choice for trekkers who wish to combine high-altitude trekking with their first Himalayan climbing experience. The climb is considered non-technical to moderately technical, meaning it does not require advanced mountaineering experience, but familiarity with basic rope work, crampons, and ice axe use is helpful.
The journey to Tharpu Chuli is typically integrated into the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, allowing trekkers to experience a gradual acclimatization process, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural encounters while preparing for the summit attempt. The trek begins in the lush, subtropical foothills of central Nepal, passing through terraced farmland, pine forests, and vibrant villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities. As the trail gains altitude, trekkers enter the alpine zone, with breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna, as well as glaciers, waterfalls, and rivers carved into deep valleys.
The climb itself usually involves ascending from a high camp near the Himalaya Base Camp on steep snow slopes, using crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes where necessary. The summit offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the surrounding Annapurna peaks, Machhapuchhre, and the vast Himalayan landscape stretching to Dhaulagiri and beyond. A typical Tharpu Chuli climb is completed over 4–5 days for the climb alone, making it achievable for fit trekkers with proper guidance.
Highlights of this trek and climb include the combination of classic Annapurna trekking scenery with the thrill of a Himalayan summit, gradual acclimatization to high altitude, exposure to traditional mountain cultures and villages, and witnessing pristine high-altitude landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible to most travelers. Tent Peak is particularly popular because it offers a manageable introduction to Himalayan mountaineering, requiring only basic technical skills, yet providing a strong sense of achievement and spectacular mountain vistas.
This adventure appeals to a wide range of trekkers—from those seeking a challenging but non-technical peak climb to those who want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region without engaging in highly technical mountaineering. The Tharpu Chuli climb is often chosen by individuals preparing for more challenging Himalayan peaks in the future, as it provides experience in high-altitude camping, snow travel, summit techniques, and proper acclimatization while allowing trekkers to enjoy one of the most scenic regions of Nepal.
The trek and climb are best undertaken during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and temperatures are manageable. Winter climbs are possible but can be extremely cold, while the monsoon season makes trails slippery and risky. Overall, Tharpu Chuli / Tent Peak offers an ideal blend of trekking, mountaineering, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding Himalayan summits for first-time climbers.
Trip Highlights
- Trek through the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing lush rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
- Visit the cultural villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, showcasing Gurung and Magar culture.
- Acclimatization opportunities at Machhapuchhre Base Camp or ABC.
- Summit Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) at 5,663 m, gaining 360-degree views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli.
- Experience a mix of trekking and light mountaineering, including glacier walking.
- Optional side hikes around Machhapuchhre Base Camp for acclimatization and photography.
- Spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna Massif and surrounding peaks.
- Teahouse and tented accommodation, offering a combination of comfort and wilderness experience.
Trip Duration :17 Day
Maximum Altitude : 5200m
Difficulty Grade :Difficult
Best Seasons :Spring-Automn- Winter
Start & End Point :Kathmandu
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Itinerary of TENT PEAK / THARPU CHULI CLIMBING
Day Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you are greeted by your guide or trekking agency representative and transferred to a hotel in Thamel. After check-in, there is time to rest and explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets. In the evening, a trek briefing is held, including a discussion on permits, gear, altitude awareness, and the climbing schedule.
Activity
Arrival
Max Altitude
1350m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay Day 2 Drive to Pokhara 865 m - 220 km of 7 hrs. Transfer to hotel.
Starting for a long interesting drive towards Nepal’s Far Mid-West to reach the beautiful city of Pokhara, heading past farm villages and towns around the low warm country of heavily farm areas.
On leaving the Trisuli River and Mugling Bazaar, head due west to reach Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake for an overnight stop in a nice hotel.
At Pokhara with time for short walks around the lakeside, with excellent views of Annapurna Himalaya if the day is clear.
Max Altitude
865m
Overnight Stay
Pokhara
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
HotelDay Day 3 rive to Uller and trek to Ghorepani 2, 858 m - 08 hrs.
After Breakfast Drive to Ulleri, than short walk of a few hours to Ghorepani as the route leads on the nice pleasant path into a forest of rhododendron, pines, oaks, and magnolia, with uphill to reach Ghorepani perched on a ridge top.
Where all houses that serve as nice lodges are painted blue, based on the bottom of Poon Hill a famous and popular viewpoint on the shortest trek of the Annapurna Himalaya region.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
2858m
Overnight Stay
ghorepani
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 4 Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m and trek to Tadapani 2, 645 m - 07 hrs.
Early morning start to catch the sunrise, climb for an hour to reach Poon Hill with time for views of the stunning sunrise that reflects on snow-mountains of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalaya range, a grand panorama of more than 360° wide views of the mountain range.
After a refreshing morning, head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue to trek uphill into the nice cool forest to reach high Deurali, facing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the Fish Tail peak.
From Deurali down into a gorge to Bhanthati, a small settlement with many lodges and tea-house, after a short rest walk carries on the downhill into dense forest to a stream, then with a last hour climb to Tadapani, a nice place with many good lodges for overnight stay.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
2645m
Overnight Stay
Tadapani
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 5 Trek to Chomrong 2,170 m-06 hrs.
Enjoy morning views of Annapurna South, Huin Chuli, and Machhapuchare Himal, after breakfast head downhill to Kimrong River and then steep up to reach a nice level path that leads to Chomrong, a few hours of pleasant walks.
Chomrong is a large Gurung village and the last permanent settlement on route Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp. Overnight in a nice lodge facing views of Annapurna peaks and beautiful landscapes of hills and green valleys.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
2170m
Overnight Stay
Chomrong
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 6 Trek to Dovan 2,630 m - 06 hrs.
From Chomrong village, morning down to Chomrong River fed from the glaciers of Annapurna South and Huin Chuli peaks, crossing a bridge climb starts on stone steps to reach Sinuwa-Danda, a small place with few nice lodges and shops.
Take a short refreshing cool break, and then continue to walk into the dense forest to reach a river gorge at a place called Bamboo, close to Modi River amidst bamboo, rhododendron, pine, and oaks forest.
From Bamboo place, an hour’s walk with a gradual climb to Dovan for an overnight stop, a small place situated on a gorge of raging Modi River.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
2630m
Overnight Stay
Trekking
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
lodgeDay Day 7 Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3, 800 m - 06 hrs.
Enjoying a pleasant quiet overnight with the sound of a rivet, morning from this small place Dovan, the climb continues as the air gets lighter and much cooler heading towards scenic Annapurna Sanctuary.
The climb continues on the winding path with a few steep ups to reach a place called Himalaya Hotel, near the large cave of Hinko just beneath the high Hiunchuli peak. From here, walk over the glacier of the moraine, then reach Deurali, the last settlement before Machhapuchare Base Camp.
Where vegetation and tree lines stop for a few alpine bushes and shrubs, climbs continue following the Modi River upstream to Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC) for an overnight stop in the comfort of a nice lodge.
Overnight stop at MBC beneath the towering North Face of Machhapuchare Himal a peak with twin summits shaped of a Fish-Tail, a virgin, and unclimbed peaks in the whole Himalaya range.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
3800m
Overnight Stay
Machapuchare Base Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 8 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at 4,130 m - 03 hrs
Activity
trekking
Max Altitude
4130m
Overnight Stay
Annapurna Base Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 9 Trek to Tent peak base camp 4,450 m / 14,600 feet - 05 hrs.
After a wonderful rest and overnight at Annapurna Base Camp, from here for a few nights in tented camping till to the end of the Tent Peak climb. Morning head down to a glacier and moraine and cross over the rocky path to reach a faint, icy path for an hour towards Annapurna south glacier.
As the climb carries on, overlooking the grand view towards Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli with adjoining high mountains, after some hours of good trek, reach a flat ground to set our base camp, our first night in tented camp.
The afternoon is free for climbing preparation and practice climbing and checking gear, and the rest of the day, marvel at the scenic views.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
4450m
Overnight Stay
Tent peak Base Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 10 Trek to High Camp 5, 010 m - 04 hrs
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
5010m
Overnight Stay
High Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 11 Climb Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli and descend to Base Camp - 08 hrs
Start early as possible with a light breakfast and the climb over a steep snow slope that leads to a reasonable straight-forward climb with some technical effort. Climbing mostly on snow slopes around 35° to 40° vertical with few exposed ridges.
Great Ice climbing know-how is required; our expert guide will fix ropes on a necessary section of the climb to make the route much safer to reach the summit of Tent Peak. After a tough hard struggle and then with the last push to reach on top of Tent Peak and Tharpu Chuli at 5,663 m and 18,575 feet high.
Enjoy the great tough effort facing outstanding views of the snow mountain range that surrounds you on top. Make a safe descent to base camp after enjoying a joyous moment and triumph on the summit of Tent Peak.
Activity
Climb
Overnight Stay
Base Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
lodgeDay Day 12 Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp MBC - 06 hrs.
Activity
Trekking
Overnight Stay
Machhapuchare
Meals
B/L/d
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 13 Trek from MBC to Bamboo 2,345 m - 05 hrs
Max Altitude
2345m
Overnight Stay
Bamboo
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 14 Trek to Jhinu village 1,780 m a place with Hot Spring and drive to Pokhara- 08 hrs.
Overnight Stay
Pokhara
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
HotelDay Day 15 Drive to Kathmandu -07 hours.
After breakfast, depart from Pokhara for an exciting and interesting drive to Kathmandu, as the journey heads on the main highway past many farm villages and towns. The drive follows the Trisuli River for some hours and then climbs to reach the suburb of Kathmandu valley.
Finally, the ride heads down to enter the hustle, and bustle of the city life of Kathmandu, and then transfer to your respective hotel.
The rest of the afternoon is free for individual activities and shopping for souvenirs or enjoying rest with grand memories of the adventure on the high mountains of Annapurna Himalaya. (Flying options half-hour on-air to Kathmandu with a sweeping panorama of mountains)
Activity
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3 Star HotelDay Day 16 A day in Kathmandu for free individual activities
Vertex Holiday reserves a day in Kathmandu to relax sore and weary muscles from the trek and climb of Tent Peak or Tharpu Chuli. A free day to enjoy individual activities or shop souvenirs or join for an exciting tour around Kathmandu valley, three cities of great heritage and cultural interest.
Activity
Free day in KathmanduDay Day 17 International departure flight.
Your last day in Nepal, enjoying a memorable adventure of a lifetime experience on Tent Peak / Tharpu Chulu Climb with scenic Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill Trekking, with time for your international flight. Our staff will transfer you to the airport for homeward bound.
If you are not happy with our itinerary, you can request for the modification as per your need
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival and departure)
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (hotels with breakfast)
- All ground transportation as per itinerary (drives to Nayapul, Pokhara, and Kathmandu)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli climbing permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
- Government-licensed trekking guide throughout the trek
- Certified climbing guide for the Tent Peak summit
- Porters for trekking and climbing equipment (1 porter per 2 trekkers typically)
- Teahouse accommodation during trekking days
- Tented accommodation at Base Camp and High Camp for climbing
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking and climbing
- Group climbing equipment, including ropes, ice screws, snow bars, and fixed rope systems
- Pre-climb safety training at Base Camp
- First-aid kit carried by the guide
- Briefings and expedition management, including route planning, acclimatization schedule, and weather monitoring
What's not Included?
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees (tourist visa required)
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and climbing, including emergency evacuation and medical costs
- Personal trekking or climbing equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, sleeping bag)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except hotel breakfast)
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water
- Personal expenses such as laundry, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls, snacks, and souvenirs
- Tips for guides, climbing guides, and porters (recommended but optional)
- Extra accommodation or meals due to itinerary changes caused by weather or other delays
Trip Information of TENT PEAK / THARPU CHULI CLIMBING
- Typical itinerary: 15–16 days, combining the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Tent Peak summit.
- Highest trekking point (before summit): Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
- Summit altitude: 5,663 meters at Tent Peak.
- Gradual ascent is crucial for altitude acclimatization and to reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
• Rated as moderate to challenging, suitable for fit trekkers.
• Climb involves steep snow slopes, ice, and crevassed sections, requiring the use of crampons, an ice axe, and ropes under guidance.
• No advanced technical climbing is required, but physical fitness, stamina, and some trekking experience are highly recommended.
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- Spring (March–May): Clear skies, stable weather, blooming rhododendrons, and panoramic mountain views.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, dry trails, excellent visibility, ideal for climbing.
- Winter (December–February): Cold temperatures, snow, and fewer trekkers; more challenging conditions.
- Monsoon (June–August): Heavy rain, slippery trails, landslides; not recommended.
- Temperatures vary widely:
- Lower altitudes: 10°C–20°C during day
- High camps: -10°C to -15°C at night
- Summit: -15°C to -25°C, strong winds common
- The weather can change rapidly, particularly at high camps and on the summit day.
- Trekking: Teahouses with basic rooms and shared facilities.
- Climbing: Tented camps at Base Camp and High Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during trekking and climbing.
- Food includes Nepali meals (dal bhat, noodles, soups) and simple Western options.
- Kathmandu/Pokhara: Hotels with modern facilities and optional meals.
- Required permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Tent Peak climbing permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
- Trekkers must respect local rules, Leave No Trace principles, and conservation regulations.
- Altitude sickness can occur above 3,500 meters.
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue.
- Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary.
- Drink plenty of water, maintain a slow pace, and avoid alcohol.
- Trekking guide: Licensed and experienced in the Annapurna region.
- Climbing guide: Certified, responsible for summit safety, rope work, and training.
- Porters: Carry main luggage; trekkers carry a light daypack (~10–12 kg).
- All staff are trained in first aid, emergency response, and high-altitude safety.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, covering:
- High-altitude trekking and climbing (up to 6,500 m)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical treatment for illness or injury
- Guides coordinate evacuation if required.
- Mobile network coverage is available in major villages, but is limited at high camps.
- Wi-Fi is available at some teahouses for a fee.
- Electricity for charging devices is usually available in teahouses for a small charge; charging at Base/High Camp is limited.
- Trek passes through Gurung and Magar communities, influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Respect local customs, traditions, and religious sites.
- Carry out all waste; minimize plastic use.
- Support the local economy by staying in teahouses and purchasing local products.
- Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli is an ideal introduction to Himalayan climbing.
- Proper physical preparation, acclimatization, and adherence to safety protocols are critical.
- Best combined with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for gradual altitude gain, acclimatization, and breathtaking scenery.
- Offers rewarding summit views, cultural exposure, and first-hand Himalayan climbing experience without extreme technical demands.
