The package Tharpu Chuli and Annapurna BC Trek is a beautiful circuit of the southern loop of the Annapurna Range. The Tharpu Chuli or Tent Peak in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary is a trekking peak climbed during a trek by trekkers. The Tharpu Chuli or the Tent Peak does not require a climbing permit but requires an experienced Sherpa Mountain Guide.

Introduction
Other walks in the Annapurna region are to the Annapurna sanctuary, the base camp of the southern face of Annapurna I. The Annapurna base camp trek offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery, with fascinating glimpses of Nepalese life in mid-Hill. The prominent ethnic group in this region is Gurungs, who produce famous Gurkha soldiers who serve in the Nepal Army, British Army and Indian Gurkha Army. Witness the indigenous way of life and samples of Gurung’s hospitality in the many teahouses along the way.

The days of the itinerary are based on the arrival and departure at the Kathmandu International Airport. You will spend an entire day in Kathmandu, both at the beginning and end of the trekking. This free day gives you time for an informative meeting, orientation and sightseeing, and time for those who cannot resist souvenir shopping. Between Kathmandu and the beginning point of the trek is by a short internal flight or drive. Both options take us quickly away from the city and towards the foothills. Then, the walks follow a well-established daily routine based on an early start, moderate daily distances and stable and easy guided walking. This walking ration allows us much time to enjoy the views, talk to people, take essential pictures, and even paint.

Tharpu Chuli and Annapurna Base Camp trek package for 2022 and 2023

The trip itinerary also includes a full day at the Annapurna base camp itself to fully experience the greatness of the Annapurna sanctuary, one of the most magnificent places in the Himalayas. Stand at the foot of the impressive south face of Annapurna, one of the fourteen peaks of 8,000 metres in the World and the first to be conquered in 1950 in the history of humankind. Learn about the famous early climbs, triumphs and tragedies, and get close to Machhapuchhare, the fish-tailed mountain, one of the most impressive peaks of the Himalayas.

This itinerary also includes a 5,500 metres Tharpu Chuli peak climbing, just in the Annapurna Basecamp. Tharpu Chuli, also known as Tent Peak, with a height of 5,500 metres above sea level, is situated in the heart of the Anapurna Sanctuary. It is a beautiful mountain, part of the ridgeline, south of the Glacier Dome. It includes the Singu Chuli and acts as a central divider between the semi-circle of the peak, including the Annapurna Sanctuary. Apart from being a fantastic climb Tharpu Chuli also offers one of the most outstanding viewpoints of the Annapurna massive. Tharpu Chuli mountain was nicknamed Tent Peak by Jimmy Roberts in the 1950s. This mountain does not require permission but requires an experienced guide and three additional days on the trekking programme.

The return route follows the Modi Khola gorge back to Chhomrong and climbs up to Ghorepani, one of the best lookouts of the Annapurna region and one of the most preferred short trekking destinations in Nepal without seasonal barriers. The trek ends at Hile, the Ghorepani trek starting point for many, the road head and returns to Pokhara for a well-deserved lunch by the lake. Having returned to Kathmandu at the end of the itinerary, we may take a short early morning flight to see Mount Everest, an appropriate way of rounding off this quintessential Himalayan trek.

Trip Highlights

Trip Profile

Short Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU 1,350m. / DRIVE TO NAGARKOT 2,175m.

DAY 02: NAGARKOT – BHAKTAPUR – PASUPATINATH – BOUDHANATH – KATHMANDU

DAY 03: FLY KATHMANDU TO POKHARA (flight) AND TREK TO AUSTRALIAN CAMP (2,070m)

DAY 04: TREK TO LANDRUK 1,640m.

DAY 05: TREK TO CHHOMRONG 2,242m.

DAY 06: TREK TO DOVAN 2,511m.

DAY 07: TREK TO HIMALAYA LODGE 2,847m. AND TO DEURALI 3,183m.

DAY 08: TREK TO MACHHAPUCHHARE BASE CAMP 3,722m.

DAY 09: TREK TO ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (ABC) 4,130m.

DAY 10: TREK TO THARPU CHULI (TENT PEAK) BASECAMP 4,250m., A 4-hours’ trek.

DAY 11: CLIMB TO HIGH CAMP 5,230m.

DAY 12: THARPU CHULI 5,500 METRES AND BACK TO BASECAMP

DAY 13: TREK BACK TO BAMBOO 2,324m. A 6-7-hours’ trek.

DAY 14: TREK BACK TO CHHOMRONG 2,242m.

DAY 15: TREK TO GHANDRUK 1,900m. AND DRIVE TO POKHARA

DAY 16: VISIT POKHARA AND FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU

DAY 17: GUIDED TOUR OF SWAYAMBHU, PATAN AND BASANTAPUR

DAY 18: DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU

Detail Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU 1,350m. / DRIVE TO NAGARKOT 2,175m.

Our personnel will be waiting at the Kathmandu international airport (TIA) to receive you with a traditional welcome. After the meet and greet formalities, we drive to Nagarkot. The village of Nagarkot, the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley, 2,175 meters above sea level, lies 30-Kilometers to the east of Kathmandu and northeast of Bhaktapur. Nagarkot is a popular tourist destination.

The village has a great panoramic view of the east Himalayas: Manaslu 8,156m., Langtang 7,246m., Choba Bhamre 6,016m. and even Everest 8,848m. The scenery is particularly memorable at the end of the day when the sun slowly sets beyond the horizon, and the mountains glow in the evening light.

• Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY 02: NAGARKOT – BHAKTAPUR – PASUPATINATH – BOUDHANATH – KATHMANDU

Most visitors to Nagarkot wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise and enjoy the heavenly view of the first rays of the sun that strikes the tops of the giant white peaks. You can witness the dramatically changing colour of the mountain range from grey to silver to gold. Both sunrise and sunset views are truly breathtaking. Sometimes the lower valley remains under a thick cloud, setting off the mountains high above them.

After breakfast, we drive to Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon (literally "City of Devotees"), which is truly a living museum. There is the 55-windowed Royal Palace, the temple of Taleju, the palace of the Kumari, the temple of Pasupati, the main square of Tanmadhi Tole, Nyatapola (the temple of the Five Pagoda Roofs, the tallest such in all of Nepal), the temple of Akash Bhairab (the second most important temple of Badhgaon). We also visit the square of Dha Hateya and the Square of the Potters. UNESCO recognizes Bhaktapur as a World Heritage Site. Take a hearty lunch in one of the restaurants housed in a medieval building.

After lunch, we set off to Pasupatinath temple: Pasupatinath is considered one of the holiest of Hindu shrines. Pasupati has remained the presiding deity of all Hindu Nepalese royalty. The precinct occupies an area of 281 hectares. The main temple, displaying a golden tiled roof, is off-limits to non-Hindus. To view the main temple and its few main gates, you must cross the river and climb steps to the terrace lying opposite. Along the way, you may come across Hindu sadhus and Santas there on a pilgrimage. These ghats (cremation group) along the Bagmati River are where the bodies of recently deceased Hindus of the Valley are cremated.

In the evening, the trip ends at Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath, located about 8 kilometres from the centre of Kathmandu, is one of the World's largest stupas. The base of the Stupa is composed of three successive mandalas, geometrical representations of the cosmos. The base itself represents the element earth, the dome on top of it symbolizes water, the cube represents fire, and the pinnacle represents air. Finally, the culminating flame symbolizes ether. This great Stupa is much like Swayambhunath except for its pinnacle. Also, it is much bigger and lies on the valley floor. This Stupa is said to have been built in the 4th-century a.d. The site attracts many Buddhist pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region and worldwide.

• Breakfast.
• Stay overnight in the hotel

DAY 03: FLY KATHMANDU TO POKHARA (flight) AND TREK TO AUSTRALIAN CAMP (2,070m)

In the morning, at around 9 o'clock, we drive to Tribhuvan International Airport to board the domestic flight to Pokhara. It is a short, forty minutes flight. On arriving at Pokhara, we could see the entire Annapurna range. In continuity, we then drive to the trek starting point called Kande. We leave the vehicle and start walking to our first destination, called the Australian camp, which is about two hours' walk. This walk gives an idea of how the trekking will be for the following days. Weather permitting, we will have magnificent views of the mountain and its surroundings.

• Full board.
• A 40 minutes flight, 1 hours drive and 2 hours trek
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 04: TREK TO LANDRUK 1,640m.

Start our walk to Landruk, which is below the Australian camp. Today we have a bit of uphill walking and the rest mostly downhill. We enjoy a beautiful walk for about 3 hours before lunch and about 2 hours after lunch. We walk through scattered villages till we reach Landruk. There is a good view of Annapurna South and Hiumchuli and the Gandruk village across the valley.

• Full board.
• A 5-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 05: TREK TO CHHOMRONG 2,242m.

The trail descends to the river. It crosses a bridge, and the path now climbs steeply, making us high above the river. Finally, we reach Jhinu Danda for our lunch. There is also an option of going for a natural hot spring bath, which is 20 minutes down from the teahouse. From Jinu, we make a short trek to Chhomrong, a village of Gurungs. From Chhomrong, there is a fine view of Annapurna south and Hium-Chuli and its glacier. The people here take herds to the Annapurna sanctuary in summer. Most of the men of this valley serve in the British army, and the rest depend on farming, animal herding and lodge and restaurant business.

• Full board.
• A 4-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 06: TREK TO DOVAN 2,511m.

Start trek to Dovan. After leaving Chhomrung, the mountain views disappear, and the trail climbs high above Modi River, passing through tiny settlements to Sinuwa. Then we'll enter the forest of Bamboo, rhododendron, pine and Spruce up to Khuldighar and descend to Bamboo. Bamboo is the name of a hotel and, of course, because of its bamboo forest, but no hotel is built using Bamboo. From Bamboo, there are no scenarios of mountains and surrounding hills because it locates in a deep valley basin.

Then the trail climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forest till Dovan, where we spend our overnight stop.

• Full board.
• A 6-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 07: TREK TO HIMALAYA LODGE 2,847m. AND TO DEURALI 3,183m.

The morning initiates through a peaceful jungle till Himalaya Lodge. The sceneries get limited around the narrow valley because of the deep Modi Khola gorge and 7000 thousand metre peaks guarding both sides of the valley. We stop at Himalaya for a good lunch and rest and in the afternoon take an easy one hour walk to Deurali. The trail from Himalaya climbs up to Hinku Cave and traverses to Deurali.

• Full board.
• A 4-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 08: TREK TO MACHHAPUCHHARE BASE CAMP 3,722m.

Start trek to Macchapuchhare base camp. From Deurali, enjoy an easy trail at this altitude with a fine panorama of the Annapurna Mountains. The trail mostly leads the Modi River to MBC.

• Full board.
• A 3-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 09: TREK TO ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (ABC) 4,130m.

Today we enjoy short and scenic trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp, our dream destination. Once we are at the Annapurna Basecamp, a heavenly view surrounds us in all directions. We have half a day's rest at camp. We can climb to some higher parts for a better view and acclimatization upon our choice. If time and weather permits, we enjoy an accumulation of the mountain masses.

• Full board.
• A 2-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 10: TREK TO THARPU CHULI (TENT PEAK) BASECAMP 4,250m., A 4-hours’ trek.

We walk alongside the Annapurna glacier, crossing over moraines and a bridge, to Tent Peak base camp.

• Full board.
• A 4-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tented Camp.

DAY 11: CLIMB TO HIGH CAMP 5,230m.

Ascend on a steep grassy trail to the Tharpu Chuli High Camp. Depending on the snow or trail condition, one may require rope walking. We cross a more vertical section of about a 55-degree slope on the glacier and gradual up to high camp. The views are Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Machapuchhre. We arrive at high campo for lunch and set up our tents while crews prepare a hot lunch. The remaining afternoon is free to explore around and find the best views that change as the sun strikes the surrounding mountain summits.

• Full board.
• A 3-hours.
• Accommodation in Tented Camp.

DAY 12: THARPU CHULI 5,500 METRES AND BACK TO BASECAMP

The climbing to the summit starts early in the morning, at around 3:30 a.m. There is a rocky section for about 2-hours' and on snow for approximately an hour. Rope fixing will require near the summit section if the members are inexperienced.

Tharpu Chuli, also known as Tent Peak, with a height of 5,500 metres above sea level, is situated in the heart of the Anapurna Sanctuary. It is a beautiful mountain, part of the ridgeline, south of the Glacier Dome. It includes the Singu Chuli and acts as a central divider between the semi-circle of the peak, including the Annapurna Sanctuary. Apart from being a fantastic climb Tharpu Chuli also offers one of the most outstanding viewpoints of the Annapurna massive. Tharpu Chuli mountain was nicknamed Tent Peak by Jimmy Roberts in the 1950s. This mountain does not require permission but requires an experienced guide and three additional days on the trekking programme. The view of Annapurnas and Singu Chuli is impressive. After achieving the summit, we descend back down to basecamp. The crews will be awaiting us with hot drinks and cookies.

• Full board.
• Accommodation in Tented Camp.

DAY 13: TREK BACK TO BAMBOO 2,324m. A 6-7-hours’ trek.

From ABC, we continue trekking down towards Bamboo. While walking down, one feels like trekking in the "European" altitudes. So we continue to descend, crossing again those villages, which we passed while going up.

• Full board.
• A 6-7-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 14: TREK BACK TO CHHOMRONG 2,242m.

We take the same trail till Chhomrong but with a different perspective and natural setting. From Chhomrong, we change the trail and trek towards Ghandruk village.

• Full board.
• A 4-hours’ trek.
• Accommodation in Tea-house Lodge.

DAY 15: TREK TO GHANDRUK 1,900m. AND DRIVE TO POKHARA

The trail continues with entirely new sights along the way. Finally, the trail descends to a valley and climbs until the top of a Hill Saddle, from which the old Gandruk village is visible. We probably make a lunch stop in this place and take an easy descent to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal, which has its dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle. Ghandruk is one of the famous destinations for trekkers for its beautiful mountain views and easy access from Pokhara or Kathmandu. We will stop at Gandruk for tea or late lunch.

We then descend another 20 minutes and ride to Pokhara in a Jeep, which will take about 2 hours. The drive from Naudanda, northwest of Pokhara, to Pokhara is scenic with Phewa Lake and Pokhara city views.

Arrive at Pokhara and get checked into your room. The rest of the time is free to stroll around the famous Lake Side.

The City of Pokhara is renowned for its setting rather than its historical or cultural endowments. It has several beautiful lakes and a panorama featuring Annapurna, Fishtail and Lamjung mountains on the far horizon.

• Breakfast and Lunch.
• A 5-hour trek and 2-hours drive
• Accommodation in the hotel.

DAY 16: VISIT POKHARA AND FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU

The guide will pick us up from the hotel and transfer us to Phewa Lake. First, cross the lake by boating (45 minutes). Then start walking uphill to World Peace Stupa, from where one gets a beautiful view of Lake Phewa, Annapurna and Lamjung mountains on a clear day. From this point, we walk down to David's fall and drive back to the hotel.

A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa, a monument to inspire Peace, designed to focus on people of all races and creeds and help unite them in their search for world peace. Most (though not all) peace pagodas built since World War II have been built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii (1885–1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. Fujii was greatly inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and decided to devote his life to promoting non-violence. In 1947, he began constructing Peace Pagodas as shrines to World peace.

Peace Pagodas were built as a symbol of peace in Japanese cities, including Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The atomic bombs took the lives of over 150,000 people, almost all of whom were civilians, at the end of World War II. By 2000, eighty Peace Pagodas had been built around the World in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Then we continue to the International Mountain Museum, which is devoted to the mountains of Nepal and the mountaineers who climbed them. Inside, you can see original gear from many of the first Himalayan ascents and displays on the history, culture, geology, and flora and fauna of the Himalayas.

After visiting this small town's exciting points, we drive to the Lakeside to enjoy a hearty lunch and continue going to the airport to board a short domestic flight to Kathmandu.

Arrive at Kathmandu and drive to the hotel. The rest of the time is free.

• Breakfast.
• Accommodation in the hotel.

DAY 17: GUIDED TOUR OF SWAYAMBHU, PATAN AND BASANTAPUR

After breakfast, we'll drive to the Swayambhunath. Located on a lovely little hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the fascinating architectural jewels of the World. This Buddhist shrine is said to have been built around 250 B.C. Its main feature, the white dome, is identified with the spotless, pure jewel of Nirvana, and it is crowned with a thirteen-tiered golden spire of conical shape. At the spire's base, on the cube, is a pair of the Buddha's all-seeing eyes, painted on all four sides. The Stupa stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base, believed to have surfaced years ago from the lake that initially filled the Kathmandu Valley..

From the hilltop, one can enjoy a panorama of Kathmandu and the rest of the valley. A long stairway reaches the Stupa up the wooded hillside and past statues of the Buddha. But watch out for the monkeys! At the top, you'll see devotees making rounds of the Stupa, spinning the praying wheels as they go..

Then we head on to Patan. Patan was once an independent Buddhist city-state and a rival of Kathmandu, from which the Bagmati River separates it. It is also called Lalitpur ("City of the Arts"). The old centre has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO..

Patan boasts a multitude of temples and wonders of art in and around its Durbar Square. We'll visit the Royal Palace, which occupies one side of the square, where works of art have been made from every piece of wood, stone and metal in it. We also visit the temple of Krishna, the temple of Jagat Narayan, the Golden Temple and the Temple of Thousands Buddha, among other sites..

We visit Basantapur, Kathmandu's Durbar Square, the old palace complex (Durbar means "palace"). There admire the multitude of temples and palaces, including the Gaddi Baithak Durbar (a palace constructed in the Rana style in 1908), Basantapur Durbar (the main building of the old royal palace), Kumari Chowk (the residence of the Living Goddess) and Kumari Bahal (where her family resides). All these are located in Basantapur..

Some two hundred years ago, a Western visitor wrote that there were more temples than houses and idols than people in the city. Indeed Kathmandu boasts one of the largest assemblages of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built. Duly recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the city's heart. Locally, it is also called Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square. One particularly fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar (Nine Storey Palace) overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast Basantapur Square, where King Prithivi Narayan Shah built a mansion to commemorate his conquest of the valley in 1768 A.D.. This building complex is known for intricately carved wooden doors, roof struts and massive lattice windows full of mythical figures..

In the continuity, we take a tour through Ason Bazaar, an old city centre and market, where one can see and experience what the Nepalese use in their daily lives. The walk takes us to the hotel.

Today is the last day of our program. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants in Kathmandu.

• Breakfast.
• Accommodation in the hotel.

DAY 18: DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU

Have breakfast and have some relaxing free time for yourself. Our office representative and vehicle will arrive at your hotel to escort you to the airport at the indicated time. Drive to Kathmandu international airport (TIA); see off formalities, you will go through the immigration and departure.

• Breakfast.

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