Tent Peak Climbing - 18 days

Enjoy a scenic flight with a view of snow-clad Himalayan ranges before landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A representative from ‘Third Rock Adventures’ will welcome you at the airport upon your arrival. He will be driving you to your hotel. Check into your hotel room and relax. In the evening, take a stroll on the lively streets of Thamel, which is also known as the tourist hub.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Today you will be meeting your climbing guide, and the guide will also be briefing you about the trip. You will get to know about the route, the trekking trail, and everyday progress on the trail. You will also get information on Dos and Don’ts while trekking and climbing. If you have any questions regarding the trip, then you can ask your guide. Tell your guide about the trekking and climbing gear and equipment if you have brought any. If you missed out on any climbing and trekking gear and equipment, you could easily buy or rent in Thamel.

If you don't want to bring any climbing and trekking gear and equipment and pay for the extra baggage, then you can rent those in Thamel as well. If your foot is larger than size 12, then it would be wise to bring your climbing boots to save you from the trouble of finding a pair of boost, which might prove to be a difficult task. Explore the streets of Thamel if you get some free time after the briefing.

Overnight in Kathmandu

You will be driving on the windy, hilly highway from Kathmandu to Hile via Pokhara. Drive past fast-flowing rivers, jade color hills, rural towns, small villages, and terraced farmlands along the way. Tune to your favorite playlist or download some movies to watch on your road journey.  You will pass the popular touristy city of Nepal, Pokhara, before reaching Hile the trailhead of your trek.

Trek alongside the Modi Khola, a river is flowing from the Annapurna valley. Walk past small hillside villages, waterfall along with the scenic mountain views on your way to Thikhedhunga.

Overnight in Thikhedhunga.

Walk on an ascending trail enjoying the view of the snowy mountains on your way to Ghorepani. Climb up the path paved with stone steps on your way to Ulleri. Bask in the astounding views of the snowy mountain peaks like Fishtail Peak and Annapurna South. Further, you will be walking through the rhododendron forest and trekking through the hillside villages on your way to Ghorepani. The village of Ghorepani lies right below Poon Hill. Ghorepani was along the old trade route and used to be the stopover for horses and mule packs to drink water. Magar ethnic group dominates the region. Observe the rural Nepalese lifestyles and interact with the locals to know about their daily life.

Overnight in Ghorepani.

Get up early to catch a mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas from the popular vantage of Poon Hill. You will be surrounded by the Himalayas upon reaching the top of Poon Hill. Bask in the panoramic view of the mountains, including Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Watch the sun's rays touch the mountains turn them from red, pink, orange to golden. Trek on a descending path and enjoy the view of the Annapurna from Deurali Danda on your way to Tadapani. Colorful Buddhist prayer flags welcome you to the Tadapani village residing on the foothill of Fishtail Peak.

Overnight in Tadapani.

Wake up to the awe-inspiring views of mountains like Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli peaks and enjoy breakfast with the mountain view. Walk carefully on a steep and descending trail, followed by a hike through the rhododendron forest. Moreover, you will also be trekking past small settlements en route. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over a river, the trail will ascend gradually to Gurung village which is dominated by Gurung ethnic groups. A trek on an ascending but easy trail will lead you to Chhomrong.

Overnight in Chhomrong.

Today you will be trekking to Chhomrong leave behind the villages. You will be walking on a steep descending trail and crossing a suspension bridge over the Chhomrong Khoa, a river on your way to Upper Sinuwa. Trek through a dense forest filled with oak, bamboo, rhododendron trees. You will be descending on steep stone steps, and walking through ascending forested trail will take you to the village of Dovan.

Overnight in Dovan.

The trek begins with a walk on a rugged terrain besides Modi River and a hike past Himalaya Hotel. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the glacial river tumbling down the valley from the viewpoint of the Himalaya Hotel. You will also be trekking past Hinku cave, where the first group of climbers ascending Annapurna I camped for the night. A hike on an undulating path takes you to Deurali featuring a small setting with some stone huts. Walkthrough, a narrow valley with steep mountainsides, takes you to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Savor the astounding views of mountains, including Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. Machhapuchhre peak is a guardian deity of the locals, so climbing the peak is strictly forbidden. You will notice the vegetation getting sparser as you trek higher in altitude.

Overnight in Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Catch a marvelous sunrise over the Himalayas from Machhapuchhre Base Camp before trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp. Walk leisurely to the nearby Annapurna Base Camp from Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Trek past Annapurna Sanctuary, which is said to be the abode of gods as per local folklore, is an experience in itself. Walk on an ascending trail and trek past beautiful wildflowers and waterfalls. Glaciers and colossal Annapurna Massif circle Annapurna Base Camp; the soul-stirring sight will leave you mesmerized. Today you will be camping in Annapurna Base Camp, and your team will step up the camp. In the afternoon, you can explore the vicinity and bask in the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.

You will be spending the day acclimatizing at the Annapurna Base Camp situated at the height of 4,130m/13,547ft. Your climbing leader will tell you about the condition of the glacial trail and will be doing pre-climb training with your guide. Practice ascent and rappel down using ropes. You will be learning to ice axe, snow bar, ice screw, harness, jumar, crampons, and others. You will also be tying knots using main and fix ropes.

The pre-climb training will give you a rough idea about the summit the next day and boost your confidence level. Go on short hikes as an acclimatizing activity near the base camp in the afternoon and take a rest later.

Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp

Today you will be trekking to the Tent Peak Base Camp. Start the trek with a walk on the moraine cliffs and glacier-covered in rubble in the wilderness. You need to walk cautiously while crossing this path.   You will see a trail marked with cairns on the northern side of the glacier. A trek further takes you on a flat boulder close to the icy stream, and upon crossing the stream, you will come across a flat grassy area of the Tharpu Chuli Base Camp. Enjoy the mountain views during the trek and do stargazing at night.

Overnight in Tent Peak Base Camp

Begin your trek towards the High Camp, walking on an ascending trail to the Tent Peak High Camp. It involves technical climbing, and your pre-climb session will turn out to be helpful. You will be using rope and helmet while climbing and traversing the steep section tilted around 50 to 60 degrees. Moreover, you will be walking upwards on the glacier of 30 degrees gradually. Savor the awe-inspiring views of mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Your team will set up a camp at the High Camp and prepare hot lunch for you. Explore the vicinity and rest before the big day of summiting Tent Peak the next day.  

Overnight in High Camp.

Wake up before dawn around 2 AM to summit Tent Peak. It is an exciting as well as rewarding day. Start walking on a wall rock followed by a walk on a steep slope of 70 degrees covered with snow. This is the tough and steep climb along the ridge, but the scenery waiting at the top is worth all your pain and effort. You will be walking on a flat section before making the final ascend.

The final ascend requires technical maneuver, and you will be using fixed ropes for the final summit of the Tent Peak. The apex of the peak rewards you with the soul-stirring views of mountains, including Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and others. Bask in the grandeur of the Himalayas and click lots of pictures before climbing down the same route back to the Base Camp.

Overnight in Base Camp.

Today you will be leaving the amphitheater of mountains behind and retracing your steps back to Bamboo. Trek past the cascading waterfalls and make your way through dense forest. Moreover, the gorgeous views of mountains like Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli will entertain you on the way.

Overnight in Bamboo.

Trek on an ascending trail to Kudi Ghar followed by a hike on a steep ascend to Sinuwa. You will be walking on a stone step alongside a river. Upon ascending thousands of stone steps, you will reach Upper Chomrong. A steep downhill trail runs to the Jhinu Danda, and you will be descending. Relax and rejuvenate yourself by soaking into the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda. The natural hot spring, situated on the bank of Modi Khola,  is known to have healing properties and relax paining muscles.

Overnight in Jhinu Danda.

A trek from Jhinu Danda to Matque marks the end of your trek. You will begin your trek after having your breakfast. Make your way downhill and walk on an undulating path up to the new bridge. Enjoy the scenic mountain view of Modi Khola valley from the top of a cliff. A walk further on a descending path will take you to Matque. Take a short drive from Matque to Pokhara, a famous touristy city in Nepal.

Sit by the serene Phewa Lake with colorful boats and watch the reflection of Fishtail Peak in the lake. The city also offers various recreational activities. You can indulge in the activity of your choice; go sightseeing, try local food, do shopping or just relax.

Overnight in Pokhara.

You will be driving back on the meandering hilly road to Kathmandu. Drive alongside the Trishuli River and driving past rural towns and small villages. Enjoy the view of snowy mountains, jade hills, and terraced farmlands en route. You can download some movies and your favorite shows to watch during this long bus ride. In Kathmandu, you can go sightseeing, stroll in the streets of Thamel and even do some souvenir shopping.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today you will be boarding an international flight back home, and you will be flying back with lots of wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime. A representative from Third Rock Adventures will drop you at the airport a few hours before your scheduled flight.