Area: Annapurna Sanctuary in the Annapurna Himal
Locally known as Tarphu Chuli, Tent Peak is situated in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary and is among the few snow-clad summits at this height range in Nepal. This peak offers an ideal opportunity for those who want to summit a Himalayan peak, but who may otherwise be hesitant to try a higher peak as a Himalayan debut. Besides providing an interesting climb combining glacier travel, face climbing and tip-toeing on knife ridges, a climb on this mountain offers an unparalleled view of the entire Annapurna Sanctuary a breathtaking circle of hanging glaciers and moraines surrounded by some of the highest peaks on earth. The normal route follows the North-West Ridge to the summit although the mountain has been climbed via the South-East Ridge as well as South-West Face.
Tharpu chuli, situated at the heart of Annapurna Sanctury, is an attractive mountain which offers not only enjoyable climbing but also serves as one of the outstanding viewpoints of Annapurna massive. Despite its lowly magnitude, the summit offers superb panorama of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Annapurna V, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli and Gangapurna. The peak can be approached from several routes: North-West Ridge, South – East Ridge and South – West Face.
North-West Face :
For North – West ridge route we follow the trail from Annapurna South Base Camp to the east along the moraine ridge and set base camp in a grassy area above the moraine ( 4,115m. ). We will gain to a ridge and fix the high camp at 4, 870m. which can be snow covered. From the high camp we climb easy slopes on the glacier below the west face of Tharpu Chuli. We further cross the glacier and reach the foot of the fluted wall which separates Tharpu Chuli and Singu Chuli. We further climb easy snow slopes and then more steep climb requires to gain the board ridge. From the ridge we climb steeply on a knife-edged ridge which finally leads to the summit.
Itinerary of Tharpu Chuli In Detail.
Days 01 : Kathmandu – Pokhara by land transportation.
Days 02 : Dhampus.
Days 03 : Landrung.
Days 04 : Chhomrong.
Days 05 : Dovan.
Days 06 : Deurali.
Days 07 : Annapurna Base Camp.
Days 08 : Tharpu Chuli Base Camp.
Days 09 : High camp.
Days 10 : Summit – base camp.
Days 11 : Deurali.
Days 12 : Chhomrong.
Days 13 : Tadapani.
Days 14 : Ghorepani.
Days 15 : Birethanti.
Days 16 : Nayapool - and drive to Pokhara.
Days 17 : Pokhara – Kathmandu by land transportation.