Nepal Travel Trek

Hiunchuli Peak lays in the Annapurna range together other peaks Tharpu Chuli and Singu Chuli. An American Peace Crops Expedition Team first ascended the peak in October 1971 via southeast face. This is behaved as a sacred mountain of Gurung ethnic. This is not so difficult technically but there is still danger of rock falling, so it is behaved as one of the difficult climbing in Nepal. It can be climbed from southeast face and northwest face.

The attractions

Hiunchuli (6441m.) is the fourth highest peak among the ‘trekking Peaks’ and one of the least difficult by expeditions lies in the Annapurna range and it is connected to Annapurna South discovered by Col. Jimmy Roberts. It is one of the three major trekking peaks within the "Annapurna Sanctuary", to be named by Roberts. To attempt the mountain you will need some mountaineering skill and is relatively easy to get the climbing permission. The formidable front wall of the sanctuary has a fearsome reputation and there is no 'standard' route up. Any route is a challenging technical climb with devilish route finding, and is best tackled in true expedition style.
South-East Face Route:
The route to base camp starts from Hinku Cave on the Annapurna Sanctuary trail. After establishing the first camp somewhere above the valley floor a further 2 camps are necessary to make it to the top. Although not technically extreme this route is exposed to rock fall and dangers area is a complicated route-finding experience.
North-West Face Route:
The ascent by the North-West Face has been attempted only by a very few climbers and not always successfully. The exact route is not well known. The approach is from the Annapurna Base Camp in the Sanctuary and a further 2 camps may be necessary to complete this not so well known ascent.
This trip sets out from Pokhara valley. From Pokhara valley, the trail leads up slowly towards Annapurna Base camp situated at an altitude of 4300m. One day rest will be set to explore the Annapurna Base camp and for the acclimatization. Annapurna Base camp is considered as the Hiunchuli Base camp too. Three to four days are set aside for the ascent of this peak and then you will return ahead to Pokhara valley followed by same route as in the ‘Annapurna Sanctuary’ trek.
Best season to Climbing:   July, August, September, October

Trek Grade: Introductory level treks and climbs: moderate & strenuous, non-technical: This trip is aimed at first time trekkers and non-climbers. It is an advantage to have done some over-night camping trips before but it is not required. A strong spirit of adventure and a willingness to have a go are what you'll need, in addition to a good level of fitness

Maximum altitude: 6441 m at Hiunchuli summit.

Length of trek: The trek and climb including the preparation in Kathmandu can be completed in a minimum of fifteen days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Kathmandu. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to deal with the bad weather and acclimatization.  It is advisable to spend 18 – 19 Days along this route to fully experience the full scenic, cultural splendor and get more chances of summit.

Accommodations: Camping arrangement in 2-person tent.

Legal Preparation:  
Permit fee for the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is needed. The fee structure is as below:

1. 4 Pax  - US$ 350
2. 4 + 1 pax = 5 – US$ 350 +40 = US$ 390
3. 4 + 2 Pax = 6  - US$ 350 +80 = US$ 430
4. 4 + 3 Pax = 7 – US$ 350 + 120 = US$ 470
5. 4 + 4 Pax = 8 - US$ 350 + 160 = US$ 510
6. 8 + 1 Pax = 9 – US$ 510 + 25 = US$ 535
7. 8 + 2 pax = 10 – US$ 510 + 50 = US$ 560
8. 8 + 3 Pax = 11 – Us$ 510 + 75 = US$ 585
9. 8 + 4 Pax = 12  - US$ 510 + 100 = US$ 610

An amount of US$ 250 should be deposited to NMA as Garbage deposit to get permit to Mera Peak. The refund shall be made as per the provisions made by NMA.

Additional Information: The Summit of Hiunchuli can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall, rock falling and Altitudes sickness so potential climbers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities.  Our experienced Climbing Sherpa /guides will help you to avoid potentially unsafe situations.
Summit day will require an extra-special effort – a big day 10+ hours will be needed as we set off early in the morning for the summit and return all the way to base camp. You will have to be quite strong for this, but building on your good pre-trip fitness, the trekking during the previous weeks should tune your body.

 

 Outline Itinerary

Day 01	Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 km/ 6-7 hours): Drive by bus/car or fly.
Day 02	Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1577 m.): Drive for one hour, trek.
Day 03	Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855 m.): Trek
Day 04	Ghorepani to Tadapani: Trek.
Day 05	Tadapani to Chhomrong: Trek.
Day 06	Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2873 m.): Trek.
Day 07	Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC): Trek.
Day 08	MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) : Trek.
Day 09	Annapurna Base Camp to Hiunchuli Base Camp: Trek
Day 10	Hiunchuli Base Camp to Hiunchuli High Camp: Climb
Day 11	Hiunchuli High Camp to Summit peak to Annapurna Base Camp: Climb
Day 12	Annapurna Base Camp  to Bamboo: Trek
Day 13	Bamboo to Chhomrong: Trek.
Day 14	Chhomrong to Ghandruk: Trek.
Day 15	Ghandruk to Pokhara Via Nayapul.
Day 16	Pokhara to Kathmandu (200 km/ 6-7 hours): Drive by bus/car or fly.

Price – US$ 1250 Per Person
Price Includes: -
1. Transport from the international airport to your hotel at your arrival/Departure/ Domestic airport Arrival/Departure.
2. A fully organized trek/climb with

1. Tents.
2. Foam mattresses.
3. Porters.
4. Cook.
5. Climbing guide
6. Sherpa staff.

3. Peak Permit.
4.  Garbage Deposit.
5. A snow-stake.
6. Climbing rope for Mera.
7. All ground Transportation and flight for Nepali staff, their insurance, daily wage, Meals and accommodation. 
8. 3 night Hotel Accommodation in star level hotel in Kathmandu (double room basis) Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.

Price Excludes:

1. Flight Fare (Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu – Per Person US$ 202)
2. You will be responsible for soft drinks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, tips to staff (Highly Recommended, Especially for Porters), any insurance coverage and your climbing gear. You can rent crampons, ice axe, sleeping bags, down/fleece jackets etc in KTM to equip yourself for the trek.
3. Meals and Accommodations in Kathmandu (We can arrange Hotels for you)
4. Any others not mentioned in ” Price include”

 

 

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 km/ 6-7 hours): Drive by bus/car or fly.
After 06-07 hours (according to road conditions) scenic drive by bus or thirty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara. POKHARA is a beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trek.

Day 02: Pokhara to Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (1577 m.): Drive for one hour, trek.
Early morning an hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, you will be passing through Naudanda and Lumle, whilst on clear day, and you can see the awesome view of Annapurna & Manaslu range. Nayapul is a small town located on the bank of Modi River, which is one of the gateways to the Annapurna region. From Nayapul, you will forward to Birethanti, which is located in other side of the river. From Birethanti, start up hill trek to Tikhedhunga. Our five hours trek ends here and overnight at lodge.

Day 03: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855 m.): Trek
Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is a difficult part of this trek, which takes nearly two hours time. The trail ascends a steep stone staircase to Ulleri village then more pleasantly through rhododendron forest. The trail then goes up gently to the Ghorepani village by passing the dense Rhododendron and Pine forests. Ghorepani is largest Magar village in the area, where there are numerous lodges for trekkers. You can see the good view from the lodge too. After our six hours trek end, we will arrive at the top of the Ghorepani. Overnight at the lodge.

 

 

Day 04: Ghorepani to Poonhill to Tadapani (2590m): Trek.
Early morning, hike two hours up to Poon hill from Ghorepani village, best spot to see the marvelous view of Manaslu in the east and Dhaulagiri to the west including unrivalled views of Machhapuchhare Annapurna, Hiunchuli and as well as Sunrise view. Then we lead our trek east from Ghorepani village along the ridge, which offers glorious views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From here, we lead down to Banthanti our lunch spot. Then the trail goes down to the Tadapani stream then leads up again through the thick forest to Tadapani village. Our six-hour trek duration finishes here for today. This day is up and down walking through the magnificent stand of giant rhododendrons....

 

 

Day 05: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m); Trek.
After breakfast we will forward to Chhomrong from a small village Tadapani. The route goes the long rise high above the west bank of the Modi Khola, and continues up to the village of Chhomrong. Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna south, with the Fishtail facing it across the valley.  Our five hour trek ends today at Chhomrong which is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive. It’s a typical Gurung village but now it’s modernized and lost its culture & traditions. We’ll spend Overnight at the guesthouse.

 

Day 06: Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2873 m.): Trek.
After step down to Chhomrong stream, cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. Sinuwa is a beautiful village on the top of this ascends from here the trek becomes flat. From Sinuwa, the trail runs through thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar for the three hours time. Then the track climbs to Himalaya hotel through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan. We will continue trek around six hours of time. Overnight at hotel / guesthouse

Day 07: Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3720m): Trek.
From Hotel Himalaya, the path rapidly goes up till Hinku cave, then little ups & downs to Machhapuchhare Base Camp. The area is totally dominated by spectacular panoramic views of Mount Machhapuchhre. Our trek around five hours of time will be ended here. Overnight stay at hotel / guesthouse.

 

 

 

Day 08: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4130m): Trek.

The trail begins on a broad grassy and rugged path, before climbing over lateral moraine and down to the beautiful ablation valley. From here keep on walking up through grassy land for two hours then you will reach to the Annapurna Base Camp.

 

 

Day 09: Annapurna Base Camp to Hiunchuli Base Camp: trek
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Hiunchuli Base Camp which takes about five hours. This day you trek along rocky glacier path. You can enjoy the majestic views of Annapurna I, Fish tail, Singu Chuli, Tent peak and many more.

Day 10: Hiunchuli Base Camp to Hiunchuli High Camp: Climb
Trek from Hiunchuli Base Camp to Hiunchuli High Camp and it takes about five hours. The rocky trail goes straight up to High Camp. You can enjoy the same views of earlier day.

Day 11: Hiunchuli High Camp to Summit peak to Annapurna Base Camp: Climb
Climb Hiunchuli Camp I At the summit you can have closer panoramic views of Annapurna I, Fish tail, Singu Chuli, Tent peak and many more. you will enjoy the same views of earlier days. Summit Hiunchuli peak and back to Hiunchuli Camp II and climb down Annapurna South Base Camp.

Day 09: MBC/Deurali to Bamboo: Trek.
After breakfast at early morning we will going back over from Machhapuchhare Base camp, after few hours of walking the trail will meet the river bank again and follow it for a while up to near Deurali then all the way descend to Dovan. Trek down to Bamboo then up for a while through stone step way. Our five hours trek duration will end her for overnight stay. Overnight stay in Bamboo at the guesthouse.

 

Day 10: Bamboo –Chhomrong (2170m): Trek.
The trail passes the small village of Khuldi Bikas, before continuing through rhododendron and bamboo fields to the Alpine-style village of Chhomrong. Our trek will be end here in around six hours. We stay overnight in Chhomrong at the guesthouse.

 

 

 

Day 11: Chhomrong to Ghandruk (1980m): Trek
Stony steps climb steeply to Kabre Chautara and soon after we turn off for Land rung, leaving the Ghandrung path dropping away towards the river. After an easy descent to the Gurung village of Land rung, the trail crosses a pass before arriving at the tiny village of Dhampus, perched high on a ridge. Our treks end here after five hours. We stay overnight in Ghandruk at the guesthouse.

 

Day 12: Ghandruk to Pokhara Via Nayapul: Trek & Drive

The trail to Birethanti leads south from here. After walking few famous places along the trail, we will reach Birethanti. It's a 20-minute walk on the rough trail to Nayapul from Birethanti, and then we have to climb steeply up the hill to the road. We found here some taxi that leads us to Pokhara.

 

 

 

Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu (200 km/ 6-7 hours): Drive by bus/car or fly.
Drive by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu around 06-07 hours (depending upon road conditions). Another option is to drive by private car or take the 25-30 minutes flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

Extra Days: If you would like to spend a few extra days in Nepal visiting some of the wonderful cultural sites around Kathmandu or go down to the tropical 'Terrai'- plains to see some Nepali jungle and possibly even a tiger or two, we can arrange extra nights accommodation, local sightseeing or a jungle lodge stay. Email us for options.
ANOTHER OPTION is a side trip up to Namche Bazaar. After your trek from Lukla it will take only 2-3 days return, to take in the sights and sounds of this capital of the Sherpa people. Namche offers a fantastic cultural experience - a city in the clouds and the mountains.