Summary
Located in the heart of the Annapurna range and overlooking the magnificent Annapurna Sanctuary, Tharpu Chuli (or 'Tent Peak') combines a world classic short trek with glacier travel, face climbing and a long ridge ascent to the summit that offers breath-taking 360º views.

Trip Description
This fully supported climbing trip is a great introduction to Nepal's trekking peaks. You will need some basic altitudinal/climbing experience along with a good level of fitness, but the relatively low altitude of this peak means that it is within the reach of most people.

After a few days in Kathmandu enjoying the city's many historical attractions and making final preparations for our expedition, we fly to Pokhara, a tranquil town nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna himal.

The approach to Tharpu Chuli is via the Annapurna Sanctuary, taking us on well-trodden trails through terraced farmland and traditional villages. We make our way up through the amazing scenery lining the Modi Khola valley, climbing through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest, across sparkling streams and past waterfalls. Soon a world of snow and ice unfolds above us. This combination of pretty villages and terraced fields of millet and rice, coupled by the majestic splendor of Machapuchare (6,993m), Annapurna I (8,091m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m) make this an extremely rewarding trekking route.

After a few days, the gorge widens, and we ascend to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) on the lateral moraine of Annapurana South glacier, and then up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,100m). In this spectacular natural amphitheatre, we have a day's rest for acclimatisation and exploration before making our summit assault.

From ABC, we negotiate the steep moraine cliffs of Annapurna South glacier and the glacier itself on our approach to high camp. Our summit assault is a pretty consistent climb to the northwest ridge, with one steep section, and an unforgettable ridge traverse to the summit at 5,663m. Here, a ring of mountains surround us with no fewer than eight peaks over 7,000m - including Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV.

We walk out along a different route to our approach and enjoy the views of Annapurna I from a different angle. A short diversion up to Poon Hill (3,190m) before leaving the Annapurna Conservation Area offers us a chance to obtain great views of another Himalayan giant - Dhaulagiri (8,167m). The sunrise views from here are legendary.

Accommodation
Kathmandu hotel - 3 nights
Pokhara hotel - 2 nights
Camping - 14 nights

Full Trip Details