HIUNCHULI – 6441m
Near to the Annapurna South is the beautiful Hiunchuli Peak, lying at an altitude of 6,441 meters. Though climbing this peak is not technically difficult, there are other drawbacks of this trekking route such as its vulnerability to rock falls and complexity in route finding, that make it a less preferred trekking option.
Discovered by Col. Jimmy Roberts, Hiunchuli is one of the three major trekking peaks within the Annapurna Sanctuary. Its eastern face overlooks the Modi Khola and guards the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. An American Peace Corps Expedition, via the southeast face, first climbed Hiunchuli in October 1971.
Lying at a remote location, Hiunchuli, still remains an unknown route approached by only a few trekkers. The trekking trail passes through steep and dense bamboo forest, menaced by unseen dangers of the hanging glaciers. From the north, the mountain rises steeply above the moraines of the Annapurna South Glacier in a series of shabby buttresses and an ill-defined and complicated North Ridge. These in turn lead to a final triangle of fluted ice that forms the summit. The summit is bounded on the east by a ridge that rises in an icy parabola, from which a steep couloirs descends towards the moraines above the lodges at base camp. Considered as one of the most complex climbs, the trek to the Hiunchuli Peak requires technicality and experience.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrival Kathmandu.
- Day 2 Sightseeing in Katmandu
- Day 3 Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Tirkhedhunga
- Day 4 Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
- Day 5 Trek to Tadapani [2675m]
- Day 6 Trek to Ghandruk [1950m]
- Day 7 Trek to Chhomrong [2040m]
- Day 8 Trek to Bamboo [2340m]
- Day 9 Trek to Deorali [3230m]
- Day 10 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp [4170m] via Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3820m]
- Day 11 Trek to Annapurna South Base Camp [4170m]
- Day 12 Trek to Hiunchuli High Camp
- Day 13 Ascend of Hiunchuli Camp I
- Day 14 Ascend of Hiunchuli Camp II
- Day 15 Trek to Summit of Hiunchuli Peak [6441m]
- Day 16 Descend to Annapurna South Base Camp [4130m]
- Day 17 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp [4170m]
- Day 18 Trek to Dovan [2630m]
- Day 19 Trek to Jhinudanda [1750m]
- Day 20 Trek to Pothana [1600m]
- Day 21 Trek to Dhampus Phedi [1580m] and Drive to Pokhara
- Day 22 Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 23 Depart Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities..
- Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. .
- Day 3
Flight to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tirkhedhunga
Your trip starts with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the flight, you will get to view the most magnificent and sensational sights of Himalayan range. As the flight lands in Pokhara, you will be mesmerized by the irresistible visual treat of Manaslu and other enchanting Himalayan peaks of Nepal. On reaching Pokhara, you will take a one and half hours drive to Nayapul, the starting point of your trek. From Nayapul you will start your trek to Tirkhedhunga via Birethanti. The first part of your trek is easy as you pass through numerous small villages and settlements. Later you ascend gently to Tirkhedhunga. The majority of people here are Gurungs, who have been serving for Gorkha and Indian regiments for generations. Today you trek for approximately five hours. .
- Day 4
Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
Leaving Tirkhedhunga, you move towards Ghorepani. Beginning today’s trek, you ascend steeply for the first 2 hours and then ascend gently passing through Ulleri and Banthanti, both of which are Magar villages. En route, you get to see excellent views of Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail [6997m], Hiunchuli and Annapurna [7219m] South. The later part of the trek today is quite easy, as you pass through forests of rhododendron and shadowy trees you reach Ghorepani. Along the way, you get to encounter wildlife; you could see monkeys and various species of birds. Today you trek for about six hours..
- Day 5
Trek to Tadapani [2675m]
After breakfast, you begin your trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani. You continue along the trail, passing through the deep forests of rhododendron, bamboos and oaks. After walking for almost one and half hours, you reach the Gurung hill which has splendid mountain views. From here, you trek through small forests with rhododendron and bamboos until you reach Deorali. Then the trail goes steeply down through deep forests all the way to Banthanti. From here you trek for about one hour to reach Tadapani. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and lush greeneries. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests which grants you magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Annapurna II, etc. Today, you trek for about 6 hours..
- Day 6
Trek to Ghandruk [1950m]
Today from Tadapani, you trek to Ghandruk. The trail today is very easy as you gently descend all the way through dense forests of rhododendron and oaks. This part of the trekking trail is popular amongst the bird lovers as you get to hear different kinds of birds chirping. After trekking for about three hours you reach Ghandruk, a Gurung village. Ghandruk has a handicraft centre and a Gurung museum. From the village you get good views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail..
- Day 7
Trek to Chhomrong [2040m]
Leaving Ghandruk, you continue along the trail to Chhomrong. You begin today’s trek with a gentle ascend for an hour up to Ghandrukkot and then you descend steeply to the Kimron Khola. From Kimron Khola, you again ascend steeply and walk at a level for about an hour. Then you gently ascend again to finally reach Chhomrong. Inhabited mainly by Gurungs, Chhomrong is a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Today, you trek for approximately four hours..
- Day 8
Trek to Bamboo [2340m]
Leaving Chhomrong, the trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge, and then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the stinging nettles) you reach three hotels at Sinuwa, at 2350m. Climb the rhododendron forests to Kuldi, at 2520m. This was once a British sheep breeding project; now the stone houses are an ACAP visitor centre and check post. In winter, from this point on you can commonly find snow along the way. It is then a short distance on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge [2340m]. Today, you trek for about five hours..
- Day 9
Trek to Deorali [3230m]
Today, you trek from Bamboo to Deorali which takes about five hours. At the beginning, you trek gently ascending through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. The first town you reach is Dovan [2630m] where there are few lodges and camp sites. Now you pass through muddy trail which traverses high above the river. Here, you find debris of avalanches except during winter season. After a short trek, you reach the Himalayan Hotel [2900m], a town named after the Himalayan Hotel. Beyond it, the trail steeply ascends up to Hinko Cave [3160m], this is named so as a huge overhanging rock provides some protection against rain and avalanches. It takes approximately twenty minutes through normal ascending path to reach Deorali..
- Day 10
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp [4170m] via Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3820m]
Leaving Deorali, you trek for about four hours to Annapurna Base Camp [4170m] via Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3820m]. From Deorali, the valley widens and becomes less steep and you can see the gates to the sanctuary. The trail at this part is less steep. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After a short trek you reach Bagar [3310m], a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail ascends gently until you reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3820m]. Here you find almost 6 to 7 lodges. This is one of the places where you can enjoy the views of several magnificent mountains. The path follows through alpine meadow and after some distance your trail goes gently up. After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp [4170m.]. From here, you can see the views of several peaks at 360 degrees. .
- Day 11
Trek to Annapurna South Base Camp [4170m]
Today, you trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Annapurna South Base Camp which takes about five hours. Your trek today passes along rocky glacier path. En route, you can enjoy the majestic views of Annapurna I, Fish Tail, Singu Chuli, Tent Peak, etc..
- Day 12
Trek to Hiunchuli High Camp
Today, you trek for about five hours from Annapurna South Base Camp to Hiunchuli High Camp. The rocky trail goes straight up to the High Camp. On the way, you get to enjoy the majestic views of Annapurna I, Fish Tail, Singu Chuli, Tent Peak, etc., like the earlier day..
- Day 13
Ascent of Hiunchuli Camp I
From Hiunchuli High Camp, you climb the ascending path towards Hiunchuli Camp I. At the summit, you get to take a closer look at the magnificent Annapurna I, Fish Tail, Singu Chuli, Tent Peak, etc..
- Day 14
Ascent of Hiunchuli Camp II
From Hiunchuli Camp I, you ascend along the trail to Hiunchuli Camp II. Today also you get to enjoy the same mountain views like the earlier day..
- Day 15
Trek to Summit of Hiunchuli Peak [6441m]
From Hiunchuli Camp II, you trek to the Summit of Hiunchuli Peak. After enjoying the stunning mountain views from the Summit, you retrace your way back to Hiunchuli Camp II..
- Day 16
Descend to Annapurna South Base Camp [4170m]
Leaving Hiunchuli Camp II, today you make your way down to the Annapurna South Base Camp. The route while descending is much easier than climbing up..
- Day 17
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp [4170m]
From Annapurna South Base Camp, you continue along the trail to the Annapurna Base Camp..
- Day 18
Trek to Dovan [2630m]
Leaving the Annapurna Base Camp, you trek to Dovan which takes approximately five hours. It is much easier going down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa in a single day from Annapurna Base camp as it is much easier going down. From Sinuwa, you trek through Himalayan Hotel to reach Dovan..
- Day 19
Trek to Jhinudanda [1750m]
Today, you Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda and it takes about six hours. The path is decent up to Bamboo, as it passes through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After reaching Bamboo, the trail steeply goes up to the Kuldi Ghar and then the trail is quite flat for some distance. Gradually descending to Chhomrong Khola, you have to follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong. The last part of the trail today goes steeply down to Jhinudanda. Walking down from the town for about 20 minutes, you reach Hot Springs, at the bank of the Modi Khola. You can spend some time relaxing at the Hot Spring..
- Day 20
Trek to Pothana [1600m]
Continuing along the trail, you trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana. The first part of the trek is decent and follows along flat land until you reach Himal Pani, where you get to see a beautiful waterfall. Beyond this town, the trail ascends gently crossing numerous streams and terraces. After a short trek, you reach Landruk [1640m], a village inhabited by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin. Now the trail gently ascends to Tolka [1850m] and continues to ascend and following a level path takes you to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deorali, with panoramic views of different mountain peaks. Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through different oak forests. Pothana is a small town resided by Gurungs. From here too, you get to enjoy the splendid views of various mountain peaks. Today, you trek for about five hours..
- Day 21
Trek to Dhampus Phedi [1580m] and Drive to Pokhara
Today, you trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi, which takes approximately three hours. The trail descends gently to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurungs. From Dhampus, you trek through flat land for some distance and again descend steeply to Dhampus Phedi. Once you reach Dhampus Phedi, you will be picked by our vehicle and will be driven to Pokhara. .
- Day 22
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today, you take a flight back to Kathmandu from Pokhara..
- Day 23
Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or if you prefer to stay longer you can go for short tours such as Safari at National parks, Rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc.- ask us..
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