PUTHA HIUNCHULI EXPEDITION
Expedition Overview
Awaken your inner spark at 7,246 meters (23,773 ft) in Nepal’s wild Dhaulagiri region, where raw beauty is all around you. Each step forward fills your heart with hope and reminds you that your big dreams are within reach. Putha Hiunchuli is your gateway to personal growth by taking on small challenges, savoring every moment of your journey, and making lifelong connections in front of breathtaking landscapes.
The Putha Hiunchuli Expedition 2027 by AltiPro Adventures is your ticket to this life-changing adventure. Join other seekers of adventure on this honest trek through pristine valleys teeming with culture from Dolpo’s past. Just imagine sipping herbal drinks or listening to local songs in your camps, which are the perfect antidotes to your spirit to push beyond your limits and create real moments of awe. These meaningful experiences, combined with cheers from fellow adventurers, turn your adventure into a life-changing tribute to your inner strength.
When your inner call for more adventure calls to your heart, Putha Hiunchuli is here to show you how regular people can achieve extraordinary feats. It’s your inner motivation and newfound friends who push you forward to reach your highest potential.
Simple thrills. Big heart. Your mountain story begins now.
Overview of Putha Hiunchuli Expedition 2027
|
Peak Name |
Putha Hiunchuli (Dhaulagiri VII) |
Service |
Full Board Service |
|
Country |
Nepal |
Duration |
35 Days |
|
Route |
Northeast Face / North Ridge |
Grade |
PD+ / High Altitude |
|
Range |
Dhaulagiri Himal, Dolpo Region |
Best Season |
Autumn (Sept–Oct) |
|
Max Elevation |
7,246 m / 23,773 ft |
Walking / Day |
5–7 Hours |
|
Accommodation |
Hotel / Lodge / Tent |
Group Size |
2–10 Pax |
|
Arrival |
25 September 2027 |
Fixed Departure |
27 September 2027 |
|
Trip Ends |
30 October 2027 |
Putha Hiunchuli (7,246 m or 23,773 ft) is located in the Dhaulagiri range in the Dolpo region of western Nepal. It is the westernmost of the Dhaulagiri massif. It was climbed in 1954 by Jimmy Roberts and Ang Nyima Sherpa. The normal route taken is the Northeast Face, which is considered a classic high-altitude adventure on the border of Dolpa and Rukum. Reaching the "German Base Camp" is like traveling back in time, as you pass through remote passes and pristine valleys in one of the most remote alpine landscapes on Earth.
The Putha Hiunchuli Expedition 2027 is a 35-day autumn expedition for climbers who want to ascend from 6,000m (19,685 ft) peaks to 7,000m (22,966 ft) peaks. We will limit this expedition to 10 climbers with a 1:1 climbing Sherpa ratio for safety and guidance. The climb is technically within reach but physically challenging, with three high camps and a fantastic summit push via the North Ridge route, making this one of the most rewarding and unspoiled expeditions in the Himalayas.
Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for Putha Hiunchuli 2027?
The 2027 Putha Hiunchuli Autumn Climbing Season
The Autumn season in the year 2027 in the Dolpo region is a peaceful and serene time for high-altitude climbing. After the monsoons, the weather provides good snow on the Northeast Face and good views of the Dhaulagiri range, which will be very useful for a successful climb.
Better weather planning
Summit weather forecasts are issued every six hours through a special high-altitude weather service. This is a huge advantage for climbers. Our plan is to wait for a confirmed 48-hour window before starting the climb from Camp III instead of risking the weather.
Advanced Oxygen Support
High-quality oxygen cylinders are provided for every climber. A personal summit mask and oxygen regulator are also provided. Extra oxygen cylinders are placed at the high camps for the climb up and down the mountain. Supplemental oxygen is provided for the summit push and placed at the high camps in case of medical emergencies.
Smaller, More Focused Climbing Teams
Unlike other operators who use many climbers in the team, AltiPro will be keeping the 2027 Putha Hiunchuli team size to a maximum of 10 climbers. This provides a much safer and more personalized team where every member has 1:1 Sherpa support for your needs.
Safety-Forward Climbing Structure
An Expedition Doctor will be present at the base camp throughout the season and will be checking your health and oxygen saturation levels daily. A Gamow Bag is also provided in case of altitude sickness. Helicopter evacuation is arranged before the team departs from Kathmandu.
Northeast Face / North Ridge Route — The Standard Ascent
The Northeast Face Route begins at the Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp (4,900m or 16,077 ft), where it reaches three high camps before finally reaching the top of the mountain at 7,246m (23,773 ft). It was first climbed in 1954 by Jimmy Roberts and Ang Nyima Sherpa. It is the standard and easiest way of climbing the mountain and is popular for its long and wide snow slopes and the quiet beauty of the Dolpo region, thus becoming the main goal for those attempting to climb up to 7,000m (22,966 ft)mountaineering.
Northeast Face Navigation – From Base Camp to Camp I (4,900m or 16,077 ft – 5,500m or 18,045 ft)
The lower section of the Northeast Face is the first section of the climb, with snow slopes rising directly from the moraine area. It is the first section of the climb with fixed ropes set up by the AltiPro Sherpa team for safe passage for the climbers. It is a four- to five-hour climb to Camp I in the early morning hours when the snow is firm for climbing. Camp I is on a safe and wide ledge, which is the main acclimatization and storage area for the upper mountain section of the climb.
Acclimatization Rotations
1st Rotation: Base Camp (4,900m or 16,077 ft) – Northeast Face – Camp I (5,500m or 18,045 ft) overnight – Return to Base Camp. First ascent of lower snow slopes and initial fixed-rope navigation.
2nd Rotation: Camp I – Camp II (6,150m or 20,178 ft) overnight – Return to Base Camp. First overnight above 6,000m ( 19,685 ft). Mid-face technical sections are climbed to lock in the body's adaptation response.
3rd Rotation: Camp II – Camp III (6,350m or 20,834 ft) overnight – Return to Base Camp. Exposure to the upper North Ridge. Final medical clearance for the summit push is issued after this rotation. Use of supplemental oxygen typically begins from this rotation or during the summit push.
Camp Breakdown
Camp I — Lower Northeast Face (5,500m or 18,045 ft): This camp is reached by ascending the snow-covered mountain and the fixed ropes. This camp is a rest camp and a storehouse of gear and is utilized in all rotations.
Camp II — Mid-Northeast Face (6,150m or 20,178 ft): This is the main base camp after the toughest part of the climb. It is a major physical milestone at 6,150m (20,178 ft).
Camp III — Upper North Ridge (6,350m or 20,834 ft): This is the last base camp before the climb. Oxygen is required at this stage, and this is the beginning of the final ascent.
Final Summit Attempt – Camp III to 7,246m (23,773 ft): They leave before dawn from Camp III and follow the North Ridge route to the top. The route provides a panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. The return journey from the summit to Camp II takes five or six hours.
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
| Day | Program | Meals | Accom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m or 4,430 ft), expedition briefing, equipment check, and permit preparation | ... | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Arrive in Kathmandu, attend briefing, check equipment, and complete permit preparations.
2
|
Preparation day in Kathmandu, final gear shopping, and load packing |
B/D |
Hotel |
|
| Preparation day in Kathmandu, final gear shopping, and load packing
3
|
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m or 4,93 ft) |
B/L/D |
Hotel |
|
| Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, reaching city at 150 meters (493 ft).
4
|
Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m or 8,120 ft) and trek to Dunai (2,140m or 7,021 ft) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m or 8,121 ft) and trek to Dunai (2,140m or 7,020 ft)
6
|
Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,850m or 9,350 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Dunai to Tarakot, ascending gradually to 2,850 meters (9,350 ft).
7
|
Trek from Tarakot to Musikhola / Sahartara (3,120m or 10,267 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Tarakot to Musikhola / Sahartara (3,120m or 10,267 ft)
8
|
Trek from Musikhola to Kagkot (3,570m or 11,713 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Musikhola to Kagkot, ascending steadily to 3,570 meters (11,713 ft) elevation.
9
|
Trek from Yak Kharka to Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp (4,900m or 16,077 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Yak Kharka to Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp (4,900m or 16,077 ft)
10
|
Glacier training and rope system briefing at Base Camp |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Practice glacier travel skills and learn rope systems during Base Camp training.
11
|
Carry load from Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,400m or 17,717 ft) and return |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Carry load from Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,400m or 17,717 ft) and return
12
|
Rest day at Base Camp |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Rest at Base Camp to recover, conserve energy, and prepare for climbing.
13
|
Move from Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,400m or 17,717 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Climb from Base Camp to Camp I, reaching 5,400 meters (17,717 ft) elevation.
14
|
Climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,000m or 19,686 ft) and return |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Carry load to Camp II at 6,000m (19,686 ft), then descend back to Camp I.
15
|
Move from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,000m or 19,686 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Climb from Camp I to Camp II, reaching 6,000 meters (19,686 ft) elevation.
16
|
Climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6,400m or 20,998 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Carry load from Camp II to Camp III, reaching 6,400 meters (20,998 ft) elevation.
17
|
Move from Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6,400m or 20,998 ft) and final summit preparation |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Climb from Camp II to Camp III at 6,400m (20,998 ft) and prepare for summit push.
18
|
Rest day at Camp 3 / weather buffer |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Rest at Camp III for recovery and wait for favorable weather conditions.
19
|
Summit day (7,246m or 23,773 ft) and descend to Camp 2 |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Climb to summit at 7,246m (23,773 ft), then safely descend back to Camp II.
20
|
Descend from Camp 2 to Base Camp (4,900m or 16,077 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Descend from Camp II back to Base Camp at 4,900 meters (16,077 ft) elevation.
21
|
Weather and contingency day |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Reserve the day for weather delays or unforeseen expedition contingencies.
22
|
Trek from Base Camp to Kagkot |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Descend from Base Camp, trekking back to Kagkot along the established trail.
23
|
Trek from Kagkot to Musikhola |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Kagkot descending to Musikhola through scenic village paths.
24
|
Trek from Musikhola to Tarakot |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Musikhola downhill to Tarakot, passing through forests and villages.
25
|
Trek from Tarakot to Dunai |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Tarakot descending to Dunai, following the established trekking route.
26
|
Trek from Dunai to Juphal |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Dunai to Juphal, ascending gradually toward the airstrip area.
27
|
Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu |
B/L |
Hotel |
|
| Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then connect onward flight to Kathmandu.
28
|
Rest / buffer day in Kathmandu |
Breakfast |
Hotel |
|
| Rest and recover in Kathmandu, using a buffer day for delays or adjustments.
29
|
Final departure |
Breakfast |
... |
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| Transfer to airport for final departure, concluding the expedition journey safely. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
- ✅ Putha Hiunchuli expedition royalty fee and all official Nepal government climbing documentation
- ✅ Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve entry permit
- ✅ TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
- ✅ Garbage management and environmental deposit fee
- ✅ One official Nepal Government Liaison Officer for the full expedition duration salary, accommodation, equipment, and insurance fully included
- ✅ Nepal government taxes and company service charges
- ✅ Full expedition planning, coordination, and on-ground management
- ✅ Experienced Base Camp Manager on-site for the full climbing season
- ✅ Pre-expedition briefing pack in Kathmandu
- ✅ Daily professional weather forecast service — 6-hourly Putha Hiunchuli summit-specific updates
- ✅ One walkie-talkie per Climbing Sherpa and Expedition Leader during all climbing phases
- ✅ All expedition staff transport: Kathmandu – Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp – Kathmandu
- ✅ Personal climbing equipment transfer: Kathmandu – Putha Hiunchuli Base Camp – Kathmandu (60 kg per member)
- ✅ Experienced Sherpa rope-fixing team — route fully fixed to the summit before the summit push begins
- ✅ Airport pick-up and drop for all international and domestic flights
- ✅ 4 nights 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (BB) — 2 nights pre-expedition, 2 nights post-expedition
- ✅ Welcome dinner and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✅ Domestic flights: Kathmandu ↔ Nepalgunj ↔ Juphal (round trip) for all team members and expedition staff
- ✅ Porters and mules/yaks: Juphal to Base Camp and back — all expedition equipment
- ✅ Full board accommodation and meals at all teahouses, lodges, and camps during the approach trek and return
- ✅ Three freshly cooked meals per day (BLD) at Base Camp with hot drinks — tea and coffee
- ✅ Fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, and juice restocked throughout the season
- ✅ Heated dining tent with tables and chairs at Base Camp
- ✅ AltiPro Café at Base Camp — coffee and bakery items served daily
- ✅ Private sleeping tent with mattress and pillow for every climber and staff member
- ✅ Generator for charging electronic devices at Base Camp
- ✅ Internet service at Base Camp (minimal charge)
- ✅ Sleeping tents at all high camps — Camps I, II, III (2 members per tent)
- ✅ High-altitude food at all camps: muesli, porridge, noodles, rice, soups, dry fruits, chocolate, and snacks
- ✅ MSR stoves, cooking sets, EPI gas, shovels, and extra ropes at all high camps
- ✅ Common climbing equipment: fixed ropes, ice screws, ice bars, and anchoring hardware as required
- ✅ One dedicated Climbing Sherpa per climber — 1:1 ratio, guaranteed throughout
- ✅ All Climbing Sherpa, cook, kitchen helper, high-altitude porter, and Liaison Officer wages and allowances
- ✅ Supplemental oxygen cylinders per climber for summit push (4-litre bottles)
- ✅ Oxygen cylinders for each Climbing Sherpa (summit day)
- ✅ Summit mask and regulator set for every climber and Climbing Sherpa
- ✅ Puja ceremony at Base Camp before climbing begins
- ✅ AltiPro expedition T-shirt and Putha Hiunchuli summit certificate (issued by MoCTCA after successful summit)
- ✅ Insurance for all Climbing Sherpas, cooks, Liaison Officer, porters, and high-altitude staff
- ✅ Emergency oxygen at Base Camp and all high camps
- ✅ Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) on standby at Base Camp
- ✅ Backup Sherpas on standby for substitution if required (extra charge if deployed)
- ✅Helicopter and rescue team on standby for the full expedition duration
- ✅ Expedition Doctor stationed at Base Camp for the full climbing season
- ✅ Satellite phone at Base Camp for emergency use (minimal per-call charge applies)
Excludes
- ❌ International flight tickets to and from your home country
- ❌ Nepal entry visa fee — obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
❌ Travel, medical, and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance (Min. USD 50,000) — mandatory for all participants
- ❌ Personal climbing gear, clothing, and footwear
- ❌ Personal satellite messenger device (Garmin inReach or similar)
- ❌ Summit bonus: USD 700 per Climbing Sherpa and USD 250 for kitchen helpers — to be paid in cash at Base Camp after a successful ascent
- ❌ Tips for trek guides, porters, and mule/yak handlers along the approach
- ❌ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj (except included welcome and farewell dinners)
- ❌ Extra costs due to personal baggage exceeding 60 kg
- ❌ Ski or snowboard permit fees (available on request for those wishing to ski the northern slopes — pre-booking required)
- ❌ Drone and special filming permit fees
- ❌ Personal expenses: drinks, laundry, telephone, and Wi-Fi at lodges
- ❌ Costs incurred due to flight delays, cancellations, or political disruptions
Gear Lists & Useful Information
Expedition Details
Peak Name
PUTHA HIUNCHULI EXPEDITION
Duration
28 - 30 Days
Max Elevation
7,246 m / 23,772.97 ft
Best Seasons
Autumn
Region
Dhaulagiri Himal
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this expedition
Yes, Sherpas are provided with the package and the ratio is 1:1. However, additional Sherpas can be provided as well based on the request.
Putha Hiunchuli is graded PD+ and is a high-altitude expedition featuring sustained snow and ice slopes of 35–40 degrees. While the technical climbing is moderate compared to 8,000m peaks, the altitude above 7,000m and the remote Dolpo approach present significant challenges. It is an ideal objective for climbers stepping up from 6,000m peaks.
The Putha Hiunchuli Expedition takes around 35 days in total, starting from the arrival in Kathmandu and ending with the return.
Yes, it is one of the most recommended first 7,000m objectives in Nepal. The Northeast Face is technically accessible for those with solid 6,000m experience, offering a genuine high-altitude challenge without the extreme technical demands of mountains like K2 or Lhotse.
Yes, we require documented experience above 5,500 meters. Proficiency on fixed ropes and crampon technique on 35–40 degree snow is essential. While no prior 7,000m experience is required, a strong background on peaks like Island Peak or Mera Peak is preferred.
Major risks include altitude sickness, avalanches on the Northeast Face, crevasse hazards on the glacier, and extreme cold on the upper ridge. The remote Dolpo location also means helicopter response times can be longer than in more central regions.
The best time is the autumn season, from September to October. The post-monsoon weather consolidates the snow on the Northeast Face and provides the clearest visibility for the stunning Dolpo landscape.
Here are the main permit fees and required government permits if you want to climb Putha Hiunchuli from Nepal:
- Climbing Permit for Putha Hiunchuli This is the official royalty issued by the Nepal Government (MoCTCA). Permit fee for foreign climbers:
- Autumn Season (Sept to Nov): ~$500 USD/person
- Spring Season (March to May): ~$1,000 USD/person Please note: The permit fee is only a license to climb; additional costs apply for the full expedition.
- Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Entry Permit Required for entering the protected conservation area through which the approach passes.
- TIMS Card & Local Permits Required for the approach trek through the remote Dolpo and Rukum regions.
Safety is our top priority. We implement internationally recognized standards to minimize risks:
- Experienced Leadership & 1:1 Support: Veteran 7,000m leaders and a guaranteed 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio.
- Three-Rotation Acclimatization: A structured program to allow your body to adapt gradually before the summit push.
- Health Monitoring & Medical Support: An on-site Expedition Doctor at Base Camp with daily oxygen saturation checks.
- Fixed Ropes & Route Security: Our team pre-installs ropes on all technical sections of the Northeast Face before rotations begin.
- Supplemental Oxygen & Backup Systems: Emergency oxygen is pre-positioned at Camp II and Camp III for summit attempts or medical needs.
- Precision Weather Monitoring: Six-hourly summit-specific forecasts to identify stable 48-hour windows.
- Emergency Planning: Pre-arranged helicopter rescue coordination and an on-site Gamow Bag at Base Camp.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Contact us to book your expedition or get more information