Tent Peak Expedition
Tent Peak (5,663m) — Tharpu Chuli, the accessible gateway summit at the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Expedition Overview
What is the Tent Peak Expedition?
Tent Peak, known locally as Tharpu Chuli, stands at 5,663 metres in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, its distinctive tent-shaped summit giving the mountain its English name. Classified as an NMA trekking peak, Tent Peak is technically moderate, requiring genuine ice climbing equipment and skill on its upper section, but remains considerably more accessible than its Sanctuary neighbours Hiunchuli and Singu Chuli, making it one of the best entry points into Himalayan peak climbing available in the Annapurna region.
AltiPro's Tent Peak Expedition follows the classic Annapurna Base Camp trail from Nayapul through Ghandruk and Chhomrong into the Sanctuary, before branching to a dedicated Base Camp at approximately 4,400m. High Camp is established at around 5,000m for the summit push. Summit day is long, involving glacier travel, rocky moraine, moderately steep snow slopes, and a hard ice headwall near the top, finishing along an exposed knife-edge ridge to the summit at 5,663m. The expedition spans 16 days from Kathmandu to return.
Tent Peak is rated Moderate. AltiPro recommends good cardiovascular fitness and comfort with long summit days, but no advanced mountaineering background is required, making it a well-suited first Himalayan peak for climbers ready to move beyond trekking into genuine mountaineering.
About Tent Peak — A Gateway Summit in the Annapurna Sanctuary
Tent Peak sits at the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the high glacial basin ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre, reached via the same Annapurna Base Camp trek used by thousands of trekkers each season. Because the approach follows this well-established trail, with teahouse lodges available almost all the way to Base Camp, Tent Peak combines a scenic, culturally rich trek through Gurung villages with a genuine, if moderate, mountaineering objective.
Tent Peak was first explored in 1956 by Jimmy Roberts during preparations for the 1957 British Machhapuchhre Expedition. It is widely regarded by Nepali operators as easier than both Hiunchuli and Singu Chuli (also known as Fluted Peak), the Sanctuary's other climbing peaks, which is why it is often recommended as a first technical objective for climbers building toward more serious Himalayan ascents.
From the summit, climbers are rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Sanctuary: Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and the sacred, unclimbed summit of Machhapuchhre.
Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for Tent Peak?
An Ideal First Technical Peak
Tent Peak's combination of glacier travel, moderate snow slopes, and a short ice headwall makes it a genuine but manageable introduction to technical mountaineering. AltiPro's Sherpa guides teach ice tool and crampon technique at Base Camp before the summit push.
A Complete Annapurna Sanctuary Experience
Because the approach shares the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Tent Peak naturally combines scenic trekking through Gurung and Magar villages with a genuine peak-climbing objective, or can be extended toward Mardi Himal for climbers wanting more time in the region.
A Long but Well-Supported Summit Day
Summit day involves 8 to 10 hours over moraine, snow slopes, and a hard ice headwall, demanding but not extreme. AltiPro's Sherpa team manages pacing, rope work at the headwall, and the exposed knife-edge ridge near the top.
Full Sherpa Support and Equipment
All technical summit equipment is provided by AltiPro: crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, and rope, along with cook staff at Base Camp. Climbers do not need to own or bring technical climbing gear.
Medical Support
A full medical kit at Base Camp and High Camp, with satellite communication for emergency coordination. Helicopter evacuation to Pokhara or Kathmandu can be arranged if required during the expedition.
Spring and Autumn Options
AltiPro operates Tent Peak in both spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), the two stable weather windows for the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The Northeast Face Route (5,663 m)
The standard route on Tent Peak follows the Annapurna Sanctuary trail before branching to a dedicated Base Camp and climbing the mountain's northeast face, a moderate but genuine technical objective.
Pokhara to Chhomrong via Nayapul and Ghandruk (820m to 2,170m)
Drive to Nayapul, then trek through Gurung villages and terraced hillside to Ghandruk and on to Chhomrong, the gateway village to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Chhomrong to Deurali (2,170m to 3,230m)
Descend to the Modi Khola and climb through Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan, following the narrowing gorge that forms the sole entrance to the Sanctuary, to Deurali.
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp and Tent Peak Base Camp (3,230m to 4,400m)
Continue past Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp for acclimatization, before branching to AltiPro's dedicated Tent Peak Base Camp.
Base Camp to High Camp (4,400m to 5,000m)
A steady climb over rock and moraine leads to High Camp, used for the final summit push, with crampon and ice tool training carried out en route.
High Camp to Summit (5,000m to 5,663m)
Summit day is long, 8 to 10 hours over rough moraine, moderately steep snow slopes, and a hard ice headwall, finishing along an exposed knife-edge ridge to the summit at 5,663m, with a full 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
How Difficult is the Tent Peak Expedition?
Tent Peak is graded Moderate and is considered one of the more accessible peaks in the Annapurna Sanctuary, notably easier than Hiunchuli and Singu Chuli. The main challenges are the long summit day and a hard ice headwall near the top, rather than sustained technical climbing throughout.
Best Season for the Tent Peak Expedition
Spring (March–May): Stable pre-monsoon conditions on the Sanctuary approach, with clear views across Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp post-monsoon conditions with firm ice on the summit headwall. October and November are considered the ideal months for the Tent Peak summit. AltiPro operates both seasons, contact for current dates.
Tent Peak Expedition Cost
Full-service Tent Peak expedition — Annapurna Sanctuary approach, all technical summit equipment, and full Sherpa support included.
Includes NMA trekking peak permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card, full Sherpa support to summit, all technical equipment for summit day (crampons, harness, rope, ice axe, helmet), Base Camp and High Camp cook service, and a complete medical kit. International flights, Pokhara transport, and personal trekking equipment are not included. Contact AltiPro for a complete Tent Peak climbing cost breakdown.
Tent Peak Expedition — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) with AltiPro Adventures.
How difficult is Tent Peak?
Tent Peak is graded Moderate and is one of the more accessible technical peaks in the Annapurna Sanctuary. Summit day is long, involving glacier travel, moderate snow slopes, and a hard ice headwall, but the peak is notably easier than Hiunchuli or Singu Chuli.
Is Tent Peak a good first Himalayan peak?
Yes. Tent Peak is widely regarded as one of the best introductions to technical peak climbing in Nepal, requiring good fitness and comfort with a long summit day, but no advanced mountaineering background.
What is the Tent Peak climbing cost?
AltiPro's full-service package includes permits, the Annapurna Sanctuary approach, Sherpa support, all technical summit equipment, and Base Camp and High Camp services. Contact AltiPro for a current, detailed cost breakdown.
Can Tent Peak be combined with the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes. The approach follows the Annapurna Base Camp trek directly, and AltiPro can extend the itinerary with a side trip toward Mardi Himal before or after the climb.
What technical skills are needed to climb Tent Peak?
Basic crampon and ice axe technique, comfort on a hard ice headwall, and steady footing on an exposed knife-edge ridge near the summit are essential. AltiPro's Sherpa guides run technical training at Base Camp before the summit push.
How long is the Tent Peak expedition?
16 days from Kathmandu to return, including the drive to Pokhara, the Annapurna Sanctuary approach through Chhomrong and Deurali, and the summit attempt on Tent Peak (5,663m).
What are the summit views like from Tent Peak?
The summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Sanctuary: Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and the sacred, unclimbed summit of Machhapuchhre.
What permits are required to climb Tent Peak?
A Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) trekking peak permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a TIMS card for the Sanctuary approach. AltiPro manages all permit applications from Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Dinner | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel, welcome dinner, and Tent Peak Expedition briefing.
2
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Kathmandu – Permit Processing & Expedition Briefing |
Breakfast / Dinner |
Hotel |
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Process NMA climbing permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS card, gear check, and expedition briefing.
3
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Drive or Fly Kathmandu → Pokhara (1,400m to 820m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Hotel |
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Travel to Pokhara, gateway to the Annapurna region, with final gear checks before the trek begins.
4
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Drive Pokhara → Nayapul – Trek to Ghandruk (1,070m to 1,940m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Drive to Nayapul, then trek through Gurung villages and terraced hillside to Ghandruk.
5
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Trek Ghandruk → Chhomrong (1,940m to 2,170m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Descend and re-ascend across the Kimrong valley to reach Chhomrong, the gateway village to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
6
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Trek Chhomrong → Bamboo (2,170m to 2,310m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Descend to the Modi Khola and climb through Sinuwa into the forested lower gorge toward Bamboo.
7
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Trek Bamboo → Deurali (2,310m to 3,230m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Continue up the narrowing Modi Khola gorge through Dovan, the sole entrance to the Sanctuary, to Deurali.
8
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Trek Deurali → Annapurna Base Camp (3,230m to 4,130m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary basin, passing Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp for acclimatization.
9
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Trek Annapurna Base Camp → Tent Peak Base Camp (4,130m to 4,400m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
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Branch from Annapurna Base Camp to AltiPro's dedicated Tent Peak Base Camp, with gear issue for the climbing phase.
10
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Acclimatization & Climbing Training at Base Camp (4,400m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
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Rest and altitude adaptation at Base Camp, with climbing Sherpa route briefing, crampon fitting, and ice tool training.
11
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Trek Base Camp → High Camp (4,400m to 5,000m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
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A steady climb over rock and moraine to High Camp, used for the final summit push.
12
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Summit Day – Tent Peak (5,663m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
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Pre-dawn departure from High Camp. Cross moraine and moderate snow slopes to a hard ice headwall, then along an exposed knife-edge ridge to the summit at 5,663m, then descend fully to Base Camp.
13
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Trek Base Camp → Chhomrong (4,400m to 2,170m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Long descent day retracing the Sanctuary trail through Deurali, Dovan, and Sinuwa back to Chhomrong. Post-summit celebration.
14
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Trek Chhomrong → Nayapul via Ghandruk (2,170m to 1,070m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
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Descend through Ghandruk and the lower Modi Khola valley to Nayapul.
15
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Drive Nayapul → Pokhara → Kathmandu |
Breakfast / Dinner |
Hotel |
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Drive back to Pokhara and continue on to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner and Tent Peak climbing certificate presented.
16
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Final Departure from Kathmandu |
Breakfast |
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Transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for international departure.
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Services
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Gear Lists & Useful Information
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