Hiunchuli Climbing – 18 Days

Trip Facts

Trip Points Kathmandu-Naya Pool-Ghorepani-Tadapani-Chhomrong-Annapurna base camp-Sumit Hiunchuli-Annapurna South base camp-
Duration 21 Days
Max. Altitude: 6441m.
Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12
Best Time for Visit Spring & Autumn
Activity Climbing
Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous
Meals Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Accommodation Luxury Hotel/Guest house
DIFFICULTY Moderate
LOCATION Hiunchuli
Departure From Kathmandu, Nepal

Highlights

  • Himalayan view from Mount Hiunchuli — 6441 meter
  • Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
  • Stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill
  • Mount Annapurna Range and Mount Dhaulagiri view
  • The Annapurna Base Camp
  • Jhinu Hot Spring
  • Sightseeing in UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Overview

 Hiunchuli 6441m lies in the Annapurna range like other two peaks Tharpu Chuli and Singu Chuli. This is considered a sacred mountain of Gurung ethnic. This peak is one of the difficult peaks climbing in Nepal. It can be climbed from southeast face and northwest face. This is not so difficult technically but there is still danger of rock falling. An American Peace Crops Expedition team first ascended the peak in October 1971 via southeast face.

The climbing journey begins from Kathmandu and continues along the ‘City of Lakes’, Pokhara to lead to Nayapul. The trek commences as we head to Poonhill to behold the splendid sunrise over the towering mountains in the Annapurna region. We will ascend Hiunchuli Peak from the North-West Face. Climbing Hiunchuli is challenging and technical and we need mountaineering skills along with the awareness of using trekking gears. The trail mostly ascends through the icy rocks, glaciers and steep slopes which requires an excellent level of fitness and prior climbing experience. From the summit of Hiunchuli Himal the beautiful views of the mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6434m), Mt Fishtail/ Machhapuchhre (6997m), Mt. Nilgiri (7061m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), Tukuche peak (6920m) and so on can be seen. We will pass through numerous Gurung villages which reflect their traditional lifestyle and cultural practices. The Hiunchuli Peak Climbing is an adventurous journey through quaint villages, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity to lead to the top of the peak providing us with an experience of a lifetime.

Itinenary

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, one of the Nomadways Adventure representatives will be waiting for you at the airport. As soon as you complete your Nepal Entry Visa obtaining procedure, we will have a meet and greet, and you will be transferred to the hotel (3-star to 5-star as per request) where you can rest and relax for the day.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

We start the trip with the sightseeing to world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath (temple of Shiva), Boudhnath and Swoyambhunath.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

In the early morning, after having our breakfast, we will drive back to International Airport and catch a scenic flight to Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the most renowned tourist destinations having beautiful lakes, caves and beautiful views of the Annapurna range, Fishtail Mountain (6997m) and Dhaulagiri ranges. On reaching Pokhara, we will drive to Nayapul. It will take approximately one and half hours from Pokhara to reach Nayapul. From Nayapul, we will start our trek to Hille. We will cross Modi Khola and walk along the path across Burundi Khola. We will gently ascend through the farmlands and cross many traditional villages to reach Hille. Overnight at a lodge in Hille.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

After leaving Hille in the early morning, we will gently ascend along the trail to Tikhedhunga and from there we will steeply climb to Ulleri. It is almost two hours challenging climb to the large Magar settlement. The trail further ascends through the dense rhododendron and oak. We will work our way up to the Banthanti and to our destination, Ghorepani. Overnight at a lodge in Ghorepani.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

We will leave Ghandruk in the early morning and climb to Poon Hill to behold a truly mesmerizing view of early morning sunrise over the mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7555m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6983m) and so forth. After capturing the mesmerizing views of the sunrise, we will leave Poon Hill and retrace the path up to Ghandruk. After having our breakfast, we will descend along the peaceful and dense forests of pine and rhododendron up to Banthanti and continues along the trail to Tadapani. Overnight at a lodge in Tadapani.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

Leaving Tadapani in the early morning we will descend gently through the dense forests to Ghandruk and then the trail ascends gently to Ghandrukkot. From here, the trail descends steeply to the suspension bridge over the Kimrung Khola. The trail ascends up to Chhomrong which the gateway for all Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. The main inhabitants of Chhomrong are Gurung who are the major ethnic group of Nepal. Overnight at a lodge in Chhomrong.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

It is almost 5-6 hours trek to Dovan from Chhomrong. Initially, the trail steeply descends to a local small bridge. On crossing the bridge, the trail gently ascends to a small settlement in Sinuwa. The trail continues along the step farming landscapes to Bamboo. We follow the trail along the Modi Khola to reach Dovan. Overnight at a lodge in Dovan.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

From Dovan, we will head towards the trail leading us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Leaving Dovan, we make a gradual climb to reach Himalaya passing Pujinim Barahi temple along the way. We then reach Hinku cave where the trail drops along the Modi Khola. Continuing ahead, we arrive at Deurali and then reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Overnight at a lodge in MBC.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

It is only about two hours trek to Annapurna Base Camp from MBC. The trail climbs along the rocky ridgeline to Annapurna Base Camp with the beautiful views of the mountains like Mount Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7229m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail (6997m) and numerous other peaks. Overnight at a lodge in ABC.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

Today we will mostly climb along the rocky glacier path to Hiunchuli Base Camp. The trail is mostly surrounded by the views of high peaks and it will almost take five hours to reach the Base Camp. The beautiful views of the major mountains like Annapurna I (8091m), Fishtail (6997m), Tent peak (5695m) and many more can be seen. Overnight at a tented camp in Base Camp.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

The steep trail ascends directly to the High Camp. The views of the high mountains are almost similar, and we can practice using the equipment. We will learn and practice the basics of mountaineering with our trek guide. We can also explore the areas nearby the camp to acclimatize ourselves to the climate. Overnight at a tented camp in High Camp.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

Today we will ascend along the ice-filled rocky trails to the Hiunchuli. We will perfectly use our equipment under the proper guidance of our guide to reach the peak of Hiunchuli. On summiting the Hiunchuli Peak we will be bound to admire the beautiful views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges along with many other peaks. We will take some time to enjoy the panoramic views and capture them in our camera. After that, we will slowly descend back to Deurali. Overnight at a lodge in Deurali.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

It will be a reserve day for us. The weather in the high altitudes is unpredictable and can get worse at any minute. In case of bad weather, we will descend back Hiunchuli base camp and use this day to descend back to Deurali. Overnight at a lodge in Deurali.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

We will descend downhill and along the dense forests to the Dovan. From Dovan, the trail continues along the bank of rivers and streams. We will cross many rivers and descend steeply downhill to reach Bamboo through the oak and rhododendron forests. From here, the descending trail takes us to Sinuwa. Overnight at a lodge in Sinuwa.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

Today, after having our breakfast, we will descend downhill to the suspension bridge over the Chhomrong River and climb the 2200 stone steps to reach Chhomrong village. The beautiful view of Mount Annapurna South (7219m) and Mount Machhapuchhre (6997m) can be seen all along our way. From Chhomrong village, we will steeply descend to Taulung Danda and cross a suspension bridge over Kimrong Khola. From here the trail passes through the rhododendron forests to the Ghandruk Village. Overnight at a lodge in Ghandruk.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

We will descend back to Nayapul from Ghandruk Village. We will pass through Kimche and Syauli Bazaar to reach Nayapul. The settlements get thicker as we head towards our destination. On reaching Nayapul, we will drive back to Pokhara which will nearly take two hours. After reaching Pokhara, we will transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Pokhara.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

We will wake up in the early morning and do a half day sightseeing around Pokhara. We will visit Phewa Lake, Davis Fall, and Tal Barahi Temple if time permits. We will return to our hotel, have our lunch and then drive to Pokhara airport to catch the flight to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu we will transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

After breakfast, we will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight to your destination.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house/Camp

Cost Includes:

  • All airport transfers
  • Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu for two nights with breakfast
  • All airport taxes
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of your choice
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bar and cookies
  • Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
  • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit
  • Oxi-meter: To check heart rating and oxygen saturation to Everest Base Camp and return
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking equipment: down-filled sleeping bag, walking poles, and duffel bag
  • Souvenir: Trekking Route map printed T-Shirts

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Hot and bottled drinks
  • Electronic device re-charge Wi-Fi
  • Hot shower
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Tipping

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

  1. Backpack
  • Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
  • Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
  • Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.
  1. Footwear
  • Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
  • Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
  • Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
  • Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.
  1. Clothing (Layering System)
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
  • Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
  • Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
  • Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
  • Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
  • Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
  • Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.
  1. Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
  • Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
  • Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.
  1. Hydration System
  • Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
  • Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
  • Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.
  1. Food and Cooking
  • Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
  • Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
  • Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
  • Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.
  1. Navigation Tools
  • Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
  • GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
  • Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.
  1. Lighting
  • Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.
  1. First Aid Kit
  • Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  1. Safety Gear
  • Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
  • Whistle: For signaling.
  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
  • Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
  • Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
  • Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.
  1. Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
  • Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
  • Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.
  1. Weather Protection
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
  • Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.
Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:
  • High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
  • Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.
Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

Hiunchuli is part of the Annapurna massif in central Nepal, located south of the Annapurna Base Camp. It is near Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and serves as a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Hiunchuli is classified as a "trekking peak," but it is known for its technical challenges, including rockfall, steep slopes, and glacier crossings. It requires solid mountaineering skills, including experience with ice axes, crampons, and fixed ropes. Prior experience in high-altitude climbing is highly recommended.

The entire expedition typically takes 18–22 days, including trekking to the base camp, acclimatization, climbing, and returning. The summit climb itself can take 3–5 days from base camp

Hiunchuli is not recommended for beginners. It is more suitable for climbers with prior trekking and mountaineering experience, preferably on peaks above 5,000m.

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