General trip description

Expedition route: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dhampus, Machapuchare BC, Annapurna BC, Tharpu Chuli, Ghorapani, Pokhara, Kathmandu

In this trip you start with a bus ride to tropical Pokhara and the starting point of the trek. Across good trails you will trek through little mountain villages, deep, green valley’s, across suspension bridges and wild streams up to cold alpine area’s. In the lower parts of this trip you will be trekking across sandy trails and long stone stairs, ascending fast. Proper acclimatization is necessary! From the Annapurna base camp you will enter the wild alpine valley where trails may not be visible anymore. A thick layer of snow may cover the entire area, which makes progress difficult. The trail leads you down to a moraine glacier which has to be crossed to reach a flat, grassy area. The base camp will be established here (4120m). From base camp you will have to climb across rocky trails of an obvious ridge to another flat area at 4420m which makes a good spot for the high camp. To reach the fluted snow wall that connects Tharpu Chuli and Singu Chuli, a crevassed glacier is to be crossed. The snow wall is about 150m high with an angle of 50 degrees. The summit ridge is a narrow snow ridge that gets sharper near the summit and has an angle of about 40-50 degrees. The slopes in this trip can be steep so now and then. Landslides and falling rocks are possible at certain stages.

Team composition

This expedition is organized in classic expedition style only or in combination with lodge style. Classic expedition style means that the trekking route and the route to the summit are approached by establishing different camps on the mountain: trekking camps, base camp and one or more high camps. Simple guesthouses may be available at certain stages and may be used, too.

Within our full expedition service - package, the expedition is led by an experienced Nepalese expedition leader, supported by a strong team of (other) climbing Sherpa’s, cooks and porters and/or yaks. The expedition leader has managed many Himalayan expeditions; he knows the route and has climbed the passes and mountains in this trip or mountains of equal altitude and difficulty himself. The expedition leader and the climbing Sherpa’s prepare and secure the trekking / climbing route and establish al camps. A strong team of porters carries all equipment & food. Check the different, available service packages to see what is included and not included.

Well developed and proven trekking, climbing and acclimatization schedules with sufficient rest & acclimatization days guarantee the safety and the highest chance to reach the different goals in this expedition. The strategy and all options will be discussed on the way.

Minimum / maximum group size:
- Private expeditions: no limit
- Fixed departure expeditions: minimum 3 members / maximum:12 members

Experience & skills

The trekking part in this expedition does not require specific experience or skills. You just should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain. Climbing Tharpu Chuli is not very technical as most of the slopes vary from an angle of 10 to 35 degrees. However, there are crevassed areas that have to be crossed. To ensure safety, ropes will be fixed at all difficult sections. You should feel comfortable with basic rock and alpine climbing techniques in winter conditions. This includes the following techniques: using ice axe and crampons, abseiling. View the trip’s difficulty for more details.

This expedition is open for trekkers/climbers with basic mountaineering experience or fit and keen trekkers who like to gain mountaineering experience at higher altitudes. It's an advantage if you have previous experience in winter camping and basic rock and alpine climbing techniques, although this is not mandatory. Basic alpine climbing training is built into the trips itinerary. As you’re part of a group during difficult situations and demanding activities, you must have experience in working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal. An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.

Equipment list

After booking all expedition members will receive a final equipment list detailing all necessary clothing and (climbing) equipment to be individually provided. You may download an example list on this page (right top).

Best season, climate, temperatures

Indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views):
- Spring: March, April, May
- Autumn: October, November

Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)
- Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
- Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +10ºC. Night time: -5ºC / -15ºC

Mountain storms are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking & climbing conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.