Tent Peak Climbing

Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After breakfast, our knowledgeable guide leads us through the ancient streets to visit sacred sites like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), where we admire panoramic city views and spinning prayer wheels. Next, we explore the historic Durbar Square, marveling at intricate wood carvings and medieval temples that whisper tales of Nepal’s royal past.

In the afternoon, we complete our final preparations with Outward Adventure Treks, double-checking our gear and receiving a comprehensive safety briefing. We also take this opportunity to sample delicious Nepali cuisine, savoring momos (dumplings) and dal bhat (lentil curry with rice). As the sun sets over the Kathmandu Valley, we feel a mix of anticipation and readiness for tomorrow’s journey to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region.

We wake up early for our scenic drive to Pokhara, watching as Kathmandu's urban landscape gradually gives way to lush green hills and terraced farmlands. The winding road follows the Trishuli River, offering glimpses of rural Nepali life as we pass through charming villages and roadside markets. Our comfortable tourist bus makes several stops, allowing us to stretch our legs and enjoy the mountain views while sipping on sweet Nepali tea.

As we approach Pokhara in the late afternoon, we're greeted by the stunning sight of Phewa Lake reflecting the snow-capped Annapurna range. After checking into our lakeside hotel, we take a leisurely stroll along the peaceful waterfront, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful city. In the evening, we gather with our Outward Adventure Treks team for a final briefing about the trek ahead while enjoying fresh lake fish and local delicacies at one of Pokhara's excellent restaurants.

After an early breakfast, we board our vehicle for the short but exciting drive to Nayapul, the starting point of our trek. The road winds through picturesque villages and along the Modi Khola river valley, giving us our first close-up views of the Annapurna foothills. At Nayapul, we meet our porters and do final gear checks before beginning our hike through charming Gurung villages and lush subtropical forests.

The trail gradually ascends alongside the Bhurungdi Khola, crossing several suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags. We stop for lunch at a cozy teahouse in Hille, enjoying our first taste of authentic trekking cuisine. The final stretch to Thikhedhunga involves climbing a steep stone staircase, getting our first real workout of the trek. As we settle into our comfortable teahouse for the night, we're already enchanted by the warm hospitality and the rhythmic sounds of the mountain stream below.

Today's challenging ascent begins immediately as we tackle the famous Ulleri stone staircase - nearly 3,300 steps climbing through beautiful rhododendron forests. We take it slow, stopping frequently to catch our breath and admire the increasingly spectacular views of the Hiunchuli and Annapurna South peaks. The trail levels out as we reach the charming village of Banthanti, where we enjoy hot lemon tea and a well-deserved rest.

After lunch, the path continues through magical moss-covered forests that feel straight out of a fairy tale. As we gain altitude, the vegetation changes noticeably, with towering rhododendron trees creating a natural canopy overhead. We arrive in Ghorepani by mid-afternoon, giving us time to explore this important trading village and acclimatize to the higher elevation. From our teahouse, we're treated to breathtaking sunset views over the Dhaulagiri range, a perfect end to our rewarding day on the trail.

We rise before dawn for the highlight of our trek so far - the sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). Armed with headlamps and warm layers, we make the hour-long climb to the viewpoint, where we're rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges bathed in golden morning light. The sight of Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) glowing pink in the first rays of sun is simply magical.

After descending to Ghorepani for breakfast, we continue our journey through enchanting rhododendron forests to Tadapani. The trail offers constantly changing views of the surrounding peaks as we traverse ridges and pass through small settlements. We spot colorful pheasants and possibly even langur monkeys along the way. Arriving in Tadapani by early afternoon, we relax on the teahouse porch with uninterrupted views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, already feeling deeply connected to these magnificent mountains.

Today's trek takes us down into the Modi Khola valley, beginning with a steep descent through lush forests alive with birdsong. We cross the Kimrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge before starting our climb up the other side of the valley. The trail offers spectacular views of Gangapurna and the Fishtail peak, with every turn revealing new perspectives of these Himalayan giants.

After lunch in the Gurung village of Ghandruk, we descend stone steps through terraced fields to the river before making our final ascent to Chhomrong. This large village sits dramatically on a hillside, with its stone houses seemingly stacked one above another. As we settle into our teahouse, we're treated to stunning sunset views over the valley. Chhomrong marks the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, and we can feel the anticipation building among our group as we prepare to enter this sacred mountain cirque tomorrow.

Our journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary begins with a steep descent to Chhomrong Khola, crossing another impressive suspension bridge before starting the long climb up to Sinuwa. The morning light filtering through the dense forest creates a mystical atmosphere as we navigate stone steps worn smooth by generations of trekkers and local porters. At Sinuwa, we pause to catch our breath and enjoy spectacular views back down the valley we've just traversed.

The trail then leads us through enchanting bamboo and rhododendron forests to Bamboo village, where we stop for lunch. The afternoon section takes us deeper into the sanctuary, with the valley walls gradually closing in around us. We notice the air getting cooler and the vegetation changing as we gain altitude. Arriving in Dovan by mid-afternoon, we're surrounded by towering cliffs that hint at the dramatic landscapes awaiting us further up the valley. The peaceful atmosphere and the sound of the rushing river make this a perfect place to rest and acclimatize.

Today's hike takes us into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, with every step revealing more breathtaking mountain scenery. We pass through Himalayan Hotel and Hinku Cave, where the valley narrows dramatically and the air becomes noticeably thinner. The trail winds through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, with the towering peaks of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre looming ever closer.

As we approach Deurali, the landscape becomes more rugged and glacial, with massive boulders and moraines reminding us of the powerful geological forces that shaped this valley. The final ascent to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is challenging but incredibly rewarding, with the Fishtail peak appearing suddenly before us in all its glory. Arriving at MBC in the afternoon, we're surrounded by a spectacular amphitheater of snow-capped peaks. We spend the evening marveling at the alpenglow on the mountains, knowing that tomorrow we'll reach our ultimate destination - Annapurna Base Camp.

We wake to crystal-clear skies and begin our short but spectacular hike to Annapurna Base Camp. The trail climbs gently through a glacial basin, with the surrounding peaks appearing to grow taller with every step. The final approach to ABC is nothing short of magical - we find ourselves completely surrounded by towering Himalayan giants, with Annapurna I (8,091m) dominating the scene to our north and the impressive south face of Annapurna South to our west.

After settling into our basic but comfortable lodge, we spend the day exploring this incredible location. Some of us join our guide for a short acclimatization hike to get closer views of the glaciers, while others prefer to simply sit and absorb the magnificent panorama. As the sun sets, casting pink hues across the snowfields, we feel an overwhelming sense of achievement at having reached this sacred place. The thin air makes sleeping challenging, but the experience of spending a night surrounded by such majestic peaks is truly unforgettable.

Today is dedicated to preparing for our Tent Peak climb, allowing our bodies to adjust to the high altitude while learning essential mountaineering skills. After a leisurely breakfast, our experienced climbing guides conduct a thorough training session on the snowfields near ABC. We practice using crampons, ice axes, and rope techniques, gaining confidence in our ability to navigate the glacier terrain we'll encounter on Tent Peak.

In the afternoon, we take a short hike to nearby viewpoints for even more spectacular perspectives of the sanctuary. Our guides (Kipa and his team)  explain the climbing route in detail and check all our equipment to ensure everything is in perfect order. As we relax in the dining hall that evening, reviewing maps and discussing strategy, the excitement among our group is palpable. The mountains outside glow in the moonlight, a silent reminder of the challenge that awaits us tomorrow as we begin our ascent toward Tent Peak Base Camp.

Leaving the comforts of ABC behind, we begin our climb toward Tent Peak, traversing moraines and glacial streams as we ascend into higher, more remote terrain. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic, with the South Annapurna Glacier sprawling before us. We move carefully over rocky terrain, feeling the altitude as we climb above 4,500 meters. Our guides set a steady pace, reminding us to drink frequently and monitor our bodies for any signs of altitude sickness.

After several hours of challenging hiking, we reach our Base Camp location on a rocky plateau with stunning views of Tent Peak and the surrounding glaciers. Our support team quickly establishes camp, pitching sturdy tents and preparing a hot meal. As the temperature drops rapidly after sunset, we retreat to our sleeping bags early, knowing we'll need all our energy for tomorrow's move to High Camp. The night is incredibly still and silent at this altitude, with the stars shining brilliantly above the silhouettes of the surrounding peaks.

Today's short but demanding climb to High Camp takes us onto the glacier proper. After breakfast, we don crampons and rope up for safety as we navigate the crevassed terrain. The ascent is steep in sections, requiring careful foot placement and efficient use of our ice axes. Our guides choose the safest route, periodically stopping to assess conditions and point out interesting glacial features.

Reaching High Camp by early afternoon, we're rewarded with breathtaking views across the Annapurna Sanctuary. The camp is situated on a relatively flat snowfield, with Tent Peak's summit pyramid looming dramatically above us. We spend the remaining daylight hours organizing gear, melting snow for water, and reviewing our summit plan. As the sun sets, the temperature plummets, and we retreat to our tents to rest before our very early alpine start. Despite the excitement, we manage to get a few hours of sleep, bundled up in all our layers against the freezing night temperatures.

We wake at 2 AM to clear skies and begin our summit attempt by headlamp. Moving carefully in the darkness, we follow our guides up the steep snow slopes, the only sounds being our crampons biting into the firm snow and our steady breathing in the thin air. As dawn breaks, we're treated to an unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas, with the entire Annapurna range glowing pink and gold.

The final summit push is challenging but exhilarating, with some steep sections requiring careful front-pointing with our crampons. When we finally reach the summit, the 360-degree view is absolutely breathtaking - from Dhaulagiri in the west to Manaslu in the east, with the entire Annapurna massif spread out before us. After celebrating our achievement and taking summit photos, we begin the careful descent back to High Camp, then continue down to Base Camp where our support team welcomes us with hot drinks and a warm meal. Though exhausted, we're filled with an incredible sense of accomplishment from having stood atop one of Nepal's most beautiful trekking peaks

After the intensity of our climb, today's long descent feels like a journey back to the green world. We retrace our steps down the moraines and out of the sanctuary, gradually leaving the stark alpine environment behind. Passing through MBC and Deurali, we're amazed at how different everything looks from this direction, with new perspectives on the mountains we'd previously only seen from below.

By lunchtime, we're back in the tree line at Himalayan Hotel, enjoying the warmth and oxygen-rich air of lower altitudes. The afternoon takes us through lush forests to Bamboo, where we celebrate our successful expedition with our support team. The teahouse here feels positively luxurious after our nights camping on the mountain, with comfortable beds and even hot showers available. As we relax in the dining hall that evening, sharing stories and reviewing photos from our climb, we're filled with gratitude for this incredible experience and the team that made it possible.

Our descent continues through beautiful forests alive with birdsong, following the Modi Khola downstream. At Chhomrong, we take a different route than our ascent, descending steep stone steps to the river before climbing up to the charming village of Jhinu Danda. Though our legs protest the ups and downs, the ever-changing scenery keeps our spirits high.

The highlight of the day comes in the afternoon when we visit the famous Jhinu hot springs. Soaking our tired muscles in the warm mineral waters while listening to the river rush by is absolute heaven after our challenging climb. As we relax in the pools, we reflect on how far we've come since first entering these mountains nearly two weeks ago. Back at our teahouse, we enjoy one last night in the mountains, savoring the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing such an incredible journey.

Our final morning on the trail begins with an easy descent through terraced fields and small villages, crossing several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. The landscape becomes increasingly pastoral as we approach Nayapul, with farmers working in their fields and children walking to school. At Birethanti, we stop to have our permits checked one last time before saying goodbye to our porters and boarding our waiting vehicle.

The drive back to Pokhara is filled with laughter and reminiscing about our adventure. Arriving at our comfortable hotel by Lake Phewa, we immediately appreciate the luxuries of hot showers and proper beds. In the evening, we gather for a celebratory dinner at one of Pokhara's excellent restaurants, sharing our favorite moments from the trek and climb. The lights of the city reflecting on the lake create a magical atmosphere, a perfect contrast to the remote mountain environments we've just left behind.

After a leisurely breakfast with views of the lake, we board our tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, offering one last look at Nepal's beautiful countryside. We stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant, enjoying fresh local produce and reflecting on how our perspectives of Nepal have deepened during this journey.

Arriving back in Kathmandu in the late afternoon, we check into our hotel and have some free time for last-minute shopping in Thamel or visiting any sights we missed at the beginning of our trip. In the evening, Outward Adventure Treks hosts a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where we're presented with our summit certificates. As we enjoy cultural performances and delicious food, we realize how much we've experienced in these past weeks - not just the physical journey through the mountains, but also the friendships formed and the personal challenges overcome.

On our final morning in Nepal, we take time to pack our souvenirs and trekking gear, carefully separating the items we'll donate to local organizations from those we're taking home. Some of us choose to visit nearby temples or do some last-minute shopping, while others prefer to relax at the hotel, processing our incredible experiences.

When the time comes for airport transfers, we exchange heartfelt goodbyes with our guides and the Outward Adventure Treks team who have become like family during our journey. As we board our flights home, we look out the window at the Himalayan peaks one last time, already dreaming about our next adventure in this magnificent country. The memories of standing atop Tent Peak, the warm hospitality of the mountain teahouses, and the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurnas will stay with us forever, calling us back to Nepal again someday.