Singu Chuli Peak Climbing

Your Himalayan adventure begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Nepal’s vibrant capital city. You will be greeted by our expedition representative in the arrivals hall and transferred via private vehicle to your 3-star hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. After checking in, you have the remainder of the day to rest and recover from your flight. This leisure time allows you to adjust to the time zone and the bustle of Kathmandu. In the evening, you will meet your climbing guide for a preliminary briefing about the Singu Chuli expedition, setting the stage for the journey ahead. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we depart Kathmandu for a scenic drive west along the Prithvi Highway. The journey offers a fascinating cross-section of Nepali life, passing through rural settlements, river valleys, and terraced farmlands. As we descend towards the sub-tropical lowlands, the scenery changes dramatically. Upon reaching Pokhara, the "City of Lakes" and the gateway to the Annapurna region, you will be greeted by stunning views of the Phewa Lake and the towering Machapuchare (Fishtail) in the distance. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

We drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. The trail ascends gradually through lush forests of bamboo and rhododendron, following the bank of the Modi Khola. We pass through Birethanti, a bustling riverside town, before beginning a steeper climb up to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village famous for its cultural heritage and the service of its people in the Gurkha regiments. The village offers spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. Explore the narrow stone-paved streets and visit the local museum before settling in for the night. Overnight in Ghandruk.

Today involves a significant descent followed by a challenging ascent. We start by climbing down from Ghandruk to the Kimrong Khola (river) via a stone staircase. After crossing the river, we trek up through terraced fields and small hamlets to reach the village of Chomrong. Situated on a ridge, Chomrong is the last permanent settlement on the way to the Annapurna Base Camp. It offers unobstructed panoramic views of the Annapurna massif. The village is well-developed with lodges and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and hospitality. Overnight in Chomrong.

We leave Chomrong and descend steep stone steps to cross the Chomrong Khola. From the bottom, the trail climbs through a dense, moss-covered forest of rhododendrons and bamboo. The air is cool and fresh, and the sound of the river accompanies us. We pass through Sinuwa Danda and continue climbing gradually to the village of Bamboo and then to Dovan (also spelled Dobhan). "Dobhan" means "confluence," referring to the meeting point of two rivers. This area is known for its lush vegetation and frequent sightings of langur monkeys and various bird species. Overnight in Dobhan.

The landscape transforms dramatically today as we trek from the dense forest into the alpine zone. We pass through the "Himalaya Hotel" area and the Deurali pass, entering the sanctuary bowl. The vegetation thins out, replaced by scrub juniper and rocky terrain. As we approach Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), the sanctuary opens up, revealing the majestic, snow-capped peaks that surround us. The iconic "Fishtail" mountain, Machapuchare, looms directly above. This spiritual peak is sacred and off-limits to climbers, adding to the aura of the place. Overnight at Machapuchare Base Camp.

We enjoy a relatively short trek to reach the crown jewel of the Annapurna region: Annapurna Base Camp. The trail is gentle, traversing the lateral moraine of the Annapurna Glacier. Upon reaching ABC, you are encircled by a 360-degree panorama of some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. The glacial surroundings and the sheer scale of the mountains are humbling. We will spend the afternoon acclimatizing and preparing our climbing gear for the technical phase ahead. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

Today we divert from the main trekking route to establish our Singu Chuli Base Camp. We leave the comfort of the lodges behind and venture into the rugged glacial terrain. The trek involves navigating moraines, rocky slopes, and potentially snow-covered paths depending on the season. We hike towards the North Face of Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak). Our Sherpa team will set up high-altitude tents and a kitchen. This remote location offers solitude and a true sense of expedition life, with the imposing face of the peak as our backdrop. Overnight at Singu Chuli Base Camp.

Acclimatization is paramount for the success and safety of the climb. We spend this day at Base Camp to allow our bodies to adjust to the thinning air. We will conduct a final inspection of all climbing equipment, including ropes, ice screws, carabiners, and harnesses. Your climbing leader will provide technical training on the snow slopes near the camp, refreshing skills such as ice axe arrest, cramponing, and jumaring. This rest day also serves as a buffer for weather observation, ensuring we choose the optimal window for the summit push. Overnight at Singu Chuli Base Camp.

This block of six days is reserved for the technical ascent of Singu Chuli (6,501 m). Known as the "Fluted Peak," it is considered one of the more difficult trekking peaks in Nepal. The itinerary involves establishing a High Camp (usually around 5,000 m–5,300 m) and attempting the summit. The climb involves navigating steep snow and ice slopes, crossing glaciers, and negotiating a technically demanding ridge. Summit day offers a strenuous push to the top, where you are rewarded with unparalleled close-up views of the Annapurna Sanctuary and the distant horizon. After the summit, we spend necessary days descending and clearing the mountain, ensuring a safe return to Base Camp. Flexibility is key during this period as weather dictates the schedule. Overnight at Base Camp.

Having successfully summited and returned to Base Camp, we now retrace our steps towards civilization. The descent from Singu Chuli Base Camp back to Machapuchare Base Camp is a rewarding journey, allowing us to appreciate the terrain we navigated in the opposite direction. The heavy technical gear is left behind, making the trek easier as we descend into the sanctuary bowl. We arrive at MBC and settle into the lodges for a much-needed night of rest. The atmosphere here is celebratory as we share stories of the climb with fellow trekkers. Overnight at Machapuchare Base Camp.

We begin our descent out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Today is a long trekking day primarily involving downhill walking. We pass through Bamboo and Dobhan, enjoying the lush greenery of the lower altitudes that we missed on the way up. The trail requires descending hundreds of stone steps, which can be tough on the knees but offers a sense of progress. We finally reach the Chomrong Khola and ascend the opposite side to the village of Chomrong. The change in vegetation back to rhododendron forests is refreshing. Overnight in Chomrong.

The trail from Chomrong to Ghandruk is a classic Nepalese trekking route, traversing terraced fields and passing through small villages. We descend from Chomrong to the Kimrong Khola and then gradually climb up towards the village of Landruk. From here, we contour around the hillside, enjoying spectacular views of the valley below and the mountains above. We eventually arrive back in Ghandruk. This return to the village offers a different perspective and a chance to relax in this culturally rich hub. Overnight in Ghandruk.

On the final day of the trek, we descend from Ghandruk towards Syauli Bazaar and then to Nayapul, following the main trail alongside the Modi Khola. The scenery is vibrant with sub-tropical flora and rural village life. Upon reaching Nayapul, we say goodbye to our trekking staff and board a private vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara. The drive is short but scenic. Arriving in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel. The evening is free to celebrate the successful expedition with a meal by the serene Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountains and drive back to Kathmandu. The journey along the Prithvi Highway offers one last look at the Trisuli River and the rural landscapes of central Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for souvenir shopping in Thamel or for exploring the cultural heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley, such as Swayambhunath or Pashupatinath. We will gather for a farewell dinner in the evening to commemorate your achievement on Singu Chuli. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your incredible 21-day Singu Chuli Peak expedition concludes today. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled international flight, our representative will arrive at your hotel to transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you depart with unforgettable memories of the technical climb, the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the warmth of the Nepalese people. Safe travels and Namaste.