First climbed in 1971 by British Col. Jimmy Roberts, the 6441m tall Hiunchuli peak is categorized as a trekking peak. It is an exciting peak to climb that rewards you superb view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre and almost every mountains of the Annapurna Massif. A special climbing permit is required for climbing the peak which is issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
Hiunchuli Peak lies in the Annapurna I of the Annapurna ranges and is distinctly visible as an extension of Annapurna South. Along with the Macchapuchre, the peak provides a passage for Modi Khola which drains much of the Annapurna sanctuary.
Hiunchuli Peak is a technically challenging climb. A climber has to be well aware in the use of ropes and ice axes. Successful climbing requires great physical fitness. The risks of climbing this peak are presented by the occasional rock slides, wind and seracs. We will set Camp I and Camp II before the summit. Apart from conquering summit, this journey leads you to explore world famous Annapurna trekking route.
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After early morning breakfast, drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Nayapul (1050m.) takes approximately one and half hours. Now you begin your trek from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tirkhedhunga (1577 m.) via Birethanti (1065m.) which takes about four and half hours. Some people prefer to go to Ulleri, one and a half hour trek from Tirkhedhunga, for better views of mountains.
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it is only 4 hrs trek to Ghorepani. To begin your trek, you ascend steeply for the early 2 hours and then gently pass through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, both Magar villages. On the way you can view the Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.) and Annapurna (7219m) south.
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Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise/sunset and majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), and Lamjung Himal (6931m.).
After spending sometime in Poon Hill, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue trekking towards Tadapani (2630m) which takes about five hours.
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It is a very easy trek descending gently all the way through rhododendron and oak forests. This is one of the popular destinations for the bird lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village offering good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail.
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At the beginning of the day, you ascend gently for an hour up to Ghandrukkot (2100m.) and descend steeply to the Kimrung Khola (1700m.). The trail then ascends to Chhomrong- a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major ethnic groups of Nepal.
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The train in the beginning descends until you cross a small bridge. From here it’s a long steep ascent up to Sinuwa. The path ahead through bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests. Enjoy local farming in terraced landscapes all around.
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The trail ahead is devoid of any villages until we reach Macchapuchre Base Camp. You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees to Himalaya. Another one and a half hour trek reaches you to Deurali and another two hours up to Macchapuchre Base Camp.
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It is further 2 hours walk to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp is a vantage point to see the Himalayas at a 360 degree turn. Some of the impressive ones include Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.) etc. You can explore Annapurna South Glaciers in detail.
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This day you trek along rocky glacier path. You can enjoy the majestic views of Annapurna I, Fish tail, Singu Chuli, Tent peak and many more.
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The rocky trail goes straight up to High Camp. You can enjoy the same views of earlier day.
Stay overnight at camp.
At the summit of Camp I, you can have closer panoramic views of Annapurna I, Fish tail, Singu Chuli, Tent peak and many more.
Stay overnight at camp.
This day, you will enjoy the same views of earlier days.
Stay overnight at camp.
Summit Hiunchuli peak (6441m.) and back to Hiunchuli Camp II. Stay overnight at camp.
Walk down to Annapurna South Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.
Trek from Annapurna South Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo via Machhapuchhare Base Camp takes about six to seven hours.
The trail gradually descends passing through bamboo forests.
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We will descend through Sinuwa and Choomrong. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descends to the Chhomrong Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong. 1 hr further down will take you to Jhinu Danda. You can visit a natural hotspring in Modi Khola, which is 20 minutes hike from Jhinu Danda.
Stay overnight at lodge.
You will pass through many villages, farms and terraced fields. You will cross Landruk and Deurali villages on the the way. Pothana is a beautiful villagesurrounded by green forests.
Stay overnight at lodge.
The trek from Pothana to Phedi takes about 3 hours followed by an hour’s drive to reach Pokhara. On your way to Phedi from Pothana you will pass by Dhampus village and beyond that you will enjoy scenic terraced fields and mountain views.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.
Hiunchuli Peak is considered technically challenging and suitable for climbers with previous high-altitude experience. It’s often categorized as a “difficult trekking peak” due to the combination of technical rock and ice climbing, unpredictable weather conditions, and the risk of rockfall and avalanches in certain sections.
Unlike peaks that are mostly walked up with crampons and poles, Hiunchuli requires the use of ropes, ice axes, and sometimes fixed-line climbing on steep ridges. This means climbers should be comfortable with alpine techniques like abseiling, using ascenders, and glacier travel.
It’s not ideal for complete beginners, but it’s a great next step for those who have summited easier trekking peaks and want to push their limits a bit more. Acclimatization, physical fitness, and a good guide are crucial for a safe and successful summit.
The best time to climb Hiunchuli Peak is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons:
Avoid climbing during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rain, landslides, and leeches on the trails. Winter (December to February) brings very cold temperatures, snow, and increased risks of avalanches, making it a less suitable time for most climbers.
Yes, you’ll need several permits to legally climb Hiunchuli Peak:
Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA): Hiunchuli is classified as a Group "B" trekking peak, and you must apply for this permit through a registered trekking agency.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since the climb is within the Annapurna region, this permit is mandatory.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board, this card helps authorities keep track of trekkers for safety purposes.
Make sure to carry multiple passport-sized photos and copies of your passport, as you’ll need them for these permits.
Climbing Hiunchuli Peak requires excellent physical fitness and strong endurance. This isn’t just a high-altitude trek—it involves long days of hiking and technical climbing with gear, often on steep and icy terrain.
You should be able to:
To prepare, it’s recommended to start training at least 3–4 months before the trip. Your routine should include cardiovascular workouts (running, cycling, swimming), strength training (especially core and legs), and long hikes with a loaded pack. Altitude simulation or hiking at high elevations beforehand can also be beneficial for acclimatization.
A typical Hiunchuli Peak climbing expedition takes around 20 to 24 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization schedule. Here’s a rough breakdown:
The route is scenic and passes through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and ethnic villages, giving plenty of time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the journey.
While no high-altitude climb is without risk, Hiunchuli Peak is considered safe when climbed with proper planning, a qualified guide, and the right gear. The main safety concerns include:
Hiring an experienced climbing guide or team is highly recommended—they are trained in rescue, first aid, and can make key decisions regarding weather and route safety. Always check your gear thoroughly and stay updated with weather forecasts.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Hiunchuli Peak climbing. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.
Mountaineering Equipments
Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)
Clothing and Wears
Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle
Essential Gears
Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents
Gadgets
Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight
Sun Protection Items
Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm,
Medical
First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)
Other Essentials
Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter
