Tukuche Peak Climbing

Your guide will meet you in your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour in Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue on to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour with a lunch. After that you will view ancient Nepalese art in the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast we depart Kathmandu for the six hours drive to Pokhara (915m,). As you drive out of the Kathmandu valley, we descend along the national highway and drive through Trisuli River to its junction at the Marshyangdi River. Then we continue drive through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. While in Pokhara you will visit different popular sites and observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Stay overnight in hotel.

After breakfast we drive from Pokhara to Beni, the headquarter town of Myagdi district situated at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola .We cross the Kali Gandaki river and continue our drive further up to Tatopani where we take a natural bath in the natural hot spring and relax this day near the river. Tatotani is one of the interesting towns along the route. O/N in Lodge/Tea House.

In the morning we continue our journey towards Ghasa, enjoying the mountain scenery along the route. You will cross the river at two places on suspension bridges and get to the Rupsi Charra (waterfall). The scenery of the Kali Gandaki valley is amazing. After passing by this beautiful waterfall, the trail is spectacular with carved out of the cliff side. Climbing up to the ridge and then descending again towards the same River. At the bottom you again cross the bridge over KaliGandaki River and walk for one more hour to reach a beautiful Thakali village of Ghasa for the overnight stay.

After Ghasa, we follow the trail further along the western bank of Kaligandaki River. A brief lunch break on the way and then our journey continues for a couple of hours through the rainforest with its beautiful flora and fauna to reach at Tukuche village, one of the most beautiful villages, nestled just beneath the great peak of Tukuche and the towering Mt.Dhaulagiri. From Tukuche, two hours of nice walk will lead to another charming village at Marpha. Overnight at lodge.

From Tukuche, two hours of pleasant walk will lead us to another charming village at Marpha for the overnight stop. From Marpha to Tukuche, we walk into the Tibetan-like region; the trail passes through the sparsely vegetated areas of this windswept country, the Kaligandaki River lies below the main road. The walk continues on the wide path near the riverbed. Fantastic view of the Nilgiri’s on route to Jomsom. In the early afternoon the wind can be quite strong which continues till the late afternoon. With the overnight stop at this lovely Marpha village, here we will have time to enjoy the surrounding view and the village and perhaps try the local apple products, cider-juice or a potent brandy.

The walk to Yak Kharka from Marpha leads up a steep path through the forest of firs and junipers and rhododendron bushes. After climbing over the 5200m Dhampus Pass, we traverse avalanche prone slopes and then descend steeply to Yak Kharka. . Upon reaching Yak Kharka we set camp on the vast grazing field.

The trail continues uphill for a few hours, leaving the tree line behind, heading towards complete wilderness, between the peaks of Tukuche and Thapa/Dhampus at 5250m. From here it is a gradual walk on the narrow path (in snow conditions this trail can be quite slippery). Eventually we reach Hidden Valley, a vast field which used as a summer pasture, overlooking the beautiful mountains of Sita Chuchura, Mukut Himal, and Tashi Kang (5386 m.) all of which surrounds the Hidden Valley. To the right is Tukuche peak west and to the rear stands the huge Dhaulagiri I. Hidden Valley remained behind Dhaulagiri massif undiscovered, until the last few decades. It offers a very scenic charm with several small peaks to climb.

An early move for the Base Camp situated at 4750m. Entering a gentle slope at the end of the valley and further, the trail ascends up to French Col 5360m. On reaching the highest point of this journey at French Pass where there the Buddhist prayer flags or lungtas hoisted by previous trekkers and climbers in respect of the mountain spirit. The trail descends to the glaciated area then we walk along the undulating glacier surface as the valley bends to the right bank route with a short up and down passage to Tukuche Base Camp 4750m near the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Impressive views of the north face of Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri I, while to the west the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), III (7715m) and IV (7618m) soar to the sky. Before us lies the desolate Icefall descending from the col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. Our overnight camp will be made on the clearing of rocky moraine with an awesome close view of Tukuche Peak, its massive glacier and icefall.

The trail descends to the glacier and the moraine rocks then climbs slowly towards the Tukuche icefall. Here, we scout for a suitable site to establish the Advance Camp on a safe and sheltered spot free from the danger of avalanche and rock fall.

Practice climb & final preparations. We will undergo a practice climb and make final preparations for the great ascent.

Five days have been reserved for the summit bid and to ferry the camping and climbing loads to the specific camps. From Advanced Camp, one or two more camps will be adequate, as this North  West Route is the most accessible way to the summit (6920m).

All the climbing members and staffs return to Base Camp.

Last day to finish packing & cleaning.

From Tukuche Base Camp, the trail leads to the moraine and glacier nearby Tukuche peak. After the glacier, we climb a rocky terraced hill on the right bank, go past the glacier then climb another higher hill across the mountain flank. This vantage point offers stunning views of the mountain ranges surrounding the Hidden Valley. A gentle descent along the snow-covered landscape leads to us to the wide Hidden Valley for the overnight halt.

Retrace journey back to Yak Kharka via Dhampus/Thapa pass.

Leaving Yak Kharka we head to Jomsom. As you approach your final destination, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and impressive with its mixture of brown, yellow and grey contrasting with the white snowcapped peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri. You stay overnight in Jomsom. In the evening you celebrate the completion of your trek with the crew, whom you know so well over the last 13 days.

Early in the morning we fly to Pokhara by small air craft enjoying the majestic mountains views above the World deepest Gorge. The flights are available only in the morning time. The strong breeze blows during and after and frequent change of the weather prevents the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flight in the morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. Upon arrival in Pokhara you will relax in hotel or wander around Lakeside city. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast we will drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu via Damauli, Dumre, Muglin towns. At Kurintar you will see Nepal’s first Cable car and how it transports the visitors to Manakamana Temple. En route, you can enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore around for shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.