Trekking · Nepal
Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak)
A 5,663 m trekking peak in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by a 360-degree wall of Himalayan giants.
Tharpu Chuli, better known as Tent Peak, is a 5,663-metre trekking peak set right in the middle of the Annapurna Sanctuary — arguably the most spectacularly enclosed summit among the trekking peaks of Nepal, encircled by a near-unbroken wall of giants.
Overview
Tharpu Chuli rises from the floor of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the high glacial amphitheatre reached on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Early expeditions named it Tent Peak for its tidy pyramid shape. What sets the climb apart is not its modest height but its position: from the summit the view sweeps a full 360 degrees around Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Machhapuchhre, the sacred Fishtail. Few summits anywhere offer such a complete ring of high mountains so close at hand.
Height and location
At 5,663 metres (18,579 feet), Tharpu Chuli lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, deep in the sanctuary. Base camp is established near Annapurna Base Camp itself, on the Annapurna region treks network, so the long, beautiful walk up the Modi Khola gorge serves as the acclimatisation approach. Its lower altitude than the Annapurna Circuit peaks makes it a gentler high-mountain objective.
The climb
The standard route climbs steepening snow slopes from a high camp, using crampons and ice axe, with fixed ropes on the steeper upper section. There is no significant technical rock, so it is graded a moderate trekking peak — harder than the gentle Yala Peak but easier than the bigger Annapurna Circuit climbs such as Chulu West. Basic snow-and-ice competence and good fitness are enough for most prepared climbers.
Difficulty, season and safety
Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) bring the most stable weather and firm snow; the sanctuary can be avalanche-prone in heavy snow, so timing and a knowledgeable guide matter. Although lower than many trekking peaks, the summit still clears 5,600 m, so steady acclimatisation on the walk in is important — read our altitude sickness guide. Climbers often combine the trip with the nearby Pisang Peak for a broader Annapurna experience. An NMA permit, registered agency and climbing guide are required, as covered in our Nepal trekking guide.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5,663 m (18,579 ft) |
| Other name | Tent Peak |
| Region | Annapurna Sanctuary |
| Difficulty | Moderate trekking peak |
| Highlight | 360-degree sanctuary panorama |
| Best access | Via the Annapurna Base Camp trek |
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Tharpu Chuli?+
Tharpu Chuli, also called Tent Peak, rises to 5,663 metres (18,579 feet) in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the high glacial basin ringed by the Annapurna massif.
Why is Tharpu Chuli called Tent Peak?+
It earned the name Tent Peak from early expeditions because of its neat, tent-like pyramid shape rising in the middle of the Annapurna Sanctuary near Annapurna Base Camp.
How difficult is Tharpu Chuli to climb?+
Tharpu Chuli is a moderate trekking peak. The standard route is mostly steep snow climbed with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes near the top, with no major technical rock, making it suitable for fit climbers with basic snow skills.
Where do you climb Tharpu Chuli from?+
It is climbed from the Annapurna Sanctuary, with base camp set up near Annapurna Base Camp. Climbers reach the area on the Annapurna Base Camp trek before attempting the peak.
