The Tukuche peak is located in the western Nepal Himalayas between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. Although relatively less explored, Tukuche is one of most exotic mountain climb in Nepal. Despite being a technical climb, it’s nonetheless a favorite training mountain even among the prospective 8,000er climbers. The peak lies north of the exotic Hidden Valley. The summit of Tukuche Peak also offers great vistas of the surrounding Himalayas including the Annapurna Ranges, Nilgiri and also of the nearby villages such as Marpha and Jomsom.
Our Tukuche Peak Expedition begins with flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, we head west to the Marpha village, Yak Kharka, Hidden Valley, and Tukuche Base Camp. After proper acclimatization and training, we summit the Tukuche Peak and return via the same route. From Jomsom, we make a return flight to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking (HGT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Himalayan Glacier Trekking display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel. After check in, you will visit HGT office, meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal.
After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow.
Today we fly to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna range and others. Pokhara is famous for its numerous lakes which also offer boat-ride. We make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara’s marketplaces, old bazaars, and landmarks. In the evening, explore the surrounding lakeside areas.
We take the morning flight to Jomsom. After explore Jomsom, we head toward Marpha. Initially we go downhill through the valley with mountain peaks on both sides. Cross the Syang Khola. Walk into the Syang Village. Continue trekking to Marpha.
Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet.
Today we trek to Yak Kharka from Marpha. We will be leaving the civilization behind at Marpha. Cross the thinning tree-line and terraced farming. Ascend along the he flank of the mountain to Yak Kharka.
Since, we have gained considerable height yesterday; we take one more day at Yak Kharka for proper acclimatization. Explore and hike around Yak Kharka.
A long day. Continue trekking Hidden Valley. The initial path carved by the Yaks gives rise to more wildernesses. Cross the Thapa Pass. You will notice that by now we are already into the snowline. Continue further to arrive at Hidden Valley finally.
Finally we arrive at Tukuche Peak Base Camp today. After arrival, trek around, wind up and relax. It’s also important to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Today, we begin our climbing preparation. We hike toward the Camp I. Get back to Base camp again.
Today, we hike to Camp I. After reaching Camp I and making necessary arrangement, we get back to base camp again. This step is necessary for proper acclimatization.
We again hike to Camp I. But today, we stay overnight at Camp I.
Another important step for proper acclimatization and training. From Camp I, we hike to Camp 2. After reaching Camp 2, get back to base camp again.
During these days, we make all necessary arrangements for the summit climb such as route fixing among others. Initially, we move between base camp, Camp I and Camp 2. Then we hike toward summit, and again get back to our camp. In this way, slowly and steadily, after making all necessary arrangement, training, and acclimatization and after taking into consideration of the weather conditions, we summit the Tukhuche Peak finally. After summiting the peak, get back to base camp again.
We clean up the mess we have created at the Base Camp. Explore around if interested. Get back to Hidden Valley today. Explore and relax.
Tackling along the cairns, we proceed along the snowy path. After a few hours of walking in the snow, we arrive at the top of the Thapa Pass. The descent from there is rather flat. Toward late afternoon, we arrive at Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, it’s even more steep descent leading finally to Marpha.
From Marpha, We retrace our path back to Jomsom. From Marpha, hike toward Jomsom. We arrive at Jomsom by late afternoon. Because of the possibility of high wind in the afternoon, flights from Jomsom to Pokhara are flown in the morning. Therefore, we stay overnight at Jomsom to catch the early morning flight.
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From Pokhara, another flight takes us to Kathmanudu. Be sure to catch left side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. In Kathmandu, evening celebration dinner together.
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking will take you to the airport.
