Tent Peak & Annapurna Sanctuary Expedition - November 2016

Tent Peak & Annapurna Sanctuary – departed 12th November 2016

Leader: John Walker

Read the full Trip Report here

29th November

We’ve had a message from John to say they are now down in Pokhara.

So after an impromptu and raucous old evening saying goodbye to our fantastic porters, the group has travelled from Birethanti to Pokhara today. The luxury of a shower, a sit-down toilet and some clean clothes cannot be underestimated

As we go our separate ways tomorrow, we plan a farewell dinner this evening, which I am sure will be enjoyable, even without dancing and singing with our Nepali team…but then who knows what may happen once the Everest beer takes hold   A great trip, wonderful memories and a real sense of achievement for all.

The guys had these tee shirts embroidered in Pokhara. Very snazzy 

26th November

John has been in touch to say they are back on schedule now after an unplanned overnight in Deurali at 3200m. The walk across the rubble on the Annapurna glacier and then the loose ascent back to Annapurna base camp meant we were too tired to descend further. After a good night’s sleep at the lower altitude, we have made Chomrong in 7.5hrs including a leisurely lunch stop at Sinuwa. Everyone is now looking forward to a hot shower, despite the fact that we will have to put our mucky clothes back on! The weather has been more humid today once we descended into the cloud, the first day since we arrived when it hasn’t been blue skies – welcome actually, given the uphill climb to Chomrong village at the end of our day. Gandruk tomorrow.

24th November

We’ve had an update from the team to say 8 out of 9 successfully summited Tharpu Chuli or Tent Peak in glorious weather. It was a long day but the team enjoyed the challenge. It was a fantastic mountain adventure that topped off a brilliant Annapurna Sanctuary trek, and we all felt it enhanced the adventure immensely. Still a week to go of wonderful Nepali hospitality. John and Irina have stayed at high camp for the night and the rest of the team have now cleared down to base camp. They will re-group tomorrow and begin their trek back towards Pokhara.

21st November

John sent a text this morning from Annapurna base camp. The team have now met up with their climbing Sherpas, so all the group are getting excited in preparation for their summit bid. They have not seen Tent Peak yet, but the views in the sanctuary of the surrounding peaks are spectacular.

20th November

All of the group are doing fine, and enjoying the leisurely acclimatisation pace. The weather has been really good, although it gets cold as soon as we lose the sun, which today was at 14:30! We are currently at Machapuchare base camp, which is on schedule. Tomorrow we go up to Annapurna Base Camp.

18th November

Steady day today from Tadopani to Chomrong, over a couple of Himalayan bridges and though sublime countryside of millet fields, rhododendron forest and small hamlets. After some laundry and hot showers, we are relaxing before what I am sure will be yet another amazingly good meal.

16th November

Sunrise from Poon Hill this morning.  An absolutely lovely sunrise walk today on Poon Hill, and then an undulating ridge punctuated by deep gorges to reach Tadopani. The tea house is called the Great View, and is certainly aptly named. We are all getting into a rhythm and achieving our walks in good time, despite the long lunches and good food en route!

15th November

The team have arrived and are now at Ghorepani, after a lovely (if a little hot for some) walk.
The views from the Sunny Hotel are breathtaking, and we are all looking forward to the sunrise from Poon Hill