Hiunchuli Peak

Hiunchuli Peak (6,441m/21,126ft.)
Area: Annapurna Sanctuary in the Annapurna Himal.

Hiunchuli lies in the Annapurna range and it is connected to Annapurna South. Discovered by Col. Jimmy Roberts, it is one of the three major trekking peaks within the "Annapurna Sancturary", to be named by Roberts. The mountains of this area are considered the sacred by the Gurungs who inhabit the region. The other two peaks within the sanctuary are Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) and Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak).

Hiunchuli was first summited by an American Peace Corps Expedition under the leadership of Craig Anderson in October 1971. Although it is easy to reach the mountain and the popularity of the Annapurna Sancutary with trekkers and climbers, the actual ascent of Hinuchuli is considered one of the most difficult among the trekking peaks.

South-East Face Route:
The route to base camp starts from Hinko Cave on the Annapurna Sanctuar trail. After establishing the first camp somewhere above the valley floor a further 2 camps are neccessary to make it to the top. Although not technically extreme this route is exposed to rockfall and serac dangers and is a complicated route-finding experience.

North-West Face Route:
The ascent by the North-West Face has been attempted only by a very few climbers and not always successfully. The exact route is not well known. The approach is from the Annapurna Base Camp in the Sanctuary and a further 2 camps may be necessary to complet this not so well known ascent.