NEPAL TRAVELLER
Singu Chuli Peak, situated at 6,501m, is also known as flute peak. It is a beautiful peak located in the Annapurna region of the Himalaya. It is surrounded by Annapurna Sanctuary which is attractive to climb from the viewpoint of both stunning views and climbing experience. It is adjoined to Tharpu Chuli and lies across Hiunchuli trekking peaks placing a privileged, splendid amphitheatre of glaciers and nodes with background of the mythical southern face of Annapurna. This peak is as beautiful as India’s most attractive peak that is Nanda Devi, however, it is also taken as a challenging mountain in Nepal that requires some serious knowledge of technical stuff or climbing gears for ascending. The final section of the climb is highly technical that makes this peak an adventurously beautiful one to climb.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
Expedition towards the Singu Chuli Peak provides you with a great chance to explore the breath-taking views of the stunning snow-capped Himalayas like Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and many other mountains across the range. Besides this, you can explore the real-life experience of the culture, tradition, religion and lifestyle of the people of the Annapurna Region along with many endangered wildlife habitats like Red Panda, Spotted Deer, Musk Deer, and Wild Yaks etc. Climbing Singu Chuli peak also allows you to explore the regions which are rich in flora and fauna, dense forest of rhododendron while passing along the traditional villages. You will enjoy the great cultural experiences in Ghandruk and Chhomorong while approaching the Peak. You will walk through terraced farmland across sparkling streams and past waterfalls, the world of snow and ice starts to unfold above you. While you are climbing up the Modi Khola valley towards the sanctuary, you are welcomed with views of towering peaks and dizzyingly high rock walls with waterfalls tumbling down into the roar of the river below. Attempting this peak is a thrilling adventure to its core.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
The first ascent of this peak was made in 1957 by Wilf Noyce and David Cox from North-East Face.
GETTING THERE
There are many routes to climb this peak. Among all of them, the most used route is Your journey starts from scenic drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. You will head towards Birgunj from Pokhara in order to reach your first trekking point Nayapul. From there, you continue your trek to Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp. Then, you will ascend the peak and make a gradual descent to the Base Camp. Then you follow the same route back to the scenic valley of Pokhara. Singu chuli tour difficulty technically ends with a scenic drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
BEST SEASON
The most favorable seasons for this trek typically are during spring and autumn when the skies are clear, winds are lesser, and there is no rain or snowfall. In Nepal, spring usually falls between April to May and autumn falls between September-November. Traveling during winter can be hazardous due to the extreme cold weather. The rainy season isn’t any better due to the constant rain and snowfall.
TIME DURATION
Normally, completing this whole journey takes about 18 to 22 days. But, as you all know how quickly the climate is changing and affecting our globe. So, the mountain weather is also unpredictable and sometimes this may result in the delay of flight or trek which may cause extra days for completing the climb.
TOTAL COST
The total cost per person ranges around US $ 25,00 to US $ 5,000. However, this is not an established price as it depends highly upon travel agencies and their services. Also, if you are large in number or you choose an itinerary which lasts for long days, then ultimately you will be liable to pay a huge amount.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and high level of technical climbing because of snow, rock climbing and icy steps.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb and should have climbed peaks below 6400m before (or have similar experience).
Climbing gears- Climbers should have proper knowledge on using climbing gears like crampons, ice axe etc. before going for climb.
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes.The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Singu Chuli Peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit- For entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need to obtain an entry permit. This permit costs 30 USD + government tax.
Mount Ama Dablam Climbing Permit- USD 400 during spring, USD 400 during autumn and USD 200 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Government of Nepal since height above 6500m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Singu Chuli Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, Singu Chuli Peak climbing imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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