Hiunchuli: Geography and Name
Official height of 6,441 m (21,132 ft).
Located in the Annapurna Himal range in Kaski district.
Complex Terrain: Known among Himalayan climbers as one of the most treacherous 6,000m peaks due to complex route-finding.
Elevation
6,441 m
21,132 ft
Location
Kaski District
Annapurna Sanctuary
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Standard Route
Southeast Face
Nepal Side
The Sentinel of Annapurna
Hiunchuli forms an extension of Machapuchare and guards the eastern entrance into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Despite its trekking peak classification, it presents serious navigation, rockfall, and avalanche hazards.
Key Highlights
- Stunning views into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Extremely challenging peak with low summit success rate.
- Dominates the skyline above Modi Khola gorge.
Quick Facts
First Ascent
10 October 1971 (Craig Anderson)
Parent Range
Annapurna Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
28.4480° N, 83.8833° E
Beyond the Basics
Hiunchuli: Climbing & Trekking Guide
Route, acclimatisation and permit notes for Hiunchuli from the Nepal Side side, plus practical safety advice.
Hiunchuli: Climbing Routes
Requires establishing high camps in steep, loose gullies.
- Southeast Face Route: Technical rock, steep ice, and route finding through complex terrain.
Hiunchuli: Permits, Season and Safety
The standard season on Hiunchuli is Spring & Autumn (Mar–May / Sep–Nov). Objective Hazard: High risk of falling rock and ice; recommended for veteran alpine teams only.
Approaches to Hiunchuli begin from Nepal Side in Kaski District, where the main objective is the Southeast Face. Confirm current permit, insurance, and national park requirements before departure.
- Permits required: NMA Peak Permit & ACAP Permit.
- Best months: October–November and April–May.
- Elevation: 6,441 m (21,132 ft).
Hiunchuli: Approach and Acclimatisation
Plan for road travel to the Nepal Side trailhead, then several days of walking before you reach the foot of Hiunchuli. Gain height gradually, take a rest day before moving to high camp, and keep a spare weather day in reserve during Spring & Autumn.
Summit day on a 6,441 m objective is long, so start early and set a clear turn-around time. If the Southeast Face is crowded or the snow is unstable, waiting a day is almost always better than pushing on.
Hiunchuli: Facts and Figures
Hiunchuli "Guardian of the Sanctuary" stands at 6,441 m in Kaski District, Annapurna Sanctuary. The figures below summarise the mountain for trip planning.
- First Ascent: 10 October 1971 (Craig Anderson)
- Parent Range: Annapurna Himal, Himalayas
- Coordinates: 28.4480° N, 83.8833° E