Annapurna I was the first 8,000-metre (26,200 ft) peak to be climbed by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, of a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog on 3 June 1950.
Its summit was the highest attained on Earth for three years until the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. The fascinating mountains and forest areas make the Annapurna region one of the most popular destinations and most enchanting spots on this planet.
Mount Annapurna climbing is one of the most dangerous mountains to climb with high risks of avalanches. All the routes possess severe difficulties for climbers to overcome with huge ice cliffs and seracs.
Hence, previous experience in peak climbing with good physical condition is highly recommended for those seeking to achieve the summit of Annapurna.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city or resting at your hotel.
Today, you will attend a pre-trip meeting and briefing with your trekking guide and other members of the team. You will also have a chance to do some last-minute shopping for any necessary gear or supplies.
After breakfast, you will fly to Pokhara, a beautiful city located on the shores of Phewa Lake. You will have the rest of the day to explore Pokhara and prepare for the upcoming trek.
Today, you will leave Pokhara and drive to Tatopani, a small village known for its natural hot springs. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayas and pass through small villages.
After breakfast, you will continue your drive to Lete, a scenic village located in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful forests and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Today, you will begin your trek by walking through lush forests and crossing small streams. You will set up camp in the jungle and spend the night surrounded by nature.
After breakfast, you will continue your trek by crossing a suspension bridge and walking through beautiful forests. You will set up camp near the Miristi Khola river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Today, you will continue your trek towards Annapurna Base Camp. You will pass through beautiful alpine meadows and enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range. You will set up camp at Annapurna Base Camp and spend the night surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
For the next 30 days, you will be climbing Annapurna I, one of the highest peaks in the world. You will work closely with your guide and climbing team to acclimate to the altitude and prepare for the summit push.
After reaching the summit or finishing the climb, you will trek back down to Miristi Khola and set up camp for the night.
Today, you will continue your trek back towards Tatopani. You will set up camp in the jungle and spend the night surrounded by nature.
After breakfast, you will continue your trek back to Lete. You will pass through beautiful forests and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Today, you will drive back to Tatopani and have the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs. You will spend the night in Tatopani and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Pokhara and take a flight back to Kathmandu. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city or rest at your hotel.
Rest day at Kathmandu. Farewell celebration dinner and Departure
Today.
NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. It is not will be refundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
Mount Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Annapurna massif of the Himalayas in Nepal and is known for its challenging climbing routes and stunning alpine scenery.
The best time to climb Mount Annapurna is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season, which typically lasts from April to May. During this time, the weather is generally more stable, with clear skies and milder temperatures, making it safer and more feasible for climbing expeditions.
Climbing Mount Annapurna is extremely challenging and requires advanced mountaineering skills, technical proficiency, and high-altitude experience. The mountain is notorious for its unpredictable weather, avalanche-prone slopes, and difficult terrain, earning it the reputation of being one of the deadliest peaks to climb.
The two main climbing routes on Mount Annapurna are the South Face route and the Northwest Ridge route. The South Face route is the most commonly attempted and involves steep ice and rock climbing, while the Northwest Ridge route is less frequented but still highly technical and demanding.
The duration of a Mount Annapurna expedition varies depending on factors such as the chosen route, weather conditions, and individual climber's acclimatization schedule. Most expeditions typically last around two months, including several weeks for acclimatization, base camp setup, and the summit push.
Yes, supplemental oxygen is commonly used during Mount Annapurna expeditions to help climbers cope with the reduced oxygen levels at high altitude. The use of supplemental oxygen can increase climbers' chances of reaching the summit safely and reduce the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
Climbers attempting Mount Annapurna are required to obtain climbing permits from the Nepalese government. Additionally, permits for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area may be required, depending on the chosen route and logistics of the expedition.
Climbing Mount Annapurna involves numerous risks, including altitude sickness, extreme weather, avalanches, crevasses, falls, and frostbite. The mountain's unpredictable weather patterns and technical challenges pose significant hazards to climbers, requiring careful planning, preparation, and risk management.
Due to the technical difficulty and high level of risk associated with climbing Mount Annapurna, most climbers choose to join guided expeditions led by experienced mountaineering guides and support staff. While it is technically possible to attempt the climb independently, it is highly discouraged due to safety concerns and logistical challenges.
The success rate of climbing Mount Annapurna is relatively low compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, with less than half of all attempts resulting in successful summits. The mountain's high level of difficulty, unpredictable weather, and technical challenges contribute to its lower success rate and higher mortality rate among climbers.
01. Expedition Routes: Mount Annapurna offers several climbing routes, with the South Face and Northwest Ridge being the most prominent. The South Face route is renowned for its technical challenges, including steep ice and rock climbing, while the Northwest Ridge presents its own set of difficulties, such as high-altitude traverses and exposed ridges.
02. Altitude Challenges: Climbing Mount Annapurna involves significant altitude challenges, with the summit reaching an elevation of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) above sea level. Acclimatization is critical to adapting to the thin air and reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
03. Technical Difficulty: Mount Annapurna is known for its technical difficulty, requiring climbers to navigate steep ice and rock sections, traverse exposed ridges, and negotiate avalanche-prone slopes. Climbers must possess advanced mountaineering skills, including ice climbing, rock climbing, and route finding, to safely ascend the mountain.
04. Weather Challenges: The weather on Mount Annapurna can be highly unpredictable and volatile, with sudden changes in conditions and severe storms posing significant hazards to climbers. Expeditions must be prepared to encounter high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold temperatures, particularly during the climbing season.
05. Expedition Logistics: Mount Annapurna expeditions require careful planning and logistical support, including base camp setup, high-altitude camps, and supply logistics. Experienced support staff, including Sherpas, porters, and cooks, play a crucial role in facilitating the expedition and ensuring the safety and well-being of climbers.
06. Safety Measures: Safety is paramount on Mount Annapurna expeditions, with climbers implementing strict safety protocols, including fixed rope lines, avalanche precautions, and emergency evacuation plans. Climbers must be prepared to make difficult decisions, including turning back if conditions become unsafe or if climbers experience health issues.
07. Physical and Mental Preparation: Climbing Mount Annapurna requires rigorous physical and mental preparation, including endurance training, strength conditioning, and mental resilience. Climbers must be prepared to endure long days of climbing, harsh conditions, and the psychological stress of high-altitude mountaineering.
08. Environmental Considerations: Mount Annapurna expeditions must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and minimize their environmental impact on the mountain and surrounding ecosystems. Waste management, conservation efforts, and responsible travel practices are essential to preserving the pristine beauty of the mountain and its natural surroundings.
09. Team Dynamics: Successful Mount Annapurna expeditions rely on strong team dynamics, effective communication, and mutual support among climbers and support staff. Building trust, camaraderie, and teamwork are essential for overcoming challenges, making sound decisions, and achieving collective goals.
10. Personal Growth and Achievement: Climbing Mount Annapurna is a transformative journey that tests climbers' physical and mental limits, fosters personal growth and resilience, and cultivates a deep appreciation for the power and beauty of the natural world. Summiting Annapurna represents a significant achievement and a lifelong milestone for climbers, inspiring a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.