Annapurna Expedition - 54 Days

About Annapurna Expedition

Annapurna Expedition leads to the top of the world's 10th highest mountain, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). Climbed first in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, Mt. Annapurna is one of the most technical mountains to climb in the Himalayas. The peak's exact location can be found at the coordinates of 28°35’45''N83°49’20''E. The word, Annapurna has religious importance as per the Hindus and means the Goddess of the Harvests as well as an avatar of Lord Durga. Being a very difficult mountain to climb, you have to be physically strong with high endurance and knowledge of serious climbing techniques. We, Small Adventure World offer comprehensive and high-quality service during the climbing including hygienic meals, fuel, oxygen, tents, and other necessities throughout the climb. For more information regarding the trip, contact us anytime.

Annapurna Expedition route (southwest ridge)

Annapurna Advanced Base Camp (4,200m)

Climbing Mt. Anapurna from the southwest ridge is the common route. From Miristi Khola, the trail ascends to Annapurna Advanced Base Camp. We will establish the advance base camp before you reach there. Everything will be ready for you to welcome you. You will be spending a few days here to acclimatize yourself before heading towards the summit. The trail to the Advance Base Camp is not so tough.

Camp I (5,200m)

From Annapurna Advanced Base Camp, you will walk for around 4 hours to reach Camp I. There will be a few technical sections that you have to cover before reaching Camp I. Walking on mixed terrain of rock and glacier, you reach Camp I located at the middle of the glacier on the slope of 25º. We will choose the avalanche free zone to set the camps.

Camp II (5,700m)

Another 4 and half hours of ascending will lead you to Camp II. The route to Camp II is less technical, however you have to cross the Black Rock Wall and many steep parts. Before reaching Camp II, you also cross a 60 meters high rock wall.

Camp III (6,500m)

From Camp II to Camp III, there is a total of 800 meters distance. Your Sherpa guide will fix 80% of the route with rope for your safety. Crossing a glacier from east to west, you pass by a 55º wall. As the elevation will increase with every step, the exposure to wind, sun, and cold also increase.

Camp IV (7,100m)

Camp IV is the last camp you set before moving towards the summit. Passing many crevasses and seracs, you continue ascending towards the base of a spur. You will set Camp IV inside a rock cave. The oxygen level begins to get low from here onwards, therefore a little effort while doing anything can feel exhausting. After climbing for three hours on a steep slope of 50-55º, you reach Camp IV.

Annapurna Summit (8,091m)

The day begins mid-night around 11:00-12:00 pm. You begin pushing towards the summit. Before the main summit lies a false summit. From Camp IV, you fix 900 meters long rope. Passing by many basins with short snow headwalls, you reach the summit. After spending some time at the summit, you retrace the pass back to Camp II and then drop further down to advance camp.

Variation & Custom Itinerary

You can also join adventurous treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake or Nar Phu Valley Trek in the Annapurna region. We do offer tailor-made Annapurna Expedition, where we will design the entire program as per your requirements.

Highlights

  • Trek through beautiful villages
  • Get to see stunning landscape
  • Explore Ghorepani village
  • Experience rich culture and unique lifestyle of locals
  • Witness gorgeous sunrise from Poon Hill
  • Scale Mt. Annapurna
  • See panoramic views of numerous Himalayan mountains
  • Enjoy natural hot spring in Tatopani

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will get greeted by one of our team delegates. He/she will take you to the hotel that we have already booked for you. You can rest and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the late evening, you will join the welcome dinner organized by the company.

  • Hotel
  • Welcome dinner

The day begins early with a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coffee. You go on a guided sightseeing tour, where you will visit ancient temples, shrines, palaces, and courtyards. We have arranged a professional guide with you who will brief you about all the places you will visit. In the late afternoon, you prepare for the expedition.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

Today, you will get informed about the trail and region. You will meet with your guide. The entire day is dedicated to the preparation of the journey. You will arrange all the documents and gears along with the guide. 

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

After having breakfast, you drive to Pokhara in a private tourist bus/van. The drive will be long and scenic. You get to see beautiful views of lush green hills and rivers on the way. Upon reaching Pokhara, you head to the hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free. You can relax and explore around. Make sure to have a peaceful boat ride on the tranquil Fewa Lake in the evening.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & lunch

Today, you will take a short drive to Nayapul. From here, you begin trekking towards Tikhedhunga. The trail passes through small villages and lush forests. You will also cross a bridge before reaching Tikhedhunga. 

From Tikhedhunga, you will cross a small stream and ascend on a steep stone staircase that leads to Ulleri (2,070 m). The trail then continues through dense forests and reaches Nangethanti. Further, the trail passes by lush rhododendron forests and takes you to Ghorepani village. From the village, you get to see excellent views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Hiunchuli, etc.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

You wake up early in the morning and ascend to Poon Hill viewpoint to witness gorgeous sunrise along with the western Himalayan mountains. Later, you descend to Ghorepani and begin trekking towards Tatopani. The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki river and passes by lush forests before reaching Tatopani. Here, you will get to enjoy a natural hot spring.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

The trail moves along the Kali Gandaki river and gradually ascends passing a beautiful waterfall. You reach Rupche Chahara and continue walking on a dusty road that further goges through a deep gorge. Enjoying lovely landscapes, you reach Ghasa. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Leaving Ghasa behind, the trail ascends for a few hours. You pass by lush forests, where you get to see a diverse range of flora and fauna. On the way, you get to see breath-taking views of the snow-capped mountain and reach Lete.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

After having a warm breakfast, you ascend through lush forests. The trail climbs to Thulo Bugin offering stunning mountain views. You will be camping as there is no accommodation available from here onwards.

  • Camp
  • BLD

The trail ascends slowly through a rugged path. As the elevation increases, the day starts to get tiring. You will reach Hum Khola, the stop for the day where you will do camping.

  • Camp
  • BLD

From Hum Khola, you continue trekking towards Miristi Khola. The trial involves many ascends and descends. Enjoying wonderful scenery, you reach Miristi Khola and set up the camps along with your team members.

  • Camp
  • BLD

The trail leads to the Annapurna Base Camp today. From Miristi Khola, you ascend all the way up to the base camp. It is going to be a short walking day today. Upon reaching the base camp, you set up the camps and rest for the day. Your guide will brief you about the route and give you basic training explaining the proper uses of gears.

  • Camp
  • BLD

From day 14, your climbing period begins. You will slowly ascend towards the summit of Mt. Annapurna following the lead of your Sherpa guide. Over a few days, you will establish different camps before reaching the summit. Your guide will help you to cross the technical sections. From the top of the mountain, you get to see an outstanding landscape. Following the same trail, you descend back to base camp as well.

  • Camp
  • BLD

After having a warm breakfast, you retrace the path back to Miristi Khola. Before leaving the base camp behind, you will clean it and take all the waste with you to low elevation for disposal. 

  • Camp
  • BLD

From Miristi Khola, the trail descends and passes by Hum Khola. On the way, you get to see the beautiful landscape and trek back to Thulo Bugin for a night stay. 

  • Camp
  • BLD

Leaving Thulo Bugin, you follow the same trail and descend through lush forests. On the way, you pass by small settlement areas and reach Lete. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

The trail descends through dense forests. You pass by villages observing stunning views of Annapurna range and other mountains and reach Ghasa. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

It is going to be a short walking day. You pass by a beautiful waterfall called Rukse waterfall. From here, you enter in Kali Gandaki valley and move towards Tatopani. After a successful summit, you can soak your body in the natural hot spring that will help you to remove all your body aches and tiredness. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

The trail descends through lush forests and takes you to Beni. From here, you drive back to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you head to the hotel. The remaining day is leisure. You can rest and explore as per your wish.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & lunch

Today, you move back to Kathmandu. You have both options to fly your drive to Kathmandu. Either way, you get to see a fantastic landscape. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel. In the evening, you can do the shopping and end the enjoying farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & farewell dinner

You wake up early and prepare to leave. As per your flight departure time, our team representative will take you to the Airport and wishes you a safe flight back to your home.

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Cost Details

Included Excluded
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or van
  • All ground transportation
  • Entry permits for National Park/Local permit/Garbage deposit
  • All climbing permits
  • Experience Sherpas
  • Hotel in kathmadu/bb
  • Trekking guide/Porter salary their insurance and equipment
  • Three meals a day =breakfast/lunch/dinner/tea/coffee
  • Lodge accommodations/Camping arrangements overall
  • All domestic ticket for your destination
  • Entrance fees while sightseeing
  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Medical and personal high risk insurance
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Personal equipment and climbing gears.
  • Applicable permit fees and custom charge for Sat phone, communication equipment and commercial filming while on expedition.
  • International flight airfare
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Accommodation and meals (breakfast, meal and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
  • Personal expense such as shopping, snacks for trek, beverages, laundry, telephone call, extra porters etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs or delays cause by out of management control for example, landscape, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes etc.
  • Personal clothing and gear

Useful Information

Annapurna Expedition difficulty & Altitude Sickness

Annapurna Expedition is a very tough and challenging journey. You will be spending so many days far away from the human residential area. Before climbing the period, you will cross many dense forests, bridges, moraines, gorges, and steep paths. Likewise, the route that leads to the summit of Mt. Annapurna includes many crevasses, ice walls, snowy slopes, etc, which demands previous climbing experience. You have to be in good shape to go on Annapurna Expedition.

Altitude sickness can be a major issue you have to look out for during the Annapurna Expedition. The trip leads to a high elevation, which can trigger altitude sickness if not given proper attention. Enough acclimatization days in between the trek with plenty of water and good food is needed to avoid altitude sickness. With us, you can trek without any worry as we have designed our Annapurna Expedition itinerary with ample rest days.

Best time to go on Annapurna Expedition

Spring (March to April) is the best time to go on Annapurna Expedition. Most of the mountaineers prefer these months of the year to go on an expedition in the Himalayas because of stable weather, which is very important for a successful summit. Likewise, clear views and moderate climate makes walking pleasant. Another good time is autumn (October to November).

Accommodation & Meals

While trekking, you stay overnight in the teahouse run by locals. The teahouse offers basic facilities with a shared room and common washroom. Likewise, while climbing, you stay overnight in camps, which is carried by the crew members. We offer high-quality tents designed for harsh the Himalayas climate. Every member of the groups will get a single sleeping tent with a shared dining tent and washroom tent.

In a teahouse, meals will be served as per their menu. You get three meals a day. You will find a good variety of dishes on the menu. Likewise, while climbing, all the meals will be cooked and served by our trained crew members. We will give you delicious, hygienic, and nutritious meals. We will also check your health from time to time and design meals as per your body.

Communication & Electricity

You will find a network in the lower elevation as well as WiFi connection in a few villages. However, during climbing, there will be no cellular network available. We will carry satellite phones with us to contact the team on the base camp and in the city. Likewise, electricity is available almost everywhere. Locals in the higher elevation mainly depend on solar power, therefore charging electric appliances and hot showers can cost you a few bucks.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must to join Annapurna Expedition. Your travel insurance should cover emergency evacuation, hospital bills, medical bills, flight cancellation, and loss or theft of property. You have to take our insurance in your country. Travel insurance is very important while trekking in the Himalayas. As the entire Himalayan region is far behind the modern advancement in communication, transportation, and basic health facilities, having travel insurance in hand while traveling will be a reliable option for you.

Guide & Porter

During the Annapurna Expedition, you will be assisted by a team of highly experienced guides and porters who have previously mapped the route to the summit of the mountain. The Sherpa guide will be government registered and well-trained in many areas from first aid, survival to climbing rocks, etc. Likewise, you will be accompanied by porters who are also well guided and cook delicious meals for you.

Environmental Contribution

During the trip, we will be adopting different measures to make sure our excursion to this remote part of the Himalayas does not harm it in any way. We design and plan our trips in an eco-friendly & sustainable manner. As it is also a camping journey, we carry all the necessary things for survival with us. We clean the area where we will be camping before leaving it and carry all our waste with us. Likewise, we also run a small organization that funds education for children in the mountain village.