Annapurna Massif, which extends about 55 km in length is a collection of over 30 mountain peaks. Prominent peaks among them include Annapurna I, II, III, IV and Gangapurna. The highest among them and the most popular is Annapurna I which is 8091m tall, recognized as the tenth highest mountain in the world. There are over 16 peaks over 7000m and around 13 peaks that are 6000m above in height.
Annapurna I is considered to be one of the most dangerous mountain to climb after Kanchenjunga and K2. The climbing of Annapurna features pretty steep climbs, glacier walking, risks of avalanches and trailing by way of fixed ropes. The dangers of frostbite and gangrene on the ascent are maximum on the Annapurna. Annapurna I was the first 8000m to be climbed via Southeast ridge in 1950 by a French expedition headed by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal among others. The south face of Annapurna was first climbed in 1970 by a British expedition led by Chris Bonington.
On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our airport representative. You will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands. The representative will then take you to your hotel where you will be served welcome drinks. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops, restaurants and bars.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can also choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon, you will drive back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Final preparation day in Kathmandu for expedition. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Tatopani (1050m) takes about 4 hours.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Tatopani to Lete (2480m) takes about 5 hours. You will begin your trekking from today following the Kaligandaki River.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Lete to Thulobugin (3260). It is a scenic camping site after 4-5 hours of walking from Lete.
Stay overnight at camp.
Trek from Thulobugin to Hum Khola (4286m) takes about 5 hours.
Stay overnight at camp.
Trek from Hum Khola to Miristi Khola (4130m) takes about 5 hours.
Stay overnight at camp
Trek from Miristi Khola to Annapurna Base Camp (4190m) takes about 6 hours.
Stay overnight at camp.
Climbing Period of Annapurna I (8091m). Annapurna Base Camp – Summit (8091 m)-Base Camp requires more than a month but rewards you breathtaking views of astonishing mountains.
Stay all nights at camp
Garbage collection and Base Camp clean up day.
Stay overnight at camp.
Trek down to Thulo Bugin from Base Camp. Stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Thulobugin to Lete.
Stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Lete to Ghasa.
Stay overnight in camp.
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara.
Stay overnight at hotel.
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.
Pick-up and drop-off service
All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
Accommodation in Kathmandu
5 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 5 star standards hotel
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with private A/C vehicle and English speaking tour guide including entrance fees
Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenir
Land transportation
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by a/c deluxe tourist bus and Pokhara-Tatopani and Tatopani to Pokhara by 4–WD Jeep
All permits
Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Annapurna (8091 m), Entry Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS card
Porters
Porter per member up to Base Camp from Tatopani and from Base Camp to Tatopani
Base Camp Staffs
Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen helpers as per group size
Staff Salary and allowance
All involved Nepalese staffs & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipments, foods & clothing
Insurance
Medical & Emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese staffs during the entire trip as per government rule
Liaison Officer
1 Government Liaison officer with full equipments, salary, accommodation and insurance as per government rule
Garbage Management Fee
Garbage transfer & garbage disposal fees as per government rule
Base Camp equipments
Foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning tent, 1 Kitchen tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower tents, 1 Staffs tent, 1 tent for Nepalese Base Camp staffs, store tents, Tables, chairs & necessary cooking gears like Epi gas, high pots, stove, etc.
High Camp services
High altitude tents at (C1) (C2) (C3) (C4), high altitude appropriate food for member, Sherpa and all climbing and cooking crews
Ropes
All required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing
Rope Fixing Team
The team of experienced Sherpa will fix the route on Annapurna (no extra charge will be applied to members)
High Altitude Climbing Sherpa
Personal climbing guide/Sherpa (1 climbing member will have 1 climbing guide who is trained, experienced and Government license holder)
Climbing Sherpa Salary & Allowance
Salary, equipments, meals and clothing for climbing guide
Bonus
Carry bonus of Sherpas and route fixing charges
Oxygen (O2) Bottle
2 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 1- oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa
Oxygen Mask & Regulator
1 Set of Oxygen mask & regulator for each member and high altitude Sherpa
Back up Sets
Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask and regulator (with appropriate additional charge)
Heater
Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp
Solar/Generator
1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp
Satellite Phone
Satellite Phone for emergency communication available for members with appropriate charge
Walkie-Talkie
Walkie –Talkie for communication from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp
Permits
Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits
First Aid Kit
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs
Certificate
Certificate for Annapurna (8091 meters) climbing issued by Tourism Ministry after climbing Mt. Annapurna successfully
Tax and VAT
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Lunch & Dinner
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from trekking / expedition than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night in Kathmandu
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking / expedition due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel Insurance
Medical and personal high risk travel insurance which should cover helicopter evacuation cost and medical treatment cost incase required
Rescue Evacuation
Medical and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs)
Personal Expenses
Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages (However we will provide soft drinks for members at base camp)
Personal Equipments
Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking /climbing Gears
Toiletries
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and your other personal items used to keep yourself clean
Filming
Permit fee for special filming by using camera or drone
Internet
Internet service is available with extra charge during the trek and Base Camp
Summit Bonus
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa (Normally US$1300 applies to full board member)
Tips
Tips for Base Camp and other involved staffs
Service above Base Camp
If you are taking just Base Camp services, then there will be zero service from company above base camp
Rope Fixing
The cost for using fixed rope during the expedition will apply to base camp service users
Extra Services
Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
The Annapurna Expedition involves climbing Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet). Located in the Annapurna massif in north-central Nepal, this peak is historically significant because it was the first 8,000-meter peak to be successfully summited—by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal of France in 1950. However, it's also notorious for its high fatality-to-summit ratio, making it one of the most dangerous 8000ers. The combination of technical difficulty, avalanche-prone slopes, and unpredictable weather contributes to its fearsome reputation.
Annapurna I is considered one of the most dangerous of the 14 8000-meter peaks, with a historical death rate of over 30%, although recent advancements in gear, route planning, and commercial expeditions have somewhat reduced this number. The primary dangers are avalanches, seracs, and technical rock and ice climbing, particularly in the approach to Camp 4 and the summit ridge. The mountain's remoteness also makes rescue operations extremely challenging.
The most commonly used route today is the North Face via the Northwest Ridge, which starts from the base camp near the Annapurna Sanctuary. This route involves establishing 3–4 camps above base camp. There are also West Face and South Face routes, but these are far more technical and are generally reserved for elite alpinists attempting new lines or alpine-style ascents. Most commercial expeditions focus on the North Face due to slightly lower objective hazards.
The two main climbing seasons are pre-monsoon (spring) from late March to early June, and post-monsoon (autumn) from late September to early November. Spring is generally preferred for Annapurna due to more stable weather and better snow conditions. However, weather windows are narrow and often unpredictable, so climbers must be flexible and patient.
The entire expedition usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks, including trekking to base camp, acclimatization rotations, setting up higher camps, and the final summit push. Weather delays and acclimatization needs often extend the timeline. The trek to base camp itself takes about a week, while rotations between camps can take several weeks before the summit window opens.
Annapurna is not for beginners or intermediate climbers. It demands extensive high-altitude mountaineering experience, including successful summits of other 8000ers or difficult 7000-meter peaks, and proficiency in ice climbing, crevasse rescue, and avalanche awareness. Many climbers attempt Annapurna after gaining experience on peaks like Cho Oyu, Manaslu, or Everest. It's often regarded as a "final boss" of the 8000ers.
Yes, climbers must obtain a climbing permit from the Nepal Department of Tourism. As of 2025, the cost for Annapurna I is approximately USD 1,800 per person for foreign climbers. In addition, climbers must pay for a Liaison Officer, garbage deposit, and fees for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Most commercial expeditions handle these logistics as part of the expedition package.
Most climbers use supplementary oxygen for the final push above Camp 3, particularly from 7,000 meters onward, although a small number of elite alpinists attempt it without oxygen. Using oxygen significantly improves performance and reduces the risk of altitude sickness, frostbite, and fatigue. Commercial expeditions almost always provide oxygen systems and Sherpa support for clients.
Climbers face extreme cold, thin air, fatigue, and high physical exertion. The steep terrain and technical climbing demand full concentration. Mentally, the expedition tests patience, risk management, and mental toughness, especially during long weather delays or high-stress summit pushes. Many climbers cite Annapurna as a mountain that requires equal parts physical preparation and psychological resilience.
Preparation typically includes months or years of high-altitude experience, along with endurance training (running, hiking, biking), strength training, and technical climbing practice on ice and mixed terrain. Many climbers train with a weighted pack, do stair climbs, and simulate altitude with hypoxic tents. Familiarity with crampons, fixed ropes, and alpine decision-making is crucial.
Success rates have improved with better weather forecasting, route fixing by Sherpas, and commercial support. Still, the summit rate hovers around 30–40% for most seasons, depending on weather windows and team experience. Many climbers retreat due to weather, avalanches, or health issues, and some seasons see no summits at all if conditions remain unsafe.
Rescue operations are extremely limited and weather-dependent. Helicopters can reach base camp and sometimes Camp 1, but higher altitudes are often inaccessible by air due to wind and thin air. This makes self-rescue and team support critical. All climbers are advised to carry insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation, such as Global Rescue or Ripcord, and to be prepared for the worst-case scenarios.
Mountaineering Equipments
Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)
Clothing and Wears
Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle
Essential Gears
Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents
Gadgets
Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight
Sun Protection Items
Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm,
Medical
First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)
Other Essentials
Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter
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