Annapurna Expedition

Overview

With a series of mountain peaks of 55km in length forms Annapurna massif and among these peaks Annapurna I with the altitude of 8091m is the highest one. There are four summits of Annapurna and the entire massif forms barrier on the north of Pokhara valley.  This 10th highest mountain in the world has glaciers on its western and north western slopes which fall into gorge through the Himalayas by the Kaligandaki River. The other major peaks of Annapurna massif are Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Gangapurna(7455m) and Annapurna South(7219m).  all these peaks of Annapurna massif fall within the boundary of Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP) and Annapurna I is one that peak which is listed for Annapurna Expedition in Nepal. Annapurna I stand in the west of Annapurna Sanctuary.

The literal meaning of the word Annapurna is “The Goddess rich in Sustenance” of simply “The Provider”.  It was first climbed by a French team of M. Herzog and L. Lachenal in 1950. It was the first eight thousanders to be climbed. Annapurna is regarded world’s most risky and dangerous mountains to climb due to the peaks prone to avalanches which causes high rate of lethal accident.

The usual route to summit the peak is from Manang side. It demands two hours of walk from base camp to reach the bottom of the peak. It has 65-70degrees of steep slopes which is climbed by fixing ropes of approx 500m which takes to camp I. from camp I to camp II 1000m ropes is fixed along the ridge with some stretches of steep climbing. From camp II to camp III path is easy accompanied by zigzag crossing and gradual uphill; though it will require 1300-1500m fixed rope will be required. From camp III to the summit fixing rope is not required and the main rope is used.

Itinerary

Day  1: Kathmandu arrival and transfer to Hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing; this includes Pashupatinath, Boudhhanath, Swoyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening you will be attending the briefing about the trip.

Day 3: Enjoy a 7hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara(914m), or simply take a 25minutes flight.

Day 4: early in the morning after having breakfast take a 2hours drive from Pokhara to Nayapool(1050m). from Nayapool trek to Tikledhunga(1577m) via Birethanti(1065m) which approximately takes five hours. Stay overnight at lodge in Tikledhunga.

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani(2675m) which takes six hours. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6: Trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani(2520m) via Poon Hill which takes six hours. Early in the morning we will start with a hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill which offers the exclusive view of sun rising over Mt Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Lamjung himal and many others. After witnessing this magical view we will continue our walk to Tatopani.

Day 7: following the Kaligandaki Valley we will trek to Ghasa(2010m) which approximately takes six hours. Throughout the whole walk we will be accompanied by Kaligandaki River and Sub Tropical flora. Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 8: Trek to Lete(2480m) from Ghasa which approximately takes 5hours. Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Lete to Thulobugin(3260m) which takes 4hours. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 10: Trek for six hours from Thulobugin to Humkhola( 4286m) via Topridge(4570m). Stay overnight in camp.

Day 11: Trek for five hours from Hum Khola to Miristi Khola(4130m). Stay overnight in camp.

Day 12: Trek from Miristi Khola to Base Camp (4190m). Stay overnight in camp.

Day 13-45: Climbing period from Base to summit of Annapurna I(8091m).

Day 46: Retrace your path from Base Camp to Miristi Khola which takes approximately four hours. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 47: Retrace your path from Miristi Khola to Thulobugin which takes around six hours. Stay overnight in camp.

Day 48: Trek for four hours from Thulobugin to Lete. Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 49: Trek for four hours from Lete to Ghasa. Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 50: Trek for 5hours to Tatopani from Ghasa. The trail goes steeply downhill to Rukse Chhahara which has a beautiful Rukse waterfall and deepest gorge in the world situated between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. Drive to Pokhara for overnight stay.

Day 51: Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 52: Free Day   in Kathmandu. Get relaxed and pamper yourself by visiting some spa or do some family shopping in the afternoon. In the evening we will organize a farewell celebration with some cultural program.

Day  53: Transfer to airport for your onward journey.