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Annapurna I Expedition is climbing to one of the 8000m peaks of the planet. Being 8,091 m / 26,545 ft above the sea surface Mt. Annapurna offers perhaps the best sceneries of the mountain peaks, valleys, glaciers, etc. Standing on the top of it, several adventures gain what they were longing for for a long time.
Although it is the first mountain above 8000m that be scaled ever in Nepal, it is a technical mountain to climb. Climbers having previous experience in peak climbing with good physical condition are highly recommended for those seeking to achieve the summit of Annapurna.
The proportion of successors to scale this mountain is increasing each year. Considering the data, last year, more than 100 people submitted this mountain and the number will hopefully increase this year too.
Outward Adventure Treks and Expedition operates the Annapurna expedition in both the autumn and spring seasons. We usually run the climb through the regular route, which is the southwest ridge. The journey to Annapurna I begins with a drive/flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Continuing the drive from Pokhara to Tatopani, we begin our trek. Passing Lete, Miristi Khola and a couple of other villages, we reach Annapurna Base camp where our actual climb begins. On an 8000m, expedition climbers spend most of their time at base camp, so naturally, base camp becomes a home away from home on any long expedition. We establish our camp within walking distance between meeting points of different groups and the Annapurna massif's strategic viewing positions. Satori provides a personal tent that becomes your private retreat, a dining tent, a common area, a shower tent, and a toilet tent. When you arrive at the base camp, it will already be fully established, with hot beverages and snacks available immediately. Waiting for you upon your arrival will be your base camp staff and high-altitude climbing Sherpa. Before your climbing period, you will have a Puja ceremony at the base camp for good luck.
Now, the climbing practices at Camp I, II, and III and Camp IV begin. Climbing successfully Annapurna I, we trek back to Tatopani, we drive back to Pokhara and further to Kathmandu before your final departure to another destination.
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Outward Adventure Treks (OAT) as you appear at the outside terminal. You will then be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will get rest for some hours.
After that, you will visit our office where your trekking and climbing leaders are also present. They will give a small briefing about the trip and the required gear.
Day 02: Sightseeing at Kathmandu and Preparation for the trip
After breakfast, we head for the sightseeing program of the historical, cultural, traditional, and religious shrines of Kathmandu valley that are enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among seven monuments that are enlisted, we visit at least four sites today.
Swyambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath have mostly visited destinations and we will also visit them. Initially heading towards Swayambhunath stupa, popular as a Monkey temple, we explore centuries-old monuments, carvings, and other arts and architecture.
Then we drive to Patan Durbar Square, one of the Durbar squares in the Kathmandu valley used by the then Malla kings. The artistic statues, buildings, and carvings attract everyone to this place. Main durbar periphery, Krishna Temple, and Golden temples are core places to visit here.
Then our vehicle moves towards Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Fluttering prayer flags, and hundreds of people roaming around it, worshipping it, make the journey even more attractive. Sitting at one of the rooftop restaurants there, we take our lunch and take several pictures of the stupa and its surroundings.
Ultimately, we reach Pashupatinath temple and its periphery. Pashupatinath literally means the ‘animal god’ and it is believed that every animal will be protected by Pashupatinath. We will visit the main temple periphery, cremating places, and so on before returning to our hotel.
Upon reaching the hotel, we rest and get rest. If we need some trekking/climbing gear as suggested by our trekking/climbing leaders we can buy them in the shops nearby the hotel.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2690ft)
Our Annapurna expedition journey begins with a 6-7 hours drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. We drive over zigzag hilly roads to reach Pokhara following the Prithivi Highway having the beautiful sceneries of hills, rivers, streams, traditionally modernized villages, lush vegetation, mountains, terraced fields, and many others. On the way, we take our lunch.
Pokhara is a heavenly site having a lot of showcases; lakes, temples, caves, streams, and deep gorges, and is surrounded by majestic mountains and hills from all sides. It is the beginning point of dozens of treks, paragliding, hiking, and many more. Standing at the lakeside (of Phewa Lake), you can enjoy the scenery around.
In the evening, we go to the lakeside and taste some Nepalese typical cuisine and explore there around.
Day 04: Drive Pokhara to Tatopani (1,110m/3,641ft)
We continue our drive to Tatopani today following the Pokhara-Baglung-Jomsom Highway. On the way, we will get picturesque views of mountains, hills, Pokhara valley, and lush hills. Now we are getting closer to the mountains.
Upon reaching Tatopani, we enter one of the local lodges and get rest for a while. Then we go to the natural hot spring for the bath. Here we can relax at the Natural Hot Spring which is obviously a great feeling.
Day 05: Trek from Tatopan to Ghasa (2010m/6592ft)
The first day of our trek begins from Tatopani towards Ghasa. We will hike 13 kilometer today spending about 5 hours in total. Since there is no different trekking trails for trekkers, we follow the dirt road which we use for Upper Mustang Drive Tour. On the way, we will see the beautiful Kaligandaki river gorge (the world’s deepest gorge known as Andha Galchi between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri), waterfalls such as Rupse Jharana, rocky ridges and pass several ethnic settlements and rickety suspension bridges.
Day 06: Trek from Ghasa to Lete (2480m/8134ft)
We leave Ghasa after breakfast and head towards Lete on the second day of our trek. We begin our upward hike for some hours to reach the beautiful settlements of Lete. On the way, we pass through subtropical vegetation with incredible views of surrounding mountains and beautiful valleys. Our trek continues until we arrive at Lete for the overnight stay.
Day 07: Trek from Lete to Thulo Bugin Campsite (3260m/10692ft)
Leaving Lete, we trek towards Thulo Bugin Campsite today following the trail that climbs further to harsh alpine vegetation. Our crew will do all the hard work of carrying the tents, climbing gears, and other necessary things needed for the further trekking and climbing. Trekking around five hours, we reach Thulo Bugin where there is a good campsite. We came here to end our day.
Day 08: Trek from Thulo Bugin to Hum Khola (4286m/14058ft)
Leaving Thulo Bugin, we begin our trek after a yummy breakfast at our camp prepared by our camping cook. Initially, we follow the trail that climbs gradually over the loose and rocky route for a few hours. As we are already above 4000m, trekking in such elevations can be very tiring, so resting every now and then helps in restoring the energy much needed for further trekking. We trek until we arrive at a good campsite near Hum Khola at 4,286 meters.
Day 09: Trek from Hum Khola to Miristi Khola (4130m/13546ft)
Today we leave our campsite at Hum Khola and follow the trail that comprises several ups and downs and then levels out for some time. After a few hours of trekking, we approach Miristi Khola where there are good camping grounds. Once we arrive at Miristi Khola, our crew will set up the camps for our overnight camping.
Day 08: Trek from Miristi Khola to Annapurna Base Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
We are reaching the north base camp of Mt. Annapurna which sits at 4200m above sea level. Now, we are surrounded by tall mountain massifs from all sides. Our Sherpa crews set up the camps in the base camp and make necessary preparations for setting up additional camps at higher altitudes above the base camp. From now onwards we will take extra precautions with physical fitness and mental fitness in order to conquer one of the toughest 8000 meters - Mt Annapurna I.
Day 09-33: Climbing period of Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft.)
Our real expedition begins here. After resting for some days and acclimatizing to the thinner atmospheric conditions with a lower level of oxygen, we begin our upward climb. We climb to Camp I, Camp II, and Camp III. We do this activity repeatedly; ascending to camps and descending to the base camp again and again for practice and acclimatization.
For these all, our Sherpa crew will do all the hard work from carrying and setting up camps (Camp I, Camp II, III, and IV) at higher altitudes, preparing and providing healthy and hygienic foods for staying mentally and physically fit, and most importantly finding appropriate routes and fixing ladders, ropes, etc .. to reach the summit of one of the most technical mountains in the planet - Mount Annapurna.
Being well acclimatized and properly equipped with all the climbing gears we will follow the footsteps of experienced climbing Sherpa guides and overcome several technical climbing sections during the expedition.
And, considering the weather conditions, we head towards the summit. This will be from the base camp. Our much-waited climb to the summit is rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains within Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges. After spending a quality moment at the summit we will descend following the same route to reach back to base camp. It may take several days to complete this adventure.
Day 34: Trek from Annapurna Base camp to Miristi Khola(4260m/13,976ft)
Achieving the summit of Mt. Annapurna, a lifetime experience, we begin our trek gradually towards lower camps. We begin our trek after the last breakfast at the base of Mount Annapurna, after cleaning the base camp. We retrace our steps following the trail of ascent for Miristi Khola. Reaching there we camp there and spend our overnight there awaiting the next adventure for the next day.
Day 35: Trek from Miristi Khola to Jungle camp (2900m/9,515ft)
We are leaving the mountains behind. We trek passing the rocky ridges, narrow trekking trails, peaceful pasture lands, deep valleys, and more. We meet occasional yak and sheep herders on the way. The vegetation is now much greeneries and lush than the above lands. Upon reaching our camp, we set our camps and spend our overnight there.
Day 36: Trek Jungle camp to Lete (2300m/7,546ft)
This is the last day of our entire trek. After breakfast, we leave our campsite Jungle Camp and follow the same trail that descends down to subtropical vegetation. We trek until we arrive back to Lete where we will spend our overnight in the comfy tea house at Lete. In the evening we will rejoice our attainment together with our climbing crew members.
Day 37: Drive from Lete to Pokhara (820m/2690ft)
It is a long drive to Pokhara from Lete today. Catching a vehicle, we drive towards Pokhara following the Pokhara-Mustang Highway. It will take approximately 8-9 hours to reach Pokhara from Lete.
Upon reaching Pokhara, we check in the hotel and get relaxed. In the evening, we may go to the lakeside and enjoy the moments there.
Day 38: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1338m/4392ft)
Leaving the entire Annapurna region, we drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It is a 6-7 hours drive via Prithivi Highway to Kathmandu. On the way, we drive through the terraced farms, river banks, beautiful hills with lush vegetation, and amazing settlements.
Upon reaching Kathmandu, we get in the hotel and get rest. In the evening, we go to Thamel and enjoy the moments with some refreshment drinks and cuisines.
Day 39: Rest day in Kathmandu (1350m/4,429ft)
This is the rest day and exploring day in Kathmandu. The remaining world heritage sites can be explored today. Other nearby places such as Jamacho, Kakani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel also some doable trips today.
In the evening, we will participate in a farewell dinner organized by Outward Adventure Treks and Expedition. We will enjoy our accomplishment today with the members of Outward Adventure.
Day 40: Final Departure
This is the last day of the entire Annapurna Expedition adventure. At least three hours before your scheduled flight, one of the representatives from Outward Adventure will shift you to TIA for farewell. Hoping for positive recommendations, we bade a farewell. Have a safe flight!
