Annapurna I Expedition in Nepal
- 20 days
- 8,091 m max
- extreme
- Up to 12
- Autumn (Sep–Oct) & Spring (Mar–May)
We guide climbers on the Annapurna I expedition, reaching 8100m in the high Himalayas.
At a glance
Trip overview
We organize this expedition to Mount Annapurna, the tenth highest peak in the world, standing at an elevation of 8100m in the Annapurna massif. This demanding climb requires sound mountaineering skills, previous high-altitude experience, and rigorous physical preparation.
Our team provides comprehensive logistical support, including high-altitude Sherpas, complete base camp and high camp equipment, liaison officers, and necessary permits through the Annapurna Conservation Area. We manage all ground transportation, porter support, and meal provisions from Kathmandu through the approach march to base camp.
The expedition follows an approach through the Kali Gandaki and Marshyangdi river corridors, moving from lower village trails up to the rugged terrain of Annapurna Base Camp. Climbers should expect challenging ice and rock routes above base camp, requiring self-sufficiency and discipline in harsh mountain conditions.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Summit 8100m Peak
Climb the main summit of Mount Annapurna, the world's tenth highest mountain.
Sherpa Support
Climb with experienced high-altitude Sherpas and professional expedition crew members.
Base Camp Logistics
Fully supported base camp setup including dining, kitchen, and sleeping tents.
Kali Gandaki Approach
Trek through the dramatic landscapes flanking the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Reach Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Meals: B
Day 1
Reach Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Meals: B
Our staff meets you at Kathmandu International Airport upon arrival and transfers you to your hotel in the city. Later, our lead guide conducts a comprehensive briefing regarding the expedition, local culture, and safety protocols, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Document apply for Annapurna expedition permit
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Document apply for Annapurna expedition permit
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day in Kathmandu processing your official mountaineering permits and submitting necessary government paperwork with our liaison officer.
Day 3
Preparation for expedition in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Preparation for expedition in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Our team checks all personal climbing gear, reviews group equipment, and finalizes logistics and food rations for the mountain phase.
Day 4
Trek to Chame 2,670 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek to Chame 2,670 m
Meals: B / L / D
We begin our journey from Kathmandu, eventually hitting the trail to reach Chame at 2,670 m after roughly 5 hours of walking.
Day 5
Trek Baglung to Beni
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek Baglung to Beni
Meals: B / L / D
Our route continues through the foothills as we trek from Baglung down toward the river junction at Beni.
Day 6
Trek Beni to Tatopani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek Beni to Tatopani
Meals: B / L / D
We walk along the Kali Gandaki river valley northwards, passing through rural settlements to reach Tatopani.
Day 7
Trek Tatopani to Ghasa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek Tatopani to Ghasa
Meals: B / L / D
The trail ascends gradually alongside the river gorge, crossing suspension bridges and passing pine forests before arriving in Ghasa.
Day 8
Trek Ghasa to Lete
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek Ghasa to Lete
Meals: B / L / D
We continue our northward progress up the valley, entering the wider basin around Lete with views of surrounding ice faces.
Day 9
Trek Lete to Dhulo Bukhing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Trek Lete to Dhulo Bukhing
Meals: B / L / D
Our trek takes us higher into sub-alpine terrain as we move from Lete towards the staging area at Dhulo Bukhing.
Day 10
Trek Dhulo Bukhing to Phang Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Trek Dhulo Bukhing to Phang Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We climb steadily towards Phang Base Camp, adjusting to the thinning air and increasingly rugged mountain surroundings.
Day 11
Trek Phang Base Camp to Annapurna I Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Trek Phang Base Camp to Annapurna I Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We complete the final approach trek to Annapurna I Base Camp, where we establish our primary operational tents and organize climbing logistics.
Day 12
Climbing period of Annapurna I 8,091m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Climbing period of Annapurna I 8,091m
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the core of our schedule executing rotations, establishing high camps, and launching summit bids on Annapurna I, relying on our experienced Sherpa team and fixed ropes.
Day 30
Trek Base Camp to Dhulo Bukhing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 30
Trek Base Camp to Dhulo Bukhing
Meals: B / L / D
Following the completion of our climbing window, we pack up base camp and retrace our steps down to Dhulo Bukhing.
Day 31
Trek Dhulo Bukhing to Lete
Meals: B / L / D
Day 31
Trek Dhulo Bukhing to Lete
Meals: B / L / D
We continue our descent through the valley floor, dropping in elevation as we return to Lete.
Day 32
Trek Lete to Ghasa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 32
Trek Lete to Ghasa
Meals: B / L / D
Our descent follows the Kali Gandaki river downstream back into the forested gorge around Ghasa.
Day 33
Trek Ghasa to Tatopani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 33
Trek Ghasa to Tatopani
Meals: B / L / D
We walk past terraced fields and local villages to arrive back at the riverside settlement of Tatopani.
Day 34
Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 34
Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
A sustained uphill climb takes us away from the river valley and up through rhododendron forests to the ridge village of Ghorepani.
Day 35
Trek Ghorepani to Birethanti
Meals: B / L / D
Day 35
Trek Ghorepani to Birethanti
Meals: B / L / D
We make a long descent down stone staircases through Modi Khola valley settlements, finishing the trekking phase at Birethanti.
Day 36
Drive from Birethanti to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 36
Drive from Birethanti to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our private vehicle from Birethanti to Pokhara, continuing onward by road back to Kathmandu.
Day 37
Rest days at Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 37
Rest days at Kathmandu
Meals: B
We spend our final days in Kathmandu resting, debriefing the expedition, and preparing for international departures.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- 5 nights 3-star standard hotels in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast
- Mt. Annapurna expedition permit fee
- Government Liaison officer
- Complete camping equipment for trekking and base camp
- Food during trekking and Base Camp for Member and Staff
- Annapurna Conservation fee
- 1 High Altitude Sherpa every 4 members
- All ground transportation as per itinerary
Not included
- Air travel to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa and Re-entry visa
- Medical and high-altitude rescue insurance
- Personal climbing equipment and clothing
- Garbage Deposit USD $2,000.00
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Climbing above 8000m carries severe risks of altitude sickness, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema. Our itinerary incorporates deliberate progression and rotation schedules to allow adequate physiological adaptation.
Physical fitness requirements
Participants must possess demonstrable mountaineering experience on technical alpine peaks, high cardiovascular endurance, and the mental resilience required for extreme cold and physical exhaustion.
Insurance & rescue
Every climber must hold a comprehensive insurance policy that explicitly covers mountaineering, high-altitude rescue, and emergency evacuation by helicopter up to 8100m.
Weather conditions
Mountain weather in the Annapurna range changes rapidly. High winds, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures are common, requiring reliable personal gear and strict adherence to guide instructions.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Down Suit (800+ fill power)Essential
Clothing
Rated for extreme sub-zero Himalayan summits.
Mountaineering Boots (Double or Triple)Essential
Footwear
Must be compatible with step-in crampons.
CramponsEssential
Safety
12-point steel crampons with anti-bot plates.
Ice AxeEssential
Safety
Technical mountaineering axe.
HarnessEssential
Safety
Fully adjustable alpine climbing harness.
Sleeping Bag (-40°C rated)Essential
Camping
Required for high camps and base camp.
High-altitude Glacier GlassesEssential
Clothing
Category 4 UV protection.
Headlamp with extra lithium batteriesEssential
Camping
Batteries drain quickly in freezing temperatures.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Expedition Permit
PermitOfficial mountaineering royalty permit issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitMandatory conservation area entry permit for trekking within the Annapurna region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What climbing experience is required for the Annapurna Expedition?
Participants must have prior experience climbing peaks above 6000m or 7000m, proficiency in using crampons, ice axes, and ascenders, and strong endurance in extreme cold.
Is supplemental oxygen provided?
Supplemental oxygen cylinders and masks are available as personal extras upon request and are not automatically included in the base package fee.
What permits are required for this expedition?
Climbers need an official Mt. Annapurna expedition permit issued by the Department of Tourism, along with an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.
How is communication handled from base camp?
We maintain radio contact with our Kathmandu office and provide access to a satellite phone on a payable per-minute basis.
What happens if a rescue is necessary?
In the event of a medical emergency, our team coordinates emergency helicopter evacuation, which is funded directly by your personal high-altitude rescue insurance.
Are Sherpa summit bonuses included?
Climbing bonuses and summit bonuses for Sherpas are not included in the standard package cost and are paid directly by the client upon successful completion.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 20 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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