Annapurna Expedition

Altitude: 1400m

The first day of your expedition begins as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. On your arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport. He/she will receive you at the airport and guide you to your hotel. Once you’re at the hotel, you’re free to rest for the day.

Get some rest and much-needed sleep after a long flight. In the evening, you can talk a stroll to get a glimpse of the city. For the evening, you will be served dinner at the hotel where you can enjoy the delicious Nepali cuisine.

Important notes

As you travel across different time zones and for hours in a flight, you need to get proper rest and sleep to adjust to the local timezone. Some even face problems of jetlag, so getting proper rest and sleep is essential.

Highlights

• Meet and greet with our representatives.
• Get a glimpse of the bustling city of Kathmandu.
• Delicious Nepali cuisine for dinner.

Altitude: 1400m

This day marks the day for all kinds of preparation for the expedition. If you’ve left out any of the equipment listed in the packing list provided to you earlier through email, you can get it here in Nepal. For that, you can either visit the traditional-yet-modern market of Thamel or Durbarmarg. These are the major tourist hubs in Kathmandu, most likely you will find what you’re looking for.

Other than equipment, you can also get anything you want, like food, books, or anything else that you need during the trip. While you’re at it, you can also visit Assan to explore the century-old traditional market at the center of Kathmandu. You can also explore the nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square and witness the rich art and architecture.

Highlights

• Explore the traditional market of Thamel.
• Visit the centuries-old market of Assan.
• Explore the rich art and architecture.

Altitude: 1400m

On this day, you will meet the whole team for the expedition, including your guides. After breakfast, you’ll head towards the Ministry of Tourism of Expedition for a detailed briefing session.

Here, you’ll receive permits from the Ministry for your expedition. A detailed briefing session that’ll inform you about the basics of the expedition will follow. It will inform you about the do’s and don’ts as expected by the government.

Later in the evening, you will be joining for a group dinner with the team and the guides. Here, the guides will brief you about the daily itinerary in detail. If you have any queries, the guides will be happy to address those. Enjoy the dinner and get to know the team better as you will be spending the next one and a half months with them trekking through the mountains.

Important notes

Take special care of the permits, and do not lose it. You will need different permits for ACAP and the expedition.

Highlights

• Meet and greet with the team of fellow climbers and guides.
• Visit the Ministry of Tourism for a briefing.

Altitude: 899m

After an early breakfast, you will hit the road on this day and drive to Pokhara. The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is decently comfortable. The ride takes you through the whirling road from Kathmandu to Muglin. While the hills, forests, and small towns and villages will keep you engaged, the Trishuli River flowing alongside will captivate you.

Once you’re at Pokhara, you will stop for a short break. Enjoy the lunch here, and get ready for driving further to Beni. It is a comparatively short drive for 2-3 hours. It takes you through the surrounding hills of Pokhara. The views get better with the majestic panoramic backdrop of Machhapuchhre range, calm and peaceful Phewa Lake, and the enchanting forests that cover the hills.

In no time, you will be at Beni. Beni Bazaar is a famous town for its vibrant and beautiful cityscape. Lying at the Kaligandaki and Myagdi river’s confluence, this town offers an excellent balance between natural and artificial landscapes.

Highlights

• Drive along the Prithivi Highway.
• Views of rivers, forests, villages, and towns are pleasing to the eyes
• Splendid view of Pokhara city.
• Beautiful Beni Bazaar sitting at the confluence of Kaligandaki and Myagdi river.

Altitude: 2480m

On this day, you will be driving further ahead to Lete. After breakfast, you will hit the road in a 4-wheeler. The drive on this day takes you through the infamous road to Mustang. But, not all the way through.

The drive is mostly comfortable with a few bumpy parts of the road. You will come across the Tatopani, which is a place famous for its hot springs. You can enjoy a bath, and it’s equally relaxing on your way back.

On reaching Lete, you will feel the change in altitude. Lete is a beautiful village with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. You will begin your trek here with the cool breeze that will keep you energized.

Highlights

• Enjoy the dry, rocky landscape of this region
• Jaw-dropping view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
• Comfortable drive through the hills of Nepal.

Altitude: 2900 m

This day marks your first day on foot. From today and onwards, you will be trekking and climbing through one of the most exotic mountains and surrounding areas. After a delicious early breakfast, you will be out on the trails.

The walk begins with an unrelentingly steep section followed by a pleasant forest that can restore your lost energy and morale. At times, you will come across unrealistic views. You will come across bamboo forests, rhododendron, fir, and birch trees as you walk further until you finally arrive at Jungle Camp.

Highlights

• Pleasant walks through forests
• Views of forest and mountains are picturesque.
• Spend a night out in nature

Altitude: 4260m

On leaving Jungle Camp, the trails become fainter. For most of the part, it is an easy walk to Sano Bugin, a shelter site for herders during Winter. The gigantic west face of Annapurna is right in front of you. The view is unforgettable.

Continue walking for about 1 hour, and you’ll reach Thulo Bugin before finally reaching Mristi Khola. You will notice a much lesser presence of locals in this part of the trail.

Highlights

• Gigantic view of Annapurna
• A naturally untampered secluded trail

Altitude: 4200m

The walk on this day begins once you’re at the southeast bank of Miristi Khola. From here, continue the uphill climb. Soon you will notice the drastic change in landscape as vegetation disappears.

Since you’re already above the 3000-meter mark, you should consider the altitude factor and walk slowly. Walking through the rocky terrains and icy walls, you finally reach the base camp after 3-4 hours of walk from Mristi Khola.

On reaching base camp, your sherpa friends will have already set up the camp and made it ready for you to rest. The basecamp does not offer a great view as the north face gets blocked. However, if you climb the nearby ridge, you will get an incredible view like nothing before.

Important note

While walking at higher altitudes, it is crucial to keep yourself hydrated. Since this region receives very few tourists and almost no other locals, you should carry and drink plenty of water.

Highlights

• Rocky, dry and icy landscape
• Unmatchable view of Annapurna

Altitude: 8091m

From this day onwards, you will start your climbing. Since it is the first day, there’s a briefing session that’ll explain everything you need to know while climbing, including methods and techniques to the way you’ll approach the mountain.

For the expedition, you will be using the standard route from the northwest face–the most popular and easy route leading to the summit. In case if you want to try some other route and the team agrees to that, you can choose that too.

Climbing Annapurna requires high-level skills, knowledge of the mountains, and excellent logistics management. It is prone to avalanches and has the highest fatality ratio. Climbers who climb Annapurna successfully gain huge recognition in the world of mountaineering.

Standing atop Annapurna is absolute bliss. It is one of the centrally located mountains that share proximity with some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, etc. are simply out of this world. Annapurna is and has been an ultimate challenge for many climbers. It teaches you patience and determination.

Important notes

During the briefing session, pay attention to your guide. Since Annapurna is the deadliest of mountains, it is important to listen to the instructions carefully and follow accordingly.

Highlights

• Annapurna is an ultimate test for every mountaineer by all means.
• World’s 10th highest mountain.
• Surreal Views
• Team of expert guides to guide you.

Altitude: 4260m

On this day, you’ll be on your way back from the base camp after a successful ascent. The hangover of the successful ascent will make your day. It becomes extremely easy to walk in those high altitude mountains as there’s plenty of oxygen, unlike the summit.

After packing all your gears, you will head down to Miristi Khola. Tracing back your footsteps and walking along the rocky terrains, you will reach Miristi Khola in no time.

Important notes

Before heading out of the base camp, you will be participating in cleaning the base camp. We urge our climbers and team members not to leave a trace of waste in the mountains. As a company, we acknowledge the issue of climate change and will fulfill our roles for environmental protection.

Highlights

• Easy and comfortable walk
• Cleaning session  at the base camp
• Majestic view of the rocky deserted landscape.

Altitude: 2900 m

The walk on this day is easy and mostly downhill. There are a few uphill sections; however, since the path is mostly through forests, it is comfortable. Rivers won’t leave your sight, and Annapurna will slowly fade away by the time the day ends.

You’ll meet some herders on the way while walking, if lucky. These people are friendly, and a pleasing smile can make things interesting in no time. So, do not hesitate to open up with these people.

Highlights

• Walkthrough the forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir trees.

Altitude: 2480 m

After an early breakfast on this day, you head towards Lete, our last destination. Retracing our tracks, you walk back to Lete. The strenuous uphill climb during the start of the trek now becomes an easy downhill climb.

Views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna will keep you company throughout the walk. The cool wind that blows throughout the day will make your walk comfortable. On reaching Lete, you end your trek.

Important notes

We will bid farewell to our Sherpa friends. If you want to tip them, this is the time to do it. You will enjoy a group dinner for celebration and get somewhat comfortable sleep in a lodge.

Highlights

• Comfortable walks through forests
• Uninterrupted views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
• Excellent view of vistas

Altitude: 1400m

On this day, you enjoy your delicious breakfast and get yourself ready and packed for the drive to Pokhara. The ride follows the same route from Lete to Beni and, in turn, to Pokhara. Enjoying the last view of Annapurna, you wave your goodbyes to the mountain and hit the road.

Short toilet breaks will help give you some time for stretching your muscles. The roads are bumpy at times, so it might be a bit uncomfortable at first. Passing the town of Beni, you drive further towards Pokhara.

As you approach Pokhara, the views become better, and the roads become comfortable. Pokhara is one of the major tourist hubs and hence has all kinds of services available. If you wish to celebrate the success of your expedition, this is the place for it.

Highlights

• Enjoy the traditional lifestyle of Nepali villages
• Excellent views of rivers, lakes, forests, hills, and mountains.
• Enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara.

Altitude: 1400m

You will have an option to either fly back to Kathmandu or drive back to Kathmandu. Flying back to Kathmandu will save you significant time to spend in Kathmandu as it takes only 20 mins compared to 6 hours it takes when you drive to Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will move to the hotel in Kathmandu.

Highlights

• Enjoy the luxury of a 3-star hotel.
• Morning view of the Himalayas.

Altitude: 1400m

This day is a free day allocated for you to explore Kathmandu. On this day, you’re free to explore the city all by yourself. Plan early about your schedule, and you can make full use of the day.

Get your friends and family souvenirs from Nepal. You can either choose to visit the traditional market of Assan or Thamel for that. You can also visit the world heritage sites in and around Kathmandu. Explore the culture and lifestyle of people in the capital and experience the perfect blend of traditional and modern society.

You might as well take a stroll around the city and explore some local eateries. In the evening, if you want to chill, find a local bar with some good music in Thamel, grab a drink, relax and enjoy.

Highlights

• Visit world heritage sites
• Explore local eateries and market places.
• Enjoy the ancient art and architecture.

Altitude: 1400m

This day is your final day in Kathmandu. After a delicious breakfast, our representative will pick you up at the hotel and drop you at the airport. You will wave your last goodbye to Nepal and head home. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.