Annapurna I Expedition (8091 M)

Attend the official expedition briefing at the Ministry, followed by a comprehensive climbing gear inspection conducted by our IFMGA/UIAGM-certified expedition leader. This session ensures all personal and group equipment meets international mountaineering and safety standards for an 8,000-meter expedition.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine, followed by a relaxed walk around nearby local streets and markets—an opportunity to experience the city’s atmosphere and unwind before departing for the mountains.

Final expedition preparations in Kathmandu, including last-minute equipment checks, logistics coordination, and packing under the guidance of the expedition team. Later in the day, enjoy a cultural tour through historic neighborhoods and local streets, experiencing traditional markets, heritage sites, and everyday local life—offering a meaningful cultural insight before heading into the mountains.

Scenic overland drive from Kathmandu to Beni (approx. 900 meters), the gateway to the Annapurna region. The journey takes around 8–9 hours, passing through river valleys, terraced hillsides, rural settlements, and diverse landscapes that reflect the transition from urban centers to the Himalayan foothills.

This route supports eco-tourism and sustainable travel, as it follows established roads used by local communities, reducing the need for air transport while contributing directly to regional livelihoods. Traveling overland minimizes environmental impact and aligns with responsible expedition practices that respect local culture, natural ecosystems, and conservation efforts in protected mountain regions.

This day marks the beginning of the Himalayan approach and a gradual, environmentally conscious transition into expedition terrain.

Drive from Beni to Tatopani along a scenic river valley route, passing terraced farmland and rural mountain settlements. The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, following established roads that support local communities and low-impact, overland travel.

From Tatopani, begin the trek to Lete (approx. 2,480 meters). The trail ascends gradually through forested paths and traditional villages, offering a smooth transition from road travel to trekking terrain. The walk takes around 4–5 hours and provides excellent acclimatization while immersing the team in authentic mountain landscapes.

This day blends responsible ground travel with classic Himalayan trekking, reinforcing sustainable expedition practices while moving closer to the high alpine environment.

Trek from Lete to Jungle Camp, leaving settled villages behind and entering a remote alpine environment. The trail climbs steadily through dense forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron, following narrow paths along river valleys and steep hillsides. As altitude increases, the landscape becomes wilder and more secluded, offering a true sense of expedition trekking.

The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours and is an important acclimatization day, allowing gradual elevation gain while minimizing strain. Jungle Camp is a basic wilderness campsite, surrounded by forest and mountain silence, marking the transition from inhabited areas to the high-altitude expedition zone.

This stage emphasizes low-impact trekking and deep immersion in nature, aligning with sustainable and responsible mountaineering practices.

Trek from Miristi Khola to Annapurna Base Camp (South), ascending through remote alpine terrain and glacial valleys beneath the massive south face of Annapurna I. The trail involves steady climbs over rocky paths, moraines, and open high-altitude landscapes, with increasingly dramatic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks and icefalls.

The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and represents a significant gain in altitude as the expedition enters the true high-mountain environment. Annapurna Base Camp (South), situated at around 4,130 meters, serves as the main staging point for acclimatization, technical preparations, and climbing rotations.

This day marks a major milestone of the expedition, transitioning fully from approach trekking to high-altitude mountaineering beneath one of the most formidable 8,000-meter peaks in the world.

The climbing period on Annapurna I (8,091 meters) is the most critical phase of the expedition, dedicated to high-altitude acclimatization, technical rotations, summit-specific training, and the final summit attempt. Known as one of the most demanding 8,000-meter peaks, Annapurna I requires a disciplined, well-structured climbing strategy and precise decision-making.

During this period, climbers complete multiple acclimatization rotations between Annapurna Base Camp (South) and the higher camps. These rotations involve carrying loads, fixing and using ropes on steep snow and ice sections, and spending nights at increasing altitudes before descending for recovery. This systematic approach allows the body to adapt to extreme altitude while building strength, efficiency, and confidence on the route.

Throughout the rotation phase, summit training sessions are conducted under the guidance of an IFMGA/UIAGM-certified expedition leader. Training focuses on high-altitude movement techniques, fixed-line ascents and descents, efficient crampon and ice-axe use, avalanche awareness, cold-weather management, oxygen system handling, and emergency response protocols.

Once acclimatization is complete and weather conditions align, the expedition transitions into the summit push, which is carried out during this same climbing period. The IFMGA-led team continuously monitors weather forecasts, snow stability, and individual climber readiness to identify the safest and most favorable summit window. Summit day typically involves a long, sustained ascent from the highest camp, demanding exceptional physical endurance, mental focus, and disciplined teamwork in extreme alpine conditions.

This combined period of rotations, training, and summit attempt is essential for maximizing safety and summit success on Annapurna I, ensuring climbers are fully prepared for one of the most serious and prestigious challenges in high-altitude mountaineering.

Descend from Annapurna Base Camp (South) to Miristi Khola, retracing the approach route through high-altitude alpine terrain and glacial valleys. The trail involves steady downhill walking across rocky paths, moraines, and open landscapes, allowing gradual loss of altitude after the climbing period.

The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and supports recovery following extended time at extreme altitude. Miristi Khola provides a quieter, lower-elevation campsite surrounded by mountain wilderness, marking the transition from expedition climbing back to trekking terrain and preparing the team for the return journey.

Descend from Annapurna Base Camp (South) to Miristi Khola, retracing the approach route through high-altitude alpine terrain and glacial valleys. The trail involves steady downhill walking across rocky paths, moraines, and open landscapes, allowing gradual loss of altitude after the climbing period.

The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and supports recovery following extended time at extreme altitude. Miristi Khola provides a quieter, lower-elevation campsite surrounded by mountain wilderness, marking the transition from expedition climbing back to trekking terrain and preparing the team for the return journey.

Trek from Jungle Camp to Lete, descending steadily through dense alpine forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron. The trail follows natural mountain paths and river valleys, offering a gradual loss of altitude and a comfortable walking pace after the high-altitude phase of the expedition.

The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours, allowing the body to recover while enjoying changing landscapes as the route transitions from remote wilderness back toward traditional mountain settlements. Arrival in Lete marks a return to village life and a key step in the expedition’s descent and completion phase.

Scenic overland drive from Lete to Beni and onward to Pokhara, descending through river valleys and mountain roads as the landscape transitions from high alpine terrain to subtropical lowlands. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, providing a comfortable return to lower altitude after the expedition and trekking phases.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy a celebration evening to mark the successful completion of the Annapurna I expedition. Take time to relax, share experiences with the team, and celebrate the achievement in a vibrant lakeside setting—an ideal conclusion to a demanding high-altitude adventure.

Take a scenic domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, with final aerial views of the Himalayan landscape. The flight duration is approximately 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for rest and refreshment. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural farewell dinner featuring traditional cuisine, music, and dance—an opportunity to celebrate the expedition, share memories with the team, and experience local cultural heritage before departure.

A relaxed free day in Kathmandu focused on rejuvenation and recovery after the expedition. Optional wellness activities include yoga and breathing classes, therapeutic massage to relieve muscle fatigue, and sound healing sessions designed to promote deep relaxation and mental balance.

For cultural immersion, take part in a local cooking workshop to learn traditional recipes and explore local food traditions. This day blends wellness, relaxation, and cultural experience, providing a restorative and meaningful conclusion to the Himalayan expedition journey.

Transfer from the hotel to the international airport for final departure. The expedition concludes with assistance for airport check-in and warm farewells to the team, marking the end of a successful Himalayan mountaineering journey.