The Annapurna I Expedition takes mountaineering to its most extreme level. Towering at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet), Annapurna I is the 10th highest mountain in the world, located in north-central Nepal. It was the first 8000-meter peak ever climbed, successfully summited in 1950 by a French team led by Maurice Herzog. Despite its historical fame, Annapurna I has a notorious reputation: it is often considered the most dangerous 8000er, with the highest fatality rate among the 14 eight-thousanders — primarily due to its unstable terrain, high avalanche risk, and unpredictable weather.
Climbing Annapurna is a serious expedition for elite or highly experienced climbers only, not suitable for beginners or those new to high-altitude expeditions. The route is technical and dangerous, involving steep ice, rock sections, and exposed ridgelines. The south face is particularly challenging, but the northwest ridge (normal route) is the most commonly attempted today, approached from Annapurna Base Camp, typically accessed via Pokhara and a multiple-day trek through the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The expedition usually lasts between 35 to 50 days, including acclimatization, rest days, and the summit window. The best time to climb is spring (April to early May). Climbers must manage avalanche danger, cold, altitude sickness, and logistical challenges. The use of supplemental oxygen, fixed lines, and a skilled Sherpa support team is common and recommended. Those who reach the summit of Annapurna join a rare group of climbers who have taken on one of the most dangerous and respected peaks in the world — a brutal but majestic test of high-altitude alpinism.
Annapurna is widely considered one of the most technically challenging and dangerous 8000-meter peaks, with a fatality rate significantly higher than Everest. Climbers must have previous high-altitude climbing experience, especially on peaks above 6,000 meters, and excellent physical fitness. Proper acclimatization is critical due to rapid altitude gain and avalanche-prone slopes. The climbing window is typically in spring (April–May) when the weather is relatively stable. Climbers use supplemental oxygen at higher camps to combat thin air. Nepal’s government requires climbers to have appropriate permits and follow regulations including environmental preservation rules. Communication options are limited at higher camps, but satellite phones and radios are used. Helicopter evacuations are possible but depend on weather and location.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative will receive you and arrange a transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may also explore the nearby areas or do any last-minute gear shopping. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
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Today is a rest and preparation day in Kathmandu. You will attend an official expedition briefing with the climbing team and liaison officers. This includes reviewing the expedition plan, discussing safety protocols, and finalizing climbing permits and documentation. It’s also a good day to double-check your equipment and make any necessary adjustments. Meals include breakfast and dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel.
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In the morning, you will take a scenic flight to Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city and a beautiful lakeside destination. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can enjoy the rest of the day walking along Phewa Lake, relaxing, or doing some last-minute shopping before heading toward the mountain. Meals included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
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After breakfast, you will begin the journey with a scenic drive to Dana, a village located in the Myagdi District. The road passes through beautiful hills, rivers, and terraced farmland. The drive takes you deep into the Annapurna region, bringing you closer to the mountain approach. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay at a lodge in Dana.
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Today you will take a helicopter flight from Dana directly to Annapurna I Base Camp. The flight offers incredible aerial views of the Himalayan peaks and deep valleys. Upon landing at the base camp, you will begin settling into camp life and start acclimatizing to the higher altitude. From this point forward, accommodation is in tents. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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During this extended period, you will follow a strategic acclimatization schedule known as rotation. You will gradually climb from base camp to Camp I and Camp II to adjust to the altitude and build strength for the final summit push. The rotation plan involves multiple ascents and descents between camps to adapt physically and mentally to the demands of high-altitude climbing. All meals are provided, and accommodation remains in tents.
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This is the summit window when, based on weather and team readiness, you will attempt the climb of Annapurna I (8,091 meters), the 10th highest mountain in the world. The summit push includes ascending through Camps I, II, and possibly III, depending on route conditions. The summit day is extremely demanding and requires technical skill, endurance, and favorable weather. After summiting, you will descend back to base camp for rest and recovery. All meals are included, and accommodation remains in tents.
Camp
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After the expedition is complete and you have rested at base camp, a helicopter will pick up the group and fly back to Dana. This flight offers a final aerial view of the Annapurna region and is often a moment of quiet reflection after the long expedition. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay at a lodge in Dana.
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You will drive back from Dana to Pokhara and then board a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the capital, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the evening resting or going out for a celebratory dinner with your team. Meals include breakfast and lunch. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
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Today is a leisure day to relax and enjoy Kathmandu at your own pace. You may wish to visit cultural sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, or Pashupatinath Temple. It is also a good time for shopping or spa recovery after the expedition. Breakfast is included. Overnight stay at a hotel.
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After breakfast or depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. This marks the end of your Annapurna I expedition journey.
Breakfast
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Our meals during your stay in Kathmandu will be on a bed & breakfast plan. We will host a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Any additional meals during your stay will be at your own expense.
During the trek, your meals are included as part of our package. You will have a choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as tea/coffee during your trekking days with us. We will source food for your group from guesthouses, prepared by trained local chefs. We take care to ensure that your food is fresh and hygienic.
During the climb, your meals is cooked by our Sherpa Cook, and support team. They prepare fresh, hygienic food, and boil the water for drinking.
For this trip, we use 4-star deluxe luxury hotels in Kathmandu to ensure your stay is comfortable. During the trek, you will be staying in mountain lodges and guest houses owned by local Sherpas, offering a nice and comfortable experience. You will have hotel with attached bathroom staying in Lukla whereas other places will have regular Sherpa Community Lodges which are clean, neat and comfortable.
During your climbing days, you will be staying in two men tented camp.
We have compiled a list of departure dates for this expedition each month. Please feel free to select a date and time that best suits your schedule. In the event that none of the listed dates align with your availability, kindly inform us of your preferred date and time, and we will gladly accommodate your request. As a personalized tour and trekking operator in Nepal, we predominantly offer private departure dates for this climb.
However, if you prefer to expedition in a group, please let us know. We will have no trouble organizing this climb as a group departure on a date and time convenient for you.
The Annapurna region offers stunning natural beauty, with the trek to base camp passing through lush forests, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines. Expeditions include several days of trekking to base camp, where climbers rest and prepare for the ascent. Sherpa culture is deeply embedded in the region, and climbers often participate in traditional puja ceremonies for blessings and safety before beginning the climb. Climbers should be prepared for long days of climbing in cold, harsh conditions, and rapidly changing weather. Environmental responsibility is emphasized, and teams are expected to carry out all waste. Mental resilience is crucial due to isolation, physical demands, and the high-risk nature of the climb.
The success rate is lower compared to Everest due to technical difficulty and avalanche risk, with fatalities historically higher.
Spring (April–May) is the preferred season; autumn climbs are rare due to unstable weather.
Yes, most climbers use oxygen above 7,000 meters for safety and performance.
Climbing permits from the Nepal government and conservation area permits for Annapurna are mandatory.
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