Annapurna I, the 10th highest peak in the world and the highest (8,091m) among the 30 peaks in the 55 kilometers long Annapurna massif, is a very special peak. The peak is special because it is the first 8000m peak that was successfully climbed by a team led by Maurice Herzog on June 3, 1950, which is even before the official ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
Also, the Annapurnas are considered the world’s most dangerous mountains to climb as they are very much prone to avalanches and all the available routes pose severe difficulties as the climbers have to pass through big ice cliffs and seracs. The western and northwestern slopes are bound by glaciers that draw off into a great gorge cut through the Himalayas mountains by the Kali Gandaki River separating Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
The Expedition: The Annapurna Expedition in total is a 50-day expedition. About 29 days are required to climb up and down the summit from the Annapurna North base camp. Other days are spent walking the beautiful trail of the Annapurna region. Starting Nayapool, following the circuit trail, we trek all the way up to Lete; enjoying the views from Ghorepani and Poon hill en route.
From Lete, leaving the circuit trail we head west towards the Annapurna North base camp past Thulobugin, Hum Khola, and Miristi Khola. Two high camps will be set above the base camp. The summit presents a beautiful view of the massif, leaving you extremely contented. The same route will be used to return until Tatopani, from where we will drive to Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you will be accommodated in a tourist standard hotel with the provision of bed and breakfast. During the trek, a full board meal and accommodation are arranged in the lodges, where we stop overnight. During the climb, the accommodation and meals are arranged in the tented camp. You will be guided by experienced and certified climbing and trekking guides and other crew members during the entire expedition.
Apart from the expedition, you will get to enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain range from the very famous viewpoint- the Poon Hill, a few parts of Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani, and other Gurung villages: their culture, lifestyle, tradition, and hospitality, floras and faunas and the beautiful Lake City- Pokhara. Late Spring and autumn are the best seasons to plan this expedition.
Moreover, if you’ve already tried this expedition or looking for another expedition, Amigo Treks and Expedition offers great service, package, and rates for Ama Dablam, Dhaulagiri, or even Kanchenjunga expedition.
Cost Include
Arrival and departure transfers by private car
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast (4*deluxe)
Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
One-day guided city tour in Kathmandu Valley
All meals (Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast) during the trek
Accommodation (Lodge/Guest House) while on a trek
Transportation to Pokhara and return by private car
Trekking Permits and TIMS permit for the trek
1:1 Guide
Required porters to carry luggage and other essential supplies
Special climbing permits and their procedure
All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurance for all involved staff during the trip
First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staff.
Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication with company staff and available for members for US$ 4 per minute call.
Required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period.
Gamow Bags.
Excludes
Nepal arrival visa fees
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Monument entrance fees while on Kathmandu tour only
All snacks, energy drinks, mineral water, cigarettes, packed food
Personal nature items, Laundry Expenses, Tips
Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phones And Internet expenses
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gears
Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization expenses
Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
Personal climbing gears
Outline Itinerary Day 01: Arrival and Transfer Day 02: Preparation and Briefing Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara Day 04: Pokhara-Nayapool-Tikhedhunga Trek Day 05: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani Trek Day 06: Ghorepani-Poonhill-Tatopani Trek Day 07: Tatopani to Ghasa Trek Day 08: Ghasa to Lete Trek Day 09: Lete to Thulobugin Trek Day 10: Thulobugin to Hum Khola Trek Day 11: Hum Khola to Miristi Khola Trek Day 12: Miristi Khola to Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Day 13-42: Annapurna Summit Climbing Period Day 43: Trek down from base camp to Miristi Khola Day 44: Miristi Khola to Thulobugin trek Day 45: Thulobugin to Lete Trek Day 46: Lete to Tatopani Trek Day 47: Drive to Pokhara Day 48: Fly Back to Kathmandu Day 49: Free day Day 50: Transfer for Final Departure
Personal Climbing Equipments
Amigo Treks and Expedition has compiled a list of essential equipment, personal medical provisions, and summary of medical conditions likely to encounter during 8000m mountaineering expeditions to help mountaineers in preparation and provisioning for climbing or mountaineering expedition.
This list should be considered as an essential summary and expeditioners embarking on the adventure are encouraged to conduct further study and practical exercises to familiarize themselves with the equipment, medical terminology and understanding of medical conditions related to high elevation, cold, wind, excessive sun radiation as well as injuries likely to sustain in the outdoor situation and in particular high and remote mountainous areas.
Essential Personal Climbing Gear:
Alpine Climbing Harness: Alpine Climbing Harness should be light and simple in design, easy to put on and take off with gloves on, with positively foolproof locking features.
Crampons: Crampons must fit boots perfectly; steel crampons with anti-balling and ability to toe point positively and safely into ice.
Ice axe: Ice axe should be versatile light general purpose ice climbing axe not too aggressive.
Ascender: Ascender or Jamar, a mechanical device used for ascending on a rope; must be suitable to be used with gloves or mittens.
Multi-LED Head Lamp: Multi-LED Head Lamp and spare batteries are essential items, we do not recommend single bulb lights due to its low reliability and a single point of failure.
Karabiners: Minimum 2 locking carabineers, 1 large and 1 small and 4 regular.
Rappel device: Figure 8, ACT or similar; be familiar with Munter Hitch as it may safe your life if you loose your Rappel device and you will at some stage
Ski poles: Very handy for the approach; adjustable types are the best and are recommended type
Slings: One 3m (10ft) and three 2m (6ft).
Masks, hoses, and regulators: Good quality for your safety.
Altimeter :
Climbing helmet: Climbing helmet is essential safety gear for crossing areas under rocks and ice cliffs; light weight is an essential feature
Clothing
For under garments we recommend Merino Wool from Icebreaker because the company understands climbers and mountaineers needs and utilises the best quality material in the world. No other company can at this stage match Icebreaker quality. The quality in extreme conditions is essential for your comfort and safety. Merino wool is the finest wool and it matches cotton with softness and polypropylene with insulation and breath-ability because it takes moisture away from the body and keeps you dry and warm. Due to its natural nano-tube construction it has antibacterial properties, so it stays usable for much longer. It is slightly more expensive then polypropylene so is climbing and trekking.
Upper Body:
One T-shirt Icebreaker Merino 150 or lightweight 200.
Two long Icebreaker Merino 150 or lightweight 200 shirts.
One polar fleece pullovers, medium weight.
One polar fleece jacket.
One Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable jacket with large hood to accommodate climbing helmet.
Lightweight down jacket for chilly days in base camp or warm layer when stopping for short breaks.
One very warm goose-down (duvet) jacket with hood or a down/duvet suit if you prefer, for high altitude use.
Note: Your clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.
Hands:
One pair lightweight poly-liner gloves. These will be worn when tying knots, but not inside your mitts
One pair mittens, consists of 1 Goretex over mitt matched with the very warm polar fleece mitt liner
Heads:
Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears
Balaclava
Scarf or neck sleeve
Face mask
Ball cap or brimmed sun cap
Glacier Sunglass with side shields
One pair ski goggles (optional with light and dark lens)
Bandana or head scarf, useful for dusty conditions
Lower Body:
Icebreaker Merino 150 underwear briefs
One pair walking shorts
One pair walking trousers for trekking and around camp
Two pair Icebreaker Merino 150 or lightweight 200 thermal bottoms
One pair Icebreaker Merino 200 weight thermal bottoms
One pair polar fleece trousers
One pair Gore-Tex trousers or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips
One pair of Goose-down (duvet) trousers or bibs. You may prefer a down (duvet)
Note: Your clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.
Feet:
One pair One-Sport Millet Everest Overboots or equivalent (with Aveolite liners; good quality plastic shells with inner boots; avoid tight fit with heavy socks.)
One pair sturdy leather or synthetic (Gortex) hiking boots with good ankle support for the walk to advanced base camp
One pair cross-trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for Kathmandu and in camp
One pair down booties (optional)
Two pair med-heavy poly or wool socks
Two Pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool
Vapour barrier liner socks or plastic bread-bags
Two pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool
Light Icebreaker Merino wool or cotton socks for in town.
Travel and Sleeping Gear
Rucksacks and Travel Bags:
One medium rucksack (50-70 litters / 3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for airplane carry).
Two large (120 L / 7500 cubic inch) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment. Must be durable for use on pack animals.
Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.
Sleeping Gear:
For high altitude, one down (duvet) sleeping bag (rated to –35 C (-30 F). In the high camp, you can sleep in your down (duvet) clothing inside your sleeping bag;.
For base camp, one additional sleeping bag (good to -20 C (-5 F).
At least 3 closed cell foam mats for use in base camp and high altitude, which can be purchased in Kathmandu inexpensively; we do not recommend inflatable mats due to high probability of accidental puncture.
Note: Your sleeping bags should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags
Medical
Personal Hygiene:
Personal hygiene supplies;
Two tubes lip sun cream, 1 large tube skin sun cream (min. factor 30);
Anti-mosquito cream;
One toothpaste/brush set;
One bar soap or hand sanitizer gel/1 small synthetic towel;
Hand wipes.
Medical Supplies:
Note: Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, plasters (band-aids), personal medications, etc. The leaders will have extensive first-aid kits,
Personal prescription medications. Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb.
One skin blister repair kit.
medications are inexpensive and readily available in Kathmandu with no doctor's prescription;.
One small bottle of anti-diarrhea pills (Imodium).
One small bottle of anti-headache pills.
One small bottle cough and/or cold medicine.
One course antibiotics for stomach infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor's prescription.
One course antibiotics for chest infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor's prescription.
One small bottle anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox, Acetylzolamide. For more about this medication, please contact us.
Do not bring sleeping pills. They are a respiratory depressant non compatible with high altitude physiology.
One small bottle of water purification tablets or water filter.
Earplugs.
Extra prescription glasses/contact lens. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency.
Personal Food
Our skilful cooks will prepare 3 delicious hot meals and plenty of drinks each day in base camp, as well as in camp 2 on the mountain. This meals will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our Sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
We ask only members to bring 5 dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for their summit attempt. On summit day you will be at high elevation and you will be affected by the altitude with very limited appetite and for period so it is important to have flavours you most likely will consume.
We cannot cater for specific personal and uncommon foods and flavours. If you have any unusual, non-standard or specific personal, cultural or religious dietary requirements, which can only be satisfied with imported product, we ask you to bring your own imported daily snack and energy foods.
We do not provide “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food in Kathmandu or in home country. From our experience 3-6 kilos/6-12 pounds is a sufficient amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported brands of power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage may not be available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows sufficient time for shopping.
Miscellaneous Practical Items:
1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit;
1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box matches;
1 compass or GPS;
1 battery powered alarm clock/watch;
1 digital camera with extra cards and extra batteries;
Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are also useful;
3 Water bottles (1 litre) wide-mouth Nalgene (1 is a pee bottle)
1 plastic cup and spoon;
1 small folding knife;
Binoculars (optional);
4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks;
Passport, 2 extra passport photos, flight ticket, flight itinerary;
Separate photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance;
dollars, pounds or euros cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, Tibet visa, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts;
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for use for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.
1 bathing suit/swimming costume (you never know);
Base camp entertainment. It is good to bring additional items which you have found to be useful on previous expeditions. For example: paperback books, playing cards, ipod mp3 player, short-wave radio, game boys, musical instruments, ear plugs, lots of batteries, etc.;
travel clothes for base camp and in town;
Please be sure and bring your patience and try to keep an open, relaxed, positive and friendly attitude as travelling in this part of the world may be very different than what you are used to, but things always seem to fall into place at the last moment.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Please submit other equipment concerns and suggestions.
Oxygen
On Everest, although some climbers wish to try to summit it without supplemental oxygen, most of members would prefer to have oxygen available. We only allow members to climb Everest with the supplemental oxygen available. How much oxygen one requires is an individual decision; some people want 1 bottle, others want 12; our only requirement is that every expedition team member must have at least one oxygen bottle available for personal use, which will constitute at the minimum an emergency supply for climber to get down to at least camp 4. Our experience indicates five oxygen bottles is usually a sufficient for average climber. All of the equipment is guaranteed to work well together, and it is easy to use, with simple threaded and snap-on fittings which require no tools. We have a 40% buy back policy on unused oxygen bottles, and masks, hoses, and regulators in good condition.
Note: You may have to carry some or all of your own oxygen on summit day, as well as up and down the mountain. If possible, the groups sherpas will help stock the high camps, as well as share in carrying extra bottles during summit attempts. If you are concerned you might not be able to carry your own oxygen, you may wish to hire a personal sherpa.