Annapurna I

A day dedicated to rest and final preparations. Our team handles all permit formalities while a thorough gear inspection ensures every piece of equipment meets expedition standards. The day concludes with a comprehensive briefing with your expedition leader and Sherpa team before departing for eastern Nepal.

Drive Kathmandu behind and head west to Pokhara, passing through river valleys, terraced hills, and quiet roadside villages along the way. On arrival, check into your hotel and wind down with a peaceful evening by Phewa Lake, the Annapurna peaks rising in the distance.

 Morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, where the trek begins. The trail works its way from Pokhara to Nayapul forest, and Gurung villages, with the first real views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre appearing as you gain height. The day ends at Ghandruk, a well-known village of stone houses and wide mountain views, where you stay overnight at a hotel.

From Ghandruk, the trail drops down to Kimrong Khola then climbs steadily toward Chhomrong. Along the way, views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre accompany you through forest and terraced fields. A final stretch of stone steps brings you into Chhomrong, the last sizable village before the sanctuary, where you stay overnight.

Chhomrong leads to the Chhomrong Khola, where a suspension bridge marks the start of the climb toward Sinuwa. The trail passes through bamboo and rhododendron forest, growing cooler and more remote as altitude increases. Doban is a quiet, tree-lined stop and a good place to rest before pushing further into the sanctuary the following day.

The valley narrows as the trail pushes steadily upward through bamboo and alpine forest. Gaps in the trees reveal cliff faces and waterfalls dropping into the valley below. The air thins noticeably with each hour of walking, so keeping a slow, steady rhythm matters here. Through Himalayan Hotel and Hinku Cave, the trail eventually reaches Deurali, a small stop beneath high rock walls where you rest overnight and prepare for the sanctuary ahead.

 Deurali, the trail opens up as you climb through glacial terrain toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Beyond it, the valley widens into a sweeping mountain amphitheater with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre rising on all sides. Walking into Annapurna Base Camp for the first time is something difficult to put into words. The scale of the peaks surrounding you makes it one of the most striking spots in the entire Himalaya.

A full day at base camp to rest and let your body adjust to the altitude. Short hikes to nearby ridges and viewpoints help with acclimatization, gaining some height during the day before returning to sleep at camp. The rest of the time is spent organizing gear, going over the route ahead, and keeping a close eye on health and hydration. With glaciers and towering peaks surrounding the camp on every side, it is also simply a day to take it all in.

Today we went up to our real base camp on the North Annapurna Glacier. Not the trekking camp anymore this is where we'll stay for the climbing phase.

We're on the glacier now, carrying loads up and setting up tents, the kitchen, and storage. It takes a full day. Camp needs to be in the right spot for safety and access to the route. Once it's set up, we rest and check our gear. Climbing starts from here.

The head Lama comes and does the ceremony as a blessing for the mountain and for safe climbing. Everything gets blessed, ropes, axes and all our equipment.

After that, we spend the day sorting gear, going through the plan again, and making sure everything's ready. Tomorrow we start going up.

These three days are all about preparation. Each morning you train on nearby ice walls with your climbing leaders and Sherpa guides covering crampon technique, ice axe use, crevasse rescue, and fixed rope skills. Afternoons are for rest, food, and hydration. At this altitude, recovery matters as much as the training itself.

Your first climb above Base Camp. The route crosses the glacier and follows fixed ropes up the lower slopes of Annapurna I. The pace is slow and steady; the priority is safe altitude exposure, not speed. After spending time at Camp 1, you descend back to Base Camp. This rotation is a key step in getting your body ready for what lies ahead.

After the first rotation to Camp I, these two days are set aside for rest and recovery. Your body needs time to absorb the altitude gained, so the focus is simple: sleep well, eat properly, and stay hydrated. Expedition staff keep a close eye on everyone's health and acclimatization progress during this time. Gear is reorganized, climbing plans are reviewed, and weather is monitored. These rest days are not down time; they are a vital part of the climb.

Today you begin your second acclimatization rotation. Having already been on this route, movement feels more comfortable and confident as you cross the glacier and follow fixed ropes up the snow and ice slopes. The altitude still demands steady pacing and controlled breathing throughout the climb. On reaching Camp I, you settle in, hydrate, and rest giving your body more time to adapt before pushing higher in the days ahead.

Today we begin our second acclimatization rotation, climbing from Annapurna I Base Camp up to Camp 1. Having already traveled this route once, the team moves with more confidence and efficiency across the glacier and up the snow and ice sections using fixed ropes. Even so, the altitude is clearly felt, so we keep a steady rhythm and focus on controlled breathing throughout the climb. After reaching Camp 1, we settle in, hydrate properly, and rest to help our bodies adjust before moving higher.

This is a demanding day. From Camp 1, we climb toward Camp 2 on steeper snow and ice slopes in much thinner air. The route brings us to the edge of the “Sickle,” a prominent and exposed feature high on Annapurna I. Reaching this point is an important step for acclimatization and gives us valuable experience on the upper section of the route. After spending some time at altitude, we carefully descend back to Camp 1 to rest and support further adaptation.

After completing this rotation, we descend from Camp 1 back to Base Camp. We retrace the same glacial crossings and fixed rope sections, moving carefully and efficiently. Dropping to a lower altitude helps the body recover and strengthen the acclimatization gained over the past few days. Once back at Base Camp, we rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the next stage of the expedition.

These days are reserved for recovery at Annapurna I Base Camp. After multiple high-altitude rotations, the focus is on rest, nutrition, hydration, and sleep to restore strength and consolidate acclimatization. The team monitors health, reviews weather and route conditions, and checks equipment. This period is essential for physical and mental preparation for higher camps.

We ascend from Base Camp to Camp 1 for the next rotation. With improved conditioning and route familiarity, the climb is steady and controlled. After crossing the glacier and fixed rope sections, we reach Camp 1, hydrate, and rest to continue acclimatization.

Climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 on the upper slopes of Annapurna I. The route is steeper and more exposed, requiring careful movement and consistent pacing in thin air. Reaching Camp 2 marks a key acclimatization milestone and prepares us for the summit phase.

Ascend from Camp II toward Camp III on the upper slopes of Annapurna I. The route is steep, with snow and ice sections secured by fixed ropes. At this altitude, movement is slow and controlled. After reaching Camp III and spending a short time there for acclimatization, we descend carefully back to Camp II to rest.

 Today we descended from Camp II all the way to Annapurna I Base Camp. The long descent requires focus and safe movement on fixed lines and glacier sections. Returning to lower altitude helps recovery and restores energy for the next phase.

These days are for final rest before the summit push. We focus on sleep, nutrition, and hydration. Weather conditions are reviewed, gear is checked, and plans are confirmed. This period ensures the team is fully prepared for the summit attempt.

 The summit push begins with the ascent from Annapurna I Base Camp to Camp I. The team moves steadily across the glacier and fixed rope sections, conserving energy and maintaining a controlled pace. After reaching Camp I, the focus is on rest, hydration, and preparation for the higher camps.

We continue the ascent to Camp II on steeper snow and ice terrain. Careful footwork and efficient use of fixed ropes are essential. With increasing altitude, steady pacing is key. Upon arrival, we rest and recover in preparation for the next stage.

 Today’s climb to Camp III is demanding, with steep and exposed sections requiring constant focus. Movement is slow and deliberate in the thin air. After reaching Camp III, we prioritize rest and hydration, preparing for the final summit ascent.

We leave Camp III before dawn and begin the final ascent on Annapurna I. The climb follows steep snow and ice slopes and a narrow summit ridge. Movement is slow and focused in extreme altitude. After reaching the 8,091 m summit and spending a short time there, we begin a long descent back to Camp II. The day typically lasts 12–18+ hours and demands maximum endurance and concentration.

These days are reserved for weather delays or a second summit attempt if needed. The team may wait at Base Camp or a higher camp for safe conditions. This flexibility is essential for safety and increases the chances of a successful climb.

We completed the final descent from Camp II to Annapurna I Base Camp. The focus is on safe and controlled movement along fixed ropes and glacier sections. Arrival at Base Camp marks the end of the climbing phase and time for rest and recovery.

Leave the Annapurna Base Camp area and begin the descent toward Machapuchare Base Camp or Deurali. The trail moves out of the high alpine zone into the Annapurna Sanctuary. As we lose altitude, walking becomes easier. Overnight in a lodge or camp.

The descent continues through Deurali and Doban toward Chhomrong. The trail passes forests, rivers, and stone steps. Lower altitude brings better energy and comfort. Overnight in a lodge with mountain views.

We trek down to Nayapul through villages and farmland. From Nayapul, we drive  to Pokhara. Arrival in Pokhara marks the end of the journey, with time to rest and celebrate near Phewa Lake.

We travel by road from Pokhara to Kathmandu, following scenic highways along rivers and hills. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and free time to rest.

This day is reserved for any travel delays due to weather or road conditions. If not required, it can be used to rest or explore Kathmandu at a relaxed pace.

 A formal debrief is held with the team to review the expedition. The day concludes with a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful climb and mark the end of the journey.

The expedition concludes today with a scheduled transfer from your hotel in Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight.