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Annapurna I Expedition

Standing at 8,091 meters (26,545 ft), Mt. Annapurna I is the tenth-highest mountain in the world and one of the most technically demanding and committing expeditions among the fourteen 8,000-meter peaks. Located in the heart of Nepal's Annapurna Massif, Annapurna I is revered for its magnificent beauty while respected worldwide for its objective hazards, including steep ice slopes, avalanche-prone terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions.

Named after the Hindu Goddess of Harvests and Nourishment, Annapurna translates to "The Goddess Full of Food." Despite its graceful name, the mountain demands exceptional mountaineering skills, sound judgment, and previous high-altitude experience. The North Face route requires climbers to navigate complex glacier systems, steep snow and ice sections, exposed ridges, and technical climbing above 7,000 meters before reaching the summit.

Annapurna I holds a special place in mountaineering history. On 3 June 1950, a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal achieved the first successful ascent, making Annapurna I the first mountain above 8,000 meters ever climbed. This historic achievement paved the way for future Himalayan expeditions and established Annapurna as one of the world's most prestigious climbing objectives.

The Ultimate Himalaya Annapurna I Expedition is professionally organized with a strong emphasis on safety, logistics, acclimatization, and personalized support. Our carefully designed itinerary allows sufficient time for multiple acclimatization rotations, weather flexibility, and recovery before the summit push. Members are supported throughout the expedition by experienced expedition leaders, government-licensed high-altitude Sherpas, a professional Base Camp team, and modern expedition infrastructure.

The expedition begins in Kathmandu before traveling to Pokhara and Dana, followed by a scenic helicopter flight directly to Annapurna Base Camp. This significantly reduces the lengthy approach trek, allowing climbers to conserve energy for the demanding ascent ahead.

From Base Camp, climbers establish Camp I, Camp II, Camp III, and Camp IV through progressive rotations before making their summit attempt during the optimal weather window. Throughout the expedition, Ultimate Himalaya provides premium base camp facilities, nutritious meals, professional medical support, satellite communication, weather forecasting, and comprehensive climbing logistics.

For experienced alpinists seeking one of the world's greatest mountaineering achievements, Annapurna I represents the ultimate test of endurance, technical ability, and determination.

COUNTRY
Nepal
DURATION
41 Days
GRADE
Challenging
MAX ALTITUDE
8,091 m / 26,545 ft
GROUP SIZE
2+
SEASON
Spring (March-May)
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Annapurna I Expedition
41 Days · challenging
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No booking fees · Free cancellation up to 50 days
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your international journey.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02

Expedition Briefing & Preparation

Complete permit formalities, equipment inspection, final packing, and meet your expedition leader and climbing team during the official expedition briefing.

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03

Fly to Pokhara (822m)

A short scenic flight takes you to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Spend the afternoon preparing equipment and enjoying the Himalayan panorama.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04

Drive to Dana (1,440m)

Travel by private 4WD vehicle through picturesque mountain villages and river valleys to Dana, the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05

Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp (4,190m)

A spectacular helicopter flight brings you directly to Annapurna Base Camp where the expedition officially begins. Settle into camp and begin acclimatization.

Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06–29

Acclimatization & Rotation Climbs

Multiple acclimatization rotations are conducted to prepare climbers for the summit attempt.

Typical Rotation Program:

  • Base Camp
  • Camp I
  • Camp II
  • Camp III
  • Return to Base Camp
  • Rest and Recovery

Additional rotations may be carried out depending on weather, snow conditions, and team progress.

Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Meals: Full Board

Day 30–37

Summit Window

Once the route is secured and favorable weather arrives, the summit rotation begins.

Typical Summit Schedule:

  • Base Camp
  • Camp I
  • Camp II
  • Camp III
  • Camp IV
  • Summit Attempt (8,091m)
  • Return safely to Base Camp

The expedition leader will determine the final summit schedule according to weather forecasts and climber condition.

Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Meals: Full Board

Day 38

Helicopter Flight to Dana

Following the successful completion of the expedition, return by shared helicopter from Base Camp to Dana.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 39

Drive to Pokhara & Fly to Kathmandu

Drive back to Pokhara before taking a domestic flight to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 40

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

A free day for sightseeing, shopping, equipment packing, or simply relaxing before departure. In the evening, celebrate the expedition with a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 41

Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Annapurna I Expedition

41 Days – Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your international journey.

Accommodation: Hotel

Complete permit formalities, equipment inspection, final packing, and meet your expedition leader and climbing team during the official expedition briefing.

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

A short scenic flight takes you to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Spend the afternoon preparing equipment and enjoying the Himalayan panorama.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by private 4WD vehicle through picturesque mountain villages and river valleys to Dana, the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A spectacular helicopter flight brings you directly to Annapurna Base Camp where the expedition officially begins. Settle into camp and begin acclimatization.

Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Multiple acclimatization rotations are conducted to prepare climbers for the summit attempt.

Typical Rotation Program:

  • Base Camp
  • Camp I
  • Camp II
  • Camp III
  • Return to Base Camp
  • Rest and Recovery

Additional rotations may be carried out depending on weather, snow conditions, and team progress.

Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Meals: Full Board

Once the route is secured and favorable weather arrives, the summit rotation begins.

Typical Summit Schedule:

  • Base Camp
  • Camp I
  • Camp II
  • Camp III
  • Camp IV
  • Summit Attempt (8,091m)
  • Return safely to Base Camp

The expedition leader will determine the final summit schedule according to weather forecasts and climber condition.

Accommodation: Expedition Tent

Meals: Full Board

Following the successful completion of the expedition, return by shared helicopter from Base Camp to Dana.

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive back to Pokhara before taking a domestic flight to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A free day for sightseeing, shopping, equipment packing, or simply relaxing before departure. In the evening, celebrate the expedition with a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Permits & Government Fees

  • Annapurna I climbing permit
  • Nepal Government royalty fees
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Government Liaison Officer
  • Garbage management and environmental fees
  • Expedition permit processing

Accommodation

  • 4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (single room with breakfast)
  • 2 nights in a quality hotel in Pokhara (shared room with breakfast)
  • Lodge accommodation during the approach
  • Fully equipped expedition tents throughout the climb

Transportation

  • Airport transfers
  • Kathmandu–Pokhara domestic flights
  • Pokhara–Dana–Pokhara private jeep transfers
  • Shared helicopter flights between Dana and Annapurna Base Camp (round trip)
  • Expedition cargo transportation
  • Porter and mule services
  • Personal baggage allowance up to 60 kg

Meals

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Daily breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Three freshly prepared meals daily during the expedition
  • Tea, coffee, seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, snacks, and beverages at Base Camp

Base Camp Services

  • Individual sleeping tent
  • Heated dining tent
  • Kitchen tent
  • Communication tent
  • Shower and toilet tents
  • Storage facilities
  • Tables and chairs
  • Foam mattress and pillow
  • Solar power and generator
  • Battery charging station

Climbing Support

  • 1:1 Government-licensed High Altitude Sherpa
  • Experienced expedition leader
  • Professional Base Camp Manager
  • Skilled climbing support team
  • Rope fixing contribution
  • Camp I–IV logistics
  • High camp tents
  • Cooking fuel
  • High-altitude meals
  • Fixed ropes and group climbing equipment

Oxygen Support

  • Three summit oxygen cylinders (4L) per climber
  • One oxygen cylinder for each climbing Sherpa
  • Oxygen mask and regulator
  • Oxygen handling and safety training

Communication & Safety

  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Walkie-talkie communication
  • Daily professional weather forecasts
  • Comprehensive medical kit
  • Emergency communication support

Staff

  • Sherpa salaries
  • Base Camp staff wages
  • Porter services
  • Staff insurance
  • Food, accommodation, equipment, and clothing for all expedition staff

Miscellaneous

  • Ultimate Himalaya expedition duffel bag
  • Trekking and climbing maps
  • Official Annapurna I Summit Certificate issued by the Nepal Government

Exclusions

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
  • High-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation insurance
  • Trip cancellation insurance
  • Personal medical expenses
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Down suit, sleeping bag, boots, and technical climbing gear
  • Personal clothing and toiletries
  • Laundry services
  • Telephone calls and personal internet usage
  • Battery charging outside Base Camp
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal snacks
  • Camera, filming, and drone permits
  • Backup oxygen cylinders (if required)
  • Personal satellite phone usage
  • Extra hotel nights due to flight delays, weather, or itinerary changes
  • Expenses resulting from weather, natural disasters, political situations, or circumstances beyond our control
  • Summit bonus for personal Sherpa (recommended minimum USD 1,500)
  • Staff gratuities (recommended minimum USD 400)
  • Any item not specifically listed under Cost Includes

Map

Essential Information

Gear Lists

 Gear Guide Book

Comprehensive guide with expert recommendations on layers, boots, harness, ice axes, and high-altitude essentials. Everything you need for Everest.

Download Gear Book

Printable Gear Checklist

Interactive PDF checklist: tick off each item as you pack — from base layers to summit suits, medical kit to…

Download Checklist
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