Annapurna Expedition

Annapurna I, the world’s tenth highest peak and the highest (8,091m) of the 30 peaks that make up the 55-kilometer-long Annapurna massif, is a unique peak. The peak is noteworthy because it was the first 8000m peak to be successfully climbed by a team led by Maurice Herzog on June 3, 1950, even before Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s official ascent of Mt. Everest. 

The Annapurnas are also known as the world’s most dangerous mountains to climb due to their high avalanche risk and the fact that all available routes require climbers to pass through large ice cliffs and seracs. 

Glaciers encircle the western and northwestern slopes, separating Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in a massive gorge cut through the Himalayas by the Kali Gandaki River. The Annapurna Expedition lasts a total of 40 days. 

The climb up and down the Annapurna North base camp to the summit takes about 30 days. Other days are spent hiking the Annapurna region’s beautiful trails. We trek from Nayapul to Lete, following the circuit trail and taking in the views from Ghorepani and Poon Hill along the way. 

We leave the circuit trail at Lete and head west to Annapurna North base camp, passing through Thulobugin, Hum Khola, and Miristi Khola. Above the base camp, two high camps will be established. 

The summit offers a breathtaking view of the massif, making you feel extremely satisfied. We’ll take the same route back to Tatopani, from where we’ll drive to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu. You will be accommodated in a comfortable hotel with bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

Full board meals and lodging are provided in the lodges where we stop for the night during the trek. The tented camp provides accommodation and meals during the climb. Throughout the expedition, you will be led by experienced and certified climbing and trekking guides, as well as other crew members. 

Apart from the expedition, you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful views of the mountain range from Poon Hill, a few parts of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani and other Gurung villages: their culture, lifestyle, tradition, and hospitality, flora and fauna, and the beautiful Lake City of Pokhara. The best times to plan this trip are spring and autumn.

Packing for Your Next Adventure: Everything You Need to Know
The key to having a good time in the mountains is to be organized and plan ahead. In addition to all of your training, ensuring that you have the appropriate equipment is an important aspect of preparing for your trip. Choosing the proper equipment will give you an extra comfort and safety boost, so you can be at your best while still enjoying yourself. It’s essential to have the right gear with you to get the most out of your trip. To help you better prepare for the mountain you will be climbing, we have provided a complete packing guide.

8000M EQUIPMENT LIST

Our training goal is to get you physically and mentally prepared to face the climb with more confidence. The climbing goal will be to perform consistently throughout the adventure. Fitness for mountaineering requires a high overall level of physical conditioning. Both cardiovascular and motor fitness are needed to climb at varying levels of intensity and to navigate challenging terrain, often while carrying a loaded pack and at high altitudes.

Training goals are critically important and allow you to perform better at higher altitudes and enjoy the entire adventure. We suggest that you examine the physical requirements of the climb you are approaching and work on your fitness in different levels. Click here to Learn more about Trip Grades and choose what’s best for you!

Establish a timeline for your training program and focus on specific conditioning for better results. Along with your workouts try and add hikes and climbs in the outdoors whenever possible to get more comfortable with different terrains. Sound fitness gained through a well-guided program is the only best way to ensure a safe and successful adventure.

Mountaineering Fitness and Training
It may also be helpful to break down your training timeline into a number of key phases. These are:

Phase 1 : Base physical fitness
The first phase of getting prepared for your climb is to focus on your base fitness. You should incorporate a fitness routine that focuses on both cardiovascular fitness and motor fitness training. For those who are not used to intense workouts this phase will help you to kickstart your training. Remember that consistency is the first most important factor in achieving any goal. Combine your basic fitness regimes along with running and stair climbing. You are now ready for outdoor adventures.

Phase 2 : Training specific for the climb
Once you have established your base physical fitness, you will need to train specifically for the climb. Depending on the difficulty and intensity of the climb, add advanced workout sessions combined with uphill training. Try and do the same fitness routines with some added loads. Strength training combined with cardiovascular and motor fitness will help with the overall conditioning. This will take your workouts to the next level and help gear up for the mountaineering challenge ahead.

Phase 3 : Outdoor Training
Nothing can replace training in the real outdoors. In the final phase of your training, you should be attempting climbs which are similar to the ones you are approaching. It is great to test your endurance outdoors. This gives you a great edge in preparing for conditions similar to the ones you will encounter during your expedition. It isn’t always possible to find similar terrains close to where you live, but it is best to find a hike as close to the climb as possible. This is the best way to test your climbing gears as well.

Training goals and timeline
Working out for at least 5 days in a week is the best way to get your body physically prepared for the climb ahead. Regular and consistent training always gives the best result and keeps you highly motivated. Make sure that you workout regularly and also give enough time for rest and recovery. Keep it balanced and have a properly planned fitness routine and never overdo exercises to the point of injury. While 2 to 3 months is a good amount of time to train, starting your training earlier allows more time to adjust and prepare.

Click here to learn more about Training for your Upcoming Climb and get ready for the adventure!