Overview
The Annapurna South Expedition at 7,219m (23,684ft) is an impressive mountain located north of Pokhara, in the heart of the Annapurna Himalayan Ranges. This majestic ridge comprises several other notable peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gangapurna (7,454m), and Annapurna South (7,220m). In 1964, a Japanese expedition successfully climbed Annapurna South, also known as Annapurna Dakshin, from the North face.
The expedition commences from Kathmandu and involves a journey to Pokhara, where we spend the first night. The next day, we drive to Dhampus and start our trek from Pothana, passing through a mildly temperate area adorned with forests of rhododendron, oak, pine, and bamboo trees, as well as traditional Magar and Gurung villages. Along the way, we are treated to breathtaking views of Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre, as well as the lush green valley leading to the Modi River. As we continue through Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Kopra pastures, we eventually reach our campsite just below the south side of Mt. Annapurna.
The climb to Annapurna South is considered challenging and demanding, featuring steep sections along the top ridge and rough, slippery slopes below the summit. However, the adventure-filled journey rewards us with a sense of achievement and awe-inspiring experiences. Beyond the exciting climbing aspect, the region boasts rich geological and cultural diversity, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty and local traditions.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you’ll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompanied by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.
On the following morning, after enjoying your breakfast, you will set out for an immersive full-day sightseeing tour around the enchanting Kathmandu valley. This guided tour includes visits to some of the most sacred and ancient sites, which hold great significance and have been enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your first stops will be at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the revered Swyambhunath Stupa. Both sites boast a rich history and cultural importance, drawing visitors from around the world.
Next, you will explore the imposing Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in the region. Its magnificent presence is awe-inspiring and spiritually uplifting. Your tour also covers Kathmandu Durbar Square, a place adorned with fine arts and historical architecture, reflecting the essence of ancient Nepalese culture.
As part of this enriching journey, you will venture to Patan City, where the famous fine arts and historical architecture will leave you enchanted.
Upon returning to your hotel, you will have ample time to further explore the local area, savor a delightful dinner, and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the renowned streets of Kathmandu. To culminate this eventful day, you will be treated to an Authentic Nepalese Dinner at a Nepali Cultural Restaurant, providing you with an immersive experience of Nepal’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. This guided tour promises to be a captivating exploration of the Kathmandu valley’s spiritual, historical, and cultural wonders.
We spend a day preparing the final documents, gears & equipment check and so on. You can go for final shopping if something is missed before leaving out for the mountain.
25 min flight. Explore Pokhara & overnight in Hotel.
2-3 hrs drive followed by 4-5 hrs trek. Overnight in Lodge.
4-5 hrs trek. Overnight in Teahouse.
4-5 hrs trek. Overnight in Tea house.
5-6 hrs trek. Overnight in teahouse.
4-5 hrs trek. Overnight in teahouse.
3-4 hrs trek. Overnight in tea house.
The south face base camp is situated at 4000 meter & the advance base camp is on west bank of the glacier between Annapurna south & mount Himchuli. Climb up to the glacier is a little bit difficult gullies on all sides. The camp 1 is fixed at the 5000 meter. Camp-2 is fixed at 5970meter; and camp 3 is at 6400meter high. From Camp 3 the summit can be made. For climbing Annapurna south seems easy from North East route of side and the base camp will be at Annapurna Sanctuary at 4300 meters.
5-6 hrs trek. Overnight in Lodge.
4-5 hrs trek. Overnight in Lodge.
4-5 hrs trek. Overnight in Lodge.
3-4 hrs trek & 3 hrs drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Hotel.
Fly back to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel & enjoy your day.
Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.
As per your flight schedule you’ll be dropped to airport 3 hours prior to the flight time and your trip to Nepal ends here.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Airport/Hotel transfer in Kathmandu,
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicle in Kathmandu,
- Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights pre and 2 nights post on B/B plan on sharing post,
- Full-day Kathmandu Heritage site sightseeing by private tourist vehicle,
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing,
- City tour entrance fees of the heritage sites,
- Experienced and government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing guide during the trekking and climbing period,
- All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; Kitchen tents, store tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced Base Camp and high camp,
- Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars, etc.)
- Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base camp,
- Food and accommodation during the trek in full board,
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served at base camp,
- All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during the expedition for both members and crews,
- Daily weather Report service from Seattle based,
- Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Annapurna (South),
- Nepal government Royalty and fees,
- One experienced, trained, government-licensed, climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client,
- All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurance for all involved staff in trekking and expedition,
- Group emergency equipment and medical supplies,
- Medical consultation services at the base camp,
- Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, cooks, Kitchen boys,
- Equipment allowance and wages for Government Liaison Officers,
- Solar equipment for light and also for charging various electric devices,
- 1 generator at base camp for computers and other electronic devices,
- Headset radios for communication in the mountain,
- Satellite Phones (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
- Internet at base camp (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
- Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required,
- Rope fixing costs,
- The heater will be provided at the base camp for heating the dining room,
- Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator will be provided,
- Travel and rescue arrangements,
- Ice fall usage Charge,
- 5 bottles of 3LTR Poisk Oxygen for members,
- Daily Dispatches,
- Welcome and Farewell dinner with beverages.
Excludes
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
- If required to change from airplane to helicopter to/from Pokhara due to weather issues, the additional cost of the helicopter will be shared amongst clients,
- Personal trekking and climbing gear,
- Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast and farewell dinner),
- Alcohol and Beverages during the trek and climbing,
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.),
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & any medical costs,
- Any other item not listed in the 'Price Includes' section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Yes, electricity is available at all the tea-houses where you will be staying overnight. You can recharge your electronic devices such as phones, laptops, or iPads by paying a nominal charge using the available micro-hydropower and solar panels.
However, for Wi-Fi, there are no free hotspots along the trekking trail, so we do not encourage carrying your laptop. Some teahouses do offer paid Wi-Fi services on an hourly basis, but it’s important to note that the remote trails may not provide high-speed connectivity. Therefore, while some internet access may be available for basic communication needs, it’s best to be prepared for limited or intermittent connectivity during the trek.
A: Gravity Expedition has a proficient team of trekking leaders and mountain crew who are highly skilled in handling difficulties and emergencies that may arise during the trip. If you experience altitude sickness or any health issues, it is essential to inform your leader immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken.
With their years of experience, the trekking leader can assess the severity of the situation and respond accordingly. This may involve descending to a lower elevation to alleviate the symptoms or arranging a helicopter rescue if necessary. In case a helicopter rescue is not feasible due to certain reasons, our local staff and contacts will coordinate alternative rescue and treatment procedures.
Such measures may include using horses or stretchers to carry the affected individual off the mountain to the nearest health post or a safe helicopter landing spot for further medical attention. The safety and well-being of our trekkers are of utmost importance, and our team is well-prepared to handle emergencies with efficiency and care.
A: The weather in the Annapurna region experiences variations throughout different seasons. Despite being in the snow-capped Himalayan area, it never really gets hot, even during the summer season. The maximum daytime temperature can reach up to 25°C/77°F, while the night temperature drops significantly, reaching as low as -20°C/-4°F, or sometimes even lower.
As you progress on the trek, the weather tends to be warmer in the lower hiking regions compared to the base camp. During the spring season, the weather can be relatively hot, particularly during the daytime when there are clear skies and no snowfall. It’s essential to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and to carry appropriate clothing layers to stay comfortable during your trek in the stunning Annapurna region.
A: Yes, cell phone reception is available along the trails in the Annapurna region. Most of the small villages and hiking routes have cell phone coverage provided by either the NCell or NTC networks. This allows trekkers to stay connected and communicate with their loved ones or trekking partners during their journey.
However, it’s important to note that in some remote or high-altitude areas, the network coverage may be limited or even unavailable. So, while you can expect cell phone reception in most parts of the trek, there might be certain sections where communication becomes challenging. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan ahead and inform your loved ones accordingly about potential communication limitations during your trek in the Annapurna region.
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