NEPAL TRAVELLER
Annapurna, that falls in 14 highest peak in the world, is a section of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal that includes 8,091 m (26,545 ft) Annapurna I, thirteen additional peaks over 7,000 m (22,970 ft) and 16 more over 6,000 m (19,690 ft). This section is a 55 km long massif. Annapurna I is the 10th highest peak among Earth's other 14 mountains which is above 8000m from sea level. It rises east of the Kali Gandaki Gorge separating it from Dhaulagiri massif which is 34 km to the west and the gorge between is considered Earth's deepest. In Sanskrit, Annapurna means “full of food” and is normally translated as goddess of the Harvests. The Annapurna peaks are among the world's most dangerous mountains to climb, although in more recent history the number of fatalities has reduced.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
Expedition to Annapurna provides you a spectacular bonus through world class trekking area; Poon Hill with spectacular sunrise views on number of significant and elegant peaks including Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7555m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m) and Lamjung Himal (6983m) are the highlights of it. You will get to enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain range from the other very famous view points- 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.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Annapurna I was the first 8,000m peak climbed by a French Expedition led by Maurice Herzog, who reached the summit on 3 June 1950. It took 20 years for another team to succeed on the same mountain summit. In 1970, the South Face of Annapurna was climbed by Chris Bonington's team which was a landmark in the history of mountaineering. This is a mountain that is among the most familiar of mountains, yet one that is very rarely climbed.
TOTAL CLIMB
Till now, about 400 people have succeeded in climbing Annapurna.
BEST SEASON
Late Spring (February to May) and autumn (September to December) are the best seasons to plan this expedition as it will be neither too hot nor too cold so that you will be able to enjoy the scenic beauty from there without any struggle and danger.
Warning: Annapurna has an unpredictable climate and it remains cold and covered with snow throughout the year so be more focused while selecting season for expedition.
TIME DURATION
The Annapurna Expedition in total is a 53 days expedition. About 32 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.
REQUIREMENT
There are several requirements for climbing Mt. Annapurna and they are;
Fitness Certificate: Climbers should submit their fitness certificate in order to avoid future damage and to make sure that they are ready for adventurous activities like expedition.
Experienced: In order to climb Mt. Annapurna, you must climb other mountains with height in between 6000m to 7000m.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Climbing Equipment: Climbing helmet, Down suit, Crampons, Hardware, Ice axe, Harness, Tape slings, Snow google etc.
Other equipments: Foot wear, gloves, sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hat, Lower body stuff (down pants, waterproof pants etc.), upper body items (Thermo coat, Fleece Jacket, Cotton Tee etc.) and so on.
OVERALL COST
It costs a total of about USD 17000 which includes all the permits and fees, ground transfers, meals, accommodations, flight and baggage, supporting staff at base camp, equipment at base camp, equipment for climbing etc.
Note: The cost may vary depending upon services and rules of the travel agency.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
You have to take permits from Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), Annapurna Conservation Area and Annapurna Climbing Permit ($1800) from the Government of Nepal since height above 8000m peaks permit are given by it. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money like for TIMS it ranges from USD 20 to USD 30 and so on. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Mt. Annapurna Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Mt. Annapurna imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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