Mount Annapurna IV Expedition

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

Trip Highlights

Annapurna IV is considered a relatively easier mountain to climb among all the Annapurnas. The normal route is approached from the Manang side. It requires two hours walking from the base camp to reach the bottom of the mountain. It requires approximately 65 - 70 degrees of steep climbing with fixed ropes approximately 500 meters to reach camp I. To reach camp II, approximately 1000 meters of fixed ropes will be required along the ridge and some stretches of steep climbing.

From camp II to camp III it is relatively easy with zigzag crossing and gradually climbing up. However, it will require approximately 1300 – 1500 meters fixed rope. From camp III to the summit, generally fixed rope is not required and the main rope is used. There are possibilities of avalanches between Camp I and Camp II.

Day 01 :Arrival at Kathmandu
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02 : Preparation day for expedition. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03 :Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar
Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (760m.)takes about seven hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar (823m.). It takes almost seven hours. Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 04 :Trek from Besisahar to Khudi. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 05 :Trek from Khudi to Syange. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 06 :Trek from Syange to Tal. Stay overnight at lodge

Day 07 :Trek from Tal to Bagarchhap. Stay overnight at lodge

Day 08 :Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame. Stay overnight at lodge

Day 09 :Trek from Chame to Pisang
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3155m.)takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bratang. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 10 :Trek from Pisang to Hongde. Stay overnight at lodge

Day 11 :Trek from Hongde to Yak Kharka. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 12 :Trek from Yak Kharka to Base Camp.

Day 13 - 33 :Climbing Period

Day 34 :Clean Up Base Camp and trek back to Yak Kharka. Stay overnight at lodge

Day 35 :Trek from Yak Kharka to Manang. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 36 :Trek from Manang to Churi Lattar. Stay overnight at lodge

Day 37 :Trek from Churi Lattar to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 38 :Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath takes about seven hours. You start early today to cross the Thorong La (5416m). The trail becomes steep but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it is compensated with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 39 :Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath takes about seven hours. You start early today to cross the Thorong La (5416m). The trail becomes steep but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it is compensated with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 40 :Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 35 minutes.
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 35 minutes. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during and after the trip and frequent change of the weather sometimes prevents flight landing and take-off in the afternoon. During the flights in morning, the skies are very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 41 :Free day in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 42 :Fly out from Kathmandu