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8000m Peaks

Annapurna

The Mountain of the Great Goddess.

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Annapurna
Expedition

Named for the Hindu Goddess of food and nourishment, who is said to live among its summits, Annapurna is a vast massif in central Nepal with 13 peaks over 7,000m, and one that sits at 8,091m, making it the world’s 10th highest mountain. Annapurna was the first of the 8,000ers to be climbed, and the passes around the massif make it a popular trekking destination. But this is no easy mountain - the steep, south face is technical, tricky, and frequently deadly. A place where being guided by the best of the best makes a real difference.

Annapurna is a worthy mountain, a cruel mistress, she offers an intense battle to her summit, but the reward is high for this stunning peak and Elite Exped will be with you every step of the way.

"Always a little higher"

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Country

Nepal

Duration

40 days

grade

Technical 5E

Max Altitude

8091 m
26545 ft

Daily activity

Approx
5 - 6hrs

Season

Spring &
Summer

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $35,000

Aimed at climbers who’ve made ascents of at least two 6,000m or 7,000m peaks, and at least one 8,000m mountain. You must have mastered mountaineering skills and have a high level of fitness.

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The thrilling 8000m peak

The popularity of the Annapurna Circuit as a trekking destination often lulls people into a false sense of security about the dangers of the mountain itself. While it might be only the tenth highest mountain in the world, Annapurna I, the main peak, is arguably deadliest, with one of the highest death to successful summit ratios of any of the 8,000ers. Put simply, this is not a mountain that you can afford to underestimate.

Elite Exped’s Annapurna itinerary is based on the tried and tested expedition plan implemented by our founder Nimsdai during his record-breaking Project Possible year, when he climbed all of the world’s 8,000m peaks in record time. Annapurna’s relative accessibility means we recommend leaving just 40 days for the entire trip, which includes a lengthy 26-day climbing window and plenty of time to acclimatise. 

We guarantee a 1:1 client to guide ratio, and always keep four, highly experienced guides in reserve, ready to go at a moment’s notice to help out where needed. Anything that can be controlled, we will control. From carrying in our own food, to pitching tents and fixing ropes all the way up the route, we do everything ourselves. This means we’re never reliant on third parties, reducing the chances of any misunderstandings, which could damage your summit chances.

Our handpicked guiding team, chosen using a rigorous process inspired by Nims’ own Special Forces selection, know the routes like the back of their hand, but they also speak the language. This further reduces the chances of any miscommunication.

The Elite Exped team aren’t just record-breaking mountaineers, they’re hugely experienced mountain rescuers, with extensive training in high-altitude recovery techniques. This, combined with our intimate knowledge of the mountain, means you’ll be in the safest possible hands when taking on this tricky, technical climb.  

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage. I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel

  • Day 02

    Staff introduction and final preparation for expedition

  • Day 03

    Flight to Pokhara and overstay night in Pokhara

  • Day 04

    Drive from Pokhara to Dana

  • Day 05

    Helicopter flight from Dana to Annapurna Base camp

  • Day 06

    Acclimatize day in Annapurna Base camp

  • Day 07-34

    Climbing Period (Basecamp - Annapurna Summit- Basecamp)

  • Day 35

    Cleaning up basecamp and ready for descending

  • Day 36

    Helicopter flight from Annapurna Basecamp to Dana and drive back to Pokhara

  • Day 37

    Leisure day in Pokhara city/Sightseeing in Pokhara city

  • Day 38

    Fly back to Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

  • Day 39

    Leisure day in Kathmandu/ Farewell dinner with the Team

  • Day 40

    Final Departure

Fast-Track

Climb like a record breaker

Developed from the approach that’s allowed Nimsdai to shatter speed records, our unique Fast-Track expeditions - including Everest in 29 days - let you climb further in a shorter space of time. Perfect for those balancing busy lives with their love of the mountains. View fast-track expeditions

Training

Build your skills

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What equipment is provided?
Will I get my own guide?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja and Mingma David Sherpa’s mountaineering world records speak for themselves, but our founders are more than just supremely-talented climbers. While some choose to direct operations from a back office, Nimsdai and Mingma David lead from the front. Their experience of every aspect of guiding and climbing - from fixing ropes, to organising logistics - is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that when they’ve worked together they have a perfect, 100 percent success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it, this is key to attain and maintain our industry leading strategy for success and safety. We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running totally self-sufficient expeditions, not relying on any other teams on the mountain to achieve our objectives. We are capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and have backups to cover all scenarios, from secondary oxygen supplies through to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots, and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective of the world of mountaineering, and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures. We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks. An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
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K2 isn’t nicknamed “the savage mountain” for nothing. The world’s second-highest peak is arguably the toughest challenge in mountaineering, with one of the worst fatality rates of all the 8,000ers. For a long time, it was considered unconquerable, because of its great height, almost unbroken slopes of rock and ice, and precipitous overhangs. Despite multiple attempts, no-one had climbed it in winter until January 2021, when our Founder Nimsdai & Directors Mingma David and Mingma Tenzi stood on its majestic, 8,611m-high peak.

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