Annapurna / Makalu

What the adventure involves

Although it’s only the tenth highest mountain in the world, Annapurna I, the main peak of the massif, can be deadly, with one of the highest death to successful summit ratios of any of the 8,000ers. Makalu also presents significant challenges, even to experienced climbers. Famous for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges, it’s also regarded as a test of true climbing skill, with the final ascent of the summit pyramid requiring technical rock and ice climbing skills.

Summiting the two into a single expedition requires skill, strength and endurance. But most of all, it requires meticulous planning - and the kind of military precision preparation that Elite Exped specialise in. Our Annapurna and Makalu itinerary is based on the tried and tested expedition plans implemented by our founder Nimsdai during his Project Possible year, when he climbed all of the world’s 8,000m peaks in record time. 

Annapurna’s relative accessibility makes it a perfect peak to combine with Makalu in a twin summit push. Using helicopter transfers we can complete both summits in the space of 68 days, including rest days in between, and plenty of time for acclimatization.

Nimsdai and Mingma David, built their mountaineering reputations on climbing fast, but also safely. When working together the pair have a 100 success percent record on 8,000m summit attempts, but perhaps more importantly, a 100 percent safety record too.

At Elite Exped, 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 both mountains, means you’ll be in the safest possible hands when taking on this enormous challenge.