Why the Annapurna region should be on your next adventure list- Namas Adventure
Annapurna circuit
Why the Annapurna region should be on your next adventure list
Planning your next holiday adventure to Nepal? We cannot recommend Annapurna highly enough. Less crowded, has pristine beauty, amazing unique cultures/traditions, and tons of mountain climbing inspirations from 6000M, 7000M, and 8000M for climbers of all levels, what more do you need?
Everest region is the most famous destination, hosting amazing beginners to advanced level, 6000M to 8000M mountains. We’ve all seen them in the movies, heard about them, and read about them, which is why it attracts a lot of climbers and trekkers. But, if you are open to the idea of exploring new remote places, where there are few climbers then Annapurna cannot be overlooked. If you are planning to climb Annapurna I peak then visiting the Annpurna is unavoidable.
Also to note, Annapurna avoids the chaos of Lukla's flight which is ever so frustrating and expensive.
So, let’s go explore some of the amazing adventure ideas in the Annapurnas.
6000M peak climbing
Chulu West 6419M
Highlights
Beginner/Intermediate level 6000er
6 days of climbing
Chulu Far East is an extension possibility (+ 4 Days)
Trekking the beautiful Annapurna circuit, Tilicho lake 4900M and crossing Thorong La pass at 5465M
Exploring unique culture and pristine wilderness
Chulu West 6419M, is one of the most amazing beginners to intermediate level peaks to climb in the Annapurna region. Unlike other famous 6000ers like Island Peak and Lobuche East which consist of 1 - 2 climbing days, Chulu West consists of 4 - 6 days of climbing from base camp. Longer days in the alpine moments and best of all avoid the crowds or climbers.
Bonus - double your summits by adding Chulu Far East 6059M on the same itinerary as they both share the same base camp. Learn more about Chulu Expedition on our website and join us as we organize expeditions here every year during spring and autumn.
p.s.- there are plenty of other un-name or non-commercial 6000M peaks in Annapurna region and these ones are for the explorers, route setters the trail blazers.
7000M Expedition
Himlung Himal 7126M
Himlung Himal 7126M
Expedition Highlights
Himlung Himal Summit 7126M
Accessible, classic mountaineering style and higher summit success rate
The southern flank of the north-west ridge route, Camp 1 - 3 strategy
15 days of climbing
1:2 Guide/Client ratio throughout the expedition
Nar & Phu Villages and Manaslu conservation area
Himlung Himal 7126M, is located in the remote corners of the Annapurna region. The last village settlement Phu Gaon (Village) is as ancient as it gets. Himlung Himal 7126M mountain is one of the most accessible 7000er with semi-technical difficulty, safer to climb, and with a higher chance of summit success.
This is one of the best commercial climbs at 7000M level in the Annapurna region. Learn more about Himlung Himal in our link. If you are interested to climb your first 7000er mountain this is a great expedition to choose. We depart every year to this magnificent mountain.
Expedition Highlights
Rarely climbed 7500M Peak with few objective dangers
1:1 Climbing support, Personal supplemental oxygen (1 cylinder and regulator) included
Skip entry level 8000M such as Manaslu or Cho-Oyu to prepare for Everest or another 8,000m peak expeditions
Camp 1,2 & 3 strategy. Heated Dining tent, solo tent at base camp
Strong and experienced Climbing Sherpa Team
Annapurna IV 7527M is the perfect mountaineering objective for climbers who wants just the above climbing needs. Annapurna IV is part of the great Annapurna massif range, standing tall between Annapurna II 7937M/26040FT on the western side and Annapurna III 7555M/24787FT to the eastern face. The climbing route has fewer objective dangers and is relatively a semi-technical climb. To clear out the confusion amongst the Annapurna massif range (Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and Gangapurna) IV is the least dangerous and least technical. This mountain is not climbed as often as other peaks in the region.
Tilicho Peak 7134M
Tilicho Peak 7134M on the left and Tilicho lake in the middle
Expedition Highlights
Tilicho 7134M summit
North-West Shoulder ridge route, Camp 1, 2 and 3 strategy
14 days climbing period
1:2 Guide/Client ratio throughout the expedition
Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit trek
Sitting just above the beautiful Tilicho lake 4900M, the Tilicho peak 7134M expedition is another amazing 7000er mountain expedition to add to your mountain expedition list. This mountain is for climbers seeking technical difficulty with tons of mixed climbing in rock/snow and ice terrains with lots of vertical sends.
Tilicho expedition is recommended to climb during the autumn season and there aren’t many climbers to take on this peak. So if you have a team of 4+ climbing members and want to explore new projects then, then this 7000er peak expedition should be the one for you. Learn more about this expedition on our website. Our team is here to assist you on this expedition.
The Annapurnas. I - IV, Gangapurna and South
ANNAPURNA I, 8091M
Annapurna I - 8,091M(26,545 ft) World’s 10th height mountain
Annapurna II - 7,937M (26,040 ft)
Annapurna III - 7,555M (24,786 ft)
Gangapurna - 7,455M (24,457 ft)
Annapurna South - 7,219M (23,684 ft)
Annapurna I is known as one of the most dangerous 8000M mountains to climb. For every 4 climbers, there has been 1 death. The statistics are improving with successful climbs every year. Having said that this mountain is highly prone to sudden and frequent avalanches.
Even the other Annapurna expedition is rarely climbed and is considered one of the toughest peaks to climb. Climbing the Annapurna peaks can be one of the most interesting objectives for mountaineers.
Annapurna treks
Annapurna Circuit trek
Annapurna circuit trek
One of the most beautiful treks you can go through passing through beautiful villages, Tilicho Lake and Thorong-la-pass 5416M. Simply enjoy a quiet wilderness and be inspired by the scale of Annapurna’s beauty.
Annapurna base camp
Gurung village, Ghandruk, Annapurna base camp trek highlight
A cultural classical trek through lush jungles and villages to Annapurna base camp. Enjoy a 7 - 10 days adventure hiking to the base of the might Annapurna I and surrounding Annapurna peaks.
Bonus
Finally, to end your adventure, Pokhara is a must-visit destination. The second biggest city in Nepal is much cleaner and quieter than Kathmandu. Tons of 1- 2 day adventure activities from paragliding, cultural tours, mountain biking, white water rafting, bungee, zip-lines, hiking, or just a beautiful city to relax by the lake. This city has got very chill-relaxed vibes to just enjoy your off-period. Oh not to forget the live-band music spots.
Are you planning your next Himalayan adventure in Nepal? Join us at any of our adventures in the magnificent Annapurna region.
Let’s go and explore. Go. Live Your Story.
Namas Adventure
Himlung Himal 7126M Expedition strategy - Namas Adventure
Himlung Himal Summit
Himlung Himal 7126M Expedition Strategy
Himlung Himal (7126M) is one of the most accessible peaks in the Himalayas (Nepal). Located just between North of Manaslu 8163M and the Annapurna Himalayan range, Himlung is a peak for any mountaineering enthusiast looking to climb a 7000M peak that is remotely situated and provides all the aspects of challenging mountaineering adventure. As we prepare to plan for this expedition from 2021 onwards, we want to share our climbing strategy which was pioneered by Paulo Grobel along with Nepalese guides, paving expedition strategy routes (safer/enjoyable) for future climbers. If you are looking for an amazing time in the Himalayas, do join our expedition. Another amazing 7000M peak to consider is Baruntse Peak expedition.
Base Camp to Camp 1 (Co-ordinates: N 28° 45 384 E 84° 22 147)
The new base camp also called ‘French base camp’ is comfortable, with water nearby and sheltered from avalanches. The logistical challenge remains to pitch the camp as it seems a bit complex when crossing through the Pangir Glacier on big inconvenient boulders and the way up the moraine on the right bank is exposed to rockfall.
Our strategy will be to conduct 2 rotations between BC- Camp 1 and Camp 2 (weather conditions permitting) and then summit push from camp 2. Note - Camp 3 is an alternative solution but due to its risky nature, the lead guide will only strategize camp 3, if needed after assessing the situations in the mountain while on expedition.
Camp 1 6000M to Camp 2, 6200M (2X rotations target)
Access to Base Camp from Camp 1, is quite simple and very quick (2 to 3 hours) on a trekking terrain, with moraines and small valleys. The snow conditions may alter the progression, of course, but there is no slope subject to avalanches on the way up.
Himlung Himal , Camp 2, 6200M
From Camp 1 heading on to camp 2, then traverse across a perched scree slope that leads to the side of the glacier. Following the side of the glacier (crevasses and disturbed terrain, rocks, and snow) until climbers can stand up on the flatter glacier, with big steps; a few twists and turns are needed. Depending on the season and the snow conditions, this part represents the trickiest part of the ascent. We continue up on the glacier, avoiding a few crevasses. We find suitable terrains to set up our camp on the ‘Glacier Camp’. It is pleasant and vast enough to welcome several groups. It seems subject to little, if any, risk of avalanche (to be verified depending on conditions). We climb with ropes attached together on the glacier, which shows little danger of falling into crevasses.
Camp 2, 6200M - Camp 3 (Optional)
Camp 3 is only a short distance (1 hour) away from camp 2. Heading to Camp 3 from Camp 2 is a comfortable reach, we climb by continuing up on the icy escarpment up to the last place before the ridge (a few ups and downs). Camp 3 remains an option due to its risky nature of being on the ridge. Guide members will only decide after inspecting/discussing amongst themselves whether camp 3 is safe and actually required. (to be double-checked under exceptional snow conditions).
Camp 2, 6200M - Summit 7126M - Camp 2 or 1
Final ridge to Himlung Summit.
The climb is long and cannot be reduced with an additional high camp. The first part of the ascent consists of reaching the pass across snowy slopes, a little bit steep (30°) and exposed. Fixed ropes are often installed by the lead guide and once we are past that, then the slopes become less steep, with a few flat bits.
After the crevasse opening, which is generally not a problem, the slope on the side of the ridge becomes steeper. This is the steepest part of the whole climb: about 400m at 30/35°. In hard/frozen snow conditions, there is a high risk of falling, so we install fixed ropes on this part as well. The route then reaches a less steep ridge, up to a flatter section before the small final slope.
After the summit, we descend down to camp 2 or camp 1. Then the next day we head to base camp, pack all our gears and celebrate our summit success, reflect and have a more joyous night, and prepare for the next day’s journey towards Kathmandu and thus ending our trip.
If you do have any more questions or want to join our yearly spring or fall Himlung Himal expeditions then please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as we can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things. Live your story.
More route reference: Paulo Grobel