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
Trekking in Nepal gear list
You have plans to go trekking in Nepal and wondering what are the right gears to pack for the rugged terrains in the Himalayas. Packing the right gear is crucial to successfully completing your adventures in high altitude landscapes of Nepal. We have listed some of the necessary gears to take on any trekking you undertake in the mountains. Trekking such as Everest base camp, Upper Mustang, Annapurna circuit or even short ones like Mardi Himal trek or Poon hill trek requires the right gears.
Trekking Equipment checklist
Footwears
* Hiking shoes for the trek to base camp with ankle protection
* Gaiters
* Midweight thermal socks: 5 pairs
* Liner socks or equivalent: 2 pairs
Body Layers
* 1 merino base layers: top / bottom set
* Quick-dry sports bra (for women)
* 1 mid layer top: breathable Underwear
* Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain pants
* Convertible hiking pants
* Hooded Soft Shell jacket To be worn over other layers
* Midweight down or synthetic parka with hood
* Hooded Hard Shell: Gore Tex and breathable
* Insulated Down Jacket
* Long jones equivalent to Rab’s Polartec or equivalent: 2 pairs
Headgear and Hand wear:
* Wool hat (ski hat)
* Sunhat: To shade your face / neck from the sun on a hot day
* Buff: To protect your neck / face from the sun
* Under helmet Balaclava
* Glacier glasses: Full protection with side covers or wrap around
* Lightweight synthetic liner gloves: For wearing on a hot day; 2 pairs
* Soft shell gloves: To wear for moderate cold / wind
* Expedition Mitts for bad weather
Personal Gear:
* 20-30L Trekking Backpack: To carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light.
* Sleeping Bag: Rated to at least -10 to -20C. Goose down or synthetic
* Compression stuff sacks: 2 large ones; for reducing volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc., in your pack.
* Trekking poles with snow baskets: Adjustable poles
* Head torch: 1 normal for base camp and 1 with remote battery systems for climbing at night. This will be used whilst climbing at night
* Sunscreen: SPF 50 or above
* Lip balm with sunblock
* Water bottles: 1 wide mouth bottles with 1L capacity
* Thermos: 1 litre (buy a good ones to keep your water warm for longer hours)
* Toiletry bag: Include toilet paper and hand sanitiser and small towel
* Hand warmers & toe warmers
* Pen Knife or multi tool (optional)
* Camera: bring extra batteries and memory cards
* Personal solar charging system (optional but recommended)
* Travel Clothes
Duffel bags (1) with locks
* Base Camp extra Items: Kindle, I pad, books, smart phone, etc
Cell phone in waterproof case
Cell phone charging cable
Local SIM card for cell phone (purchase in Nepal)
Portable power device (for recharging phone or other electronics)
* Snack food: Please bring a few days of your favourite climbing snack food such as bars, energy gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. A variety of salty and sweet is recommended to give you extra energy.
* Small personal first aid kit: Include athletic tape, Band-Aid’s, Ibuprofen, blister care, personal medications, etc
Toothbrush (travel size)
Toothpaste (travel size)
Toilet paper
Personal wipes
Women’s hygiene items
Pee bottle
Hand sanitizer
Shampoo and conditioner
Biodegradable soap
Deodorant
Dental floss
Razor and shaving cream
Skin lotion
* Medications and Prescriptions: Bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox and dexamethasone*
Companies recommended
Trekking Boots - La Sportiva, Northface, Patagonia, Mammut
Body Layers - Northface, Mountain hardware, Mammut, Patagonia, Arctyrex, Marmot, Rab
Headgear and hand wear - Northface, Mountain hardware, Patagonia, Mammut
Glasses - Julbo
Other gear companies: Exped, Garmin, Goal zero, Bio lite, MSR Gears
P.s- You can hire a lot of these items in Kathmandu (Thamel), if you do not wish to buy them.
Nepal under £1000 | $1500
Pic - Benjamin / everest region
Planning your Nepal adventurers this 2018 and you are wondering what can you do under £1000 in the culturally rich mountainous country? We narrow our all-inclusive and activity tours that can be done under your £1K ( $1450 or €1150 ) budget and it is not just the one type of adventure (i.e. trekking ). Nepal does not compromise the essence of adventure whether you are there for 1 week or plus. Below are some adventures listed.
Everest Base Camp (5380 M)
Price £990, 14 days
Yes it's true, Everest base camp the most well known can be experienced just at £990. When ever travelers think of Nepal, Everest base camp is the first thing which comes the mind. No, you are not climbing the mountain but rather just reaching the base camp, which is at 5380 M ( 17,600 ft) high. Yes, the most famous bucket list adventure is just got more afforadble!
We have set departures to Everest base camp, ( click here ) more infos.
Annapurna Base Camp (4310 M),
Price £720, 12 Days
The most famous trek after Everest base camp. This trek is vastly different from Everest region considering the landscapes, culture, heritage and the Himalayas. Annapurna is one of the most varied trek in Nepal from arid-desert land to hot springs. Travelers go through the villages which are mostly resided by the Gurung tribes, compared to Everest region which is mostly occupied by Sherpa tribes of Nepal.
We have set departures to Annapurna base camp, ( click here ) more infos.
Mardi Himal trekking (4500 M),
Price £750, 11 Days
Mardi Himal is one for the adventurers who seeks something new. This trek site is slowly gaining attention from adventure seekers. If you are one looking for off the beaten trek route, this is be your option until it gets will surely get the massive influx of adventurers.
To enquire about Mardi Himal trek please email us at namas@namasadventure.com ( Minimum 2 bookings required)
Poonhill trekking (3210 M)
Price £650, 8 Days
Poonhill is considered the most luxurious trekking site of Nepal. It is the shortest and quickest trek sites which takes adventurers closest to the Western Himalayas of Nepal. One highlight is the 3000 steps from Tirkhedhunga to Ulleri, and of course the final day Poonhill itself for panoramic view of western Himalayas of Nepal.
To inquire about Poonhill trek please email us at namas@namasadventure.com (Minimum 2 bookings required)
Motocross Adventure, Hills of Kathmandu.
Price £ 999, 6 Days
This one is for the riders and frankly it is also a unique introduction to the biking terrains of Nepalese hills. Motocross adventure itineraries are considered amongst the most extreme in Nepal. Nagarkot and Shivapuri still gives you the thrill of dirt bike adventure, which we recommend for beginners to moderate experienced riders. While a fairly new development for tourist adventurers, Nepalese people tend to always explore as bike riders rather than 4 wheel drivers.
To inquire about Motocross Adventure, please email us at namas@namasadventure.com (Minimum 5 bookings required)
Mountain Biking Nagarkot,
Price £ 145, 2 Days 1 Night
This Nagorkot tour is for the adventurers interested in culture, sightseeing and mountain views but also enjoy their cycling. Nagarkot is famous for is wide-ranging views of the Himalaya from Annapurna in the west to Everest it the east. From Kathmandu you ride along the flat river valley behind Thimi, through a series of back alleys and walking tracks. Once in the ancient town of Sankhu, we climb up from around 13 km on a mix of dirt road and jeep road to Nagarkot.
We have set departures to Nagarkot MTB everyday, (click here) more infos. Minimum of 2 bookings required.
Yoga Rafting
Price £ 950 | 11 Days
Yoga rafting is a new concept and the customer satisfaction has been overwhelming. Nepal being a very spiritual country, Yoga is an activity that has been integrated into trekking and now in rafting activities. Your day starts with an early sunrise yoga session that warms up the body and prepares us for a day of paddling on the beautiful river, whilst immersed in the most beautiful scenery. Practicing sun salutations with the rays of the Himalayan sun on your face will awaken your body as well as your spirit. This rafting trip is at grade II river and is beginner-friendly. This trip focuses on your body, mind and soul's health, wellbeing and awakening.
This is an exclusive tour and our teams only runs it few times in a year. For more information about the trip ( click here ) .
Rafting, Canyoning and Kayaking
Price £ 250, 3 Days
Nepal is considered to be one of the largest source in fresh water relative to the land mass base. You can guess where the waters mostly come from, of course the great Himalayas! The condition is perfect for river based adventures. Rafting and Kayaking in the rivers of Nepal has always been there, but hasn't gained its fair share of attention amongst adventurers as trekking. Maybe we are pushing it but this one is for the adventure thrill seekers.
We have set departures for Rafting, Canyoning and Kayaking everyday, (click here) more infos. Minimum of 2 bookings required.
Bungee jump, Canyoning or rafting
Price £ 210, 2 Days 1 Night
Consider the hills and the hanging bridges of Nepal and its height. All in all, Nepal has the perfect condition for the crazy adventure seekers. Currently there are only 2 bungee sites in Nepal with Last Resort being the 2nd highest in the world. This one is for the one who dares and seeks the thrill of height and jumps. Maybe it is never too late to give it a try.
To inquire about bungee, canyoning or rafting, please email us at namas@namasadventure.com . Minimum of 2 bookings required .
Ready to adventure travel Nepal this year !? Our team is here to answer all your adventure calls, lets talk adventure.
Written by - Bisesh Gurung (Founder)