Annapurna IV Expedition

Annapurna IV ExpeditionAnnapurna IV (7525m) lies in the south of Manang and west to Annapurna II. The peak is relatively easier mountain to climb among all the Annapurna. Earliest expedition teams in the Himalayas had used Annapurna IV to build up their team to ascend other formidable Himalayan peaks. Annapurna IV was first climbed in 1955 by a German expedition led by Heinz Steinmetz, via the North Face and Northwest. The normal route to reach the destination is led forward through Manang. It requires two hours walking from the base camp to reach the bottom of the mountain. A 500m fixed rope climbing on approximately 65-70 degrees steep slope should be attempted to reach camp I. To reach camp II, a fixed rope climbing of approximately 1000m is required along the ridge and a little widespread steep climbing. From Camp II to Camp III, it is relatively easier than the others, since this part consists of zigzag crossing and gradual climbing up. However, a fixed rope climbing of approximately 1300-1500m is required. 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 II..

Trek starts from: Besi Sahar (760m)

End at: Jomsom (2710m)

Climbing Duration: 35 days

Maximum Height: 7525m at summit of Mt. Annapurna IV

Trekking Type: Camping

Grade: Strenuous-Difficult

Best Season: October-December and Feb-May

Himalayan Sights: Annapurna range, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Hiun Chuli etc

Attraction: Close Mountain View, Thakali culture and villages, Manang village and monastery and people behind the Himalayas.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (760m)

Day 2: Trek from Besi Sahar to Ngadi (930m)

Day 3: Trek from Ngadi to Syange (1100m)

Day 4: Trek from Syange to Tal (1700m)

Day 5: Trek from Tal to Chame (2670m)

Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m)

Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Hongde

Day 8: Trek from Hongde to Yak Kharka

Day 9: Trek from Yak Kharka to Annapurna IV Base camp

Day 10-28: Climbing period of Annapurna IV

Day 29: Trek from Base Camp to Manang (3540m)

Day 30: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4090m)

Day 31: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorng Phedi (4450m)

Day 32: Cross Thorong La pass (5416m) and trek to Muktinath (3800m)

Day 33: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2710m)

Day 34: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Day 35: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu