--- title: Annapurna South Expedition url: https://creativeadventurenepal.com/expedition/annapurna-south-expedition updated: 2026-10-16T06:10:18.699Z --- # Annapurna South Expedition - Type: Expedition - Region: Annapurna Sanctuary & Circuit, Nepal - Duration: 35 days / 34 nights - Price: From USD 11,170 per person · 1 people: USD 13,300 per person · 2–3 people: USD 12,500 per person · 4–9 people: USD 11,700 per person · 10–50 people: USD 11,170 per person - Difficulty: Extreme - Best months: April, May, September, October - Group size: 2–15 people - Starts: Kathmandu · Ends: Kathmandu - Accommodation: Tented camp and lodge - Meals: Included - Dates: private trip on your own dates — ask for group departures - Book online: https://creativeadventurenepal.com/book/annapurna-south-expedition The Annapurna massif features one mountain higher than 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), thirteen summits higher than 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), and sixteen higher than 6,000 meters (20,000 ft). The massif is 55 kilometers (34 miles) long and is flanked on the west by the Kali Gandaki Gorge, on the north and east by the Marshyangdi River, and on the south by the Pokhara Valley. Annapurna I is the tenth highest peak globally, rising 8091 meters above sea level. It was the first 8000-meter peak to be scaled. On 3 June 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal of a French expedition commanded by Herzog reached the summit. They decided to climb Annapurna when descending Dhaulagiri got too harsh. They ultimately made their way to the north face of Annapurna 1 via Miristi Khola. Annapurna has had less successful ascents than any other 8000 m summit. Our journey is an expedition to Annapurna South, a beautiful peak located north of Pokhara in the heart of the Annapurna Himalayan Ranges. Annapurna South rises amazingly as part of a massive ridge that creates a great wall with Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), and Gangapurna (7455m). The holy mountain Machhapuchre (Fish-Tail) 6997m is another significant peak in the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Climbers may expect to see Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, the Annapurna range, and Machapuchre. The approach of Annapurna South is demanding and technically challenging, including steep sections on the summit ridge and traversing steep and treacherous slopes below the summit. As a result, anybody seeking to summit Annapurna South should have prior experience with difficult peak climbing and a high level of physical fitness. ## Highlights - Trekking: 120 km - Stay: 22 nights in tents, the rest in lodges - Mountains visible: Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli - Altitude gain: 1,940–4,800 m (6,365–15,748 ft) - Destinations: Ghandruk, Chhomrung, Bamboo, Leaving Bamboo, Machhapuchre Base Camp - Activities: Glacier travel and rope work, Acclimatisation rotations, Camp life with a Sherpa team ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. 2,000 m A Creative Adventure Nepal representative will meet you at Tribhuwan International Airport on your arrival. They will help you check into the hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. ### Day 2: Sightseeing at Kathmandu & Climbing Preparations. 2,000 m We spend most of the day touring some of Kathmandu's world heritage sites. We will also finish all necessary paperwork and prepare for the Annapurna South Expedition. ### Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 2,000 m After breakfast, we'll take a five- to six-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Our route follows scenic hilly roads. When you arrive in Pokhara, we will transfer you to your hotel. ### Day 4: Drive to Nayapul and start trek to Ghandruk (2000 m) 2,000 m We take a short drive to Nayapul, where our trek begins. From Nayapul, we start our trek through rhododendrons and oaks forest towards Ghandruk, a Gurung community village. We can visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. Finally, we will stay the night in Ghandruk. ### Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrung (2040 m) 2,040 m After breakfast, we leave Ghandruk and take a popular trail through Kot Danda and Kimrong. A steady ascent will take us to Taulung, from where we will ascend a long and steep stoned staircase to Chhomrong. Chhomrung is a Gurung village and the valley's highest permanent settlement, with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. Our day comes to an end with an overnight stay in Chhomrung. ### Day 6: Trek from Chhomrung to Bamboo (2335 m) 2,335 m From Chhomrung, we take the trail that descends and crosses the Chhomrung river on a suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, our trail gradually climbs through rhododendron-filled trees and heads towards Sinuwa. We hike till Bamboo, which has tea houses. ### Day 7: Leaving Bamboo 2,335 m After breakfast, we leave Bamboo and follow the track covered by tree roots. Our trail descends steeply down the rocky ledges. We continue on the path to Doban, which snakes through dense bamboo and rhododendron woodland. The woodland grows more magnificent, with giant rhododendrons draped in Spanish moss and orchid pockets. ### Day 8: Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700 m) 3,700 m After leaving Doban, our trail ascends through dense woodland to Hinku Cave, an enormous overhanging rock. Our journey to Deurali continues as we follow the slightly climbing track. The valley widens soon after, and a magnificent birch woodland occupies the far banks. The Sanctuary's 'portal,' marked by two prominent granite pillars, leads out to large grassy slopes and a succession of tea houses at Machhapuchre Base Camp. It's a good idea to take some time to relax and take in the scenery of Machhapuchre, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South. ### Day 9: Trek from Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna South Base Camp (4800 m) 4,800 m After breakfast at Machhapuchre Base Camp, we take the trail to the west of MBC, climbing a grassy moraine. Several paths wind their way up to Annapurna South Base Camp. As we progress towards base camp, we better understand the Sanctuary while taking in the spectacular views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiun Chuli, Machhapuchre, and other nearby snow-capped peaks. ### Day 10: Trek away from Base camp 4,800 m After successfully summiting Annapurna South, we pack our belongings and prepare for the return trek. We leave the base camp and return on the same trail that leads down to Machhapuchre Base Camp. We continue our trek as we leave the alpine vegetation and enter the subtropical vegetation, dropping down through Deurali and then trekking for a short distance to Doban for the night. ### Day 11: Trek to Chhomrung 4,800 m We pass through Bamboo's few tea houses before heading to Sinuwa. Then, we descend steeply to cross a bridge over Chhomrung Khola. Later on, we cross the suspension bridge and begin climbing a long stoned staircase to Chhomrung. ### Day 12: Trek from Chhomrung to Syauli Bazaar (1940 m) 1,940 m After breakfast, we leave Chhomrung and follow the trail that gradually descends through dense forest. Our journey continues until we arrive at Syauli Bazaar for the night. ### Day 13: Trek from Syauli Bazaar to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara 1,940 m The final day of our trek begins at Syauli Bazaar and takes us through densely forested areas and terraced farmlands to Nayapul. We ride back to Pokhara from Nayapul. When we arrive in Pokhara, we will assist you in checking in to your hotel. ### Day 14: Drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. 1,940 m After breakfast, we leave Pokhara and take a drive back to Kathmandu. ### Day 15: Leisure day at Kathmandu 1,940 m You can visit any remaining tourist attractions in Kathmandu. Also, you can stroll and go shopping in Thamel. ### Day 16: Transfer to International Airport for Departure. 1,940 m Our Airport Representative will drop you at the International Airport. ## Cost includes - Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle - Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Climbing permits and government royalties - Experienced climbing Sherpa and base camp staff - Full-board meals during the expedition - Tents, kitchen and group climbing equipment - Yak and porter transport of equipment to base camp - Communication and first-aid kit ## Cost excludes - Personal climbing gear and supplementary summit oxygen unless listed - Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Helicopter evacuation costs - International flights and visa fees - Travel and rescue insurance - Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls - Tips for guides, drivers and staff - Meals not mentioned in the program - Any costs caused by weather, strikes or other events beyond our control ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need previous trekking experience? Not for most treks. Good general fitness is enough for routes like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. Each trip page shows its difficulty and maximum altitude; our team will tell you honestly which trips suit you. ### Which permits do I need, and do you arrange them? Most treks need a national park or conservation area permit, and some regions need a restricted area permit. We arrange the permits listed in each trip’s “Cost includes”. ### What is the best time to trek in Nepal? Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the clearest mountain views. Each trip page lists its best months. ### Is travel insurance required? Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking at the trip’s maximum altitude, including helicopter evacuation. ### Can I change the itinerary or book a private trip? Yes. Every trip can be run privately or adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — ask for a quote.