09/12/2023
Expedition Nepal 2024 - Mount Thorong Peak (6144m) & the Annapurna Circuit
An opportunity to travel in one of the most stunning areas of natural beauty in the World, explore traditional villages and immerse in cultures full of ancient history as we travel along the routes of the pilgrims before us, leading to our ultimate challenge for the mountaineering minded among us, the ascent of the 6144m Mount Thorong by glacier, fixed rope, sheer will and determination.
In November 2024 once you’ve had the chance to soak up the chaos of Kathmandu, the sights and sounds of a capital city briming in history and World Heritage sites, we will set off by private vehicle to the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range, transferring to a 4x4 vehicle as we run out of metaled road until we can travel no further.
Our trek begins after two nights acclimatisation in the village of Manang, the home of the elusive Snow Leopard from where we set out on foot to follow the Annapurna Trail.
Onwards and upwards we walk among giants of the Himalaya with stunning views of the 8000m peaks of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and the entirety of the Nilgiri and Annapurna Himal, heading towards the highest point of the trek, the famed Thorong La pass, standing at 5416m.
For the climbers among the group we leave the established trail as we head to the foot of Mount Thorong where we establish our base camp ready to make our summit bid the following day.
Our climb begins in the early hours as we head out to marvel at the Himalayan night sky, led by our UIAGM mountaineering guide and their team, fixing ropes where required on the two sections of steeper ground. The ascent of Mount Thorong has proven to be a perfectly attainable goal for the regular fit hill walker with winter experience of crampons and ice axe use. Training will be provided for those new to the techniques required to jumar and utilise fixed ropes and as such is the perfect introduction to high altitude Himalayan mountaineering.
After our successful summit we descend via the Thorong La Pass transferring from the Manang culture to that of the Mustang people, the area known as the desert of Nepal and a very different landscape from our previous days, reminiscent of the Steppes of the East. Passing the sacred temple of Muktinath, we will join the pilgrims who have made their journey to this revered holy site of Bhuddists and Hindus the World over, continuing lower through the valley, the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, before traveling by vehicle through the deepest gorge in the World, Kali Gandaki Gorge, stopping overnight at Tatopani where we can soak our weary limbs in the mystical natural hot springs of the village.
The following day sees us transfer to Pokhara, the jewel in the Himalaya, and so called for good reason. The second most populous city in Nepal it couldn’t be more different from Kathmandu with its lakeside location, chilled out vibe, and easy-going days. With two days here it’s a perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and visit some of the stunning attractions such as the International Mountaineering Museum, the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls or just go boating on Phewa Lake.
A short but stunning internal flight from Pokhara offers us a very different view of the giants of the Himalaya we have walked among, delivering us back to Kathmandu in 30 minutes where later that evening we will celebrate our success, our new friendships and our lifetime of memories.
Dates are 1st – 17th November 2024
Cost is £3000 ex Kathmandu including all transfers, domestic flight Pokhara-Kathmandu, guiding, porterage (need only carry a daysack), accommodation in Hotels, Tea Houses and Camp, all meals on trek and all associated expedition, trek and summit fees where required.
Suitable for beginners and seasoned alpinists alike, a full expedition dossier is available on request -
craig@venture-medical.com
