Mountaineering Course in the Annapurna Region: Learn Alpine Skills in Nepal
Develop essential alpine climbing skills in Nepal’s Annapurna region during this 18-day mountaineering course led by IFMGA-certified guide Tulsi. Train on rock, snow, and ice before attempting the 5,775 m summit of Kangla Peak.
Himalaya
18 Days
Jun - Aug
High
Beginner
Highlights
- Experience the unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture of the Manang Valley while training in one of Nepal’s most spectacular high-altitude mountain environments.
- Learn essential alpine techniques while living in real expedition conditions above 5,000 m.
- Summit Kangla Peak (5,775 m) after completing a progressive Himalayan mountaineering course.
Description
The Annapurna region offers one of the best environments in Nepal to learn mountaineering in real Himalayan terrain. This 18-day mountaineering course combines technical alpine instruction, high-altitude trekking, glacier training, and a summit attempt of Kangla Peak (5,775 m), creating an ideal progression for aspiring climbers looking to build confidence in the mountains.
Led by IFMGA-certified guide Tulsi and an experienced Nepali mountain team, the program is designed for beginners and intermediate adventurers who want hands-on experience in rock climbing, glacier travel, rope systems, crampon techniques, ice climbing, and high-altitude expedition living. The training takes place around the Kangla Glacier in the Annapurna region, where stable summer conditions and dry Himalayan terrain create excellent learning opportunities.
The course begins in Kathmandu before traveling deep into the Manang Valley. After acclimatizing in traditional Buddhist villages, you will progressively move into alpine terrain, where practical training sessions focus on ropework, self-arrest, crevasse safety, fixed lines, anchor building, and glacier movement. Participants live in expedition-style camps and gain real mountain experience while surrounded by spectacular Himalayan landscapes.
The culmination of the course is the ascent of Kangla Peak, a beautiful trekking peak that allows climbers to apply the technical and expedition skills learned throughout the program. According to Tulsi and the Himalaya Summit Club team, this course is intended as a foundation for future climbing objectives in the Alps, Andes, Patagonia, and the greater Himalaya.
If you are looking to transition from trekking into mountaineering, or prepare for bigger alpine objectives in the future, this Himalayan training expedition is an outstanding next step. Send a request to join this mountaineering course in Nepal and begin building your alpine climbing skills in one of the world’s most iconic mountain regions.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- All meals during trip
- Group equipment
Price details
- ✅What’s Included
- Airport transfers
- 3 hotel nights in Kathmandu (shared accommodation)
- Full board during trekking and training days
- Transportation according to itinerary
- IFMGA/UIAGMcertified guide and assistant staff
- Porters
- Climbing permits and peak fees
- Emergency medical equipment including oxygen and Gamow bag
- Group climbing equipment
- Base camp tents, dining tents, and toilet tents
- ❌What’s Not Included
- Nepal visa
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses
- Charging fees, showers, snacks, drinks
- Tips for guides and staff
- Personal technical climbing equipment
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, where the Himalaya Summit Club team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel.
Accommodation: Tibet Boutique Hotel, Thamel Location: Kathmandu Altitude: 1,430 m
Day 2: Orientation & Gear Check
Meet the guide team for a complete course orientation and equipment inspection. This day is dedicated to preparing for the expedition and ensuring every participant has the appropriate technical gear for the training ahead.
Activities include:
- Equipment inspection
- Meeting guides and expedition staff
- Purchasing or renting missing gear in Kathmandu
Accommodation: Tibet Boutique Hotel, Thamel Location: Kathmandu Altitude: 1,430 m Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar
Depart Kathmandu early and drive toward the Annapurna region. The journey follows winding mountain roads through rural Nepal before switching to an off-road jeep track toward Chame.
Drive details:
- Kathmandu → Besisahar: 175 km, approximately 6-7 hours
- Besisahar → Chame: 70 km, approximately 4 hours by jeep
Accommodation: Tea House Location: Chame Altitude: 2,600 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Ngawal Village
A shorter drive allows for gradual acclimatization as you enter the upper Manang Valley and the Tibetan-influenced landscapes of the Annapurna region.
Training activities include:
- Map reading and navigation basics
- Backpacking and load management techniques
- Introduction to high-altitude awareness
Accommodation: Tea House Location: Ngawal Village Altitude: 3,650 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Ngawal Village
A key acclimatization day with a hike to a viewpoint around 4,800 m. The day also introduces foundational ropework skills.
Activities include:
- Acclimatization hike
- Rope handling and knot practice
Accommodation: Tea House Location: Ngawal Village Altitude: 3,650 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,460 m)
Trek higher into alpine terrain toward Yak Kharka. Upon arrival, participants establish camp and begin learning expedition camp organization.
Activities include:
- Tent setup
- Camp management techniques
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Yak Kharka Altitude: 4,460 m Duration: 4-5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne
Day 7: Rock Craft Training at Yak Kharka
A full technical training day focused on movement and safety systems on rock terrain at altitude.
Training includes:
- Jumaring and self-rescue techniques
- Rappelling
- Anchor building
- High-altitude rock climbing skills
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Yak Kharka Altitude: 4,460 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Trek to Kangla Glacier Base Camp
Move into glacier terrain and establish the main expedition camp at Kangla Glacier Base Camp.
Activities include:
- Glacier camp establishment
- Tent setup in alpine conditions
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Kangla Glacier Base Camp Altitude: 5,120 m Duration: 6-7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Puja Ceremony & Introductory Glacier Training
The expedition begins with a traditional Himalayan puja ceremony for safety and blessing before technical glacier instruction starts.
Training includes:
- Mountaineering equipment familiarization
- Movement on rocky terrain with alpine boots
- Scrambling techniques
- Basic snow walking techniques
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Kangla Glacier Base Camp Altitude: 5,120 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 to 12: Glacier Training at Kangla Glacier
Three intensive days of practical mountaineering instruction in real glacier terrain.
Training includes:
- Cramponing techniques
- Ice and snow anchor systems
- Belay techniques
- Ice climbing
- Crevasse rescue
- Snow shelter construction
- High-altitude camp management
- Snow and avalanche awareness
- Avalanche safety drills (ARVA, probe, and shovel use)
- Mountain terminology and expedition communication
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Kangla Glacier Base Camp Altitude: 5,120 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Rest Day & Summit Planning
A lighter day focused on recovery and preparing for the summit push.
Activities include:
- Weather assessment and summit strategy briefing
- Improvised harness techniques
- Rescue stretcher systems
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Kangla Glacier Base Camp Altitude: 5,120 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Kangla Peak Summit (5,775 m)
Summit day on Kangla Peak. Participants apply the technical skills learned throughout the course in real alpine terrain under guide supervision.
During the ascent, training applications include:
- Anchor practice
- Long-rope and short-rope techniques
- Scenario-based mountain decision making
After the summit attempt, return to base camp.
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Kangla Glacier Base Camp Altitude: 5,120 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Contingency Day / Ice Climbing
Extra day reserved for weather contingency or additional ice climbing and technical instruction depending on mountain conditions.
Accommodation: Tent Camp Location: Kangla Glacier Base Camp Altitude: 5,120 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Trek Back to Ngawal Village
Descend from the glacier environment back into the Manang Valley.
Accommodation: Tea House Location: Ngawal Village Altitude: 3,650 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu and enjoy a final evening with the team.
Accommodation: Tibet Boutique Hotel, Thamel Location: Kathmandu Altitude: 1,450 m Meals: Dinner
Day 18: Final Departure
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight.
A Himalaya Summit Club representative will arrange airport transportation.
Thank you and hopefully see you on your next mountain adventure.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the trip is a combination of comfortable hotels in Kathmandu, traditional tea houses in the Annapurna region, and fully equipped expedition-style tent camps during the glacier training and climbing phase.
More info
This course is designed primarily for beginner mountaineers, and no previous technical climbing experience is required. However, participants should have:
- Good physical fitness and endurance
- Prior trekking experience at altitude recommended
- Ability to hike for multiple consecutive days carrying a backpack
- Strong motivation to learn technical mountain skills
- Comfort in cold and exposed mountain environments
This trip is suitable for trekkers looking to transition into alpine climbing and mountaineering.
Equipment you will need to bring
Technical Equipment
- UIAA-certified climbing helmet
- Alpine harness
- Mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Ice climbing tools (recommended for technical sections)
- 4 locking HMS carabiners
- Ascenders (jumars)
- Belay device
- 3 m dynamic rope (8-9 mm)
- 5 m prusik cord (7 mm)
- 1-2 ice screws
- 120 cm sling or equivalent anchor cord
Clothing
- Base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof shell jacket and pants
- Down jacket
- Mountaineering gloves
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Glacier sunglasses
- Trekking socks
Other Essentials
- Sleeping bag suitable for high altitude
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Personal first aid kit
- Sunscreen and lip protection
FAQs
Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
No. This course is designed for beginners, although prior trekking experience and good fitness are recommended.
What peak will we climb?
The course culminates with an ascent of Kangla Peak (5,775 m).
Is this course suitable preparation for bigger expeditions?
Yes. The program is designed to build foundational alpine skills applicable to expeditions in the Himalaya, Alps, Andes, and Patagonia.
Will we sleep in tents?
Yes. During the glacier training phase and summit section, accommodation is expedition-style camping.
What technical skills will I learn?
Participants learn ropework, glacier travel, crampon techniques, fixed line ascension, self-arrest, anchor systems, and basic rescue techniques.
Why is this trip offered in summer? Isn't summer monsoon season in Nepal?
Unlike many regions of Nepal affected by heavy monsoon conditions, the Kangla Glacier area in the Annapurna region benefits from a relatively dry climate and stable glacier terrain during summer. This makes it one of Nepal’s best environments for alpine training, glacier travel, and technical mountaineering instruction.
Who is this trip for?
This mountaineering course is designed for trekkers, aspiring alpinists, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to develop technical climbing skills in a real Himalayan environment. It is ideal for beginners with good fitness levels, as well as climbers preparing for future objectives in the Alps, Andes, Patagonia, or higher Himalayan peaks.
Why is this trip unique from a cultural perspective?
Beyond the technical mountaineering training, this expedition offers deep cultural immersion in the Manang Valley, one of Nepal’s most distinctive Himalayan regions. Participants travel through ancient Tibetan-Buddhist villages, experience traditional mountain lifestyles, witness local spiritual practices such as the puja ceremony, and explore dramatic high-desert landscapes rarely found elsewhere in Nepal. The combination of alpine education and authentic Himalayan culture makes this journey far more than a standard climbing course.
About the guide
Tul Singh & Guides' Team
5.0
(3)
Mountain Guide
Hello and namaste! My name is Tul Singh (Tulsi). I'm originally from the western part of Nepal and grew up near the Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world (8156m). I am an avid mountaineer who works as both a mountain guide and instructor on mountaineering, rock climbing and ice climbing courses.
My first summit was on the Nagamari (6547m), a remote peak here in Nepal. Since then, I have reached the summit of Mount Everest twice, the summit of Cho Oyo (8201m) once and climbed to the top of Ama Dablam (6812m) five times. In addition to climbing mountains here in Nepal, I have also climbed some important peaks in Europe, the United States and elsewhere in Asia throughout my career. Some of the highlights include Mont Blanc, Mount Elbrus, Mount Rainier, and the lesser known Mount Sudarshan Parbat (6540m) in India.
I am an active member of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association (NMIA) and the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA). Additionally, I work as a mountain rescuer and have had the privilege of participating in many successful rescue missions over the years.
Languages
Nepali | English
Certificates
NNMGA | IFMGA
What people are saying about Tul Singh & Guides' Team
Keira
Gerhard
Was an excellent experience. Gelje was an excellent guide. Very accommodating and extremely supportive. So was Gurung Tulsi. Though I did not make it to the summit this was an outstanding trip. The whole area is breathtaking with its sceneries.
Federico
Tulsi is an incredibly experienced guide with an amazing team. The logistics are carefully planned and the team really demonstrated their professionalism throughout the whole trip. Everything was always conducted with safety in mind. The locations we travelled through are also stunning. The course is very comprehensive and will cover everything you need to acquire those foundational skills for mountaineering. The technical skills I learnt will prove invaluable in the coming years when I'll explore the glaciers in the alps. Tulsi is also very open to share general knowledge beyond the main topics covered in the course. Thanks to Tulsi and the team for this amazing experience and a successful summit!
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