Annapurna

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Annapurna is a tall mountain in north-central Nepal, part of the Annapurna Range in Gandaki Province. It rises to 8,091 meters (26,545 feet), making it the 10th highest mountain in the world. It’s famous for being incredibly difficult and dangerous to climb.

The surrounding area is protected as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s first and largest conservation area. The massif is home to well-known treks like the Annapurna Sanctuary and the Annapurna Circuit.

The name Annapurna comes from the Hindu goddess of nourishment, meaning “everlasting food” or “goddess of nourishment,” a nod to ample food and water in the region below.

First ascent
- The summit was reached on June 3, 1950, by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, via the north face. It was the first eight-thousander to be climbed.

Climbing difficulty and dangers
- The south face is a notorious, nearly vertical 3,000-meter climb and is considered one of the world’s hardest routes.
- Annapurna has long had a high fatality rate among climbers. By 2022, about 365 people had reached the summit, with around 72 deaths on the attempt. The mountain and its surrounding area can also be deadly for trekkers, as shown by deadly storms in the region, such as the 2014 snowstorm nearby.

Notable milestones
- 1970: The south face was climbed by Don Whillans and Dougal Haston without supplemental oxygen.
- 1978: The first U.S. women’s expedition reached the summit, led by Arlene Blum.
- 1987: The first winter ascent was accomplished by Jerzy Kukuczka and Artur Hajzer.
- 2007: The first solo ascent of the south face was achieved by Tomaž Humar.
- 2013: Ueli Steck reportedly soloed routes on the main face in a famous, highly discussed ascent.

Along with K2 and Nanga Parbat, Annapurna remains one of the most talked-about and dangerous peaks in the world, drawing climbers and trekkers to its dramatic presence and scenic surrounding trails.