Annapurna Mountain

Nature has amazingly gifted the Annapurna Mountain. Perhaps, it may be impossible to explain only the ultimate climbers could experience the reality of these ever shining mountain. The Sanskrit word Anna which means food and Purna which stands for filled also offers the meaning of everlasting food. In addition, it is the Goddess of food according to Hindu mythology.

Annapurna Massif is in Gandaki Zone of Nepal. These peaks are very closer to Annapurna Sanctuary and near to Pokhara city. The highest peak is Annapurna I which is 8091 m from the sea level. Many mountains are located around this area. There are 13 peaks with over 7000 meters and 16 peaks having over 6000 meters.

The Annapurna mountain range has linked with Kali Gandaki Gorge in the west whereas on the north and east with the Marshyangdi river and south has connected with Pokhara Valley. The Annapurna I (8090 m) is the 10th highest peak in the world.

In 1950, the French peak climber who did his first expedition with the team on Annapurna I. His name was Maurice Herzog able to make his Fresh expedition summit successful ever.

This entire massif has the protection with 7629 square kilometers under Annapurna Conservation Area and this is the largest conservation area in Nepal. This conservation area is a destination for thousands of trekkers in the world including Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary, Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek.

In 2012, Mingma Sherpa with his 12 members did the successful summit of Annapurna I. However, two climbers Samuli Mansikka of Finland and Pemba Sherpa of Nepal could not sustain and finally lost their lives while ascending after the summit. Around 43 trekkers died just because of snowstorms and avalanches around Annapurna area in October 2014. This was the worst trekking disaster ever.

Overall, climbing to Annapurna mountains require special training and local support of Sherpa gear along with a great immunity of body and courage.