Annapurna

Annapurna is a massif in the Himalayas of north-central Nepal. The range is dominated by Annapurna I, the highest peak at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet), and includes several other major summits such as Annapurna II, III and IV. The Annapurna massif lies within the Annapurna region of Gandaki Province and is part of the greater Himalayan system. The area is known for dramatic relief, with steep faces rising above deep valleys and extensive glaciation.

Annapurna is named after the Hindu goddess Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment. The first ascent of Annapurna I was achieved in 1950 by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, making it one of the early eight-thousanders to be climbed. The peaks in the massif are renowned for their technical difficulty and hazards, and climbing remains a serious undertaking.

The region is also celebrated for trekking and mountaineering routes. The Annapurna Circuit circumnavigates the massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass at about 5,416 meters and traversing a range of landscapes from lush valleys to high alpine terrain. The route passes through districts such as Manang and Mustang before ending in Pokhara, attracting trekkers from around the world.

Conservation and land management are central to the area. The Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area at roughly 7,629 square kilometers, was established to preserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable tourism and the livelihoods of local communities. The region supports a variety of ecosystems and species adapted to its altitudinal range, from subtropical valleys to high-altitude meadows.