Annapurna (mountain range)

The Annapurna massif is a range in central Nepal that forms part of the Himalaya and includes multiple peaks over 7,000 and 8,000 metres. Its highest summit, Annapurna I, reaches 8,091 metres and is one of the planet’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres.

The area is famous for trekking routes of varying length and difficulty, most notably the Annapurna Circuit and the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp lies at roughly 4,130 metres and is a common multi-day trek endpoint offering close views of the massif.

Annapurna I was first successfully climbed in 1950 by a French expedition, an event notable in mountaineering history. Since then the massif has been the site of many climbing and trekking routes and associated infrastructure for guiding and permitting.

Geographically the Annapurna range sits in Gandaki Pradesh of west-central Nepal, north of the city of Pokhara. Trailheads and access routes from Pokhara are the main gateway for treks into the Annapurna region.

• Historic first ascent: Annapurna I was the first 8,000-metre peak to be climbed, reached in 1950 by a French expedition.

What to See #

• Annapurna I (8,091 m): Annapurna I, the highest peak of the massif, reaching 8,091 metres and notable as one of the world's 14 eight-thousanders.
• Annapurna Base Camp (approx. 4,130 m): Annapurna Base Camp, a high-elevation trekking destination at roughly 4,130 metres that is the endpoint for the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek.
• Annapurna Circuit: The Annapurna Circuit, a long-distance trekking route that circumnavigates the massif and crosses high passes, used by trek operators and independent hikers.