Annapurna Mountain (Annapurna)
Annapurna is a mountain range in the Himalayas, which includes
the highest peaks – Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, separated by the planet’s deepest valley
– Kali Gandaki. The highest point is Annapurna Main (8091 m), neighboring two other
peaks – Annapurna Central (8010 m) and Annapurna East (8000 m), together making up
one of the 14 eight-thousanders. Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain in the world
and the first conquered by a human.
Annapurna is considered the most dangerous eight-thousander – the mortality rate
among climbers over the years of ascents reaches 32% (as of March 2012). However,
for modern mountaineering, the mountain has become less dangerous, giving way to
Kanchenjunga (8586 m) – according to statistics for 1990 – 2008, the mortality rate
in Annapurna is 19.7% against 22% at Kanchenjunga.
The name Annapurna translates from Sanskrit as “Goddess of Fertility”.
Contents
- Tourism
- Trekking
- Chronology of ascents
to the Annapurna summit - Interesting facts
- Movies about Annapurna
Tourism
The Annapurna mountain range and surrounding areas are part of Annapurna National
Park, which spans a total area of 7629 km². The national park has several hiking
tourist routes (treks), which enjoy global fame.
More than 60% of all mountain tourism enthusiasts visiting Nepal head to the Annapurna
region. This area attracts travellers with its diverse natural landscapes and offers
the opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture and life of the local population.
Trekking
There are three main routes for trekking around Annapurna: Jomsom Trek, Sanctuary
Trek, Circuit Trek. Going on a hiking trip around Annapurna is a rare opportunity
to reach the very heart of the Himalayas and get acquainted with the unique culture
of the local inhabitants – the Gurungs, Tamangs, Thakalis, and Pokhari. Along the
way, one can encounter many beautiful Buddhist monasteries, Hindu shrines, suspension
bridges and gorges. The highlight is the ascent to the Thorung La pass (5416 m),
which offers a stunning view of the main Himalayan ridge. The route typically starts
in ancient Kathmandu, goes through mountain paths and ends in the city of Pokhara.”
The highest peak of which is Annapurna I (8091 m) – the tenth highest eight-thousandth
peak in the world (out of fourteen) and the first one conquered by man (in 1950)
Annapurna Base Camp
The “Annapurna Base Camp” trek lasts about 12 days, starting in Pokhara and ending
in Naya Pul. The best time to go through it is from March to June or from October
to December. Along the way, you can see the following attractions: Annapurna Base
Camp, located in the heart of the Annapurna mountain range. From here, there is a
great view of the peaks of Annapurna, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. It also houses
one of the best observation decks in Nepal – Poon Hill with a panorama of the Annapurna
range during sunset.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
“The Annapurna Circuit Trek” or “The Annapurna Ring” is one of the most popular
hiking routes running along the slopes of the Annapurna mountain range on the territory
of Annapurna National Park. It is distinguished by the picturesque and colorful nature
sights. Its length is 211 km and it takes about 20 days.
You can stop and gather strength at the Thorong La Pass, where there are two tourist
camps – Thorong Pedi and Upper Camp. It starts in the village of Besisahar, part
of the way follows the Marsyangdi river valley. Going through it, it is impossible
not to admire the Annapurna mountain range, the Manaslu, Peri Himal and Damodar Himal
ranges.
Here you can replenish supplies in the large settlements of Dharapani, Chame,
Pisang and Manang. Near the village of Ranipauwa is the temple complex Muktinath.
In Kali-Gandaki Valley, the trek goes through the villages of Jomsom, Marfa, Dana,
Tatopan. At the end of the path, you will climb Mount Poon Hill, which offers a view
of the eight-thousanders Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. And finally, Nayapul, a small
settlement from where you can reach Pokhara by bus. Also, the “Annapurna Circuit”
can be supplemented with a foray to Tilicho Lake, 16 km west of the village of Manang.
Jomsom trek
The Jomsom trek is a hike along the Kali-Gandaki river from Nayapul to Muktinath.
Not a very popular trek, so it’s not crowded.
Other treks
Besides the classic treks to Annapurna Basecamp (Annapurna Sanctuary), Annapurna
Circuit, passing through Thorang La Pass (5416 m), there is a shortened version 40
km long on the route “Birethanti – Ghandrung – Ghorepani – Ulleri – Birethanti”.
It passes through rice fields, villages and wet tropical forests. The best time to
walk the route is mid-to-late November.
Chronology of ascents to the summit of Annapurna
- 1950 – 3rd of June, Annapurna became the first eight-thousander conquered by man.”
“French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal ascended Annapurna I
on a Dutch route. The summit was reached by Vera Komarkova, Irene Miller, and 2 Sherpas.
During the ascent, Vera Watson and Alison Chadwick-Onyszkiewicz died
Federation in the Himalayas. On December 17, V. Bashkirov – leader, V. Shataev, N.
Cherny – from Moscow, A. Minibaev, V. Lobankov – from the Republic of Bashkortostan,
reached the summit via the south wall.”
among them was the Russian mountaineer Sergey Bogomolov, for whom Annapurna became
the thirteenth eight-thousander he has conquered.
the South Face of Annapurna. However, some mountaineers and mountain guides cast
doubt on his climb due to the fact that Ueli could not provide evidence of his presence
on the summit of Annapurna. Two weeks later, a pair of French mountaineers ascended
the same route.
Interesting facts
- The French mountaineers who made the first ascent of Annapurna in 1950 originally
planned to climb Dhaulagiri. However, after a scouting mission, they deemed the mountain
inaccessible and headed to Annapurna. Dhaulagiri was conquered 10 years later – a
Swiss-Austrian team reached the summit on May 13, 1960. - Although Annapurna was the first eight-thousander to be conquered, by that time
it was no longer the record altitude that a person had reached. During an attempt
to climb Everest in 1924, Edward Norton reached an altitude of 8570 m, and George
Mallory and Andrew Irvine – more than 8600 m (as estimated by Noel Odell).” - The Hard Way – Annapurna South Face (1970)
- “The Unconquered Peak” (about Anatoli Boukreev who died on the mountain in an
avalanche), authors Severnyuk A and Tyulkin V., 2002, 40 min. - “Pura vida – The Ridge” (“Real Life”) (a detailed reconstruction of the rescue
operation of Spanish climber Iñaki Ochoa that took place in May 2008), authors Pablo
Iraburu, Migueltxo Molina, 2012, 85 min.
Some researchers believe that Mallory and Irvine perished during their descent from
the summit, and the debate about whether they reached the summit of Everest or not
continues to this day.
The Annapurna mountain range increased in height by approximately 20 centimeters
after the Nepal earthquake on April 25, 2015.
