About Mount Annapurna

In the Gandaki province of Nepal, within the Annapurna ranges lies the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna (8,091 m). It is one of the most popular and dangerous peak climbing mountains globally. Till 2011, Annapurna I had the highest death rate of 32%. However, it got declined to 20% in recent years from 2012 to 2022. The unpredictable weather conditions, avalanches and challenging trails. 

Mount Annapurna is named after the Hindu deity Annapurna (the goddess of food and nourishment). Legend says the goddess lived here along with her father, King Hamavat. The melted water from the mountain and glaciers helps lower region people in agriculture and drinking water. 

Facts About Mount Annapurna 

• Annapurna I is part of the vast Annapurna mountain ranges, including 13 above 7,000 m high mountain peaks. 
• To the west of the Annapurna lies the Kali Gandaki gorge – one of the deepest worldwide.
• At the western end of Annapurna massif lies the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is the vast glacial land at over 4,000 m – Nepal’s largest conservative region. 
• Geologists found out the top of Mt. Annapurna is composed of limestones, which makes them believe the mountain emerged from the ocean’s bottom millions of years ago. 
• After Mt K2 and Naga Parvat, Mt. Annapurna has the most death fatality rates and the third most life-threatening peaks worldwide. 
• Since the Annapurna region covers a large area, it offers a wide range of popular trekking routes. That includes ABC trek, Ghorepani Poonhill trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and many more. 
• During summer and spring, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the busiest trek in Nepal, alongside Everest Base Camp Trek. 
• Annapurna region is home to some of the high-elevation lakes of Nepal, Tilicho lake, Khayar lake, and Sikles lake. 
• Annapurna region is a land of many isolated and traditional ethnic villages. Some of them still follow old traditions, customs and lifestyles. 
• Ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries built with stones, woods and sandstones hundreds of years ago reside in the Annapurna region. 
•  Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal were the first french mountaineer to climb Annapurna I, and it was the first expedition to climb above 8,000 m summits. 

Popular Treks in Annapurna Region

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Also known by ABC Trek or Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. This classic trek is the most popular trekking package alongside Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. This trek follows the trails that pass through rice fields, beautiful terraces, culturally-rich villages, bamboo forests, glacier-melted rivers and streams, hot springs, rhododendron forest, unique varieties of flora and faunas, and finally reaching Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp offers broad mesmerizing views of giant mountain peaks of Annapurna I, II, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and many others. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek

It is a long adventurous trek that encircles the Annapurna massif and is ranked number 1 as the World’s Best Trek. The trek starts from the lowest elevation of 1300 m( Jagat) to the highest point, at 5416 m (Thorong La Pass). This trek is a complete package that offers a close-up view of the apex snow-capped mountains. Such as Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Pisang, Fishtail, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak and many lower mountain peaks. Moreover, the scenery and weather change from tropical to arctic as elevation increases. The trails also pass through traditional ethnic villages of lower elevations to more remote and isolated settlements at higher altitudes. 

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

It is one of the most popular short treks among tourists domestically and internationally. The Ghorepani trek is a perfect choice for those who want relaxation, refreshment and adventure in a short time. This trek not only offers beautiful scenic trails embellished with bright greenery farms, colourful rhododendron forests, waterfalls that lead to culturally rich villages of Tadapani, Ghandruk and Ghorepani and Poonhill viewpoints. But also an opportunity to explore Annapurna Sanctuary and memorable sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna massif. Spring, Summer and Autumn is the best season to do the Ghorepani Poonhill trek as the weather is comfortable, clear and bright. However, trekking in winter is possible too if you want less crowded, peaceful trails, but the weather can be chilling and sometimes foggy. 

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang, also known as the Kingdom of Lo, is a restricted Kingdom in the Annapurna region. It is one of the most reserved regions in the world. Thus, trekking to Upper Mustang requires special permits. Nevertheless, it is a moderate trek that takes to the Kingdom behind mountains isolated and rich in Tibetan-Buddhist culture. In this region, one can explore ancient artificial and natural caves made into the rocky sandstone hills used by Buddhist monks to meditate. From here, the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges surround you from all directions, which offers breathtaking views. 

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the recent trekking routes opened in 2011 AD in the Annapurna region. It takes you to the base of Mardi Himal (5,587 m) and Fishtail (6,993 m). From this trek, one can expect trails which are pristine, refreshing, vibrant sub-tropical and rhododendron forest, ethnic Gurung and Magar villages, mesmerizing sunrise and sunset over Himalayan ranges and close scenic views of Annapurna ranges. 

Khopra Danda Trek

Khopra Ridge Trek or Khopra Danda trek is the latest trekking route opened in the Annapurna region. It is perfect trekking for families as trails are comfortable and well-constructed. It is an excellent choice for those who want peaceful and less crowded trails as an alternative to Ghorepani Poonhill. From this trek, one can expect breathtaking visuals of long chains of tall mountains, beautiful traditional villages of Gurungs, Brahmins, Magars and Chhetris, heart-melting sunrise and sunsets over the vast Annapurna ranges and refreshing scenic natural surroundings. The ultimate attraction of this trek is the beautiful greenish glacier lake situated at 4,500 m in height. It is a picturesque emerald lake on the foothills of Annapurna south and a holy lake with ancient religious values. 

Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek

Annapurna region offers a wide range of trekking routes. Among them, Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trekking is brand new. It is an excellent option for those who prefer uncrowded, peaceful and unspoiled trails. The trek routes pass through mesmerizing, visually rich trails, villages, resting spots, and forests filled with floras and faunas. From the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, one can view Machhapuchhre (Fishtail- 6,993 m) standing right before you. Besides that, from the base camp, one can view other summits like Gangapurna, Himchuli and many others.