Annapurna I, the world's tenth tallest peak, majestically towers at a remarkable height of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet). Nestled within the Annapurna massif in north-central Nepal's Gandaki Province, the mountain gets its name from Annapurna, the Hindu goddess of sustenance who is believed to dwell there. The term "Annapurna" has its roots in Sanskrit—where "purna" signifies filled and "anna" denotes food.
The Annapurna massif, home to Annapurna I, is bordered by the Kali Gandaki Gorge towards the west, Marshyangdi River in the north and east, and Pokhara Valley to the south. At its western end lies a lofty basin called the Annapurna Sanctuary. This massif stretches for 55 kilometers and boasts numerous peaks above 7,000 meters.
Notoriously known as one of the most perilous mountains for climbers, Annapurna I was first successfully scaled by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal—a duo from a French expedition—on June 3, 1950. Consequently, it became the first of the eight-thousanders to be conquered.
Situated on the boundary of Myagdi and Kaski districts in Nepal's Gandaki province, it stands 6.1 km from Singu Chuli towards west-northwest while Khangsar Khang West is east-northeast at 4.0 km and Varaha Shikhar lies south-southwest at 2.7 km from Annapurna I.
The trek to reach Annapurna I involves following a path that goes through Pokhara-Beni-Lete-Thulobugin-MirstiKhola-BC/Gandrung-Annapurna BC. The total distance covered through Birethanti is 35.4KM and through Beni it is 47.1KM. Climbing route length is 9.5KM via Birethanti, and 7.7KM through Beni. The entire expedition typically takes about 50 days.
For climbers, Annapurna I is accessible with a royalty fee—Nepalese citizens pay NRs 10,000 in Spring, NRs 5,000 in Autumn, and NRs 2,500 during Winter/Summer while foreigners are charged USD 1,800 in Spring, USD 900 in Autumn, and USD 450 during Winter/Summer.
Annapurna I transcends its status as a mountain; it embodies human tenacity and the enthralling magnificence of nature. Its awe-inspiring landscape and challenging conditions continue to captivate mountaineers worldwide, cementing its reputation as an emblem of adventure and natural splendor.