When we talk about the Himalayas, some mountains feel like legends. Annapurna is one of them. Not just because it’s beautiful or dangerous, but because it became the first 8,000-metre peak humans ever climbed. And honestly, the story behind that first ascent feels like a mix of courage, luck, pain and pure human stubbornness.
What Is Annapurna, Really?
Annapurna isn’t just one peak. it’s a whole massif in north-central Nepal.
The tallest one, Annapurna I (8,091 m), is the 10th highest mountain in the world.
The name comes from Sanskrit:
“Annapurna” = “the one who gives food, who nourishes.”
Pretty poetic for a mountain known to be one of the most dangerous in the Himalayas.
It stands close to the Kali Gandaki Gorge and sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.A place full of culture, trekking trails and dramatic landscapes.
Why Annapurna Matters
Two reasons make this mountain unforgettable:
1. First 8,000-Metre Peak Ever Climbed
No one had ever stood on a peak higher than 8,000 metres until 1950.
Annapurna was the first.
2. A Reputation for Real Danger
Avalanches, unstable snow, and unpredictable weather make Annapurna one of the deadliest 8,000ers even today.
This combination of historic achievement and extreme risk is the reason that Annapurna has such a powerful presence in mountaineering history.
The First Ascent: 3 June 1950
This is where things get intense.
The Team
A French expedition led by Maurice Herzog, with climbers like Louis Lachenal, Lionel Terray, Gaston Rébuffat, and others. Some of the strongest alpinists of that generation.
The Goal
They originally wanted to climb Dhaulagiri.
But after exploring the region, they realised Annapurna offered a better chance even though no maps existed, no real route was known, and time was running out before the monsoon.
The Climb
On 3 June 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal pushed for the summit without oxygen.
The weather was brutal, visibility low, the cold unforgiving but they made it.
They stood on the summit of Annapurna I, becoming the first humans to reach the top of an 8,000-metre peak. A moment that changed mountaineering forever.
The Harsh Descent
Reaching the summit was the “victory moment,” but the real story began on the way down.
- Frostbite hit them hard.
- Snow blindness, exhaustion and freezing winds slowed every step.
- Their teammates had to fight to get them down alive.
Herzog lost fingers. Lachenal lost toes. The price was terrifyingly high — and this is what makes the story feel so human. Triumph and suffering, all mixed together.
Herzog later wrote the famous book “Annapurna”, which became a post-war bestseller. Lachenal’s own writings (released later) revealed a raw, honest picture of the cost behind the glory.
What This Ascent Meant for the World
The 1950 Annapurna ascent wasn’t just a climbing achievement — it shifted global imagination.
- It proved the 8,000-metre frontier was possible.
- It gave France a heroic post-war achievement.
- It opened a new era of Himalayan exploration.
- And it raised deep questions about risk, leadership and how far someone should push themselves for glory.
Even today, mountaineers debate the decisions made during the climb which keeps the story alive and fascinating.
Annapurna Today
Since 1950, Annapurna has seen many expeditions some successful, some tragic.
It remains one of the toughest 8,000ers, with a high fatality rate due to avalanches.
Yet the region has also become a global trekking hotspot the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp trek, and countless villages and communities that make the region culturally rich and welcoming.
Why This Story Still Inspires Us
Because it reminds us of something simple:
Great achievements often come with great risks.
And the Himalayas don’t give anything easily.
Annapurna’s first ascent is a symbol of bravery, ambition, and the unpredictable power of nature. It’s a reminder that the mountains shape us — not the other way around.
Landscapes and Cultures on the Annapurna Circuit
One of the biggest attractions of this trek is the variety of landscapes:
- Lowlands (Besisahar, 760 m): Rice paddies, waterfalls, subtropical forests.
- Mid-Hills (2,000–3,000 m): Pine forests, rivers, terraced farms.
- High Altitudes (Manang, 3,540 m): Glacial valleys, yak pastures, rugged terrain.
- Thorong La (5,416 m): Snow-covered, rocky, and breathtakingly remote.
- Mustang & Kali Gandaki Valley: Tibetan-style deserts, apple orchards, and monasteries.
Communities Along the Way
- Gurung & Magar people in the lowlands.
- Thakali in Mustang, known for food and hospitality.
- Manangi & Tibetan Buddhist communities in higher regions.
This mix of ethnic groups, languages, festivals, and traditions makes Annapurna a cultural journey as much as an adventure trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Is It Hard?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging.
- Biggest Challenge: Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
- Difficulty Level:
- Easier than technical climbs, but harder than shorter treks like Ghorepani–Poon Hill.
- Comparable to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) in terms of altitude, though Annapurna offers more gradual acclimatization.
- Easier than technical climbs, but harder than shorter treks like Ghorepani–Poon Hill.
- For Beginners & Families: Shorter sections (e.g., Jomsom–Muktinath or Poon Hill Trek) are beginner-friendly.
- For Experienced Trekkers: The full circuit (16–21 days) is an adventure of a lifetime.
Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendron blooms, mild temperatures, good views.
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, stable weather, peak season.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Harsh cold, snow-blocked passes — not recommended.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Muddy trails, leeches, landslides — but green scenery.
Duration
- Full Circuit: 16–21 days.
- Shortened Version: 12–14 days (starting in Chame or ending in Jomsom).
- Mini Treks: 3–7 days (Poon Hill, Jomsom–Muktinath).
Acclimatization Stops
- Manang (3,540 m): Essential acclimatization stop.
- Optional: Pisang or Braga for extra rest days.
Permits, Costs & Accommodation
- Permits Required:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 (≈ €20).
- TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 (≈ €13).
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 (≈ €20).
- Daily Budget: €25–40/day for food and accommodation.
- Guides/Porters: Optional. Guides ≈ €25/day; Porters ≈ €15–20/day.
- Accommodation: Tea houses in almost every village, offering basic but comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals.
Packing List (Essentials)
- Trekking boots & poles
- Warm layers + down jacket
- Sleeping bag (-10°C recommended)
- Sunglasses, gloves, and hat
- Water purification tablets or filter
- First-aid kit & Diamox (for altitude sickness)
- Snacks & energy bars
- Solar charger / power bank
Ready to start your own Annapurna circuit adventure? Check out our detailed itineraryand begin planning your journey to the roof of the world.