Annapurna is the 11th highest mountain in the world and was the first 8000m peak to be climbed. I have seen it reported at anywhere from 9th to 10th, but I have included a list of peaks that make up my ranking of this mountain. It was first summited in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. It was not until 1970 that Annapurna was summited again. In the Autumn 1999 there were 120 expeditions to Annapurna but so far only 157 climbers have reached the summit.
The fatality-to-summit ratio (38%) is the highest of any of the eight-thousanders. In particular, the ascent via the south face is considered, by some, the most difficult of all climbs. Annapurna has the highest death rate. 60 climbers have died trying to reach the summit, according to Outdoor Inquirer which puts Annapurna’s fatality rate at 38%.
Highest Peaks
This deadly mountain seems to be made deadly because it’s relatively unstable. Annapurna is prone to natural disasters such as avalanches and snowstorms. In 2014, 40 people were killed on the mountain in a single snowstorm. In 2020, seven more went missing in an avalanche. The climate and terrain are equally deadly.
To ascend Annapurna, one must ascend sheer ice walls, hop deep crevasses, and negotiate steep slopes all while trying to prevent getting hypothermia or altitude sickness. The mountain is extremely difficult for emergency crews to access, which likely accounts for its deadly reputation. If a climber gets trapped, they’re stuck for days. Only the most courageous of climbers brave Annapurna, and less than two-thirds of them survive.
Recommended Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna circuit typically takes between 14-20 days to complete depending on if you decide to tack on a diversion to Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary. It covers between 150-240 km depending on when you decide to end the tour or use transportation vehicles.
Article about recent changes in conditions at Annapurna
Tours by Locals – Annapurna Base Camp Tour via Kathmandu
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours – Annapurna Base Camp Tour: Short trekking in Nepal
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