Usually known as the 10th highest mountain in the world, Annapurna has more than that to know about; rare facts and hidden history.

Here are some unknown or little known facts about Mount Annapurna that will change the way you look at it.

Annapurna 1 : A silent killer mountain                                                        

Annapurna 1 also called a mountain of fates had the highest fatality (44%) rate over 8000 m mountain from 1950 to 2010. Now the statistics has changed and the fatality rate has decreased. The reason behind the Annapurna becoming the deadliest mountain in the world was its location, complex geography, unpredictable weather and avalanche prone slopes. This mountain hosts hurricane level wind at its peak. Avalanches can cascade down its treacherous face at any moment. Its high altitude reduces available oxygen, making it hard to breathe. Combining this with its technical difficulty has meant less than 400 people in history have successfully reached its summit. All it takes is one wrong step or a sudden change in weather and then the mountain claims its next casualty.

The first mountain to be climbed above 8000m

On 3rd June 1950, a French team led by Maurice Herzog successfully climbed Annapurna I. During this ascent almost no modern gears were used. The mountain was climbed without fixed ropes, supplemental oxygen, satellite weather forecast, high altitude boots and many more of these. Their expedition is still known as one of mountaineers greatest feats.

Annapurna: A whole mountain range

Annapurna is not a single mountain; it is a group of many massif peaks. There are 6 major peaks over 7200m along with many smaller ones. Such as; Annapurna 1-2-3-4, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Gangapurna, and many more smaller ones.

Annapurna : A name of a Hindu Goddess

The name “Annapurna”  comes from a Sanskrit word whwere ; Anna stands for Food/grain and Purna stands for full/complete. So Annapurna literally means   “Giver of food and nourishment” .  According to Geographical logics, the lower valley below the mountains are extremely fertile where rice, barley, millet, wheat farms are possible.  

A young and rising mountain;

Annapurna is growing taller due to the collision between two plates; Indian and Eurasian Tectonic plates. Due to that it is known as young and unstable mountain. 

Annapurna surrounded by World's Deepest Gorge - Kali Gandaki Gorge

Kali Gandaki Gorge is a massive river valley in central Nepal flowing between two highest mountain Annapurna on the east and Dhaulagiri on the west.