Annapurna I Expedition (8091M)

Annapurna is the first mountain standing in the category of the 8000m highest peaks in the world. It is situated in mid western part of Nepal. Annapurna 1 8091m was first climbed by a French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog in 1950. There are four summits in the range of Annapurna. The entire massif forms a barrier on the northern side of the Pokhara valley. In the Annapurna 1 Expedition main summit stands to the west of Annapurna sanctuary.

Annapurna 1 Expedition led by Maurice Herzog. Explored the Kali Gandaki valley in 1950. After descending Dhaulagiri which was too difficult, they turned their attention to combing Annapurna 1 Expedition. Hampered by inaccurate maps, they spent considerable time and effort finding a way to the foot of the mountain. They eventually ascended via Miristi Khola to the north face of mount Annapurna 1 in June 1950, just before the start of the Monsoon. The summiteers suffered frostbite on descends. They had to be evacuated back to the road heading to India for treatment as there were hardly any specialized medical centers in Nepal in those days.

Annapurna 1 was not climbed again until 1970, when British army expedition followed essentially the same route as Herzog. At same time Cris Boning led successful British expedition to the very steep and difficult south face. With only 109 ascents, Annapurna has had fewer successful climbs than any other 8000m peak. Annapurna 1 Expedition is starting to get more popular among the hard core climber.