The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Mountain›Annapurna
Science & Nature • Mountain

Annapurna

Annapurna is a Himalayan massif in north-central Nepal, best known for Annapurna I, its highest peak, which rises to 8,091 metres and is the world’s 10th-highest mountain.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Annapurna is a Himalayan massif in north-central Nepal, best known for Annapurna I, its highest peak, which rises to 8,091 metres and is the world’s 10th-highest mountain. The massif is associated with the Hindu goddess Annapurna and is notable for both its rugged topography and its reputation in mountaineering.

Geography

Annapurna is a Himalayan massif in north-central Nepal. It forms a long ridge extending about 55 kilometres between the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the west and the Marshyangdi River to the east, with Pokhara to the south.

Peaks

The massif contains several prominent summits, including Annapurna I, II, III, and IV. Annapurna I is the highest point at 8,091 metres and is one of the world’s fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres.

Mountaineering

Annapurna has a strong reputation for climbing difficulty and risk. Annapurna I is especially well known among mountaineers for hazardous conditions and a high historical fatality rate.

Name and cultural significance

The name Annapurna is linked to the Hindu goddess of nourishment and harvest. This reflects the mountain’s cultural importance in Nepal and the surrounding Himalayan region.

Key facts

  • Annapurna is a massif, not a single mountain, with multiple major peaks.
  • Its highest peak, Annapurna I, is 8,091 metres and ranks as the world’s 10th-highest mountain.
  • The massif is located in north-central Nepal, near Pokhara, between the Kali Gandaki Gorge and the Marshyangdi River.
  • Annapurna I is known for difficult and dangerous mountaineering conditions and a high fatality rate.
  • The name Annapurna derives from the Hindu goddess of nourishment.

Frequently asked questions

Is Annapurna a single mountain or a range?
Annapurna is a massif, meaning a cluster of connected mountains and peaks, rather than a single mountain.
How high is Annapurna I?
Annapurna I rises to 8,091 metres above sea level.
Where is Annapurna located?
It is in north-central Nepal, in Gandaki Province, in the Himalayas.
Why is Annapurna famous among climbers?
It is famous for its difficulty and danger, especially Annapurna I, which has long been considered one of the most hazardous high peaks.
What does the name Annapurna mean?
It is associated with the Hindu goddess Annapurna, commonly understood as a deity of nourishment or food.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapurna
    Supports: Annapurna as a Himalayan mountain massif in north-central Nepal, its highest point, elevation, and world ranking.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Annapurna
    Supports: Massif location, length, boundary rivers, and major summits including Annapurna I, II, III, and IV.
  3. Nepal Tourism Board — https://ntb.gov.np/annapurna
    Supports: Annapurna range location, length, relation to Kali Gandaki Gorge, and the identification of Annapurna I as the highest and tenth-highest mountain.