10- ANNAPURNA

Annapurna is a part of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal that includes 26,545 ft (8,091 meters) Annapurna I, thirteen additional peaks over 22,970 ft (7,000 meters) and 16 more over 19,690 ft (6,000 meters). This section is a 55 kilometre-long massif bounded by the Kali Gandaki Gorge on the west, the Marshyangdi River on the north and east, and Pokhara Valley on the south. Annapurna I is 10th among Earth's fourteen eight-thousanders. 8167 metre Dhaulagiri I rises thirty four kilometres to the west across the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is the Earth's deepest canyon.

Annapurna is a Sanskrit word which literally means "full of food" (feminine), but is normally translated as Goddess of the Harvests. In Hinduism, Annapurna is the mother who feeds. Her most popular shrine is located in Kashi, on the banks of the river Ganga." Her association with the giving of food or wealth led her in time to be transformed into Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

The Annapurna peaks are among the most dangerous mountains to climb. As of the end of 2009, there had been one hundred and fifty seven summit ascents of Annapurna I, and sixty climbing fatalities on the mountain. This fatality-to-summit ratio (thirty eight percent) 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.