Annapurna

In August 1978, thirteen women left San Francisco for the Nepal Himalaya to make history as the first Americans—and the first women—to scale the treacherous slopes of Annapurna I, the world's tenth highest peak. Expedition leader Arlene Blum here tells their dramatic story: the logistical problems, storms, and hazardous ice climbing; the conflicts and reconciliations within the team; the terror of avalanches that threatened to sweep away camps and climbers. On October 15, two women and two Sherpas at last stood on the summit—but the celebration was cut short, for two days later, the two women of the second summit team fell to their deaths. Never before has such an account of mountaineering triumph and tragedy been told from a woman's point of view. By proving that women had the skill, strength, and courage necessary to make this difficult and dangerous climb, the 1978 Women's Himalayan Expedition's accomplishment had a positive impact around the world, changing perceptions about women's abilities in sports and other arenas. And Annapurna: A Woman's Place has become an acknowledged classic in the annals of women's achievements—a story of challenge and commitment told with passion, humor, and unflinching honesty.

Joseph Dixon, a seasoned traveler, is drawn to the ethereal ruggedness of the Himalayas. But it's the turn of the millennium and the Maoist People's War has been quietly tearing Nepal apart. As a volunteer, Joseph settles into the Myagdi district of Nepal, a good two days walk to anywhere he would consider civilization. In the tiny village of Rinrut he meets young Kunjana, a wartime orphan whose parents have been killed by Maoists. Once the violence overflows into Myagdi and Kunjana is attacked, Joseph, trying to give this young child a chance at a life in Kathmandu plots her escape. Joseph's noble intentions have consequences far greater than he could have imagined. After trekking the famed but increasingly hostile Annapurna Circuit trek, and upon his return home, Joseph is forced to come to terms with himself and his connection to the Kingdom in the Clouds.

This guidebook describes 14 multi-day treks in Nepal's captivating Annapurna region, among the foothills of the mighty Himalaya. Routes range between 24km and 200km (15-124 miles) and between 4 and 23 days, with maximum altitudes from 1750m to 5416m. Areas covered include Machhapuchhre, Pokhara and Lamjung Himal. The varied treks showcase this inspiring landscape, offering stunning vistas of snow-clad peaks and verdant valleys. From the classic Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary to lesser-known routes, this is the definitive guide to exploring Nepal's most popular trekking region. With accommodation options including a mixture of homestay, camping and lodges, trekkers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their surroundings and experience the warmth and richness of Nepalese hospitality and culture. As well as detailed route description and sketch mapping, the guide presents a wealth of information to help make the most of a trip, including practical advice on transport, visas and permits, when to go, what to take and health and safety. There are notes on different styles of trekking, tips on cultural etiquette and fascinating background information on the region's history, plants and wildlife, culture and religion.

One of the finest mountaineering books. A phenomenal tale of strength and valour. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY JOE SIMPSON In 1950, no mountain higher than 8,000 meters had ever been climbed. Maurice Herzog and other members of the French Alpine Club resolved to try. This is the enthralling story of the first conquest of Annapurna and the harrowing descent. With breathtaking courage and grit manifest on every page, Annapurna is one of the greatest adventure stories ever told. As well as an introduction by Joe Simpson, this new edition includes 16 pages of photographs, which provide a remarkable visual record of this legendary expedition. The distinguished French mountaineer Maurice Herzog was leader of the 1950 expedition to Annapurna. He was one of the two climbers to reach the summit.

One of Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 Sports Books of All Time: A gripping firsthand account of one of the most daring climbing expeditions in history. Annapurna I is the name given to the 8,100-meter mountain that ranks among the most forbidding in the Himalayan chain. Dangerous not just for its extreme height but for a long and treacherous approach, its summit proved unreachable until 1950, when a group of French mountaineers made a mad dash for its peak. They became the first men to accomplish the feat, doing so without oxygen tanks or any of the modern equipment that contemporary climbers use. The adventure nearly cost them their lives. Maurice Herzog dictated this firsthand account of the remarkable trek from a hospital bed as he recovered from injuries sustained during the climb. An instant bestseller, it remains one of the most famous mountaineering books of all time, and an enduring testament to the power of the human spirit.

Many disenchanted Westerners have gone to the Himalayas in search of renewal, but no one has written about the experience as perceptively and personally as Andrew Stevenson in Annapurna Circuit. A traveller all his life, Stevenson responds to people and places with an openness unique to the cultural nomad - his portraits of the men, women and children of the Annapurnas, and the fellow-backpackers from all over the world who intermittently shared his journey, are a delight; his descriptions of the landscape, and the physical hardships of the trek are enthralling. But like every travel book of real quality, this is also the result of a spiritual journey. A richly rewarding read on every level, Annapurna Circuit is a modern travel classic in the tradition of Peter Matthiesson's Snow Leopard and Andrew Harvey's Journey to Ladakh.

In a startling look at the classic Annapurna—the most famous book about mountaineering—David Roberts discloses what really happened on the legendary expedition to the Himalayan peak. In June 1950, a team of mountaineers was the first to conquer an 8,000-meter peak. Maurice Herzog, the leader of the expedition, became a national hero in France, and Annapurna, his account of the historic ascent, has long been regarded as the ultimate tale of courage and cooperation under the harshest of conditions. In True Summit, David Roberts presents a fascinating revision of this classic tale. Using newly available documents and information gleaned from a rare interview with Herzog (the only climber on the team still living), Roberts shows that the expedition was torn by dissent. As he re-creates the actual events, Roberts lays bare Herzog's self-serving determination and bestows long-delayed credit to the most accomplished and unsung heroes. These new revelations will inspire young adventurers and change forever the way we think about this victory in the mountains and the climbers who achieved it.

A bold account of the 50-year history of climbing on Annapurna.