Annapurna 50 Years of Expeditions in the Death Zone

The only complete mountaineering history of Annapurna

On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog stood on the narrow sickle glacier of Annapurna (8,091m) in the Himalaya. With that first ascent of Annapurna, Herzog crossed the magic border-the Death Zone-of 8,000 meters. The ascent did not go undisputed.

During the 50 years since Herzog’s ascent, climbing in the highest mountains of the world has changed and developed profoundly. Today it is possible to climb the notorious Annapurna even on the most demanding routes and to survive in the “Death Zone” beyond 8,000 meters.

Annapurna: 50 Years of Expeditions in the Death Zone begins with the thrilling story of the first ascent and goes on to highlight the history of the most exciting and significant ascents of the mountain, including Messner’s own successful first ascent of the difficult Northwest Face.