Annapurna is a Sanskrit name that means "Full of Grains'' and is normally translated as "Goddess of the Harvests" or more simply ‘The Provider. Annapurna is regarded as "the universal and timeless kitchen goddess, the mother who feeds".

Annapurna, ranking as the world's tenth-highest mountain, reaches an elevation of 8,091 m (26,545 ft). It is situated to the east of a substantial gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which delineates it from the Dhaulagiri mountains. Annapurna I serves as the principal peak, complemented by Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), and Annapurna South (7219 m). The inaugural ascent was achieved by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal of France on June 3, 1950. The first Nepali to summit was Sonam Wolang Sherpa on October 13, 1977.

The altitude in the Annapurna conservation area varies from 1,000 M above sea level to 8,091 M. This drastic change in altitude in the 50 KM stretch makes Annapurna naturally rich and diverse. On one side, Annapurna is known as the wettest area in Nepal, with lush green forests and rhododendron forests in the south. In the north, the Annapurna massifs prevent rain clouds from reaching the upper part, creating a dry Alpine desert environment. Annapurna Conservation Area is rich in biodiversity and is a treasure house for 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. The biological diversity of the Annapurna region is equally enhanced by its cultural diversity. Gurung and Magar are the dominant groups in the south, whereas Thakali, Manage, and Loba are in the north. Each of these groups speaks its dialect and has unique cultures and traditions. Besides, there are also Brahmin, Chhetri, and other occupational castes in comparatively smaller numbers. Hindu, Buddhist, and pre-Buddhist religions, along with a mixture of all these, are prevalent across the region.