When you sign up for a trekking challenge, the primary focus is more often the achievement than the experience. And that’s totally understandable. Because when you do something like trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp, it really does carry bragging rights. It’s a huge accomplishment, and something to be proud of. But we believe that it should also be more than that. It should be memorable, enjoyable, experiential. And that’s why we choose challenges that deliver more than just the physical.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is our newest challenge. But it is also one of our favourites, because it has so much to offer.

Our Favourite Five Attractions of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The rhododendron forests

The rhododendron is the official flower of Nepal. So, there’s little surprise that so many of them grow in the Annapurna region. But nothing can quite prepare you for the sight of the world’s largest rhododendron forest. The splendour obviously varies according to the season in which you visit. And Annapurna’s rhodies are at their blooming best from April to May. But even if you miss the flowering season, the rhododendron forests are still a sight to behold. Partly because they provide a home to such beautiful flora and fauna. Including Himalayan pheasant, woodpeckers, vultures, Steppe polecat, Tibetan gazelle, golden jackal, snow leopard, Chinese pangolin, and red panda. Keep your eyes peeled, and you never know what you might see.

The tea rooms

Now, it’s not often that a tea room is considered a noteworthy attraction. But the tea rooms on the Annapurna trek are like nothing else. Not only serving the most incredible [typically organic] food and drink, they provide a fabulous way to experience some genuine Nepalese culture. The service is wonderful, and the people even more so. And if you’re lucky, you’ll bag a room with an incredible view.

The hot springs

There are several naturally hot springs around Annapurna. On your Choose a Challenge trek, you’ll get to enjoy them at the end of trek day eight. And we can guarantee that they will be the most welcome experience! The springs are as beautiful as they are inviting. Just remember, the deeper you get, the hotter the water will become.

The sunrise and sunset

A mountain sunrise or sunset is simply incomparable. And on day three of your trek, you will see the sun come up from the vantage point of Poon Hill. At a height of 3,210m, you’ll have the perfect view of the sun rising over the mountains before you head into the jungle and on towards Tadhapani. It’s an early start. But worth every ounce of effort.

The mountains

The Annapurna Massif is spectacular in and of itself. And the trek to the base camp provides the most remarkable views of the Himalayas. On your trek, you will not only see the four Annapurnas, but Gangapurna, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and Huinchuli. And they will take your breath away.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of our favourites for many reasons. It’s a great introduction to hiking at altitude. It’s a relatively easy walk. And it’s not as busy as some of the other trekking destinations. But we also love it for the sights and the experiences. And we’re totally convinced that you will love it too.

Find out more the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Choose a Challenge.

Call: 0203 773 4140

Email: team@chooseachallenge.com

The Top Five Attractions of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek