Why The Annapurna Base Camp Is So Special
The trek to the Annapurna base camp is one of the most popular routes in Nepal. The altitude is lower, relatively speaking of course, than other routes but you still benefit from wonderful views of the mountain giants that surround it. Those who complete the trek also love the cultural experience it offers. Here’s our take on the reasons why Annapurna Base Camp is so special:
It’s home to some of Nepal’s most beautiful mountains.
Nepal is stunning. Annapurna Base Camp has more than its share of mountain giants surrounding it. There’s 10 peaks here over 6,000m including, Annapurna I - the tenth highest mountain in the world. You’ll also see Annapurna Dakshin or South, which dominates views across the area. It’s also home to Tharpu Chuli – the most climbed peak in the vicinity.
Annapurna Dakshin or Annapurna South stands at 7,219 meters tall and is the 101st highest mountain in the world
The nature of the trek is very special
You’ll pass picturesque villages – the fascinating homes of the ethnic communities that live here. Stunning waterfalls will also greet you – before glaciers replace them higher up - and thick rhododendron forests, as well as sights of the dramatic mountain peaks mentioned above.
Annapurna base camp trek offers a variety of terrain – snow, mountain peaks and forest
The wildlife is elusive, but breath-taking
The region is home to Himalayan pheasant, the world’s largest Honeybees, Clouded Leopards – an endangered species, and the Himalaya Tahr, which is also an endangered species. Most of these are quite rare elusive, but what amazing sights they are.
The beautiful but elusive Himalayan Monal – a member of the pheasant family
The culture and the people.
As you pass on your way to the Annapurna base camp, you’ll pass Buddhist structures and colourful prayer flags. The flags are believed to send good fortune to the world via the wind. Buddhist prayer wheels spin for good karma. The most prominent group in the area is the Gurung community or Tamu – made up of Buddhists and Hindus. They are known for their tenacity in living at high altitude, raising animals and hunting for honey from the large Honeybees that live here. They are also famous for the contribution they made to the Ghurkha regiment in the British Army. All through the trek, you’ll get to see typical Nepal village life in the Gurung and Magar communities.
Experience the sunrise or moonlight on the trek.
Getting up early to witness the sunrise over these majestic peaks is quite an experience. It’s also the same for seeing the moonlight hit the slopes of the mountain at night. Both will give you memories to treasure.
Bathe in hot springs.
Locals believe that bathing in hot springs is a way to spiritually cleanse yourself. You’ll be able to bathe in a hot spring on the Annapurna base camp trek – and fortunately it is also wonderful for easing the aches you may have from the trek.
About the author of this blog:
Nima Lama has been trekking in the region for over ten years. The managing director of Mountain Quests, he still regularly leads treks and loves it.
Contact Nima and the team at mountainquests.com for more information on trekking in Nepal or trekking in India. Nima and the team also regularly lead treks to the Annapurna Base Camp and you can find out more about those here.