Although Everest is magical in its own way, another wonderful option in Nepal is the Annapurna range which is located in central Nepal. Travelers have been praising the 128-mile route of the Annapurna base camp trek, which circles Nepal’s heaven-high Annapurna range, as the “holy grail of trekking since it was first opened to foreigners in the early 1980s.”

The Annapurna route crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna Massif. The path reaches its highest point at Thorung Lo pass. The circuit takes you along paddy fields and into subtropical forests, passing several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, taking you through various villages ending in the artic snow. Many consider the Annapurna base camp tour as the best long-distance and diverse treks in the world.

Annapurna is truly a stunning trek that will lead you through a blooming rhododendron forest: the gnarled branches covered in moss topped with shiny evergreen leaves and large, showy flowers is truly a sight you’ll not easily forget.

Rhododendron in Nepal is known as Gurans; it is indigenous to the high Himalayas and is also the national flower of Nepal. There are more than 30 species of rhododendron in Nepal, with dozens of varieties in all sizes and colors. They are remarkably colored in all shades of red, pink and white, locals consider the Rhododendron flower the soul of Nepal. The flowers aren’t just to look at, according to common belief in Nepal, a sip of the juice of the Gurans flower dissolves fish bones stuck in the throat and can also helps to cure those with an upset stomach. Locals will tell you they taste sweet as well as a bit sour, I personally have not tried it.

Trekkers, as part of the adventure travel in Nepal, spend 13 challenging days traversing rhododendron forests, isolated hamlets, and mountain villages. The Ghorepani / Poon Hill section of the trek offers the best walk in the Rhododendron forest. The path takes you through a canopy of flowers as you trek on and around one of the world’s highest mountains. You will encounter temples, monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes daily. Our treks, as part of the personalized adventure trips in Nepal, are led by an expert guide and are assisted by support staff. Every evening you’ll be greeted by locals who offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life in Nepal.

If you would like to see Rhododendrons in bloom in their natural habitat, it is best to plan your visit for early in the season. Just after monsoon season the weather is warming up and many Rhododendron species bloom from March through early May (depending on the species and the weather that year). April has been known to be one of the most colorful months. That’s why we schedule our next adventure trek in Nepal in the month of April to enjoy all the beautiful sites that spring in Nepal has to offer.

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There is more to Nepal than Everest

Photographer | Adventure Trekking Tour Operator | Yogi