The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a very popular trek in Nepal. It takes you through various landscapes, traditional mountain villages, and the amazing Himalayan views.
But what makes this trek a unique experience is the rhododendron groves which come into full bloom in spring.
As you trek through these forests you feel as though you are walking through a living picture bright pink, red and white flowers surround you on all sides.
Spring: The season of Bloom and Life
Spring in March to May is the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The weather is mild, the skies clear and the mountains present in all their tall glory against a bright blue background.
What makes spring special is that at this time nature comes to life. Flowers bloom profusely, birds are out in the forests singing and the air is very fresh and clean.
Among at which leaves the hand of spring turns first we put the Rhododendron. In Nepali it is known as Lali Gurans which also is the name of the national flower.
In the lower and middle regions of the Annapurna range these forests which cover the green hills in patches of color.
As you go the trail you will see red, pink and white shades of rhododendron which blanket the whole valley a truly amazing sight which stays with you always.
When can you see the best bloom?
Rhododendron forests greet you as soon as you leave lower villages of Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Tadapani. This is very scenic part of the trek. Between Ghorepani and Deurali the trail is known to have the densest rhododendron forest.
In April at the beginning of the trek you’ll see the flowers at full bloom. The sun breaks through the colorful petals which in turn creates a magical play of light in the forest.
One at which this view is best enjoyed is from Poon Hill which is a short hike from Ghorepani.
From there you see the first rays of sunrise which touch the snowcapped peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri while rhododendron trees color the hills below.
It is a picture-perfect moment the golden mountains above and a red and pink forest below.
A Photographer’s Paradise
For photographers and nature enthusiasts spring in the Annapurna region is a paradise. There is a play of white Himalayan peaks against the colored forest which makes each frame a work of art.
Whether you are shooting close of the flowers or the wide-angle landscape, every nook of the trail gives postcard views.
Even the most casual of photographers is unable to put down their camera. In Chhomrong and at Bamboo the rhododendron forests are also very pretty which in turn bring out the image of Machhapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) in the background.
Experience Beyond Beauty
Exploration of rhododendron forests is more than what meets the eye it is an experience. We will walk in still trails, cross little wooden bridges and hear the birds singing in the background.
As we go along you will also talk to the people which is a part of the experience. Villagers often share with us that these forests are a source of great pride for them.
The local community uses the rhododendron flowers to prepare herbal tea and pickles, during festivals the flowers are used for decorative purposes.
These forests also give shade and freshness which in turn improves the quality of the journey. We have a great option to see nature at its best without dealing with extreme cold or heat.
Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring is Worth it?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is all year round beautiful; in spring it comes to life. We have rhododendron forests which add color and liveliness to each day of your trip.
As you go higher the flowers do die down but what you are left with is the sight of green valley’s full of bloom which is simply unforgettable.
By the time you hit the base camp you will have walked some of the most scenic trails in Nepal.
At 4,130 meters you will be standing at the foot of the giants that are Annapurna I, Machhapuchare, and Hiunchuli and will look back at the trail which brought you there a trail that is a world of wildflowers and memories.
