Based in Nepal and part of the mighty Himalayas, Annapurna is one of the most famous mountains you’ve probably never heard of. The tenth highest mountain in the world, it is breath-takingly beautiful. But it’s not one of the most common trekking destinations So, why on earth would you want to trek there?

Five Reasons to Consider Annapurna for Your Next Trekking Challenge

It has a fearsome reputation

A lot of people won’t even have heard of Annapurna. It isn’t one of the famous five. Unlike Everest and K2, Kilimanjaro, or even Mount Fuji, it’s not a mountain with star quality. It’s not the tallest. In fact, at 4,130m, it’s less than half the height of Everest. No one has fought over it. And it’s not even that hard to get to. It’s beautiful to look at, but other places are beautiful too. What sets Annapurna apart, and gives it its fearsome reputation, is that it is known as the world’s most deadly mountain. Having taken the lives of more than a third of the people who attempted to climb it, the sheer rock face of Annapurna is not for faint hearted… Which is one of the reasons why our trek is to the base camp, rather than the summit!

It's the trek less travelled

Although Annapurna makes a wonderful a trekking destination, it’s visited by far fewer people each year than the big hitters, like the Everest Base Camp. Partly because it’s not as well known. And partly because it doesn’t carry the bucket list kudos of its contemporaries. But as an experience, that makes it all the more powerful. There will times when yours is the only trekking party in sight. Allowing you to enjoy the environment and the experience in the best way possible.

It really is astonishingly beautiful

In terms of scenery, the Annapurna trek has everything apart from ocean. From rolling hills to snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. There are rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs. Thick forest. And authentic Nepalese tea rooms, so you can enjoy the contrast between wildness and artifice – as well as a bit of culture.

It’s a comfortable climb

Trekking can be incredible. Especially when you’re taking in outstanding and iconic landmarks. But when you’re dealing with altitude, it’s easy to find yourself overcome. When you’re struggling to acclimatise, the joy goes out of the experience, and every step can become a struggle. With the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the route is gentle and steady. Giving your body plenty of time to acclimatise, and your senses time to take in the sights and the experience.

It's the perfect introduction to the Himalayas

While the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp is comparatively gentle, it still allows novice trekkers to experience the Himalayas. The climate. The environment. And the strain of trekking in the associated conditions. And it’s a really sensible move, if you do have Everest on your bucket list but you’re not totally convinced that it’s a good idea for you.

Beauty and danger. It’s an intoxicating combination. And that is the draw of Annapurna. With a Choose a Challenge Annapurna Base Camp trek, you get to enjoy the former in all its glory, while saving the danger for those fool hardy enough to attempt to reach the summit!

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