Hidden Lake and Glacier Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.

Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu- UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture which is the highlights of our guided tour. A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the famous streets. Finally, day ends with a Authentic Nepalese Dinner in Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

Day 3: Early morning flight to Pokhara (820m/2,689ft) and drive to Nayapul (1,080m/3,542ft) and short trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,363ft)

Early in the morning we fly to Pokhara. We begin our trekking holiday from Pokhara to Nayapul (1050m) which is a 01 hour drive, from Nayapul; our trek begins as the trail ascends slightly through forests to Ghandruk, a bustling village of the ethnic Gurung community who has their own dialect, culture, dress and traditions. Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a well known destination for trekkers as it is known for its beautiful mountain views and also because it's just a stone’s throw from Pokhara and Kathmandu. The afternoon is ours to visit the Annapurna Conservation Office, museums and explore the interesting village. Overnight in our teahouse.

Day 4: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,590m/8,495ft)

We first descend further along the trail showcasing rich rhododendron forests, splendidly cascading sparkling mountain streams and other magical vistas of nature that surprise us. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we step on the territory of Tadapani at an altitude of 2590m. Tadapani offers the most awesome mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South. We then crash out for the night in teahouse.

Day 5: Trek from Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (2,900m/9,512ft)

We move of the main trail that leads to Ghorepani and follow a seldom used trail – that first starts through a thick rhododendron forest - leading to water outlets for buffalo pastures. The climb is steady and we will soon emerge above the tree line to wonderful views of the Annapurna range. we will haul up for lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually through open land to reach a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron forest to an open clearing known as Bayeli Kharka, where there’s a lodge. From the lodge there are lovely views of Dhaulagiri Himal. 

Day 6: Trek from Bayeli Kharka to Khopra Ridge (3,870m/12,693ft)

After a warm hearty breakfast, we set out on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra.On nearing the Khopra Ridge; we see the tip of Annapurna South. Upon reaching Khopra we go for a brief hike down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. From Khopra we also approve of the stunning mountain panorama including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna South. 

Day 7: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Kaire Khola (4,200m/13,776ft)

To assist our acclimatisation efforts, we will remain at Kaire Khola for another day and night. During the day we will take packed lunches and follow a pretty comfy trail up a stone staircase to a lake known as Pautarko Kaire. This lake is the site of the Badau Purnima Festival, held once a year in August and September. Villagers from the surrounding area congregate here to pray to Lord Shiva, bathe in the icy-cold waters of the lake and make animal sacrifices. Though it’s pretty close to the camp, the walk to this glacial lake will be tiring due to the higher elevations. Ascending the hill behind the lake is also advised as it allows for superb views of Annapurna I. 

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Kaire Khola (4,200m/13,776ft)

We haul up here to rest our bodies without remaining idle. We can explore the area and do our own things; this can include some washing or reading our favorite novels. We also explore the hill behind the lake and revel in the beautiful landscapes that surround us.

Day 9: Trek from Kaire Khola to Celli Kharka (3,850m/12,628ft)

From the campsite we will hike into a zone only frequented by local shepherds. Besides our own groups, experience tells us that no other trekkers will have visited this region. The climb out of Tiboche Basin looks virtually impossible from the camp; however, a well-defined trail, marked by stone cairns and prayer flags, winds its way unbelievably to the top, where a regal panorama will greet us. This high altitude plateau affords beautiful views of the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South. From the saddle we will negotiate across the hillside to camp near a small stream and stone huts at Celli Kharka.

Day 10: Trek from Celli Kharka to Hidden Lake (4,250m/13,940ft)

Today will be a unique part of our trek, as we reach an infrequently visited lake set among sharp, rocky spires. The scenery is truly overwhelming and is known only to a few shepherds and hunters. 

During our study of this area, it took many days to locate the exact position of this hidden lake. Some villagers knew of the area, but had never visited it and this led to many conflicting stories as to where we should look for it. We will camp a short distance from the lake itself and take pleasure in a full day exploring this far-flung place where we will shockingly find some of the most splendid scenery in all of Nepal.

Day 11: Trek to Annapurna Base camp (South) (3,400m/11,152ft)

As we hike the Annapurna circuit trail for 2 hours, we descend a small ridge branching out from the mountain pass to mountainside with widespread green terraced fields displaying serene meadows and lush abundant farming land. As we reach Annapurna South Base Camp, we begin to eyewitness awe-inspiring pictorial landscapes, grandiose panoramic views of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif. From the lake we will slowly hike up to a small pass that leads to a steep descent past Annapurna South Base Camp. The scene is just awesome, with dipping glaciers and large moraine walls. We will set up camp at Annapurna South Base Camp and may even meet a climbing expedition, as our arrival may bump into the climbing season. We will enjoy a complete extra day of exploration at Base Camp, where we’ll have a chance to head up to the main glacier of this fantastic peak. This dazzling display of sweet nature is something we’ll never forget.

Day 12: Excursion around Annapurna South Base Camp

Day 13: Trek to Chhomrong (2,100m/6,880ft)

From Annapurna SBC, we hike along the mountain path of stone steps, pass through a pretty hamlet, cross a suspension bridge and then we walk through dense forest of bamboo. Finding ourselves in complete isolation amidst the serenity of nature can be quite an experience. Our trek does not stop here. After trekking for a while, we approach teahouses at Jhinu where we can relax and enjoy a drink or snacks. We then resume our trek to the north, descending Daaulu and after having walked for five hours, we soon find ourselves at Chhomrong. From Chhomrong we can get gripping views of Machhapuchhare. 

Day 14: Trek to Shyauli (1,220m/4,001ft)

Today morning after breakfast, we’ll drop down to Modi Khola Valley and to the hot springs at Jhinudanda. The revert route then goes by the river past a small bunch of lodges at New Bridge before a very pretty trail takes you to Kalchane and on to an airy suspension bridge that leads steeply up to the village of Ghandruk. We will haul up for lunch and in the afternoon continue to follow the river to Kilyu, where we will rejoin the main trail for the short walk to our lodge at Shyauli Bazaar.

Day 15: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Today we wrap up our trek at Nayapul followed by a short drive back to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, we check into our hotel, refresh with some drinks and snack, maybe even have a bath; if we wish so, we can also do some boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake. We then will have a relaxing afternoon where we can simply chill out with some cold beers and reflect on a wonderful outdoor trip we just returned from.

Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu and Leisure day

We fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy the leisure day. Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.

Day 17: Departure

Finally it’s SEE OFF TIME. You will be picked from Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport with a hope to see you again.