Unveiling Hidden Lake and Glacier Trek

The next morning, after breakfast, you will depart for a full-day sightseeing trip of Kathmandu Valley. You can see the historic Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath Temple, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The largest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath, as well as the magnificent artwork and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square, depict ancient Nepalese culture and are highlights of our guided trip. Patan City will enchant you with its renowned beautiful arts and ancient architecture. When you return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the surrounding neighborhood, eat dinner, and perhaps take a leisurely stroll down the famous streets. Finally, the day ends with an authentic Nepalese dinner at Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

We take off early in the morning for Pokhara. We begin our trekking trip from Pokhara to Nayapul (1050m), which is a one-hour drive from Nayapul. Our journey begins as the road ascends slightly through forests to Ghandruk, a thriving settlement of the ethnic Gurung group, which has its own dialect, culture, clothes, and traditions. Ghandruk also has a large population of Gurkha soldiers. It is a popular trekking location due to its stunning mountain vistas and proximity to Pokhara and Kathmandu. The day is ours to visit the Annapurna Conservation Office, museums, and explore the fascinating village. Overnight stay in our teahouse.

We first descend farther along the trail, passing through lush rhododendron forests, magnificently cascading glittering mountain streams, and other stunning natural landscapes that astonish us. After three hours of constant climbing, we arrive to Tadapani’s area at an elevation of 2590 meters. Tadapani provides breathtaking views of the towering peaks of Annapurna South. We then spend the night at the teahouse.

We leave the main track that leads to Ghorepani and take a little used trail that begins in a dense rhododendron forest and leads to water outlets for buffalo pastures. The climb is steady, and we’ll soon emerge above the forest line with stunning vistas of the Annapurna range. We’ll stop for lunch by a tiny stream before gently ascending across open territory to a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron forest to an open clearing known as Bayeli Kharka, which has a lodge. The lodge offers beautiful views of Dhaulagiri Himal.

Following a full breakfast, we began a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and farms to Khopra.As we approach the Khopra Ridge, we can see the southern point of Annapurna. After arriving at Khopra, we take a little climb along Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the Kali Gandaki river far down in this deep valley. Khopra also approves of the spectacular mountain view, which includes Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South.

We will hike from the campsite to a zone inhabited only by local shepherds. Aside from our own groups, no other trekkers are likely to have visited this region. The ascent out of Tiboche Basin appears nearly impossible from the camp; nonetheless, a well-defined track, marked by stone cairns and prayer flags, weaves its way to the summit, where a regal view awaits us. This high-altitude plateau offers stunning views of Machhapuchhare’s fishtail peak and Annapurna South. From the saddle, we will maneuver our way across the mountain to Celli Kharka, where we will sleep near a tiny creek and stone houses.

Today will be a one-of-a-kind day as we go to an infrequently seen lake surrounded by sharp, rocky spires. The scenery is extremely breathtaking, yet it is only known to a few shepherds and hunters.

It took us several days to find the exact location of this secret lake while researching the area. Some residents were familiar with the location but had never visited there, resulting in numerous different stories about where we should look for it. We will sleep a short distance from the lake and spend the day exploring this remote location, where we will be surprised to discover some of Nepal’s most beautiful scenery.

From Annapurna SBC, we go over a mountain trail of stone steps, passing through a picturesque hamlet, crossing a suspension bridge, and then walking into a dense bamboo forest. Finding ourselves completely alone in the tranquility of nature might be a surreal experience. Our journey doesn’t end here. After a bit of trekking, we arrive at teahouses in Jhinu, where we can relax and have a drink or food. We then begin our adventure north, descending Daaulu, and after five hours of walking, we arrive at Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, we can get breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare.

Today, after breakfast, we’ll head down to Modi Khola Valley and the Jhinudanda hot springs. The return path then follows the river past a small group of lodges at New Bridge before continuing on a very attractive trail to Kalchane and an airy suspension bridge that rises steeply up to the settlement of Ghandruk. We will haul up for lunch and then continue down the river to Kilyu, where we will rejoin the main route for the short walk to our lodge in Shyauli Bazaar.

Today we finish our trek at Nayapul before driving back to Pokhara. After arriving in Pokhara, we check into our hotel, relax with some beverages and snacks, and perhaps have a bath; if we want, we can also go boating on the serene Fewa Lake. We’ll then spend the afternoon unwinding with some refreshing drinks and reflecting on our recent outdoor adventure.