Nepal is a divine land where every short journey takes you from modern life to breathtaking wilderness. This Himalayan nation is home to myriad beautiful places that are still unexplored. If every hidden destination in Nepal were discovered, the country would truly become a necklace of sparkling diamonds.

Hidden Lake is one of those shining gems. It is a pristine destination, offering spectacular views of the awe-inspiring Himalayan ranges. This time, we are traveling to the Hidden Lake in the Annapurna region. This is not an ordinary journey; it is a voyage to discover a hidden paradise that is still untouched and unknown to the world. It is a journey to experience the beauty of mountains up close.

Hidden Lake is a newly identified trekking destination in Nepal's Annapurna region. The trail leads to a pristine alpine lake known as the Hidden Lake, offering trekkers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trail also takes adventurers to the Annapurna South Base Camp, one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal and around the world.    

The trek to the lake begins from Ghandruk, a popular Gurung village in Kaski district. Perched at an altitude of 4,270 meters, this lake is undeniably a hidden jewel, along with a largely untouched trail.

Besides the stunning lake, the trek offers spectacular Himalayan views from five scenic viewpoints, including Mulde View Point and Ponde Kharka. The trek can be completed in five to six days, making it a great option for trekkers looking for a short yet rewarding adventure.

The itinerary we followed during the trek was as follows:

Day 1

We traveled overnight by bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara before taking a jeep to Melache via Ghandruk, the starting point of our trek.

Day 2

We started our trek and reached Chuile after around 20 minutes of walking. Compared to Ghandruk, we found Chuile much more peaceful and tranquil. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we continued our journey.

The trail was steep from the beginning. Though much of the route passed through forest, it was well marked and easy to follow. We then reached Meshar, where we found a tea house. We stopped there for a short break, enjoying tea with the majestic views of Annapurna South (7,219 meters, 5th highest peak in Annapurna range) before continuing our trek.

After about an hour of steep climbing, we reached Iseru, where we found another tea house. The place also offers accommodation for trekkers arriving from Tadapani. From Iseru, it took us another hour of uphill walking to reach Dobato (3,550 metres), our destination for the day.

By the time we arrived, the temperature had started to drop, so we ordered tea to warm ourselves. Although we were exhausted after the whole day of trekking, all our fatigue disappeared by watching the view of the setting sun turning Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli into a golden spectacle.

Day 3

We woke up early in the morning and headed toward Mulde View Point. Situated at an altitude of 3,637 meters, Mulde View Point is a secluded paradise in the Annapurna Conservation Area which offers 360-degree panoramic view of Himalayas including Mt Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South and Machapuchhare, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, and the entire Annapurna range.

The sunrise and panoramic views of Annapurna South from Mulde View Point were mesmerizing. Standing at an altitude 427 meter higher than Poon Hill (another popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region), the viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan ranges. Mulde View Point, also known as Mulde View Park, has several viewpoints, each offering a different view of the mountains.

After returning from Dobato, we had breakfast before heading toward Ponde Kharka (4060m). Although the distance was not very long, the steep climb and high altitude made the trek difficult and challenging and it took us nearly five hours to reach Ponde Kharka, another highlight of the trek. At least 16 districts can be seen on a clear day from Ponde Kharka.

From here, we enjoyed spectacular views of Tadapani, Ghandruk, Mardi Himal Base Camp trail, Badal Danda, High Camp, and the iconic fishtail-shaped Mt Machhapuchhre. 

Day 4

It took us nearly two hours to reach Hidden Lake from Ponde Kharka. The two-hour walk was really challenging, maybe because of the high altitude and rocky trail. The more we walked ahead, the closer we could see the closer view of Mt Annapurna and Mt Machepuchhare.  

Finally, we reached the Hidden Lake. Situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters, the lake is locally known as Tridevi Taal and lies beneath the towering Annapurna South.

According to our guide, local people worship at the Barahadevi Temple, located near the lake, and a fair is held every year during Janai Purnima. The guide also said that there is no external source of water to the lake, making it even more fascinating. Not just the captivating view of the lake, the vibe and energy of that place was peaceful, serene and deeply spiritual.

After trekking for about 45 minutes along the narrow trail from Hidden Lake, we reached Maramche. From there, we enjoyed a stunning close-up view of Annapurna South and witnessed a different face of Mt Machhapuchhre.

Day 5

We woke up early to witness the last sunrise of our journey. After descending for about two hours along the tough trail and crossing a suspension bridge, we reached Ngerbo.

Here, we learned that we were the first guests at the newly built hotel near the bridge, making the voyage even more memorable.

After walking uphill and downhill for several hours, we reached Tribung, another viewpoint of the trek. We stopped there for lunch before continuing our descent to Chhomrong and then to Jhinu.

At Jhinu, some of our friends enjoyed a relaxing bath in the natural hot spring, while others chose to rest at the hotel.

Day 6

We took a jeep from Jhinu to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

Conclusion: We would highly recommend this trek to those looking for real adventure away from crowds. It would be a perfect place for the trekkers who love mountains and lakes and want to dip-dive into nature. The journey is challenging but every step is rewarding and takes you to another world. However, this trek is not for beginners because of its steep terrain and high altitude.