Annapurna Circuit is the renowned trekking in Nepal that encircles the Annapurna mountain range. The trail has natural beauty, mountains, culture, and spectacular scenery. Many trekkers come mainly for Thorong La Pass.
It is the major highlight of the Annapurna Circuit Trek which is at an altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level. But besides Thorong La Pass there are several hidden gems in the Annapurna Circuit trail. Each of the which are worth exploring.
Hidden Gems of the Annapurna Circuit
1. Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)
Ice Lake is hidden off from the main trekking route. There are two Ice Lakes: a Lower Ice Lake and an Upper Ice Lake a few hundred meters away from the Lower Ice Lake. You can trek to Ice Lake on the acclimatization day in Manang.
You can reach Ice Lake after about four hours of trekking from Braga. You will walk on the zig-zagged trail with views of beautiful stupas, alleyways, and mountains throughout the trek. The hike is tough but the views of the lake and snow-covered mountains make up for it.
2. Milarepa Cave
Milarepa Cave trekking is a side trip from Braga. It is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Manang. It is on the north side of the Annapurna III. Locals believe that a Buddhist saint Milarepa mediated under the cave, hence the name of the cave.
You will reach Milarepa Cave after hiking for about three hours from Manang. You will walk through beautiful scenery. You can view Marsyangdi Valley, Chulu and Pisang Peak.
3. Khangsar Village
Khangsar Village located off the main trekking route offers the local way of life. It is in the Manang district. The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.
You will get to experience the culture and tradition of the Gurung and Manangi people. You can get to know the locals and learn their way of life. There are guesthouses and teahouses to provide accommodation.
4. Gangapurna Lake
Gangapurna Lake is about 20 minutes away from Manang. It lies at the foothill of Gangapurna Glacier. The glaciers from Annapurna IV, Mount Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Glacier Dom formed the Gangapurna Lake.
To reach the Gangapurna Lake, you will pass through the Marsyangdi River. You can also choose to hike above the lake. You may see the migratory ducks swimming in the lake. It holds a religious significance to the local people.
5. Titi Lake
Titi Lake is a small lake protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area. It lies in the Lower Mustang Valley. You can reach Titi Lake after walking upward for approximately 1.5 hours from Kolopani, Lete. You can see the mesmerizing views of many peaks.
You can see Mount Dhaulagiri, Tukuchey Peak, Dhaulagiri Icefall, and Thapa Peak. Titi Lake is famous as a habitat for the endangered ducks. People believe that the wild small ducks reside there due to the presence of a particular grass that grows there.
6. Dhaulagiri Icefalls
If you want to go to Dhaulagiri Icefall, you need to add an extra two days to your itinerary. Since it is a tough trek, you need good physical fitness. You also need some mountaineering knowledge.
You will start the trip from the small Larjung village and hike through the green pastures and forest filled with rhododendrons. You get the best view of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the Dhaulagiri Icefalls.
7. Dhumba Lake
Dhumba Lakes is also famous as a heart-shaped lake. It is a sacred lake of Buddhists. Locals come to pray for the betterment of their lives. The Dhumba Lake offers a serene atmosphere and natural beauty.
You will start your journey to Dhumba Lake from Jomsom and pass a beautiful Thini village to reach there. You can see plenty of mud houses and apple orchards in the village. The frozen Dhumba Lake in winter is a major attraction in Mustang.
8. Nar Phu Valley
Nar Phu Valley lies between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. It is a hidden gem in the Himalayan region. You can explore the unspoiled valleys and experience the Himalayan nature and raw Tibetan culture.
The valley offers glimpses of high peaks, glaciers, narrow canyons, forests, yaks, and monasteries. Nar Phu Valley is a famous destination in the Annapurna region but least traversed due to remoteness and inaccessibility.
9. Muktinath Temple
Muktinath temple is the holiest temple at an altitude of 3,800 m. According to Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche meditated there and achieved enlistment. The Hindu pilgrims have dedicated the temple to Lord Vishnu.
The Muktinath temple has 108 water springs. There are many ancient statues. A holy flame is believed to have been burning for centuries. Pilgrims believe that all their sins wash away after they wash in the temple’s water spring.
10. Jhinu Hot Springs
Jhinu Hot Spring is a natural hot spring that lies on the bench of the Modi Khola. You can relax your body and relieve all your tiredness from the trek in this hot spring.
You can reach the Jhinu hot spring in half an hour from the Jhinu Danda. You will walk through the lush green forest filled with rhododendrons and other variety of flowers.
11. Panch Kunda (Dikicho Tal)
Panch Kunda lies at an elevation of 4,050 m. It is a one of the hidden gem in the Annapurna region. Mount Annapurna, Nilgiri South and North, and Tilicho Peak surround the lake. You will walk through the dense forest filled with rhododendrons in the blooming season.
There are many waterfalls like Phut-Phute waterfall, Pancha waterfall, etc. along the trail. The Panch Kunda is a sacred lake. Many pilgrims visit the lake to worship the Shiva temple and Budhha statue. In conclusion, there are many places you can voyage in the Annapurna circuit. The awe-striking beauty of the snow-capped mountains, stunning landscapes, rich local culture, and natural beauty will leave a lasting impression on you. You will r
