TRIP SUMMARY
Trip Mode: 4 nights hotels and full service tented camping
Trek Grade: 12 days of Moderate to Strenuous trekking
Trek / Camp: 11 nights of fully-supported tented camping
Highest point: 4384m / 14,380 feet at Hidden Lake (Annapurna South Base Camp)
Total Trip: 16 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
HIGHLIGHTS
This recently researched itinerary affords us a superb panorama of many of the world’s highest mountains; Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Our journey takes us up close and personal with the famous Machapuchare (Fishtail) peak, as we make our way to the serenity of Hidden Lake, tucked in a secluded corner of the Annapurna South Base Camp. En route, we will pass through traditional hill villages of the Gurung and Magar ethnic tribes and charming rhododendron and magnolia forests. Despite being in the popular Annapurna region, we will be traveling along little-trekked trails in complete wilderness.
INTRODUCTION
Annapurna South, also called Annapurna Dakshin, is a shapely peak making up the mighty Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. At 7,219 meters (23,684 feet), Annapurna South is the 101st-highest mountain in the world and was first ascended in 1964. The nearby mountain Hiunchuli is in fact an extension of Annapurna South.
Our new Hidden Lake Trek is little-frequented by Western groups, as access to this area is barred by steep-sided valleys, high ridges and requires groups to camp instead of staying in lodges. As the name implies, Hidden Lake sits secluded beneath the picturesque Fishtail Mountain, an area defined by heavily wooded forests of bamboo and rhododendron above its shorelines. These forests and high alpine pastures make for an undisturbed home to a variety of wildlife.
This rarely visited area makes for a tough, panoramic and rewarding trek on often times ill-defined tracks away from the crowds, teahouses and lodges, which dominate most of the trekking in and around the Annapurna Range.