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Quick facts
A quieter Annapurna route climbing past Ghandruk and Dobato to the off-trail Hidden Lake — a remote glacial lake near Mulde Peak with unobstructed views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Overview
The Hidden Lake trek follows a less-travelled path through the western Annapurna Conservation Area, beyond the usual Ghorepani-Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp crowds. The name can cause confusion in online research — this route is not in Myagdi district proper but in the ACAP border zone where Kaski and Myagdi meet, accessed through the Annapurna foothills southwest of the main ABC trail. The lake sits at around 4,100m in a secluded basin beneath high ridges, with the main viewpoint at nearby Mulde Peak (3,650m) providing one of the best Dhaulagiri-Annapurna panoramas in the region.
The trail shares its first two days with the Khopra Ridge route — Ghandruk, then Tadapani — before diverging toward Dobato. At Dobato the route heads toward Mulde Viewpoint and the Hidden Lake rather than continuing to Khopra. The lake approach from Pode Kharka involves rougher terrain and less-marked trails, and conditions can vary significantly with season and snowfall. This is not a polished teahouse circuit — it sits between a developed route and a genuinely remote experience.
I describe this trek honestly: documentation is sparse, the upper sections involve some route-finding, and the accommodation above Dobato is basic. What you get in return is a lake setting that very few trekkers have seen, dramatic views from Mulde Viewpoint, and the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the descent — one of the best rewards on any Annapurna trek. The descent via Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda brings you back to the main trail network before returning to Pokhara.
Who this trek is for
Trekkers with prior Annapurna experience who want a genuinely quieter route to a lake most visitors have never seen. Suitable for people who have done Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp and want more solitude and a greater sense of wilderness. Moderate fitness required — the upper section above Dobato is rougher and less supported than the main trails. Not recommended as a first Nepal trek without good base fitness.
Best views & moments
- Hidden Lake at approximately 4,100-4,370m — a glacial basin beneath towering ridges with almost no visitor traffic
- Sunrise from Mulde Viewpoint (3,650m) — one of the finest Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre panoramas in the region
- Hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the descent — a natural pool by the Modi Khola after days on high terrain
- Dobato ridge at sunset — open views toward the Dhaulagiri range with very few other trekkers
- Gurung cultural encounters in Ghandruk, one of the most complete traditional villages in the Annapurna hills
- Dense rhododendron and oak forest between Tadapani and the higher ridges — exceptional birdwatching terrain
- Strong sense of wilderness above Dobato — trails significantly less frequented than any major Annapurna route
Day-by-day itinerary
Route & terrain
The route begins with a drive to the standard Ghandruk trailhead and follows the familiar Tadapani trail for the first two days. At Dobato the path diverges from the Khopra circuit, heading toward Mulde Viewpoint before pushing into genuinely remote terrain at Pode Kharka and the Hidden Lake.
The trail above Dobato is less clearly marked and less maintained than the main Annapurna routes. A local guide familiar with this specific path is important, particularly for the section from Pode Kharka to the lake. The terrain is rocky alpine above 3,800m and can hold snow in early spring or late autumn — check current conditions before committing to the upper section.
The descent via Tiribhu and Jhinu Danda rejoins the main trail network used by Annapurna Base Camp trekkers, which means reliable teahouse accommodation and good trail conditions from that point onward. The hot springs at Jhinu Danda are a well-established stop used by many trekkers and provide an excellent close to the route.
General info
Difficulty & preparation
This trek is rated Moderate, with the upper section (Dobato to Hidden Lake) approaching Moderate-Challenging due to less-marked terrain and higher altitude. Daily walking times range from 3 to 7 hours. The Hidden Lake approach involves rough alpine terrain and some route-finding, and the altitude at Pode Kharka (around 4,050m) and the lake (around 4,100m) is high enough to cause altitude symptoms in some trekkers. The acclimatisation profile — gradual ascent over several days — is appropriate, but you should not rush the upper section.
Fit trekkers with prior experience at altitude will find this route accessible. For those without high-altitude experience, the itinerary should be extended by one rest day at Dobato.
How to prepare
Good cardiovascular fitness for consecutive days of trekking at altitude. Prior hiking experience at or above 3,500m is helpful. The upper section involves terrain that is rougher than anything below — broken-in ankle-support boots are important. Carry a personal first-aid kit including blister treatment, pain relief, and anti-diarrheal medication. Check snow conditions on the upper trail before departure in spring and autumn.
Permits you'll need
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000 (foreigners) / NPR 100 (SAARC) per person
Required throughout the route. Buy in Pokhara before departure.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
NPR 2,000 (independent) / NPR 1,000 (group) per person
Available at Nepal Tourism Board offices in Pokhara.
I handle all permit paperwork as your licensed guide.
Altitude & acclimatisation
The highest sleeping point on this route is Pode Kharka at approximately 4,050m, with the Hidden Lake day reaching around 4,100-4,370m. These elevations carry genuine risk of altitude sickness — headache, nausea, fatigue, and disturbed sleep are common. The gradual ascent profile over the first three days (Ghandruk 1,940m → Tadapani 2,630m → Dobato 3,450m) provides reasonable acclimatisation time, but individual responses vary.
Do not ignore symptoms at these altitudes. If you develop a severe headache that does not respond to ibuprofen, difficulty walking steadily, or confusion, descend immediately — these are signs of serious altitude illness. Helicopter rescue is available from this region in good weather but requires emergency insurance coverage.
Food & accommodation
Teahouses are well-established in Ghandruk and Tadapani with reliable menus and hot showers. At Dobato, accommodation is simpler — basic rooms with blankets. Above Dobato at Pode Kharka, facilities are minimal and may involve basic shelter or simple tented accommodation depending on season and operator. Camping gear may be required for some itineraries above Dobato — confirm the accommodation situation before departure.
From Tiribhu downward the trail reconnects with main Annapurna infrastructure, and Jhinu Danda has well-established teahouses near the hot springs. The descent section food and accommodation quality improves significantly.
What to pack
Full trekking kit required. Warm insulation layer for evenings at Dobato and above — temperatures drop sharply. Waterproof shell is essential year-round. Trekking poles recommended for the rocky upper section and the long descent from Tiribhu. Headlamp for pre-dawn Mulde Viewpoint hike. At Pode Kharka, basic sleeping bag or liner may be needed depending on teahouse blanket quality — check in advance. Pack lunch for the Hidden Lake day as no resupply is available above Pode Kharka.