Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek

Trek – Cost and Package Information

The cost of the Hidden Lake Trek depends on your group size, itinerary, accommodation, transportation, permits, and included services. The AlpineTrav package generally covers trekking permits, an experienced licensed guide, porters, accommodation, meals during the trek, and ground transportation. We also offer customized itineraries, private departures, and special group discounts. Contact AlpineTrav with your preferred travel dates and group size to receive a detailed package price quotation.

Accommodation in Kathmandu – Hotel Vajra (3 Nights)

During your stay in Kathmandu, you will enjoy three nights at Hotel Vajra, a comfortable hotel offering a peaceful environment before and after your Trekking. The hotel provides a relaxing place to rest, prepare for your mountain adventure, and recover after completing the trek. Your stay includes a deluxe room on a twin-sharing basis, with breakfast served each morning. You can enjoy the hotel’s comfortable facilities and traditional atmosphere while exploring Kathmandu or relaxing between your trekking arrangements.

• Hotel: Hotel Vajra, Kathmandu
• Duration: 2 nights (before and/or after the trek, as per itinerary)
• Room Type: Deluxe room
• Room Sharing: Twin-sharing basis
• Meals: Daily breakfast included
• Single Room: Available on request at an additional cost.

Starting and Ending Points of the Trek

The Annapurna Hidden Lake Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Kimche, where the trekking journey begins. The route passes through Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, Mulde Viewpoint, Hidden Lake, Tiribhu, Jhinu Danda, Landruk, and Pothana before reaching Dhampus Phedi. From there, drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Max Elevation: 3,637m / 11,932ft (Mulde Viewpoint)
Walking Hours: 4–6 hours per trekking day
Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; teahouses during the trek
Meals: Breakfast in cities; breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.

Food and Accommodation During the Trek

The Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek offers basic but comfortable accommodation in local teahouses and family-run lodges. Meals include traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, thukpa, soups, Tibetan bread, and simple Western options like pasta, pancakes, and fried rice. Accommodation is generally provided in twin-sharing rooms with basic beds and blankets, while bathroom facilities are mostly shared. Hot showers, electricity, and internet access may be limited, particularly at higher elevations, and may cost extra. Trekkers are advised to carry personal snacks, a reusable water bottle, and water purification tablets for convenience.

Physical Fitness for the Trek

The Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as the route includes uphill and downhill trails, stone steps, forest paths, and some steep sections. Trekkers should be comfortable walking for approximately 4–6 hours a day with a light backpack. Regular walking, hiking, cycling, or other endurance activities before the trip can help improve stamina and prepare you for the journey. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not essential.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek reaches a maximum elevation of approximately 3,637m (11,932ft) at Mulde Viewpoint. As the route involves walking at higher elevations, it is important to maintain a comfortable pace, stay hydrated, and allow your body enough time to adjust to the altitude. Follow your guide’s advice and inform them immediately if you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or unusual tiredness. Proper acclimatization and careful pacing help make the trek safer and more enjoyable.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek. Your policy should cover trekking at elevations up to 3,637m (11,932ft), medical expenses, emergency helicopter evacuation, and trip cancellation. Make sure your insurance provides adequate coverage for trekking in remote mountain areas of Nepal before starting your journey.

Trekking Guide and Support Team

The is led by an experienced trekking guide, supported by assistant guides at a ratio of one assistant guide for every four trekkers. We also provide one porter for every two trekkers to carry shared luggage. This team arrangement ensures proper support and assistance throughout the journey, even if someone becomes unwell or needs to stop trekking. We organize groups of different sizes, but a maximum of 12 trekkers is ideal for a comfortable, safe, and well-managed experience.

Local Culture and Traditions

The Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek passes through traditional Gurung villages, where you can experience local culture, customs, and mountain lifestyles. The region is known for its warm hospitality, traditional houses, Buddhist influences, and unique cultural traditions. Trekkers are encouraged to respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and ask permission before photographing local people.

Flora and Fauna

The Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek passes through beautiful forests of rhododendron, oak, bamboo, and pine, along with alpine meadows and mountain vegetation. The region is home to wildlife such as Himalayan thar, musk deer, langurs, and various bird species, including pheasants and Himalayan monals. During spring, blooming rhododendrons add vibrant colours to the trails, making the trek especially beautiful.

Weather and Temperature

The weather during the Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek changes according to the season and altitude. Lower villages generally have mild temperatures, while higher areas such as Dobato, Mulde Viewpoint, and Hidden Lake can be much colder, especially in the early morning and at night. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for trekking, offering relatively stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable walking conditions.

• Spring (March–May): Pleasant daytime temperatures, clear mountain views, and blooming rhododendron forests. Nights can still be cold at higher elevations.
• Summer/Monsoon (June–August): Frequent rainfall, cloudy skies, humid conditions, and slippery trails. Mountain views may be limited.
• Autumn (September–November): One of the best trekking seasons, with clear skies, fresh mountain air, and generally stable weather.
• Winter (December–February): Cold temperatures, freezing mornings and nights, and possible snowfall around Dobato, Mulde Viewpoint, and Hidden Lake.

Weather Highlights:

• Pleasant trekking conditions during spring and autumn.
• Beautiful rhododendron forests in bloom during spring.
• Clear Himalayan views during the autumn season.
• Cold mornings and nights at higher elevations.
• Possible snowfall and icy trails during winter.
• Rain, clouds, and slippery paths during the monsoon.

Packing Recommendation: Carry warm layers, thermal clothing, a down jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a warm hat, and suitable trekking boots to stay comfortable in changing mountain weather.

Health and Personal Safety

Your health and safety are important throughout the Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek. Walk at a comfortable pace, stay hydrated, eat regular meals, and get enough rest each day. Carry personal medications, a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, and necessary toiletries. Follow your guide’s instructions, stay on marked trails, and inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or experience any altitude-related symptoms. Proper preparation and careful attention to your health will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

Mobile Network and Internet

Mobile network coverage and internet access are available in some villages along the Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek, but connections may be weak or unavailable in remote areas such as Dobato and Hidden Lake. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi for an additional charge, although the connection may be slow or unreliable. Trekkers are advised to inform family and friends about limited connectivity during the journey.

Electricity and Battery Charging

Electricity is available at most teahouses and lodges along the Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek, but charging facilities may be limited in remote areas such as Dobato and Hidden Lake. Some lodges may charge an additional fee for charging electronic devices. Trekkers are advised to carry a power bank, spare batteries, and a suitable charging adapter to keep their devices powered throughout the journey.

Money and Personal Expenses

The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the local currency used throughout the Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek. ATMs and money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but banking services are limited along the trekking route. We recommend carrying enough Nepalese cash to cover personal expenses such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, snacks, drinks, and tips. It is best to exchange money or withdraw cash before starting the trek.

Tipping Guidelines for Guides, Porters, and Trekking Staff

In Nepal, tipping is a common way to show appreciation for the hard work and services of guides, porters, and trekking staff, it is appreciated when you are satisfied with the service provided. The amount is entirely at your discretion and may depend on the trip duration, group size, and quality of service. Tips are usually given at the end of the trek, and group members can combine their contributions and distribute them fairly among the trekking staff.

Porter Services and Baggage Allowance

AlpineTrav provides experienced porters to carry shared trekking luggage, making your Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek more comfortable. Generally, one porter is assigned to every two trekkers, with a maximum combined baggage allowance of approximately 25–30 kg per porter. Trekkers should carry a small daypack with personal essentials, water, snacks, valuables, and necessary clothing. We recommend packing light and using a duffel bag for the main trekking luggage.

Environmental Responsibility and Sustainable Trekking

AlpineTrav encourages all trekkers to help protect the natural beauty of the Annapurna region by following responsible trekking practices. Avoid littering, minimize plastic waste, use reusable water bottles, respect wildlife, and stay on designated trails. Respect local communities, forests, and natural water sources throughout the journey. By following these simple practices, we can help preserve the environment and keep the Annapurna region clean and beautiful for future generations.

Itinerary Flexibility and Changes

The Annapurna South Hidden Lake Trek itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, trail conditions, group fitness, and other unforeseen circumstances. AlpineTrav reserves the flexibility to make necessary changes to ensure the safety and comfort of trekkers. Our experienced guide will make appropriate decisions during the journey, while keeping the main trekking objectives and overall experience in mind.

Packing and Trekking Gear

Proper packing is important for a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. We recommend bringing the following essential clothing, equipment, and personal items:

1. Trekking boots with good ankle support
2. Comfortable trekking trousers and shirts
3. Warm fleece jacket and insulated down jacket
4. Waterproof jacket and trousers
5. Thermal base layers
6. Warm hat, gloves, and neck warmer
7. Comfortable trekking socks
8. Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
9. Backpack and waterproof rain cover
10. Sunglasses and sunscreen
11. Sun hat or cap
12. Headlamp with spare batteries
13. Trekking poles
14. Reusable water bottle or hydration system
15. Water purification tablets or filter
16. Personal toiletries and quick-drying towel
17. Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
18. Lip balm and moisturizer
19. Power bank and charging adapter
20. Personal snacks and energy bars
21. Camera or mobile phone
22. Passport, permits, and travel insurance documents

Note: Pack only essential items and keep your main trekking luggage within the porter baggage allowance.