What are the lakes around the Annapurna Circuit?
The lakes around the Annapurna Circuit are the hidden jewels of the trek. The trails are dotted with pretty stunning lakes, which leave their charm and add beauty to the Annapurna Circuit, no doubt. These lakes are the high-altitude jewelries that are decorated around Annapurna Circuit. Here we are going to describe the five tempting lakes along the Annapurna Circuit trekking route.
Tilicho Lake, a high-altitude lake around Annapurna Circuit Trek
Tilicho Lake is one of the best lakes on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters (16,138 feet) in Tilicho, Manang District, and also holds the position of the highest lake in the world. This lake is among the high-altitude lakes on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, leaving its never-ending charm. It is the crown jewel and attractive lake on Annapurna Circuit, surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the Annapurna range.
The journey to Tilicho Lake is challenging, as you have to ascend steeply downhill. From Manang village, you will be passing through rugged terrain and high-altitude trails, which will be a test for even an experienced trekker. If you make the effort and make it here, it is totally worth it; the views are literally jaw-dropping.
On a clear day at Tilicho, you can see the reflection of snow-layered mountain peaks in the water, which can take your breath away. Although it is challenging to reach there, you can get the feeling of conquering the trek, as this is one of the irresistible and scenic lakes on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Ice Lake: A scenic lake around Annapurna Circuit Trek
Ice Lake is another high-altitude lake around Annapurna Circuit Trek, a gem located near Manang village at an elevation of 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). This lake is less known than Tilicho Lake, but it gives you the enchantress that it owns. Ice Lake is also known as Kicho Taal, and it offers a mesmerizing view of the surroundings. Although the lake is small, it is surrounded by snowy peaks with peaceful surroundings.
The lake is named “Ice Lake” because it is mostly frozen almost every month. It is a perfect small lake full of beauty, and the reflection of the Annapurna range in the lake's water is astonishing. This trek is a day hike during the acclimatization day at Manang, as it has a steep ascent, which helps you adapt your body to the high altitude.
You will be passing through the dramatic landscapes of alpine meadows and forests. You will get to witness the mesmerizing views of the peaks of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak as you ascend more and more to the way of Ice Lake. It is one of the beautiful lakes around Annapurna Circuit, without any doubt.
Gangapurna Lake: An attractive lake around Annapurna Circuit
Gangapurna Lake is a glacial lake located just a few steps away from Manang village. It is located at an height of 3,540 meters (11,614 feet) from the sea level and has easily accessible lakes around Annapurna Circuit near Manang. You can go visit this lake during the acclimatization day at Manang before jumping into high altitudes.
This lake is formed by the melting of snow from the Gangapurna peaks, one of the scenic lakes around Annapurna Circuit. You can witness the clear reflection of the peaks that surround the lake. This is a comparatively easier hiking route, which is perfect for acclimatization. You need to ascend for a short time, but the trail is steep uphill. You can see the traditional houses and prayer flags along the trekking route to this lake.
After you reach there, you can see the eye-capturing scene of Ganga and the stunning peaks like Gangapurna, Annapurna I, and Machhapuchhre. This is a great trekking option on the Annapurna circuit during acclimatization day for nature lovers. It is a captivating lake along the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route.
Dhumba Lake: A peaceful lake along the Annapurna Circuit route
Dhumba Lake is a beautiful and peaceful lake located near Jomsom, in the Mustang district. It is situated at an altitude of 2,830 meters (9,285 feet); we can say this is a lower-altitude lake around Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a good option for the trekker who wants to enjoy the scenic beauty and lake view without the hassle of ascending to the high-altitude lakes.
You can observe that the surroundings of Dhumba Lake are calm and surrounded by the distant views of the Dhaulagiri Ranges. The trek to Dhumba Lake is easy and a short one, and it is also a popular day trip. You will be passing through dry rocky terrain to the lush greenery landscapes and the beautiful water of Dhumba Lake.
This is also a popular picnic spot nearby that area, where local families go and enjoy the lake and the scenery. While you are walking on the trekking trail, you can see the beautiful traditional houses where you can get the good hospitality of the locals. You can also spot some wild animals and birds along the way. This is also one of the beautiful lakes around the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Green Lake: A Hidden Beauty Near Pisang
Green Lake is a lesser-known lake along the Annapurna Circuit route, situated at an elevation of 3,250 meters (10,663 feet). It is an astonishing lake located around the village of Pisang, in the Manang district. It is surrounded by alluring mountain peaks and lush green forests. It is also named "Milarepa Lake" or "Parvatika.
This lake is named Green Lake because of the green water, which is formed due to glacier melt from the mountains. The beauty of the Himalayas and the scenic views of the Annapurna range are the plus points here. You will also get to witness the wild animals and birds, including the colorful Himalayan monal, which is the national bird of Nepal (Danphe).
The Green Lake trekking route is moderate to challenging, as you will be passing through dense, beautiful forests and alpine meadows with the charm of incredible views of mountain peaks, which include Annapurna II, IV, and Lamjung Himal. You can also spot the wildlife along the way to this lake. This is a scenic lake around the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Muktinath Lake: a sacred lake along the Annapurna Circuit route
Muktinath Lake is an enchanted lake located at an elevation of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet) in the Mustang district of Nepal. This lake is not just a normal, beautiful lake; it is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and is also known by the name “Mukti Kunda." It provides you with amazing natural beauty along with spiritual significance, which makes it one of the best lakes along the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route.
There are two small sacred ponds named “Laxmi Sarovar” and “Saraswati Sarovar," and by the composition of these two ponds, the Mukti Kunda was formed. These are the parts of Muktinath Temple and the holiest sites where devotees come to dip inside the water for the sake of one's sins and grant moksha, or to get free from the birth and rebirth phases of life. This lake also offers the gorgeous backdrop of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with a peaceful atmosphere.
This Muktinath Lake falls under the scenic lakes around the Annapurna Circuit trek. The route is challenging, with steep uphill and downhill, but offers breathtaking views from rocky terrains to greenery landscapes. It is a spiritual journey along with stunning natural beauty. This place is a combination of the well-known Muktinath temple with the beautiful Muktinath lakes, with gorgeous views of the Himalayas and dramatic landscapes.
Phewa Lake: A sparkling jewel of Pokhara
Phewa Lake, also known as Phewa Taal, is a famous lake in Nepal, located at an elevation of 742 meters (2,434 feet) in Pokhara, Kaski district of Nepal. This lake is not directly connected to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, but we stay overnight here and enjoy the nightlife and lake view. It offers mesmerizing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with Machhapuchhre.
This lake is the second largest lake in Nepal, surrounded by greenery hills and a busy city that is a great destination for tourists. The key attraction in the lake is Barahi Temple, which lies in between the lakes. You need to use colorful boats for this. This temple is adding spiritual and cultural value to this lake and its natural beauty.
You can visit the Phewa Lake for amazing photography, as it is a must-visit place whenever you visit Pokhara. You can go boating, paragliding, cycling, or walking around the lake and capture endless memories. We can consider Phewa Taal as an attractive lake along the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route.
Conclusion
These lakes along the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Routes are some of the most scenic and attractive spots during your trek. Each lake offers a dramatic and different landscape, and the auras from these lakes are so different from one another. From low altitude lakes to the high altitude lakes around the Annapurna Circuit Trek, each carries an unique charm.
Whatever you are looking for, either a challenging trek or a peaceful and easy trek, the lakes around Annapurna Circuit Trek have something for you to offer. If you are planning a trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek, you should include any of these lakes in your itinerary. These are the scenic lakes that offer you cultural and spiritual significance, along with jaw-dropping nature and Himalayan views.
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