Top 5 view points during Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Karan Gurung
  • Last Updated on Jul 17, 2024

The legendary and iconic Annapurna Circuit trek lies in central Nepal. This valley is naturally, culturally, and geographically blessed, making it a more popular and demanding trekking destination in Nepal. Every year, thousands of national and international travelers explore and create an immense amount of memories with their friends, family, and partners. 

While doing the Annapurna Circuit, including the Tilicho Lake trek in Nepal, there are several sections to get the best glimpse of the Himalayan ranges and beautiful landscapes. For these reasons, numerous tourists visit every year and enjoy nature. We highly recommend the top five best view points for nature enthusiasts to visit during their Annapurna Circuit Trek journey.

Annapurna Circuit

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Why is Tilicho Lake considered to be the best view point during the Annapurna Circuit adventure?

Tilicho Lake, which is the most popular and demanding hiking spot, comes inside Annapurna Circuit and stands at an elevation of 4,919 meters (16,138 ft). Naturally blessed, this valley has a worldly, high elevated lake called “Tilicho Lake.” It surprises each and every individual who travels here with its mesmerizing glimpse of the lake and Tilicho Peak. During the hike towards Tilicho Lake, the close sight of the snow-capped mountains and the amazing geological structure of the land are absolutely mind-blowing.

Tlicho Lake is an additional itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. The route departs from Manang village and diverges to the left of the standard itinerary, leading directly to Tilicho Lake. It takes two and a half days of duration to reach the lake, staying one camp at Siri Kharka, next to the Tilicho Base Camp, and finally to the Tilicho Lake. 

During the hike towards Tilicho Lake while doing the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek in Nepal, the trails have many narrow, broken, and landslided sections. So a backpacker needs to be extra careful and strictly follow the guide's instructions to avoid unseen risks.

As you are hiking towards the lake, you will get to witness the variety of Himalayan flora and fauna. They are snowcocks, eagles, vultures, pikas, rats, snow leopards (very rare), blue sheep, Himalayan thar, yaks, etc. These are the extra beauties of nature that you will encounter while taking a short hike to Tilicho Lake during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho LakeTilicho Lake

What are the reasons that the Ice Lake is the best view point around Annapurna Excursion?

Ice Lake is one of the best view points during the Annapurna Circui or Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek in Nepal. Normally, every itinerary has an extra night at Manang Village for acclimation to the rapid increase in elevation. On this day, trekkers have many options to choose from. The first option is Ice Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,600 m/15,092, spanning 15 kilometers (9 miles) and requiring a total time of 7-8 hours to complete. The next destination is Chhonkar View Point, which is located near Manang Village. Alternatively, you could take a break and explore Manang Village.

The hike to Ice Lake starts very early, around 6 in the morning, with a hot and delicious breakfast. The trail leads through Bragha Village and a steep climb all the way to the lake. On a rough and uneven slope, the path is very narrow and steep uphill.

As the trail continues towards the Ice Lake, the journey offers a wide range of snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East and Far East, Khangsar Kang, etc. After reaching the top, you will be amazed by the close vision of all these mountains, including the fabulous ice lakes. 

The hike to the Ice Lake is challenging and difficult, but worth it. Walking uphill and descending might be challenging, but it helps trekkers prepare for the Thorong La Pass and gives hikers a magnificent glimpse of Himalayan wonders. The list above explains why Ice Lake serves as the best viewing point during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Ice LakeIce Lake

Why is Chhonkar View Point the best viewing spot during Nepal's Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Chhonkar is one of the best view points during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal, and it stands at an elevation of approximately 3,720 meters in the lab of Annapurna 3. Most of the tourists visit here and enjoy the peaceful nature. According to the trip program itinerary, Manang village has a rest day. On the rest day, excursionists hike to the Chhonkar View Point to acclimate to the rapidly increasing elevation.

Furthermore, hikers will begin the day with a breakfast around eight in the morning. The distance from Manang to the Chhonkar viewpoint is approximately 2 kilometers, with a total duration of two to three hours. It is a short and easy hike that begins with a short descent to the Manang Marshyangdi River, followed by an ascent with gradual ups in the beginning and then steep ups right before the top.

Manang village, on the other hand, is a beautiful place on the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal. Imagine the breathtaking beauty that awaits us if we venture to the viewing point. While stepping towards the view point, you will enjoy each and every moment. The sensational meadow, lush landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and Gangapurna Lake, located directly beneath the Chhonkar View Point, are truly magical.

Upon reaching the top, you will get to witness a jaw-dropping glimpse of the Himalayan ranges, the beautiful Manang valley, lush landscapes, etc. with your nacked eyes, which are extremely outstanding. After exploring the view point and collecting beautiful memories, the trekker returns to the lodge. Chhonkar View Point, ideal for catching a stunning view of the mountains and the Manang Valley, stands out as the top viewpoint during the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal, and we strongly suggest it to future travelers.

Chhonkar View PointManang Village

Is Thorang La Top the best point of view?

No doubt, Thorong La Pass is the best view point during the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal. This pass will be crossed by everyone who undertakes the Annapurna Circuit, the Short Annapurna Circuit trek (9 days), the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake, and other similar treks. At an elevation of 5,416 m (17,756 ft), it provides an exceptional view of the giant, crystal-clear mountains, dramatic landscapes, and the board of Thorang La Pass, all of which will leave you with unforgettable memories.

However, to reach the Thorong La top, it may take you many days on a rough and rocky trail. Although the trek may be hard, challenging, and difficult for trekkers, it is a truly rewarding experience. On this day, travelers will start early in the morning in the dark with the help of a headlight. 

This is the pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit trek, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. This is why it is considered one of the best views.

Thorong La TopThorong La Pass

How about Poon Hill?

Poon Hill is one of the most demanding and popular trekking spots for both national and international trekkers. It stands at an elevation of 3,210 m (10,531 ft) above sea level. Every year, an uncountable number of people visit and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Mother Nature.

In addition, Poon Hill offers a magnificent panorama of the Himalayan Ranges, such as Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri I and its ranges, Fishtail, Himchuli, Nilgiri, and so on. Along with the dramatic landscapes, beautiful meadows, colorful hills during spring, and, more importantly, the rising sun, this is the heart of Poon Hill. Visitors actually came here to witness the mountains turn golden as the sun rose.

Why does the Annapurna Circuit Trek feature Poon Hill as the best viewing point? Indeed, travelers may find this confusing. We have identified Poon Hill as the best view point. Some itineraries combine the 18-day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake or the 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, adding Poon Hill as an extra day to extend the itinerary and capture the best sunrise views. As a result, Poon Hill is considered one of the best viewing points during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal because it is an integral part of the trek.

Poon Hill

Conslusion

Lastly, the above topics are the best view points during the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal that offer the alluring beauty of crystal-clear mountains, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant hills, along with an opportunity for travelers to witness the mix-culture of local native people. If you are planning to visit, don't forget to do so.

If you want to know more information about the valley, click the link below and contact the concerned representatives. 

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Karan Gurung

Karan Gurung

Hey! I'm Karan Gurung, a boy who enjoys traveling and exploring new places. I was born in the Ruby Valley, a remote area of Nepal, and later I moved to Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal) in search of better education and facilities.  I joined the trekking industry at an early age, started as a porter, assistant guide, and full guide, and now I am the CEO of Nature Excursion. 

I worked as a mountain leader in Nepal's Himalayas for more than 12 years. I have led over 500 or plus trekkers into the mountains during my guiding tenure.  I feel very fortunate to have such an amazing job taking people to the rural parts of Nepal and connecting them with nature.  My ultimate goal is to make travelers happy and give my 100% to achieve their goals.

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