Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya TrekkingPonkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking

Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking

Highlights
  • “Adventure to hidden Ponkar Lake on least ventured areas of Manang valley
  • Explore the far remote corners of Mid-West Himalayan range of towering peaks
  • Enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron, pines, hemlocks, oaks and fir trees
  • From mainstream trekking trails towards off the beaten tracks to Ponkar Lake
  • Enjoy the sweeping mountain panorama of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas”

‘An exciting adventure on hidden Ponkar lake close to the base of Larke-La Pass’

Ponkar Lake Annapurna & Manaslu Himalaya Trekking is an adventure on the hidden corners northeast of Manang. As well close to the Manaslu region bounded by the high Larke-La Pass, above 5,106 m / 16, 752 feet high. Adventure to Ponkar Glacial Lake is an exciting thrill to experience on week-long trekking. Explore the wild forgotten scenic areas of Manang, far from the main trail of popular Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit routes.

The Ponkar Lake north of Annapurna and west of Manaslu Himal, takes you off the beaten tracks. Seldom ventured by a few groups of trekkers and explorers, as this region is less known to outside travelers. But once the word spreads of its beauty and charms, where the influx of trekkers may increase shortly.

This is a very special and exclusive adventure, an undisturbed and unspoiled country, that remains pristine and beautiful. As it were in the past centuries until it was discovered by local Yak herders. Where only a few interested trekkers know about this serene and magnificent location.

Trekkers can enjoy the perfect wilderness in the harmony of wonderful and scenic surroundings of high snow mountains. Enclosed by a lovely dense forest, lined with rhododendron and pine trees at a mere distance from crystal clear Ponkar Lake.

Ponkar Lake Annapurna & Manaslu Himalaya Trekking begins with an interesting drive to reach Nepal Mid-West at Dharapani village. The journey from low warm areas of Lamjung district past Bhesishar town, reaching the high cooler hills of Manang. Where our adventure starts following the main trail of the Manaslu Circuit for a few days to Bhimphedi. A lovely settlement amidst a beautiful forest, from here towards our main destination to Ponkar Lake. Reaching the highest point of the adventure, facing stunning views of the snow mountain range.

At Ponkar Lake enjoy the views of Ponkar Himal, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli with views of Mt. Manaslu. Which is the world’s 8th highest peak, with Lamjung Himal, Larke Peak, Himlung, and Cheo Himal extending towards Annapurna Himalayas.

Enjoying the exciting moments at Ponkar Lake, the return journey leads on the same scenic trail to Dharapani and Tal Besi. Where our trek completes taking an exciting drive back to Kathmandu. After a glorious memorable experience at Ponkar Lake Annapurna & Manaslu Himalaya Trekking.

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Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal international airport, guide and staff meets to receive you for a short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city. After a refreshing rest, meet the other members of Ponkar Lake Annapurna & Manaslu Himalaya Region trek. The guide will brief regarding the trek, local lodge on route, culture and sightseeing tour around Kathmandu heritage sites. 
Evening a welcome dinner in a Nepali restaurants with cultural program as introduction of Nepalese culture and heritage custom. 
 

    A day in Kathmandu for trek preparations, as well for sightseeing tour at places of interest, the city guide takes you around historical and cultural places listed in World Heritage Sites. After visiting historical and cultural sites, and then back to hotel for final preparation for Ponkar Lake Annapurna & Manaslu Himalaya Trekking. 
     

      An early morning departure for the Annapurna Circuit adventure, a long interesting drive on a private coach or comfortable tourist standard bus. 
      As group size, drive leads beyond Kathmandu city and the valley heading down on winding main highway towards Besisar at Lamjung district. 
      From here drive follows past town and farm villages as route divers heading Mid-West around Gandaki Zone. The drive leads to mid-hills at farm village in Jagat.
      An early morning departure for the Annapurna Circuit adventure, a long interesting drive on a private coach or comfortable tourist standard bus. 
      As group size, drive leads beyond Kathmandu city and the valley heading down on winding main highway towards Besisar at Lamjung district. 
      From here drive follows past town and farm villages as route divers heading Mid-West around Gandaki Zone. The drive leads to the mid-hills at farm village in Jagat for overnight stop in the comfort of a nice simple lodge.
       

        From Jagat, morning starts with climb above Masrsyangdi River and then on winding path to Chamje. As route leads to cross over Masrsyangdi River to the opposite side into forested area. Enjoy views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.  Walk continues reaching at Tal Besi the starting point of Manang district. At Tal Besi having lunch continue trek for few hours to Dharapani village for overnight stop. Located on the junction of Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit trekking trails. 

          Having breakfast in a nice lodge restaurants at Dharapani village of strong Tibetan and Buddhism culture. Start the morning walk on leaving the main trail heading down to a bridge and walk past nice Tilje village. Trek continues following a nice path into forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Climbing for few hours then reaching our overnight stop at Gho, a small settlement amidst dense tree lines.

          At Gho in the comfort of simple basic lodge, but an enjoyable overnight stop in the harmony of pristine natural surroundings. 
           

            After a peaceful overnight at Gho, morning walk is not too far a half day of few hours. Trek follows through forest path, the route winds up to a high ridge facing views of snow peaks. As walk progress with short down and with more ups, then reaching a wide grassy meadow at Bhimthang. A lovely spot within dense forest surroundings offers several nice simple lodge for overnight stay.

            Enjoy the lunch with backdrop of snow clad peaks, afternoon laze around and take a short walk on this beautiful areas. 

              Start the day hike, early morning, carrying pack lunch for the day walk to Ponkar Lake. The trail follows on the same tracks of Manaslu Circuit for an hour or more as our route diverts heading into sheer mountain wilderness.

              After a steady tough walk reaching above the Ponkar Lake, greeted by tremendous views of high snow peaks. Overlooking Manaslu North (7,157 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Larke Peak (6,249 m) and Himlung Himal (7,126 m) towards north-west. Includes view of Cheo Himal (6,812 m) with an array of high peaks from the scenic View-Point above Ponkar Lake. As well the highest point of the adventure at 3,965 m high. After an exciting hike to Ponkar Lake, walk back to Bhimthang for overnight stop after a long adventure day of the trek.

                Return journey on the same pleasant trail through forest with short ups and more downhill to Gho for overnight stop. Before heading towards Dharapani village back on the main busy trail.

                  Morning starts with long descend to Tilje village, after a short refreshing break climb up to cross a bridge. Above Masrsyangdi River to Jagat village, and the continue walk after having good lunch either in Tilje or at Dharapani village.

                  Walk follows above the river on gradual trail with few short ups and down then reaching at Tal Besi village for last overnight stop. Around the high hills of Manang areas and Annapurna Himalayas.

                    Morning an exciting drive to Kathmandu, as road follow downhill to low warm farm country, reaching around Lamjung district and at Besisar headquarter town of Lamjung area. From here change of transport, and then on good road leads to the main busy highway to Kathmandu.
                    As drive follows the Trisuli River upstream for few hours with climb on winding road towards Kathmandu valley and the city. On reaching at the hub of city, check into your hotel, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities.

                      Final and last day at Kathmandu and in Nepal, departure from the hotel as per your international flight time. Our guide and staff will accompany with short drive to the airport. Bidding farewell to the staff and guide, after a great wonderful adventure with memorable experience on to Ponkar Lake Annapurna & Manaslu Himalaya Trekking.

                        What's Included
                        • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                        • Three night hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with B.B.
                        • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System
                        • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
                        • Government license holder guide 
                        • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                        • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek 
                        • Transportation from Kathmandu to  Beshishar  Kathmandu 
                        • from Beshishar to jagat Local Jeep 
                        • Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) Entry  Permit.
                        • Government taxes and official expense
                        What's not Included
                        • All food pay your self  during the trek  
                        • Flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
                        • Tips for porters ($50-80) and guides ($80-100)
                        • Nepal Visa ($50)
                        • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                        • Food and drinks ($15-25 per day)
                        • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                        • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression)

                        Departure Dates

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                        Trip DateApr 29, 2024 - May 09, 2024
                        PriceUS$680
                        AvailabilityAvailable
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                        Useful Information

                        Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                        Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                        Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                         Guide and Porters for 11 Days Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking : 

                        On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                        All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                        Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                        Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                        Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                        What to Bring During Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking 11 Days?

                        **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                        Clothing and footwear

                        • trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                        •  sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                        •  flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                        • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                        • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                        • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                        •  Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                        •  Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                        • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                        • Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                        Equipment for  11 Days Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking

                         *Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                         *Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                        *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in       Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                        *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                         *Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                        *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                        * A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                        Personal usage

                        > Towel (light and quick-drying)  - Washing accessories - Disinfection wipes

                        > Antibacterial gel - Moisturizing hand cream - Sun cream with a high factor

                        > Lip balm with sun protection - Reusable water bottle - Snacks, nuts, chocolate

                        Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking FAQs

                        • Due to its remote location and yet not too far from the main trekking trails of Manaslu & Annapurna Circuit. The route to Ponkar is off from the mainstream where trekkers needs to stay extra day at Bhimphedi. Then next early morning a day hike to Ponkar Lake and back to Bhimphedi. Due to its unknown location only few interested trekkers are aware of the hidden Ponkar Lake.

                        • Spring from March to May and autumn / fall starts from September to November. These are the best time of year for Ponkar Lake, as well for other adventures around Nepal Himalayas. Most days are sunny and bright for views and pleasant walks.

                        • At present from Dharapani onwards to Bhimphedi the last overnight stops, have facilities of nice good lodges and guest-house. As it is situated on Manaslu Circuit route, this wonderful trek staying in the comfort of lovely cozy lodge. As well having good meals as per the wide list of food menu provided by the lodge restaurants.

                        • Yes, nearly all age group can enjoy walks to Ponkar Lake, the altitude sickness will not be a big problem. As this is a short trek of a week, gain in height rise gradually on daily walks. This trek will be most enjoyable along with wonderful views, a real adventure in perfect wilderness.

                        • Nearly all overnight destinations in a lodge do have facilities of electricity either run by small Hydro or Solar Power. Trekkers can enjoy the facilities charging their electronic gadgets, on paying a certain fee for charging each items.

                        At a Glance
                        • Duration11 Days
                        • Difficulty Level Moderate
                        • Max AltitudeBhimthang 3950Mt.
                        • Trip StyleTrekking
                        • Group Sizeminimum 2
                        • Best SeasonFebruary to May and September to December .
                        Price Per PersonUS$680
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