KHOPRA RIDGE & HOLY KHAYER LAKE TREK
Trip Facts
Duration
08 N - 09 D
Trip Grade
Moderate and Adventurous.
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
On top Khopra Ridge 3,870 m / 12, 697 feet. Khair Lake 4,247 m / 13, 934 feet high.
Activities
Cultural tour, exciting drive, scenic flight and treks.
Best Time
spring, autumn/fall
Overview
Khopra Ridge and Holy Khayer Lake Trek, with the guidance of Dhan Kumar Rai. An expert and veteran guide of the Nepalese company Kirat Society Adventure and Hiking.
Khopra Ridge and Holy Khayer Lake Trek, leads you to an exciting southern hidden area of the Annapurna Himal. The route takes you on the scenic mainstream trails from lower warmer farm fields and villages. Heading towards cooler alpine green hills at Ulleri and Ghorepani Villages, situated amidst dense rhododendrons and pine forest. Located on the old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet, extends towards the borders beyond Upper Mustang.
Ghorepani is one of the most popular routes for short and moderate trekking. This high mountain village stands at the base of Poon Hill, a renowned hilltop for stunning sunrise. Along with a 360 ° panorama of the world’s highest peaks Mt. Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna. Includes an array of snow mountain range with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famed Fish-Tail Peak.
From Ghorepani and Poon Hill our adventure diverts from the mainstream trail heading towards off-the-beaten path to high Khopra Ridge. The walk follows through the last village of Sauta, and through dense forest of pines and rhododendrons. As the trek progresses on the uphill mountain path reaching Khopra high ridge, a small settlement. Houses, a few simple Tea-Houses and stone built lodges, stand between the towering Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya.
At Khopra scenic ridge for an exciting hike to explore the holy lake of Khayer. Located at the eastern rim of Khopra ridges, in the close shade of Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang/Vara Shikar. Khair Lake lies hidden in a bowl shaped small valley, a religious fair is held once a year. Achieving our goal and highlights of the adventure, return journey on an alternative route to Ghandruk. A large Gurung Village, for last overnight around high hills of Annapurna Himalayas. From Ghandruk an exciting drive brings you to scenic Pokhara by the beautiful tranquil Phewa Lake. After an enjoyable and mesmerizing adventure to Khopra Ridge and Holy Khayer Lake Trek.
Major highlights of this trek
“Adventure from mainstream route towards scenic off-the-beaten-trails.
An exclusive country walks around the high ridges of Annapurna Himalayas.
Picturesque views of the Himalayas with the world's 3 highest mountain ranges.
Exploring traditional mountain villages adorned with ancient cultures.
Trekking amidst serene woods lined with tall rhododendrons and pine trees.
On top of scenic Khopra ridge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal Intenational Airport, after visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Outside the exit terminal our staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed at the hotel, then join with other members of Khopra Ridge Trek for a briefing.
Briefing is done by our guide, group leader with full information of the treks, including hotels in Kathmandu. Local cultures with do’s and don’ts.
In the evening a lovely dinner and introduction to Nepali foods and culture.
Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.
Moning after breakfast, our city guide takes you on a tour around thenworld heritage sites within Kathmandu city. After an exciting and interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation and packing for trekking.
Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Kirat Society Adventure.
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara 860 m and drive to Ulleri Village 2,070 m - 04 hrs.
Moning as time for the flight to Pokhara, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport. After going through security, get on board in a big aircraft for a sweeping panoramic flight of 30 minutes. Enjoy the grand views of majesticnHimalayas from Langtang, Ganesh and Manaslu Himal to Annapuna range.
Landing at Pokhara airport, a few hours of exciting and scenic drive beyond the city and valley of Pokhara. Heading west to low warm farm country, and then driving leads towards cooler hills at Hille. A small lovely farm village, the drive leads to winding ups through Thirkhedhunga village with beautiful waterfalls.
From the bridge, the road climbs uphill for a short hour to Ulleri village, populated by Magar people, the main hill tribes of Westen Nepal.
Enjoy the views of Annapuna peaks and check into a nice local lodge, and explore the village farm life.
Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani Deurali 2,874 m-04 hrs. Transfer to a lodge.
Todays a short moning walks of few hours to Ghorepani, the trail follows thenmain route. A pleasant walk through lovely cool alpine forest lined withntall rhododendrons, oaks and pine trees. Slowly the altitude gains on winding uphill reaching the main welcome entrance gate of Ghorepani.
From the main entrance, a short steep climb brings you on Ghorepani Deuralinwith fascinating mountain backdrops. Transfer to a nice and cozy lodge for lunch and an ovenight stop. For the rest of the aftenoon at leisure, explore the Poon Magar tribe culture at Ghorepani with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapuna Himalayas.
Day 5: Morning hike to Poon Hill and trek to Sauta 2,200 m - 05 hrs.
An early moning hike for an hour to Poon Hill one of the highest point of the trek,nbefore Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake. From the top of Poon Hill enjoy the grandeur sunrise, over 360u00b0 panorama of Himalayan Mountain range.
Includes three world highest peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapuna range with an array of lesser peaks.
After a refreshing moning walk, down to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek down to Chitre village. From here our route diverts heading north, walk leads down to a stream and then up Sauta. A lovely farm village for ovenight halt, a small place with few simple lodges, as well the comfort of a home stay.
Day 6: Trek to Chistibung 3,000 m -05 hrs.
After a pleasant stay at Magar tribes farm village in Sauta, facing views of
Dhaulagiri Himalayas with Annapuna peaks. Moning walks, leaving the lastnnpermanent settlement, on level path for a short while.
Climb leads towards a dense forest of pines and rhododendron trees, within grazing land. Then ending the uphill walk reaching a small place at Chistibung for ovenight halt. Located amidst forest surroundings with few small huts serving asnnshops and inns. Few groups of trekkers seldom venture around these remote hidden areas.
Day 7: Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m -03 hrs.
From Chistibung a short day walk, moning leads to steep climb on a grassynnslope sided hill. Leaving behind the tree lines, the climb continues reaching on top of a scenic ridge at Khopra. A scenic high ridge with few small lodges for ovenight stay. Located in between the towering Mt, Dhaulagiri and Annapuna Fang / Vara Shikar and Nilgiri’s towards North. Includes view of Annapuna South at a near distance on the easten side of Khopra ridge. Aftenoon free at leisure to marvel at the incredible panorama of the high Snow Mountain range.
Day 8: At Khopra Ridge for a day hike to Khayer Lake-06 hrs. Both ways.
Extra day at Khopra, for a day hike to holy Lake of Khair.
Start the moning hike carrying pack lunch for the long day walk.
The trail follows contouring the ridge line close to Annapuna South peak,nand then head north with a slow climb. Having a short rest on the higher ridges of Khopra with an astounding surrounding view of beautiful landscapes and snow peaks. After hours of hiking reaching a bowl shaped small valley, where Khayer Lake is situated. Located within rocky high cliffs and Snow Mountains, with a holy and sacred Khair Lake. Annual religious festivals take place in the month of August on a full moon time as per Hindu Lunar calendar.nn nnEnjoy the pristine surroundings facing magnificent views of rolling snow peaksnnwith high rocky edge cliffs. From this mystical magical place retun on thennsame trail to Khopra for the last ovenight halt.
Day 9: Trek to Dobato 3,420 m - 05 hrs.
From Khopra Ridge downhill walk close to Chistibung, and then our route divertsnneast and back into tall tree lines. Walk follows through dense woods reaching annnopen grassland of Bhaisi Kharka, a cattle herder grazing land.nn nnAfter a short rest an hour or more walk to scenic area at Dobato, situated in thennmiddle of dense forest clearing. A place with few huts serving as simple lodge andnnshops, offers grand views of Annapuna Himalayas with majestic Machhapuchare
Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak. On checking into a nice simple lodge, enjoy thennaftenoon facing fantastic views of Annapuna Himalayas.
Day 10: Trek to Ghandruk village 1,951 m via Tadapani - 06 hrs.
Enjoy the moning views of Annapuna Himalayan range, after breakfast downhill through dense tree lines. After a few hours of steady walking, then reaching the main trail of Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages at Tadapani.
Possible lunch stops, at Tadapani, a small settlement with a number of good lodges. Aftenoon walk downhill to Ghandruk for the last ovenight stop around the hills of Annapuna. Ghandruk, one of the largest villages around southen hills of Annapuna range. Aftenoon at leisure to explore the Gurung typical mountain village. Visit a small Gurung museum and experience the history and culture of the native Gurung.
Day 11: Trek to road-head and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 04 hrs.
Day 12: Transfer to Pokhara airport for a scenic flight to Kathmandu.
As time for a short scenic flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Pokhara Airport for a sweeping smooth air jouney. After a grand short adventure around the high hills of Annapuna Himalayas. On reaching Kathmandu airport a short drive back to your hotels, rest of the day at leisure for personal activities.
Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
Enjoy a leisure day for individual activities, and shopping souvenirs or enjoy the tour of Patan and Bhaktapur. It is well-worth visiting the ancient kingdom and world heritage sites.
Day 14: International departure for homeward bound.
Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your intenational flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal intenational airport bidding farewell to your guide and staff. After a marvelous adventure and experience to Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek.
Essential Information
Enjoy Khopra Ridge Trek nearly all seasons, except for the wet monsoon season from mid-June to August.
The best favored seasons are spring and autumn/fall. The spring begins from March to May, most days are longer with sunlight hours.
Normally the morning till mid-afternoon days are clear for views and scenic walks can get overcast late afternoon sometime.
Can expect snowfalls, cold mornings and in the nighttime, the mid-hills are covered with tall rhododendron, pine and juniper trees. A lively time with wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendrons of various colors.
The next high season is autumn/fall, starts from September and ends in November. Most days are fine with crystal clear blue sky, a pleasant time for scenic walks. Days are shorter due to limited sunlight hours, cold afternoons, and nights till morning time. Expect snowfall sometimes, but with a bright starry night sky. Trekkers can also enjoy during the winter times of December to February. Most days are clear and sunny, but shorter days due to limited sunlight hours. Cold freezing temperatures in the morning, evening, and night time, chances of snowfall also.
