Khopra Ridge and Khair lake Trekking

from 25 reviews

Price starting from

~~$1,147~~ USD 945

per person

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Duration

14 days

Max. Elevation

3350m

Group size

1-10 Pax

Level

MODERATE

Transportation

private vehicle, Deluxe touristic bus

Best Season

February-May, September-December

Accomodation

Three-star hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and tea house lodge during the trek

Meals

full board package (Breakfast+Lunch+dinner cup of tea/coffee)

Starts at

Kathmandu

Ends at

kathmandu

Trip Route

Kathmandu-Pokhara-Nayapul-Ghandruk-Tada Pani-Dobato-Chistebung-Khopra danda-Khair Lake-Sauta Village-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tirkhedhunga-Pokhara-Kathmandu

Highlights

Adventure into remote pockets of the massive Annapurna Himalaya Mountain range.
Explore the hidden and scenic corners of the massive Annapurna Himalaya.
Away from a mainstream trail in a complete wilderness of lovely forest, mountains.
Enjoy the stunning panorama of high snow peaks from Khopra ridge and Poon Hill.
Trekking in between the great mountain range of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya.
Off the beaten tracks for days in the harmony of pristine green surroundings.

Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking, this adventure is often known as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Treks. Due to its closeness of both massive mountain ranges as you look from the high scenic ridge of Khopra. A marvelous trek to enjoy in the harmony of beautiful forest surroundings of tall rhododendron, pines, magnolia, and oak tree lines. In the backdrop of high snow, peaks remain constant throughout the walks from the start to the end of the journey. Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking can be done taking two routes as options clock-wise or anti-clock-wise. Hiker Himalaya has set the itinerary the later ways heading into off-beaten tracks first then joining the main trails. After a visit to Khopra and the holy lake of Khair to reach the busy route at Ghorepani village. A nice and pleasant walk to reach on the highest point of the adventure to Khopra Ridge, and then at Khair Lake. A glacial pond tucked in between high peaks of Annapurna South and Vara Shikar or Annapurna Fang.

Khair Lake is regarded as sacred and holy by the local villagers. Where once a year in August, a great religious fair and festival takes place as per the Hindu Lunar calendar. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit for worship and prayer and taking a bath and dip in the icy pond. The belief is that relinquishes the sin of hundreds of lifetime, as well sacrifices some animals like goats, sheep, and chicken. As an offering to nature spirits stands a small temple of Shiva as well amidst towering mountain surroundings. Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking with Hike Himalaya start from lovely Pokhara city, after an exciting overland journey from Kathmandu.

From Pokhara heading west to reach the end of a drive, where our adventure begins heading up to Ghandruk village. A large village populated by Gurung people, the main hill tribes of Annapurna Himalayas, as well the gateway to various trekking routes. Gurung people practice Buddhism and their own ancient culture of Bon a pre-Buddhism sect, worship of ancestral and natural spirits. This will be the last village till Ghorepani is reached after spending time around the complete mountain wilderness. The other places on treks are just temporary settlements of cattle herders and villagers with simple lodges and inns for travelers.

From Ghandruk heading high walking through enchanting woodland and beyond the main trail towards Khopra Ridge, located on a high scenic ridge. A place with few houses that serve as shelter and food for the trekkers, as this region ventured by only a few groups of trekkers. Spending an extra day around this beautiful scenic high ridge, with the closest views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiris peaks. A full-day hike takes you to far-flung hidden corners at holy Khair Lake, an amazing place to be. Within tranquil surroundings of high snow peaks, from here our adventure heads down and up to Ghorepani village.

Located on a high hill and at the main trail of old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route to Tibet, that extends beyond Mustang area. A popular spot for trekkers, here lodges offer nice accommodation and varieties of the food menu. Next early morning hike up to famous scenic Poon Hill, a magnificent viewpoint for a stunning sunrise over an array of Western Himalayan peaks. Enjoy the sunrise with super mountain panorama, and then downhill to low warm areas, where a few hour's drives bring you to beautiful Pokhara.

Pokhara, located on a verdant valley surrounded by tiers of green hills with a massive range of Annapurna Himalayan peaks. Includes grand views of majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak that reflects on calm lakes of Phewa and Begnas. After Pokhara an interesting drive back to Kathmandu, where our marvelous adventure and memorable experience on Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking concludes.

Important Note

The cost will be valued by Your standard of hotels, service, group size, and other extra activities. Please kindly let us know.
The above itinerary is basically a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

Trip Itinerary

Day

On arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport via various international airlines, received by our guide and staff for short transfer in the heart of Kathmandu city. Where your hotel is located, after checking into your rooms and then meet other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for briefing. The briefing includes important information regarding Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trek, to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable. The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music.

Day

The morning after early breakfast as per group size, either in a private car, coach, or taking a tourist bus to Pokhara, an interesting drive of six hours through many farm villages and town, following the popular rafting river of Trisuli. After a few hours drives head west on leaving the Trisuli River heading towards a famous touristic spot in Pokhara for an overnight stop in a nice lovely hotel by the Phewa Lake-Side. Enjoy the evening with short walks by the lakeside where many good restaurants and shops are located.

Day

After a lovely relaxing time in a nice hotel in Pokhara, and then having breakfast a few hour drives takes you beyond Pokhara valley, overlooking views of Annapurna range of peaks, as the drive ends further from the town of Nayapul. Start the trek from near farm village of Syauli Bazaar, situated by the Modi River, as walk leads to climbing on long stone steps heading past farm villages and terraces to reach Ghandruk. A large and major Gurung village of the Annapurna region, populated by Gurung the main hill tribes of Annapurna Himalaya. Famously known as the Gorkha, since the past 200 years recruited as brave soldiers in British and Indian Armies. The Gurung originally are farmers and raising livestock, Ghandruk also a gateway to several trekking destinations of the Annapurna region. Time permitting explore the cultural village and its small museum with full information of Gurung tradition and custom.

Day

Early morning enjoy views of Annapurna peaks while having good breakfast, and then start the day with a climb above Ghandruk village, as walk proceeds on a nice winding path for a while, a steep climb leads you into a cool forest to reach a small settlement at Bhainse Kharka, a place in the middle of woods. From here an hour's walk into lovely woodland reach you to Tadapani for overnight in one of its nice cozy lodges. Located amidst a lovely forest with grand close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchare Himal the Fish-Tail peak.

Day

Morning from Tadapani, enjoying grand views of Annapurna Himalaya, having breakfast then start the walk with a climb into hidden areas away from mainstream trekking trails. As the walk continues with a steep climb within the dense forest to reach Dobato, situated on a hilltop surrounded by tall tree lines with views of Annapurna peaks. A place with a simple and basic lodge overnight in a small lodge with clean rooms offers a limited food menu to enjoy the dinner. As you are in a pure wilderness of high hills and mountainous areas far from villages and main trekking trails till Khopra Ridge.

Day

Walk in the morning begins with a short climb facing glorious views of Annapurna Himalaya range, as walk heads to a narrow path to reach a wide meadow and then down through the lovely forest to reach an isolated spot in Chistebung, a place with few small huts that serve as a lodge and Tea-House. Spend the rest of the afternoon around this peaceful area surrounded by dense forest, with chances of seeing some mountain wildlife.

Day

From Chistebung, today a short morning walk uphill, as the route leaves the forest and tall tree lines behind for short bush and shrubs. As the climb continues on grassy slopes to reach Khopra ridge for lunch and an overnight stop. A scenic spot Khopra, perched on a high ridgeline with wonderful closest views of Mt. Dhaulagiri with Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang), and Annapurna South, a great scenic ridge. Afternoon relaxes for the next early morning hike to Khair Lake our final destination of the adventure. Overnight in a simple guest-house or lodge with as the area located far and remote from rest of the villages and main trekking trails.

Day

Rise early morning for breakfast and then carrying your pack-lunch for the long day hike, start the morning walk on a ridge-line close to Annapurna South peaks and then head northeast to reach holy Khair Lake at above 4, 500 m. Walking on a nice path as used by local pilgrims on auspicious time of festival at Khair Lake, then reach the beautiful areas of Khair Lake and its small glacial pond Regarded as a holy site, once a year festival held in August, as per Hindu Lunar calendar. Thousands of local villagers make a pilgrimage to worship and prayer to Lord Shiva. In Hindu belief, all Himalayan mountains are an abode of Lord Shiva and holy spirits. Where devotees take bathe and a dip in the icy pond, as well sacrifice sheep and goats to mountain spirits. Enjoy the pristine surroundings enclosed within high peaks of Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar or Annapurna Fang. After a lovely moment head back on the same route back to Khopra Ridge for the overnight stop.

Day

After a marvelous time around hidden corners of Annapurna Himalaya, morning walk down to Chistebung and then continue descending into a forested area to reach Sauta village, facing super views of Dhaulagiri Himalaya. Transfer into a village lodge, from here onward the lodges are better and up to tourist standard with a long list of menus to your delight. After the steep climb of a few hours, and then on a gradual path within farm terraces as the walk enters into a cool dense rhododendron forest to reach Sikha and Chitre villages. As climb gains heights then end the long day at Ghorepani village for an overnight halt in a nice lovely warm lodge with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South peaks.

Day

Morning from Sauta village, walk leads on the main trail to join at Chitre village, where steep climb takes you into a beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron trees reach Ghorepani. Located at the bottom of famous Poon Hill amidst dense rhododendron woods facing fabulous views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South. Where all houses are painted blue that blends perfectly with their green surroundings. Ghorepani a popular trekking spot with many good lodges to stay, provides an excellent food menu to enjoy with friendly services of Poon people of Magar ethnic hill tribes of western Himalayas.

Day

Early morning an hour hike and climb to Poon-Hill at 3,210 m high, to catch stunning sunrise over panorama of Himalayan peaks, that includes Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Mt. Manaslu range. After a busy photo session return to Ghorepani for breakfast. From Ghorepani walk on the main trail with much downhill through lovely rhododendron and pine forest. As a walk follows through Bhanthati village to reach a large Ulleri village. From here on stone-paved steps to the suspension bridge at Tirkhedhunga for an overnight stop. Enjoy walking near cascading beautiful waterfalls near the lodge of Tirkhedhunga.

Day

After Tirkhedhunga, pleasant walk downhill to Hille village where our trek ends then get in a vehicle for a short drive to Pokhara, as the drive heads past Bhirethati and Nayapul, which is on the main highway of Beni and Pokhara. From here a scenic drive of fewer than two hours to reach Pokhara for an overnight stop by the serene Lake Phewa with time for a visit around the Lake and bid farewell to the rest of the trekking staff and porters.

Day

An enjoyable time in Pokhara, a great place to relax, from this scenic city morning drive to Kathmandu on the main interesting highway past many farm villages and towns, and then the up-on winding road to reach the outskirt of Kathmandu valley. From the top of Nag-Dhunga and Thankot town, down towards hustle, bustle city in Kathmandu, and then back to your hotel, where our great adventure completes.

Day

On your last day in Nepal, enjoying a memorable adventure and experience on Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trek, as a time for your international flight our staff transfer you to the airport for homeward bound.

Inclusions

Airport picks up, drop service by private van.
2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu & 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara Three-star hotel with breakfast (twin sharing base).
entry permits for the Annapurna conversation area.
Tims permits (trekking information management system).
Teahouse accommodation during the treks(Twin sharing Base).
3 times meals a day such as (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cup of tea/coffee) during the trekking.
stuffs insurance,well paid salary,equipment,food &hotel etc...
English speaking and government-licensed holder guide with first aid bag.
1 Porter between 2 people (who will help to carry your backpack).
private transportation Pokhara to trek start point & trek endpoint to Pokhara.
Deluxe Touristic bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara & Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Tourists’ service charge, vat.

International airfare & Nepali visa-free (See the Visa & Entry Procedure of Nepal page).
lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
personal insurance (See the travel insurance page)
personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower,'' See the travel personal equipment page'').
Private vehicle and flight tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara & Pokhara to Kathmandu.
tips for staff ( it is expected).

Complimentary

Welcome dinner in a famous Nepali restaurant with a Nepali culture dance program.
Sleeping bag during the trek, (to be returned after the trip).
Trekking map.
seasonal fresh fruit during the trek.
Complementary duffel bag/agency T-shirt.
Certificate of achievement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all, it is like any other treks around Nepal Himalaya, the only difference that you will be far away from main villages, where good lodges are not available except for few simple places to stay overnights with the limited food menu, walk involves ups and down the only tough day is a hike to Khair Lake from Khopra ridge just for a day, as long you take it slowly it will be easier.

Most of the walk offers grand views of high Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountain range with ever-present Machhapuchare Himal, the Fish-Tail peak. Walking into lovely green woodland lined with tall rhododendron and pine trees. The dramatic beautiful scenery of landscapes, beside mountain views where one can enjoy visiting villages at Ghandruk and Ghorepani of the impressive local culture of both Hindu and Buddhism religions.

Best in April and May during mid and late springtime, autumn or fall is another good time for treks to Khopra Ridge. Autumn in Nepal starts from September till November. April to May and September till November are the best times, where days are clear and sunny for excellent views of beautiful landscapes and high snow-capped peaks. But with cold morning and in the late afternoon till night time as well in the shades. Can get snow sometimes even in good time of the season, especially on higher areas around Khopra and Khair Lake.

On this trek to Khopra Ridge, the nearest hospitals and medical post located in Nayapul and Pokhara which is at the end of a trek. For serious situations from other medical reasons like accidents or personal medical problems. If the member cannot continue the trek, needs to be taken back to Pokhara or Kathmandu. The fastest transport is calling for helicopter service. In this emergency case where victims have to bear all the expenses to be claimed from health and medical insurance.

Besides, Pokhara in Ghandruk and at Khopra Ridge as well at Sauta and Ghorepani villages, there will be no facilities to charge your electronic items for few days only. Places, where you can charge on treks, need to pay a certain amount for charging each item.

At Ghandruk, Ghorepani of tourist standard with a list of the international quality food menu, having large rooms with attached or common bathrooms that runs hot and cold water for showers or bathe. From Dobato and at Khopra Ridge lodges are very simple having common toilets and bathrooms. Food menus are simple and shortlisted, best to enjoy local Nepalese Dal Bhat (Boiled rice, lentil soup with mild vegetable curries includes some hot pickles to add with your meals.)

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