Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking, this adventure is often known as Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri Treks. Due to the closeness of both massive mountain ranges as you look from the high scenic ridge of Khopra. A marvelous trek to enjoy 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 for 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 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 to take a bath and dip in the icy pond.
The belief is that relinquishes the sin of hundreds of lifetimes, as well as sacrifices some animals like goats, sheep, and chickens. 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 as the gateway to various trekking routes. Gurung people practice Buddhism and their own ancient culture of Bon a pre-Buddhism sect, worship 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 the old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route to Tibet, which extends beyond the
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 is 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.
Best time to visit Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking:
We have two great seasons of the year autumn and spring, the best months of autumn are from mid-September to mid-December and the best months of spring are from mid-February to May. These two seasons are the best seasons for this trek because the weather is nice and warm. Great views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing levels at high altitudes. Winter weather is also good for Khopra Ridge Trek. The only problem is the cold and heavy snow in Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake. Hiking is affected by rain and cold in summer, but in summer and winter, hiking routes are not as crowded as in spring and autumn.
Physical fitness is required for Khayar Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek:
The Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake treks are generally classified as moderate, with some sections such as the day trip from Ali Kharka to Khopra Danda and Khayar Lake being difficult. The physical trek starts at 1,430 meters on the hill and then reaches Khayar Lake at 4,650 meters. You should walk for 5-6 hours from morning to evening which also covers a distance of about 10-12 kilometers and also some strong and adventurous climbing places that are physically needed. A good physical level is required to withstand the switch-back uphill in mountaineering. Running, cycling, swimming, running, climbing stairs at home and office buildings, hitting the gym and, if possible, trekking to the nearest Nature Park should be prepared to return home.
Food and accommodation at Khayar Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek:
All tea houses have a menu of various food items (rice, pasta, noodles, potatoes, soups, desserts, dumplings, cereals, bread [including homemade and toast] delicious local dishes), and the menu card is managed by the locals. Hotel management community and ACAP.With a free refill of rice, fresh garden vegetables, dal soup, and gluten-free curry, dal Bhat will be the best option during the trek. All soft and hard drinks are available at Trek at different prices. Also an alternative to drinking water like boiled water or safe drinking water or mineral water. Unlimited preference for hot drinks like tea (black / milk/lemon/ginger/mint / herbal etc.) and coffee.
The teahouses/lodges on Khopadanda / Khair Lake trekking are basic in most places and eat simple food. Hot showers are available and toilets are common in most Asian-style pans. You should buy drinking water, hot bath, toiletries, charging batteries, and WIFI separately. Wet tissue or wipe towel, hand sanitizer, protein bar, book, or portable games will be useful.
Equipment & Packing List for Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking:
This list outlines the required things to bring during the Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking Trek The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you to pack only what is necessary.
Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Mater Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.ftr5cwszxtrfw
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you on trekking
