Duration
14 days
Max. Elevation
3350m
Group size
2+ Above
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 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 to Khair Lake. A glacial pond tucked in between the 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 head 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 the 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 is 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 food menus. Next early morning hike up to the famous scenic Poon Hill, a magnificent viewpoint for a stunning sunrise over an array of Western Himalayan peaks. Enjoy the sunrise with a super mountain panorama, and then downhill to low warm areas, where a few hour's drives brings 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.
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.
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.
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 Khopra danda / 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. during the trek, the room is simple but has is clean.
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/ Master 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
Important Note
Day
1On arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport via various international airlines, received our guide and staff for a short transfer to the heart of Kathmandu city.
Where is your hotel located, after checking into your rooms, and then meeting other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for a 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 5 kilometers From Airport to Thamel
Day
2The 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 towns, following the popular rafting river of Trisuli.
After a few hours of drives head west leaving the Trisuli River and 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.
Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu Hotel, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Pokhara, Distance: 200 kilometers from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day
3After a lovely relaxing time in a nice hotel in Pokhara, and then having breakfast a few hour's drives takes you beyond Pokhara valley, overlooking views of the Annapurna range of peaks, as the drive ends further from the town of Nayapul.
Start the trek from near the farm village of Syauli Bazaar, situated by the Modi River, as the 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, for the past 200 years recruited as brave soldiers in the British and Indian Armies.
The Gurung originally are farmers and raised livestock, Ghandruk is also a gateway to several trekking destinations of the Annapurna region. Time permitting explore the cultural village and its small museum with full information on Gurung traditions and customs.
Meals: (Breakfast Pokhara Hotel), Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghandruk, Distance: 56.9 Kilometers
Day
4Early morning enjoy views of Annapurna peaks while having a good breakfast, and then start the day with a climb above Ghandruk village, as the 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in TadaPani, Distance: 9.8 Kilometers
Day
5Morning 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 dinner. As you are in a pure wilderness of high hills and mountainous areas far from villages and main trekking trails till Khopra Ridge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Dobato, Distance: 8 Kilometers
Day
6Walk in the morning begins with a short climb facing glorious views of the Annapurna Himalaya range, as the 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Chistebung, Distance: 10 Kilometers
Day
7From Chistebung, today is a short morning walk uphill, as the route leaves the forest and tall tree lines behind for short bushes 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 the area located far and remote from the rest of the villages and main trekking trails.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Khopra Danda, Distance: 8.9 Kilometers
Day
8Rise early morning for breakfast and then carry your packed 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 used by local pilgrims on the auspicious time of the 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 is 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 bath and a dip in the icy pond, as well as sacrifice sheep and goats to mountain spirits.
Enjoy the pristine surroundings enclosed within the 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Khopra Ridge or Danda, Distance: 6-7 Kilometers
Day
9Day
10Morning from Sauta village, walk leads on the main trail to join at Chitre village, where a steep climb takes you into a beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron trees to reach Ghorepani. Located at the bottom of the famous Poon Hill amidst dense rhododendron woods facing fabulous views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South.
Where all houses are painted blue which blends perfectly with their green surroundings. Ghorepani a popular trekking spot with many good lodges to stay in provides an excellent food menu to enjoy with the friendly services of the Poon people of Magar ethnic hill tribes of the western Himalayas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani, Distance: 11 Kilometers
Day
11Early morning an hour hike and climb to Poon-Hill at 3,210 m high, to catch stunning sunrise over the 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 walk follows through Bhanthati village to reach a large Ulleri village. From here on stone-paved steps to the suspension bridge at Tikhedhunga for an overnight stop. Enjoy walking near cascading beautiful waterfalls near the lodge of Tikhedhunga.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse in Tikhedhunga, Distance: 13 Kilometers
Day
12After Tikhedhunga, pleasant walk downhill to Nayapul 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.
Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Pokhara, Distance: 55.6 Kilometers
Day
13An 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 the hustle, and bustle city in Kathmandu, and then back to your hotel, where our great adventure completes.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 200 Kilometers
Day
14On your last day in Nepal, enjoy 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.
We trust you made some incredible memories with us. Thank you, and have a safe journey home.
Meal: Breakfast Included.
| Start Date | End Date | Offer Price | Status | |
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| 5th Feb, 2023 | 18th Feb, 2023 |
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| 16th May, 2023 | 29th May, 2023 |
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Not at all, it is like any other treks around Nepal Himalaya, the only difference is that you will be far away from main villages, where good lodges are not available except for a 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 times 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 as at Sauta and Ghorepani villages, there will be no facilities to charge your electronic items for a 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 to your meals.)
