Khopra Danda Khayar Lake Trek | Khopra Ridge Trek

Altitude : 4827 m
Transportation : Car/Bus/Plain
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Best Season : Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May, June
Trek Hour : 8
Accommodation : Hotel and Trekking Lodge

Cost From

USD 860 per person

Trip Highlights

Spectacular Mountain Views: Throughout the trek, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The vistas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri, are truly unforgettable.
Khopra Ridge: The trek takes you to Khopra Ridge, which is an off-the-beaten-path vantage point offering one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas. This viewpoint is less crowded compared to popular viewpoints like Poon Hill.
Khayar Lake: The pristine and serene Khayar Lake is one of the highlights of the trek. It's a sacred lake for locals, and its tranquil waters perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a mesmerizing scenery of the Himalayas.
Less Crowded Trail: Compared to the more popular treks like the Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, the Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek sees fewer trekkers, providing a more peaceful and secluded experience in Annapurna.

Khopra Danda Khayar Lake Trek.

“The Khopra Danda Ridge Khayar Lake Trek is a unique and breathtaking opportunity to explore the Annapurna region. The trek begins in Ghandruk and leads hikers through lush forests and open meadows. Especially, end of this path is a picturesque lake, Khopra Danda Khayar Lake. Everyone who wants to explore Nepal should consider the trek, as it is suitable for all levels of hikers.”

The Khopra Ridge Trek recently opened a new trekking route called also Khopra Danda Khayar Lake Trek located in the Annapurna region. Khopra Ridge Trek is a route that is slightly different from other treks in that we will be staying in a Community lodge run by the locals. The locals pronounced Khopra as coe-pra and danda means ridge. However, Khopra Ridge Trek is perfect for families, friends and children. The trail is suitable and easy to walk on for every age people and presents amazing massif mountain Panorama views.

The Khopra Danda Khayar Lake trek is an excellent choice for travellers. In short, it’s a more accessible and less crowded area compared to the Ghorepani trek. The path takes us off the beaten trails with beautiful views of the striking mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Mt. Himchuli, and Mt Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and Nilgiri views, rural villages, and terraced rice fields. Especially, in this trek, we pass through the Rhododendron forest and have a big chance to see the Himalayas Monal. It is a national bird of Nepal and is called (Danphe) and many other bird species. In addition, mammals such as Tahr, Deer, Brown Ghoral and Musk Deer are the main highlights of this trek.

This trek usually starts from Ghandruk and Tadapani. But sometimes we’re also starting from Ghorepani Poon Hill, where you can see spectacular sunrise views and toward Khopra Ridge. It depends on your holiday. This region populates by Hindu and Buddhist people. The Khopra Dada trek passes through the beautiful villages of Gurung. This helps hikers to research and observe the pure culture and lifestyle of Nepal. This trek is an excellent way to share culture and experience with local people. I hope this trek would never disappoint you, I’m sure you’re back with your relatives.

When you arrive in Kathmandu our representative will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your respective hotel. You will have enough time for rest and our guide will brief you about the package and in the evening you can enjoy delicious Nepali Cuisine with classical folk music.

Our journey towards Pokhara will start early in the morning. A tourist bus will take about 7-8 hours to reach there. The distance view of mountains along the way and beautiful green hills will entice you throughout the journey. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be taken to the respective hotel near Phewa Lake where you can enjoy the beautiful evening scenes of Phewa Lake and surroundings.

After having breakfast, a few hours’ drive will take us to Nayapul, which is the entrance for most of the trekking package in the Annapurna Region trek entrance. Our real trek begins from Nayapul and with 3-4 hours of walk, then we will arrive at beautiful ethnic Gurung village of Ghandruk. The trails are still to Shyauli bazaar is quite flat but after that trail goes ascending. While walking towards Ghandruk you will come across many small waterfalls, beautiful scenery with rice terraced fields and many bird species pass through Birethanti. Stay overnight in a lodge upon arrival in Ghandruk.

After morning breakfast trails start gradually ascending to Tadapani. The trails pass through the small village of Bhaisi Kharka with beautiful Rhododendron Forest. Along the trails, you can enjoy with many species of birds and hear their Chipping bird song water stream which is blowing down to get rivers. In Bhaisi kharka you can have tea break then continue to ascend to Tadapani pass across tallest rhododendron forest.

Tadapani is the junction for the Ghorepani Ghandruk and Annapurna base camp trails. But we left all trails and heading northward ascending with natural path pass through again in rhododendron forest. Along the trails you can enjoy with many floras and fauna, this region presents obviously spectacular view of the worlds 7th highest of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna range. The trails enjoy the full path to reach the Dobato.

Today’s destination is upper Chistibung. Our trails go descend pass through beautiful yak pasture and den lush forest to lower Chistibung. From here trails go ascend to reach an upper settlement through subtropical forest. Along the trails, you can see many different birds’ species including Nepal’s National birds which are called “Danphe” Himalayan Monal and Koklass Pheasant and mammals including Barking deer, Himalayan Tahr, Musk deer and Himalayan Ghoral around the grassy ridge.

Today also after breakfast we ascending uphill to Khopra danda pass through the forest with alpine meadows and the grassland. Khopra it lies above the hill and presents incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, with whole Annapurna range and worlds deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki valley far below down.

Today is our hardest and longest journey to Khayar Lake comparing the other day? After the early breakfast trails lead you to ascend up to Khayar Lake base camp and continue up to Holy lake of Khatar Lake. Along the trails, you can have amazing views Mt Fishtail, Annapurna range, and many others. Khayar Lake is the holy lake in every year August full moon time going to celebrate fest. At that time many Hindu pilgrimages and a lot of Shaman people taking bath in this lake. After exploring the Lake same way back down to Khopra ridge.

The time to leave Khopra Danda and head back is now. As a result, we will make our way down to Swanta village through the terraced farmlands and nearby communities in the woodlands. After walking a long distance between Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake, it is the ideal place to rest. In the neighbourhood, we will spend the night.

To reach the main trail of Ghorepani, we will descend through forests and across rivers on a suspension bridge. In this region, Ghorepani is one of the most popular trekking destinations. Expect to encounter travellers just like you as we get closer to Ghorepani. Due to the presence of typical lodges and markets, Ghorepani is more affluent than the previous homestay.

The trek to Poonhill is the highlight of the journey, offering a challenging uphill trail through the Himalayas. The thatched roofs of mud-clad houses and the Rhododendron forest provide an unforgettable experience. As we head towards Pokhara from Ghorepani, a relatively easy downhill leads to Ulleri. At Ulleri, we take a local jeep and drive back to the beautiful city of Pokhara. We will stay at the hotel and enjoy the late afternoon and evening with friends and family at a restaurant, bar, or pub.

On this day, you will be heading towards Kathmandu. Depending on your preference for travel you can head towards Kathmandu. It will take 6/7 hours by drive or 15 min by flight. You can enjoy rambling on the streets of Thamel upon arrival or buy a souvenir to take it back as a remembrance or gift it to your loved ones. There are plenty of things you can do in Thamel.

Every beautiful journey has its end, and this is the last day of your stay in this beautiful country of Nepal and the completion of the awesome trails of the Khopra danda Khayar Lake trek. You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure. There are many beautiful places to visit apart from this amazing trip we welcome you to visit us again and be enthralled by wonderful experiences.

Cost Includes

The airport picks up and drops with private vehicles.
Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara accommodation with a B.B plan.
All necessary permit park fees and "TIMS" cards, etc.
Experience trekking guide with necessary porter during the trek.
Their trekking salary, food, accommodation and insurance to the staff.
3 times meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and tea or coffee during the trek.
All ground transportation for the trek if you want private vehicle cost is extra.
Net and clean twin sharing room during the trek, in trekking lodge.
Farewell dinner in Nepali cultural restaurant in Kathmandu.
First Aid kit and all government taxes.
Office service charge, etc.

Cost Excludes

Food lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Your international airfare and Nepal Visa fee.
Any alcoholic beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, and snack, etc.
Your personal medical or evacuation expenses travel insurance which included rescue.
All accommodation on flight cancellation due to bad weather if incase Helicopter charter.
Any extra cost for horse riding, and natural disaster.
Extra porter cost US$18 per person per days.
Tips for trekking crews Guide and Porter.

The Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake Trek is a less crowded and off-the-beaten-path trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, along with a chance to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar communities. Here's some useful information to help you prepare for the trek:

Trekking Permits: You will need two permits for this trek - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara through registered trekking agencies or the Nepal Tourism Board.

Best Time to Trek: The best time to do this trek is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is stable, and the views are clear during these months.

Trek Duration: The trek usually takes around 10-14 days, depending on your starting point and pace. It can be customized according to your preferences.

Trek Difficulty: The Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake Trek are considered moderate in terms of difficulty. It involves steep ascents and descents, so some prior trekking experience and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

Itinerary Highlights:

Start from Nayapul and trek to Tadapani via Ghandruk.
Trek from Tadapani to Dobato, offering spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South.
Reach Khopra Ridge, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Optionally, hike to Khayar Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snowy peaks.
Descend via Swanta and Chitre, passing through charming villages and terraced fields.

Accommodation: There are basic teahouses and lodges along the trail. The accommodation facilities might be more rudimentary compared to the more popular trekking routes, so be prepared for simple living conditions.

Food: Local teahouses offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), momo (dumplings), noodles, and international options. It's a good idea to carry some energy bars or snacks for extra sustenance during the trek.

Water: Bottled water is available throughout the trek, but it's more eco-friendly and economical to carry a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or filters to refill it.

Altitude Sickness: Proper acclimatization is crucial, as you will be trekking at high altitudes. Listen to your body, take enough rest, and ascend gradually. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, nausea), descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Pack Light: Only carry essential items in your backpack. A porter can be hired in Nayapul to help carry your heavier belongings.

Communication: Mobile network coverage might be limited or nonexistent in certain areas. It's best to inform your family and friends in advance about potential communication gaps.

Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities and emergency evacuations.

Remember, the Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake Trek is a less crowded and more remote route, so you'll get a chance to experience the natural beauty and local culture in a serene environment. Respect the local customs and nature, and enjoy your trekking adventure!

Sure! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake Trek:

Q: What is the Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek?

A: The Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek is a popular and less crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and includes a visit to the serene Khayar Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of around 4,600 meters (15,092 feet).

Q: How long does the trek take?

A: The Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days, depending on the starting and ending points and the trekker's pace.

Q: What is the best time to do this trek?

A: The best time for the Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. During these months, the weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and landscapes.

Q: Is prior trekking experience necessary?

A: While prior trekking experience is always beneficial, the Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek is considered a moderate-level trek, and it can be undertaken by individuals with a good level of fitness. It's essential to be prepared for uphill and downhill walking and some challenging sections.

Q: Do I need a guide and porter?

A: Hiring a guide and porter is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, especially if you are new to trekking in the region. A guide can provide valuable insights into the local culture, flora, and fauna, as well as help with navigation. A porter can carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to enjoy the trek without the burden of a heavy load.

Q: What permits are required for this trek?

A: For the Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek, you will need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara through authorized trekking agencies.

Q: What is the accommodation like during the trek?

A: Accommodation along the Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek is available in teahouses or lodges. These basic guesthouses offer a bed and blankets, and some may have shared bathrooms. The facilities may be more limited at higher altitudes, so it's advisable to carry a sleeping bag and toiletries.

Q: Is drinking water readily available?

A: Yes, you can find bottled water in most teahouses and lodges along the trek. However, to minimize plastic waste, it's recommended to carry a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or filters to refill your bottle with tap or spring water.

Q: What kind of fitness level is required for this trek?

A: The Khopra Ridge Khayar Lake Trek requires a moderate level of fitness. While it doesn't involve technical climbing, you should be prepared for daily walking of 5-7 hours on uneven terrain and varying altitudes. Regular exercise and cardiovascular training before the trek are beneficial.

Q: What are the highlights of the trek?

A: The trek offers a variety of highlights, including panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the stunning Khayar Lake, the traditional villages, diverse flora and fauna, and the unique experience of staying in remote mountain teahouses.

Q: Are there any altitude-related risks?

A: Yes, there are potential altitude-related risks during the trek, as you will be ascending to high elevations. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a concern. It's essential to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of AMS. If symptoms worsen, it's important to descend to lower elevations and seek medical attention if necessary.

Please note that trekking conditions and regulations may change, so it's always a good idea to double-check information before planning your trek.

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