Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking

Overview

‘an enjoyable walk in between towering Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya’

Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking, an exclusive Himalayan journey of Epic Adventures where few groups of trekkers often visit. Well hidden away from main villages and popular trekking routes, and yet not too far away. A distance of few days walks from Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages, into the pure wilderness and tranquil surroundings, close to mountains.

Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking, located around Far North Mid-West in between Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna Himalaya. Separated by Kaligandaki River forming into a world deepest gorge, which can be seen from the high ridge of Khopra. The adventure begins to get familiarized with the local culture, with a tour around the best landmarks of the country around Kathmandu and then heading towards beautiful Pokhara. From scenic Pokhara, our journey to Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake commences with a drive to the starting point of the walk.

The first part of the adventure leads on the main popular trail to Ghorepani village, walking from low warm villages. As the trek progresses with a climb to Ulleri village and then into a cool shade of dense rhododendron and pine tree forest.

After a few days of continuous walk reaching a lovely mountain village at Ghorepani, populated by the Poon of Magar people. The hill tribes of Western Nepal, the village located amidst rhododendron forest beneath famous scenic Poon Hill.

Next early morning a hike to Poon Hill to catch stunning sunrise over an array of snow mountain ranges. Includes the world’s three highest peaks Mt. Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the Fish-Tail peak.

From Ghorepani after marvelous moments on top Poon Hill with sunrise and panorama of Western Himalayan peaks. Walks lead towards the complete wilderness, as the route diverts from the main trail heading north to Khopra high ridge.

The adventure continues with a climb after Chitre and Sauta villages to the isolated small settlement of Chistibung. A place in the middle of woods with few huts serving as shops and tea-house. From Chistibung a steep climb to Khopra Ridge, where tree lines give away for short high altitude bush and shrubs.

Khopra is a small settlement with a number of huts and lodges overlooking dramatic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and Annapurna Himal. Includes Annapurna Fang, known as Vara Shikar peaks, spending an extra day at Khopra Ridge for the hike to Khair Lake.

Carrying pack lunch for a day hike to Khair Lake, a glacial pond considered as a holy lake. Situated between giant peaks of Vara Shikar and Annapurna South, leaving early morning for a long day excursion. As walk follows the high ridge-line on a winding path with a few short climb to Khair Lake. Situated in a tranquil surrounding enclosed by high peaks with a Hindu temple and few shades, shelter for pilgrims.

At Khair Lake once a year, as per the Hindu calendar, a religious festival takes place in the month of August. Hundreds of devotees and pilgrims all around Dhaulagiri and Annapurna villagers pay homage for worship Lord Shiva and mountain spirits. In Hindu belief, all Himalayan high peaks regarded as the abode of God and Goddesses, enjoy the exciting surrounding views. Then slowly head back to Khopra for last overnight on the high hills of Annapurna Himalaya.

Return journey on an alternative route after heading down to Chistibung and then walking back into tall tree lines. The walk continues to a secluded spot on a forest clearing at Dobato, large grazing meadows. Enjoy grand views of the Annapurna Himalaya range with towering Mt. Machhapuchare from this isolated place of Dobato. From here onward walk leads on the main trail of Ghandruk to Ghorepani villages, within a beautiful forest path. The walk continues past few settlements on route Ghandruk, for the last overnight stop around the high hills of Annapurna Himalaya. Ghandruk also pronounced as Ghandrung, is a large Gurung village the gateway to various trekking routes around the Annapurna region.

From Ghandruk after a pleasant stop for overnight, the last day walk of the trek leads to a road-head. Then take a few hour drives back to Pokhara, where our wonderful adventure Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake completes.

Extension program:

Join in for exciting thrill River Rafting for a day and then continue to Chitwan National Park for Jungle Safari. Full package of 3 / 4 days.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal international airport, received by our Epic Adventures staff and guide for short transfer to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu. After a short refreshing rest in your room then join with other group members for trek briefing, our expert guide will provides full information regarding the trek, culture, tour of Kathmandu at places of interest.

Evening a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurants with local folk cultural program entertains, while you have dinner.

Day 2 : Tour of Kathmandu UNESCO heritage sites of great interest.

In our day 2 in Kathmandu for trek preparation and tour at places of great interest around best historical and cultural places. Our city tour guide will take you to famous areas listed in World Heritage Sites like Swayumbhunath temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square , biggest hindu shrine Pashupatinath temple, biggest stupa Bouddhanath and then back to hotel after a wonderful time at sightseeing tour with time for preparation for next day trek to Annapurna base camp.Also we will have a meeting with trekking guide for briefing about whole trekking journey.

Day 3 : Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m -06 hrs. (30 mins by air).

Morning as per size of a group a drive either in a car, coach or in regular tourist bus, ride takes you on Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. An interesting drive where one can witness lively scenery of Nepal beautiful landscapes with farm villages and towns. As drive continues views of distant snow mountain range and then finally reach Pokhara. A scenic city in the shadow of Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish Tail Peak.

On arrival at Pokhara, check in a nice hotel for overnight stop located near the Phewa Lake side with time for leisure stroll around lined with fancy shops, stores, restaurants and many nice hotels.

(Option for flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes 30 minutes by air with sweeping panorama of Central and Western Himalaya range)

Day 4 : Trek to Ghandruk 2,012m (2hours’ drive and 3 hours’ trek)

First, you will drive up to Nayapul, and from Nayapul, you will trek through rhododendron forests on flag-stone steps, enjoying the pristine landscape. After an easy climb, your trail takes you to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village situated in the foothills of Annapurna massif. You can visit the Gurung Culture Museum here while relishing the extraordinary view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m). Overnight in Ghandruk.

Day 5 : Ghandruk to Tadapani (2630 m) 3-4 hours

Leaving the picturesque Ghandruk village behind, you will ascend towards Tadapani. You will walk amid beautiful forests of rhododendron with the backdrop of snowy peaks on your way to Tadapani. During the spring season, the blooming rhododendrons color the forest in pink, white, and red. Upon reaching Tadapani, you will have a stunning view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). Overnight in Tadapani.

Day 6 : Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (3,440m): 5- 6 hours

Today, in particular, you will trek through remote areas of Annapurna region where you will pass through pasturelands of buffalo, sheep, and goat. The trek offers a lovely view of different mountain peaks, including Mt Dhaulagiri (8167m). The winding trail takes you to Bayeli Kharka, a wide pastureland, where you will be camping for the night. Here, you will get a jaw-dropping view of the Annapurna massif and a close-up view of Hiunchuli (6441m).

Day 7 : Bayeli Kharka to Upper Chistibang (3,026 m) 4-5 hours

Start the morning walk past farm area on leaving the last village for some days, as trek heads to a climb into lovely rhododendron and bamboo forest, following the trail to high Khair Ridge coming across a small clearing amidst forest surroundings at Chistibung for overnight stop, a small place with few huts and simple lodges.

Day 8 : Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m - 03 hrs.

Today, you will head uphill through alpine forests and meadows. Throughout the trek, you will be able to view the gorgeous peak of Annapurna South (7219m). After only a few hours of trekking, you will reach Khopra Ridge which offers you a stunning panorama of the Annapurna Mountain range. You will also witness the light orange colored rays of the setting sun touch the tip of the Himalayas and then watch the Himalayas shine in the stark darkness of the night. Overnight in Khopra Ridge.

Day 9 : Rest day in Khopra Ridge: Tour of Khayer Lake (4,660m): 10-11 hours

Today you will rest here in Khopra Ridge, and in the meantime, you will visit the Khayer Lake and the holy temple named Khayer Barah. Khayer Lake is a glacial lake formed by the water flowing from South Annapurna Glacier hence the lake offers a mind-blowing view of Annapurna South (7219m) along with the peaks of Barah Chuli (7647m), Annapurna I (8091m), and other peaks of the Annapurna range. You will then hike back to Khopra Ridge for the overnight stay.

Day 10 : Trek to Swanta Village (2270 ): 5-6 hours

Bidding goodbye to Khopra Ridge, you trek downhill to Swanta village through the village of Chistibang. On your trail, you can witness terraced farmlands and traditional houses. You will later walk on a quiet trail through the forest alongside a small stream to finally will reach Swanta village. Overnight in Swanta.

Day 11 : Trek to Ulleri (2,050m): 5-6 hours

From Swanta, you will descend through quiet rhododendron forests with a view of distant villages until you reach Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, you will trek downhill on flag-stone steps leading you to the settlements of Nangethanti and Banthanti to reach the Magar village of Ulleri. You will get a good view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m) from the village. Overnight in Ulleri.

Day 12 : Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek, 1 hour drive

You will gradually descend through rhododendron forests and pass the villages of Hille, Sudame, and Birethanti before arriving in Nayapul. Enjoying the beautiful landscape made up of lush green hills dotted with small old-fashioned villages, you reach Nayapul from where you will drive back to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 13 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hrs. by Tourist Coach bus.

Today you will drive back to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway. You will follow two major rivers, Marsayangdi and Trishuli, on your drive to Kathmandu. The road is full of forests, farmlands, and many cultivated lands. You will be transferred to your hotel as you arrive in Kathmandu. Do enjoy the vibrant streets of Thamel and try some local delicacies. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 14 : International departure for homeward bound.

Last day in Kathmandu and in Nepal, as per your international flight time our staff and guide will accompany you for a short drive to international airport for final departure, after a memorable and fabulous adventure at Annapurna Base Camp Trekking and around amazing Nepal.

Trip code
Package name	Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking
Duration	14
Max. elevation	4247 m
Level	Moderate
Transportation	All ground transportation as per itinerary
Accomodation	???Hotel in Kathmandu and Lodge / Tea house during the trek
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu - Pokhara - Ghandruk - Tadapani - Bayeli Kharka - Upper Chistibang - Khopra Ridge - Khayer Lake
Cost	USD 1,150 per person