Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Hotels in Cities, Tea House & Community Lodges During Trek
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	4,500 m/14,764 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	1 to 15 People
Duration:	11 Nights/12 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Trek to the Lap of Annapurna Mountains and Dhaulagiri Mountains
Visit Sacred Khayer Lake at 4,500 m and walk to Khopra Ridge at 3,660 m
Off The Beaten Trail and Stay few nights at Community Lodges
Enjoy the best Himalayan view from Poon Hill, Muldai View Point and Khopra Rigde
Witness Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiuchuli (6,441 m) , Mt. Fishtail (6,997 m) and Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)
Witness Manaslu Range, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and Kaligandaki River
Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset over Mountain Ranges
Enjoy Pokhara, city of Nature, Lakes and Adventure
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Fly to Pokhara - 30 Minutes

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul-1.5 Hours and trek to Tirkhedunga (1,540 m/5,055 ft)-6 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2,750 m/9,025 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,530 ft) -1 Hour & trek to Upper Chitsbung (3,000 m/9,843 ft) - 6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m//12,008 ft) -4 Hours

Day 07: Day Hike to Khayer Lake (4,500 m/14,764 ft)-7/8 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Dobato (3,426 m/11,240 ft) - 5 Hours

Day 09: Trek to Ghandruk (1,950 m/6,400 ft)-6 Hours

Day 10: Trek to Kyimche-1 Hour and Drive to Pokhara- 2.5 Hours

Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu-30 Minutes and Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the off the beaten trails in Annapurna Region which has been recently introduced. Also known as Khopra Danda trek is a great alternative of popular and crowded Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and still takes you to the much higher view point of Annapurnas and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Khayer Lake (4,500 m) which is accessible on a day hike from Khopra Ridge (3,660 m) is a holy lake among Hindus and Buddhist and the deity is Goddess Khayer Barahi. In general, this trek is called Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake Trek which offers the views of great mountain vistas, old fashioned villages, and beautiful landscapes and not to forget magnificent Sunrise and Sunset over Mountain ranges. The best part of the trek is only few trekkers will be on the trail and we stay on Community lodges beyond Deurali from where we switched to isolated trail from the classical Annapurna trails.

Our trek starts from city sightseeing in Kathmandu and next day flight to Pokhara in the afternoon. We drive to Nayapul and join the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trail via Ulleri. From Deurali, we follow the trail to Khopra Ridge and on our way back, we follow the same route to Deurali and trek down to Nayapul via Tadapani and Ghandruk. We have option of trekking down to Tadapani on Jomsom/Pokhara road from Khopra Ridge and drive back to Pokhara which saves us few days as well.

The best season for this trek is Autumn and Spring and can be done round the year. If you have more time and interest, you can combine this trek with Mohare Danda Trek and can be trekked to Swanta and to Mohare Danda from Khopra Ridge and trek down to Galeshwor via Nangi. We take a private jeep from Galeshwor to Pokhara.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport,we will pick you up from the airport once you collect the baggage and exit the main building. Please look the signage of Alpine Holidays with your name. Then we will drive to the hotel. In the evening, our Trek Manager along with Trek Guide will brief you on trek and do the equipment check. After that, we will take you for welcome dinner to introduce you with Nepalese Culture and food habits.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Fly to Pokhara - 30 Minutes

This day, our city guide will take you for sightseeing of Kathmandu valley. We will first visit Pashupatinath Temple which is a Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of Holy Bagmati River. People also cremate dead body with believe of going to heaven. Later on, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, a Giant Stupa which is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, we will fly to Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul-1.5 Hours and trek to Tirkhedunga (1,540 m/5,055 ft)-6 Hours

After breakfast, we start driving to Nayapul crossing beautiful villages of Hemja, Kande, Naudanda and Lumle.. At Nayapul, our trek guide will allocate loads among porters and we trek to Birethanti along the Modi River. We cross several tributaries and pass through two settlements of Lamthali and Sudame. After Hile at 1,470 m, we arrive to Tirkhedunga.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Tirkhedunga.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2,750 m/9,025 ft)- 6 Hours

Today our trail descends initially and after crossing the Bhrundi River, we make steep climb on stone steps to reach Ulleri(2,073 m). From Ulleri, our trails climb steadily to lush Oak forests and crosses numerous small streams. Then we pass a Rest House, Dharmashal and continue until we arrive at Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means Horse Watering place.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Ghorepani.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,530 ft) -1 Hour & trek to Upper Chitsbung (3,000 m/9,843 ft) - 6 Hours

We wake up early morning and climb Poon Hill to view the magnificent Sunrise over Annapurna Range and Mt. Dhaulagiri. After spending around hour, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast,continue to Upper Chitsbung passing by Deurali and Lower Chitsbung. Upper Chitsbung is a temporary Herder’s Settlement.

Accomodation: Overnight at Community Lodge in Upper Chitsbung.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m//12,008 ft) -4 Hours

Our trail leads us ascend above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures. On the trail we may encounter wildlife like Himalayan Thar and Danphe which is national bird. When we reach Khopra Ridge, we see the views of Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri and many more. From the ridge, we see Kaligandaki River on far deep valley.

Accomodation: Overnight at Community Lodge in Khopra Ridge.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Day Hike to Khayer Lake (4,500 m/14,764 ft)-7/8 Hours

After breakfast, we make a day trip to Khayer Lake which is considered as a holy lake among Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Specially in Janai Purnima and in full moon days, many devotees visits the lake. It is believed if you make dips in the holy lake, you will get Nirvana. The setting of Khayer Lake with mountains on the backdrops amazes trekkers with its beauty. After spending some times, we descend down to Khopra Ridge for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Community Lodge in Khopra Ridge.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Dobato (3,426 m/11,240 ft) - 5 Hours

We descend below the tree line and get to Chitsbung. We walk descending on meadows, cross a wooden bridge and ascend to Bayli kharka. The trail goes ups and downs through the thick forest of Rhododendron to Dobato. In the evening, you can walk 40 minutes to the Muldai View point to see Sunset over Annapurna Range with Mt. Fishtail, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri and many more.

Accomodation: Overnight at Community Lodge in Dobato.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Trek to Ghandruk (1,950 m/6,400 ft)-6 Hours

If you have missed Sunset earlier day, you can go for Sunrise to Muldai View Point. After breakfast, we descend down to Tadapani through forest and view of mountain ranges. After having lunch at Tadapani, we descend down to Ghandruk. Ghandrunk village is the biggest Gurung Village in this region. This is a renowned center of all the Gorkhas, who are mostly join British and Indian Army as Gorkha Regiment. In the evening, we walk around Ghandruk Village and visit Gurung Mesuem.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Ghandruk.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Kyimche-1 Hour and Drive to Pokhara- 2.5 Hours

In the morning, we enjoy breakfast with views of Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Fishtail and Gangarpurna. Then, we descend down to Kyimche on stone steps from where we take private jeep to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the whole day is free rest unless you have any plan. In the evening, you may walk around the Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu-30 Minutes and Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square

After relaxing morning, we drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon and fly back to Kathmandu. In the late afternoon, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of your Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast we will drop you to the airport for departure before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
2 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
2 Nights in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
7 Nights/6 Days All Inclusive Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in Tea Houses and Community Lodges.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu by flight with necessary transfers.
Pokhara/Nayapul and Kyimche/Pokhara by Private Vehicle.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Insurance for Trekking crews, meals, accommodation and daily allowances.
Duffel Bag and First Aid Kit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 Hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.