Khopra Ridge / Khayer Lake Trek - Annapurna Foothills
A short trek by standard, but rich in mountain views and the villages en route to Khopra Ridge, or Khopra Danda, is an off-the-beaten-path trail in the Annapurna region.
The trail follows the main route to Ghorepani before branching off towards Khopra Ridge, offering dramatic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris, and Annapurna I. This trek is suitable for those who prefer a quieter, shorter trek. The main destination is Khayer Lake, located at an altitude of 4,500 meters, which is considered sacred by Hindus.
Itinerary
Khopra Ridge / Khayer Lake Trek 12 Days
🌄 Trek Highlights
- Off-the-beaten path: A quieter alternative in the heart of the Annapurna region, perfect for those seeking solitude.
- Panoramic mountain views: Spectacular vistas of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Bhara Shikhar (7,647m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m), and more.
- Sacred Khayer Lake: At 4,500m, this holy lake is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, with a small temple (Khayer Barahai) on its banks.
- Cultural encounters: Warm hospitality of the Magar community, Hindu rituals, and Janai Purnima celebrations.
- Natural beauty: Dense rhododendron forests (best in March–April), waterfalls, snowfields, and barren highlands with shepherds.
- Duration: Ideal for trekkers with limited time — about 10 days.
- Challenge factor: Moderate trek overall, but the final stretch to Khayer Lake is demanding.
✨ In essence, the Khopra Ridge trek blends quiet trails, sacred destinations, and stunning Himalayan panoramas, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.
DESCRIPTIVE ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel. Free day. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your Hotel. In the evening you guide will be introduced to you and a briefing session will be conducted about your trek. A free evening.
Day 02: Optional Kathmandu Valley sightseeing Tour.
If you opt for it we can organise a guided "walking tour" of Kathmandu valley UNESCO Heritage sites: old bazaars, and Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, stupas and Temples for cultural discoveries of ancient temples and religious shrines of the three medieval kingdoms.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara. Drive Nayapul – Tikhedungha - Ulleri - Ghorapani
A 25 minutes flight takes you to Pokhara airport where your crew wil- l be waiting for you. The drive to Naya Pul takes 1 & 1/2 hour. After a short walk along the banks of the Modi Khola River, you reach Birethanti (1015m), a large village with shops and teahouses. The trail continues along the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola before climbing steadily up to Hille (1495m) before reaching Tikhedungha (1570 m). It is a short and relatively easy climb to allow you to get used to the experience of trekking in Nepal. We drive a steep climnb to Ulleri. Trek starts from here towards Nangethanti (2600 m) before arriving at Ghorepani (2840m). Ghorepani is a relatively large village with excellent views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.. Overnight hotel at Ghorepani.
DAY 05: Trek to Dhan Kharka /Chistibung (2970 m.)
Early morning about 1 hour side trek to Poon Hill viewpoint offers a spectacular mountain view during dawn and the sunrise of Annapurna region. You will see more than 15 snow-peak including three mountains above 8000 m. (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu) and numerous other peaks. Descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then set-off to Swanta village. About 2 hours trail descends through rhododendron forest bringing you on the small river. After a short but steep climb up to Swanta village. Further, the trail is up and down inside the forest with stunning waterfall view before arriving at Ali Kharka. zypu may a;sp see spme wi;ld anima;ls like spotted deer in close distance and langur monkeys. Overnight at the Community Lodge.
DAY 06: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3600 m) and back to Dhan Kharka/Chistibang (2970 m.)
Khopra ridge is only 3 hours walk from Dhan Kharka and approximately 5 km distance but a steep climb up on the ridge above tree line. This is a yak pasture and you may see them grazing here. Khopra ridge offers the best view of Mount Dhaulagiri. After lunch a short hike up to the lake will take be about 2 hours. Overnight at the Community Lodge.
DAY 07: Day trip to Khayer Lake (4,650 m.), and back to Khopra Ridge (3600 m.)
Day trip to Khayer Lake (Baraha Tal), the sacred pond and the shrine has great value for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage. Annually during the July/August the domestic devotees trek to sacred pond and pilgrimage offer sacrifice for good health and prosperity and also take a dip into the cold lake to free oneself of sins. The locals strongly believed any wishes will be surely fullfilled. The day's excursion takes about 7-8 hours round through the pristine mountains to the sanctified Lake which also offers magnificent and close up Mountain View of the Annapurna mountain ranges, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri and the lush green valley.
DAY 08: Trek to Dobato (3460 m.) 5 – 6 hrs walk.
Khopra Danda offers the best and close up views of Mount Dhaulagiri range, you will see glorious sunrise and sunset on of the Himalayan giants. After breakfast follow the downhill for a short while to take on the sloppy ridge passing by bamboo shrubs with a chance of spotting Red panda up in the canopy and a possible spotting of leopard by chance. At Bayeli stop for lunch. Dobato is only a bit more than hours trek from lunch spot. The route is very silent, full of wildlife with possible sighting of blue sheep, spotted deer and Himalayan Monal before reaching Dobato. Overnight at local lodge.
DAY 09: Visit Muldhai (Mulde) Viewpoint and trek to Chuile (2309 m.) 4 - 5 hrs walk
Early morning 20-minute side trek to Muldhai Viewpoint (3,637 m), the viewpoint offers panoramic Mountain View including Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Fishtail and Mount Manaslu. Then back to lodge for breakfast. The trails leaves behind Isaru and Meshare. About 3 hours walking through thick rhododendron forest arrive at Tadapani and about 1 hour easy walk down will reach to the overnight place called Chuile (2360 m). Overnight in Lodge.
DAY 10: Trek to Ghandrung and drive to Pokhara (8190 m.) 3-4 hrs walk and 3 hrs drive.
The trail is relatively easy and short walk following gentle descent through the deep forest up to Ghandrung village. Ghandrung is a nice Gurung village to hang around, main habitants of Gurung ethnical groups and they are popular Gurkha soldier family. After lunch drive to Pokhara via Nayapul. Overnight hotel in Pokhara.
DAY 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu flight. Hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 12: Departure transfer to international airport
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