Ridge of Serenity: The Khopra Danda Trek
Trek between two massive mountains
The Khayer Lake Trek is a new trekking trail in the Annapurna region. It is located in between the classic Annapurna Base Camp and the Jomsom hiking trail. It is a beautiful trail to discover the culture of the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups. It also gives exceptional views of several peaks such as Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri.
In addition to the picturesque variety of peaks and the warm hospitality of the Gurung people, the Khayer Lake Trek takes us off the beaten track in the Annapurna region, via ridges, and through the rhododendron forest. From Pokhara, our journey begins in the mid-temperate region of the wooded hills with Gurung and Magar villages.
We will walk on Khopra’s crest, nestled in the hollow of the Annapurna chain. From there, we head to the sacred lake of Khayer. It gives us a wonderful alpine experience. While returning to Pokhara, we will pass by the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill.
- Nepal Country
- Hiking and trekking Thématique
- Moderate Difficulté
- 13 days Duration
- 8 days Hiking days
- 4 827 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Kathmandu & Visit of Swayambhunath → Drive to Pokhara Departure / Arrival
- Pokhara – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Itinerary
Airport pick-up, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Then, visit Swayambhunath, a Buddhist temple dominating the Kathmandu valley
Meals on own
Morning transfer to Nagarkot to enjoy the sunrise. Then, drive to the wonderful pedestrian city of Bhaktapur, 15 km far from Kathmandu. It is considered the most beautiful of the three royal towns in the Kathmandu valley. We discover the city and spend the night in Bhaktapur to enjoy the city when all the visitors left.
Meals on own
Drive to Bandipur, a traditional Newar merchant village. in good weather, we can have a great view of the Himalayas.
After breakfast, we drive to Nayapul with a private vehicle. It takes about 2.5 hours. From Nayapul, we walk to Ghandruk, along the Modi Khola River. We spend the night in the beautiful village of Ghandruk.
Hours of driving: 2.5
After breakfast we start our trek, The trail goes up through a subtropical forest, we can also see domestic animals like buffaloes and cows. We rest in Tadapani where we can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
After breakfast, our trek starts by the sub hiking trail of Khopra and Khayer lake to follow a less-known trail in the thick jungle. The path gradually climbs to Dobato.
After breakfast, for an hour, we follow a ridge marking out the districts of Myagdi and Kaski, to reach Bayali. From there, the path goes up and down several times through white rhododendrons and bamboo groves. There live Danphé, Ghoral and Bharal Durango, numerous other birds and also brown bears. The most direct path is sometimes dizzying as it crosses a rock bar at the foot of the Southern Annapurna. If the weather is not good, there is a longer alternative path to Chistibung. From there, 30 min walk on the mountainside by a narrow path to reach the Khopra flat on a spur overlooking the valleys on three different sides. We can enjoy a splendid view of Dhaulagiri just opposite, Nilgiri in the North, the peak of Barahi Shikhar and Annapurna South in the East. The site also serves as a sheepfold for herds of yaks.
It’s a whole day walk to Khayer Lake. Khayer Lake is one of the Hindus’ holy lakes. It is visited during the auspicious occasion of Janai Purnima (full moon in July-August). It lies in the foot of Barahi Shikhar.
We turn back to Chistibung. We continue our descent under a very dense vegetal cover by a quite steep path to a waterfall. Nearby, we cross the river on a small wooden bridge. From there, after 30 min of a steep climb, we reach the only tea-house restaurant “Evergreen”. Once again, the continuation of the path is steep with some clearings and a more sparse forest.
The trek goes down to a river and then, via Chitre, goes up to Ghorepani where we reach the tourist path. Afternoon if the weather is good then we can take an optional climb to Poon Hill to avoid the crowd.
Early in the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill to enjoy the magnificent panorama of Southern Annapurna, Tilicho, Huinchuli, and Dhaulagiri. We return to the lodge after breakfast and descend to Nayapul via Ulleri and Tikhedhunga. Transfer to Pokhara (1h30) and overnight at the hotel of lakeside.
Hours of driving: 1.5
flight to Kathmandu. during flight on the left, side we can enjoy a beautiful view of the Annapurna. after arriving in Kathmandu we visit Patan, one of the three ancient royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley, mostly Buddhist, known for its statue smelters. Then, we visit the stupa of Boudhanath around which many monasteries have been built. Overnight in Bodhnath.
Flight duration: 25 min
Transfer to the airport for international flight back. End of our services.
Practical Info
What is included
- Transfers by private vehicles in Kathmandu
- 1 night at the Moonlight B&B hotel in Kathmandu
- 1 night in Dundrup Guest House on a B&B basis
- 1 night at the Lake Side Resort Hotel on a B&B basis in Pokhara
- 1 night at the Old Inn Hotel with half board in Bandipur
- 1 night at Shiva Guest House with half board in Bhaktapur
- English-speaking guide for the whole trek
- 8 days full board trek in lodge
- Luggage carrying up to 13 kg/person during the trek
- Trekking permit (ACAP + TIMS)
- Flight Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Domestic airport tax
- Entrance tickets to sites during visits to Kathmandu
What is not included
- Meals (+ or 10 US $ / meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
- International flights
- Visa for Nepal: 30 US $ for 15 days
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses, and equipment, drinks, hot showers, recharging of batteries during the trek, etc
FAQ
This Khopra Danda trek follows a recent trail in the Annapurna region, between the base camp route and the Jomsom trail. From the Khopra ridge (4,020 m), nestled in the heart of the range, the view opens onto Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Nilgiri.
A day excursion from Khopra leads to the sacred Khayer lake at 4,827 m. A wonderful alpine experience, far from the busiest trails.
From Ghandruk, the trek crosses wooded hills, rhododendron forests and Gurung and Magar villages renowned for their hospitality. The return passes the famous Poon Hill viewpoint above Ghorepani.
The trek is preceded by cultural visits: Swayambhunath, Nagarkot and the royal city of Bhaktapur, then the old Newar town of Bandipur. The journey ends with Patan and the Boudhanath stupa.
