Trip Route
Pokhara - Poon Hill - Khopra Danda - Khayer Lake - Muldhai Hill - Ghandruk Village
Trip Facts
1+ PAX
Easy to Moderate
Guesthouse/Lodge
4,650 M/15,252 FT
Full Boards Meal On The Trek
Private Vehicle/Bus
Autumn to Spring
Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek Highlights
- Climb to Three best viewpoints of Annapurna trek Poon Hill, Muldhai viewpoint and Khopra ridge to catch the best mountain vista
- Astonishing side trek on off the beaten track to sacred Khayer Lake
- Trek throughout lovely Nepalese villages that expose classic Nepalese culture
- Encounter wildlife, flora and fauna on the dense mixed vegetation forest
Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek, moderate off the beaten trek in Annapurna region through terraced farmland, tranquility forest, serenity villages then ascend to Poon Hill and Muldhai Viewpoint for the good view of Himalayas. Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge Trek also known as Annapurna Three Viewpoint Trek that passes three beautiful viewpoints of the Annapurna region namely Poon Hill, Muldhai [Muldai] Viewpoint, Khopra Ridge and Mohare Danda. Khopra and Khayer lake route is a newly progressed tea house trekking route in the center of the Annapurna Trek. Mohare Danda, Khopra Ridge, and Muldhai viewpoint recently discovered beautiful places in Annapurna conservation area that offers excellent Mountain View of and diverse landscapes.
Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek route laying in between Kaligandaki and Modi valley pretty closed to Annapurna base camp and Ghorepani Poon on foot of mount Annapurna south. Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek route stretching from tropical to alpine climate range near to Pokhara. And then route passes lovely vantage point of Annapurna region including Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge, Muldhai [Muldai] and also can extend to Mohare Danda. That amazing viewpoint provides breathtaking mountain panorama including three 8000 m peaks Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, with several famous mountain Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri (north, center & south), Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, III, IV and Tukche Peak, etc.
Khopra Ridge trek route begins from Pokhara then drives to Hille where we start our physical hike. The trek begins from a steamy valley where the rice and vegetable plant on the sloppy mountain layer also packed with dotted cluster villages. Beyond the villages trekking inside the dense oak, pine and rhododendron forest and bamboo shrubs. Then we trek on the large pasture and open mountain seasonally occupied by sheep and yak. Nature diverse Annapurna conservation area is home to the numerous wildlife, flora, and fauna that animals, birds, and vegetation glimpse makes Khayer Lake and Khopra ride trek extraordinary.
The less touristic path nonstop ascending a 4,560 m that means above the tree lines on foot of Annapurna mountain range. Khayer Barahi Lake, the emerald color glacier pond is one of the sacred and has great value in the entire Nepalese community. Trekking to Khayer Lake is strenuous physically and mentally, but day tour approaches dramatic sceneries of mountains and landscapes. The lake has a magical color which depends on the season from January to April frozen form and then the rest of the month has turquoise color. Khayer Lake trip can do from Khopra Danda (Khopra community lodge) with warm cloth against cold temperatures and foods. About 7-8 hours round trekking for the average hiker. During the July/August on the occasion of Janai Purnima, the local trek to Khayer Lake and sacrificed the sheep to full fill their wishes.
Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek highlights- landscapes diverse where the scenery change accordingly altitude gain from subtropical to the alpine zone. En route to Khayer lake trek, you will have Nepalese cultural experience of different mountainous people in the picturesque villages. Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek is a great mixture of the dissimilar mountain landscapes, amazing culture, hiking into the dense forest and shrubs, and admirable view of the Himalayas. This nature and culture combined off the beaten path Khopra Danda trek give you true hiking experience in your life.
Daily itinerary
Day 01: Pokhara - Hile - Ulleri (1,945 m)
6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
The drive commences north of Pokhara to Nayapul on the pitched road and it takes nearly 2 hours by private car/jeep. We make drive itinerary till Hile village because from Bhirethanti walking in the same driving road to Hile. Now tied your shoe and pull on small bag pack on your shoulder and starts trek throughout Magar village. In 30/40 minute walk reach another typical village Tikhedunga where might stop for the lunch and cup of Nepalese tea. 3340 stone stair uphill trail begins upon cross bridge on the Burungi River, it is steep up till Ulleri village. The second part of trek offers a magnificent view of the rice terrace and Annapurna south on above the rhododendron hill.
Day 02: Ulleri - Nangyathanti - Ghorepani (2,780 m)
5 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
It is 5 hours trekking to Ghorepani (horse water spot) most of the trail is climbing up throughout the impenetrable forest also passes local tea shop. Keep in the mind from March to May, the colorful rhododendron flower makes trail beautiful beyond your imagination. Ghorepani is the nearest village from most popular Poon Hill viewpoint of Annapurna trek. Also, a wide range of private and shared bathroom accommodation is available with really good hot shower. Most of the winter (January-February) and till march possible to have snow on Poon hill. We arrange your room at Deurali Ghorepani, always see the stunning view of Annapurna mountain range with Dhaulagiri massive.
Day 03 Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Swanta - Chistibang/Dhan Kharka (2,970 m)
6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
A 45-minute side trek to Poon Hill viewpoint offers a spectacular mountain view of Annapurna region. You will see more than 15 snow-peak including three mountains above 8000 m (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu) than numerous another towering peak. After taken snapshot trek descends to Ghorepani for breakfast then pack luggage after that set-off to Swanta village. A 120 minute descend trail inside the rhododendron forest bring you on the small river then 15 minutes steeply up route take us Swanta village. Trek resume from Swanta, a path to Ali Kharka contains up and down inside the forest also get stunning waterfall view before arriving Ali Kharka. After crossing tiny stream steeply ascends up in the forest to Dhan Kharka, you will hear spotted deer roaring in close distance and also see langur monkey. The villager operating 2 community lodge with neat and clean basic accommodation.
Day 04: Dhan Kharka/Chistibang - Khopra Ridge (3,600 m)
3-4 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
Khopra ridge is only 3 hours far from Dhan Kharka for the normal walker and approximately 5 km distance but steeply climbing up on the ridge above tree line. Except for the summer, most of the time of the year yak is spreading here, on arrival Khopra ridge the best view of mount Dhaulagiri approach in front with towering walled mountains on north direction. After lunch short hike up to the first lake which would be 2 hours to and fro.
Day 05: Day trip to Khayer Lake (4,650 m)
7-8 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
Day trip to Khayer Lake [Khair Lake/Baraha Tal], the divinest pond has great value for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage. Annually during the July/August the domestic devotee's trek to sacred pond and pilgrimage sacrificed sheep to make god/goddess happy also take dip into the cold temperature lake for sin-free in life. The locals strongly believed the wishes will be filled with whatever desires.
Day hike to Khayer Lake (Khair Lake) organizes from Khopra Ridge (Khopra community lodge). It is tremendous trekking to Khair Lake [Khayer Lake] with ascending on the mountains and steeply descending. It's about 7-8 hours round trekking in pristine mountains to sanctified Lake. Khayer Lake day hike offers magnificent and closess Mountain View of the Annapurna mountain range, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri with a lush green valley. Set-off Khayer Lake day hike with pack-lunch, sufficient drinks, and energy bar also packed warm cloth against the cold temperature. The glacier melted Khayer Lake is not that big to compare to Tilicho Lake and Gokyo Lake but still pretty and seasonally yak and sheep graze around. Khayer Lake route is finest and wider with pave stone but icy and slippery throughout the December to April. The pond has turquoise color from June to November.
Day 06: Khopra Danda - Bayeli - Dobato (3,460 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
Khopra Danda offers the best and close view of Mount Dhaulagiri, you will see glorious sunrise on thick snow mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna colossal. After breakfast departure from community lodge, follow the little downhill path till stone rest place. Now take a narrow branch trail on the sloppy ridge also passes bamboo shrubs and some of our previous clients have spotted Red panda in the bush. The yak herd said also possible to see leopard by chance. Upon arrival, Bayeli stops for the lunch where only one restaurant available but open across the year. Dobato is an only bit more than hour trek from lunch spot. The route is very silence, often sights blue sheep, spotted deer and Himalayan Monal before reaching Dobato.
Day 07: Dobato - Muldhai [Mulde] Viewpoint - Kot Danda (2,330 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
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 ramble back to lodge and trek continuously after breakfast. We follow descend trail onto the forest then passes Isaru and Meshare. After 3 hours walking in thick rhododendron, jungle arrives Tadapani, a touristic junction where the Ghorepani trek and ABC trek trail meetup. From here follow pleasant descend trail toward Kot Danda through a trunk of a mixed forest where can see maximum sort of birds. We will hardly see any other tourist in this route till Kumrung Danda, from here 25-minute gentle ascending up little paradise lodge, such a beautiful place for a night in Annapurna region. The peace and harmony place with a comfortable bedroom and good internet connection also mount Fishtail, Annapurna South and Hiuchuli are on the head of a lodge.
Day 08: Kot Danda - Ghandruk - Pokhara (850 m)
2 Hrs Trek & 4 Hrs Drive B & L with hot drinks ---No---
Today is the last day of Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek, retrace to Kumrung Danda, then trek continuous on sloppy Moutain to Ghandruk village. We do Gurung cultural excursion into Ghandruk village then trek nonstop on pleasant rice terraced to Syauli Bazar. From here off-road drive starts, it is 3-4 hours' drive to Pokhara.
What's included?
- Airport transfer services airport/hotel/airport
- All the required ground transportation as scheduled in the itinerary
- Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek permits (Annapurna conservation area fees and trekking information management system card)
- Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek map
- Experienced English speaking licensed guide with salary, insurance, food, and lodging
- Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with hot drinks)
- Seasonal fresh fruits apple, orange, banana etc
- Complimentary trekking equipment's four seasonal sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking stick etc (should be returned upon completing the trek)
- Pokhara to Hile by local/shared/private jeep or bus
- Syauli Bazar to Pokhara by local/shared/private jeep or bus
- First aid medical kit, oximeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
- Normal lodge/guesthouse base accommodation during a trek in the mountain
What's not included?
- Meals & accommodation at Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Nepal visa fees 15/30/90 Day in the cost of U$D 30/50/125
- Travel insurance which should cover any sort of rescues such as Helicopter or Horse
- Kathmandu valley sightseeing entrance & monuments fees
- Personal expenses battery charge, hot shower, phone calls, Internet, laundry etc
- Gratitude (Tips) to guide and porters
Fixed Departures
Essential Information
Best Trekking Season for the Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek
The best temperature and weather forecast plays a vital role during the trek in the mountain. Khopra ridge trek with a side trip to the Khayer Lake route operates throughout the year but still, there is the best time of the year. All the four-season has both sides of coin benefits and disadvantages still we suggest the best month of the year for Khopra ridge trek. Peak trekking season spring/Autumn relatively crowded then monsoon and winter also during the off-season weather, not favor.
Spring (March/April/May) these three months is the first good season beginning of the year, there will be a bit layer of the fog, haze, and smoke on the Himalayas because of the post-winter. The entire Khayer Lake route is colored by multiple rhododendrons and magnolia blossoms. And have mild temperatures also possible to walk on the snow March and April. Beyond the second week of May might have rain because monsoon approaching.
Probably Autumn (September/October/November) is the best trekking season for Khopra Ridge Trek. It is post-monsoon no cloud/haze/fog yet all and see blue sky above the Himalayas. The farmland valley looks green and yellow also see Nepalese are celebrating the biggest festival of the year Dashain and Tihar. No rain yet all throughout the season.
Requires physical fitness for the Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek
Khopra ridge and Khayer Lake trek categorized as moderate in-general also facing difficult some sections like from Ali Kharka to Khopra Danda and day trip to Khayer Lake. The physical trek begins from 1,430 m at Hille then ascend to 4,650 m Khayer Lake. You have to trek 5-6 hours a day from morning to evening that covers about 10-12 kilometer distance also strong and bold climbing some places that are physically demanding. To face the switch-back uphill on the mountain trekker need to have a good physical level. You should prepare back home with jogging, cycling, swimming, running, climbing stairs on the home and office building, also hitting the gym then if possible trekking to nearest Nature Park.
Meals and foods on Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek
All the tea house has a food menu with a variety of food items (rice, pasta, noddle, potatoes, soup, dessert, dumpling, cereal, bread [homemade and toast] with yummy local dishes), the menu card is managed by local hotel management community and ACAP. Dal Bhat would be the best choice during the trek with free refills of rice, fresh garden vegetable, lentil soup, and curry also Gluten-free. All the soft and hard beverages are available across the trek at different prices. Also option for the drinking water like boiled water or safe drinking water or mineral water. Unlimited preference for hot drinks like tea (Black/Milk/Lemon/Ginger/Mint/Herbal etc) as well as coffees.
Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek Route
8 Days Khopra Ridge Trek with Khayer Lake Side Trek
Pokhara - Ulleri - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Khopra Danda - Khayer Lake & Hidden
Lake - Muldhai Viewpoint - Kot Danda - Ghandruk - Syauli Bazar - Pokhara
11 Days Khopra Ridge Trek with Khayer Lake
Side Trek
Pokhara - Lespar - Nagi Village - Mohare Danda - Tikot Village - Khopra Danda -
Muldhai [Mulde] Viewpoint - Kot Danda - Ghandruk - Syauli Bazar - Pokhara
10 Days Khopra Ridge Trek with Khayer
Lake side trek
Pokhara - Beni - Bansh Kharka - Nagi Village - Mohare Danda - Tikot Village
- Khopra Danda - Mulde/Muldhai Viewpoint - Kot Danda - Ghandruk - Syauli Bazar
- Pokhara
Accommodation in Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek
Basic and standard twin sharing accommodation is possible en route of the Khayer Lake and Khopra ridge trek. We arrange inside toilet accommodation several places Ulleri, Ghorepani and Kot Danda then the rest of other villages shared toilets and bathrooms. Internet connectivity available most of the tea houses also can charge all the electronic devices throughout the trek.