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Enjoy the adventure around far hidden areas of massive Annapurna Himalaya
Breathtaking closest views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain range
Trek from main popular trails to off the beaten tracks to high ridge of Khopra
Enchanting cool alpine forest lined with tall rhododendron, oaks, and pine trees
Adventure to holy Khair lake enclosed within towering Annapurna Himalaya
Stunning sunrise over array of Himalaya mountain range from scenic Poon Hill
Kathmandu Airport (Google Map)
Grand Canora Flagstaff
Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking, takes you high above from the main popular trekking trails into complete Mountain wilderness in-between towering
Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif peaks.
An adventure of scenic and cultural walks, with ample time to explore nice and impressive mountain villages around Ghorepani and Ghandruk, inhabited by Poon Magar and Gurung. The indigenous hill tribes of Annapurna and Western Himalaya.
Most adventurer and trekkers knows Annapurna Himalaya region as one of most popular trekking and adventure destinations, but Annapurna areas also offers more than mainstream trekking route.
There are many other beautiful region and well hidden places within massive Southern Annapurna Himalaya range, for all types of adventure where you will be far and away from main popular routes and villages.
Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking, one of few treks around Himalaya where travelers can get the best of both from mainstream busy areas, to off the beaten route on hidden mountain trail in absolute wilderness within pristine surroundings.
Where each day walk offers trekkers with superb mountain views along with local impressive culture of indigenous hill tribes, as well great diversity of landscapes, climate and vegetation.
Such a variation from low warm farm areas to cooler hills covered with enchanting forest of rhododendron, magnolia, oaks and pine trees.
As walk proceeds reaching much higher country of arctic zone temperatures within perfect mountain wilderness.
Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking starts from Nepal, renowned and famous tourist holiday spot Pokhara, truly a most picturesque city located within verdant valley, enclosed by tiers of green hills with high Annapurna Mountain range and calm simmering Phewa and Begnas Lakes.
First part of the journey takes you on scenic trail to Ghorepani village and Poon Hill, famous destination for short moderate trek and much popular among foreign and local domestic trekkers.
Early morning short hike to Poon Hill rewards visitors with stunning sunrise views over panorama of mountain range from Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiris with Annapurna massive group of peaks, and Manaslu Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the Fish-Tail peak.
Second phase of the adventure is more interesting, where route to Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Treks diverts from the main busy trekking trails from lovely Chitre village, where walk heads towards hidden corners of Annapurna Himalaya.
Walk takes you to last permanent farm village at Sauta, populated with Poon Magar tribe, from here onwards into cool forest and past several Kharka which is a cattle herders’ camp, with temporary small shades and huts.
Finally a steep climb reaches you at high Khopra Ridge for two overnight stops, located on a ridge line in between close views of towering Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range with Annapurna South, Vara Shikar / Annapurna Fang.
From Khopra Ridge a long scenic day hike takes you to Khair Lake, our main highlight as well highest spot of the adventure. Khair Lake also known Vara Lake, as this holy pond fed from the glaciers of Vara Shikar / Annapurna Fang and Annapurna South.
Regarded as a holy lake where once a year religious event held, thousands of local pilgrims visit the Khair Lake for prayer and worship to mountain spirits as well to Hindu God Lord Shiva. Devotee take a dip in icy pond as well a holy bathe belief is that cleanse the sin of a hundreds life times.
After a great scenic and interesting hike with exciting visit of Khair or Vara Lake, our great adventure completes where trek heads downhill back into tall tree lines and lush vegetation.
Finally Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge trek joins the main popular route at Tadapani, on the way back to reach at beautiful Pokhara, with last overnight on the hill village at Ghandruk.
From lovely Ghandruk, one of largest Gurung tribe village around Annapurna Himalaya range. Where last day walk of the adventure ends with short exciting drive to Pokhara, after a great mesmerizing experience on Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking.
Best time for Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking:
The best time for this wonderful adventure to high and hidden areas of Annapurna Himalaya Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trek, in spring and autumn seasons, spring from March to May when wild-flowers are in blooming season with other various species of beautiful wild flowers.
That makes the trek to Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge more enjoyable and interesting with the backdrop of clear mountain views.
Next good months from September to November during autumn / fall season, when days are at its best with super clear blue sky for a magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks. But days are short with sunlight hours can be much cold in the morning and evening time, with bright starry night sky.
Day 01: Main arrival in Kathmandu airport 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest.
Day 03: Drive (or fly) to Pokhara 860 m – 06 hours journey (30 mins by air)
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul start walk to Tirkhedhunga 1,460 m- 05 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani 2,880 m-06 hrs.
Day 06: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 and trek to Sauta village 2,630 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Khopra Ridge 3, 870 m via Chistebung 3,130 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08: At Khopra Ridge for hike to Khair Lake at 4,620 m – 06 hours both ways.
Day 09: Trek to Dobato 3,420 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Ghandruk village 1, 940 m via Tadapani 2,630 m – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to road head and drive to Pokhara-05 hrs.
Day 12: Drive / Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 13: Depart Nepal for international departure homeward bound.
Main arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal via respective and various international airlines, you will be received by company staff and guide for a short drive to your hotels.
Located within the heart of Kathmandu city around interesting areas at Thamel, an exciting location where most good hotels are situated.
On reaching your hotel check into your rooms, after refreshing rest meet the other members of the trek on the hotel lobby where our guide/leader will brief you regarding do’s and don’ts during your time in Nepal and on treks.
Provides information on local cultures and other necessary details to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable. Evening enjoy welcome dinner with all members of Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking, in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant.
Morning after breakfast join in for sightseeing tour around places of great cultural and historical interest where most old monuments listed in world heritage sites.
Tour takes you in the main area of Kathmandu city visit old Durbar Square (palace courtyard), and towards oldest Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath, and at the largest stupa of Bouddhanath includes tour of Pashupatinath Temple.
After an interesting and enjoyable day back to the hotel with time for preparation for the trek and drive to Pokhara.
Enjoy early breakfast and then enjoy the overland journey to reach around Nepal at beautiful Pokhara, a renowned tourist city where most treks to Annapurna and Western Himalaya starts and ends.
Types of transport depending upon the size of the group in private cars, coach, or on the tourist bus to reach scenic Pokhara.
An interesting drive of 5 to 6 hours on 220 k.m distance, a great opportunity to observe Nepalese farm villages and towns as ride reach Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by the calm Phewa Lake. Most good hotels are located by the Lakeside offer super views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish Tail peak.
(By air to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu of 30 minutes scenic flight)
From Pokhara our adventure begins with a short morning drive to reach the outskirts of Pokhara valley, facing glorious views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Machhapuchare Fish Tail peaks.
Slowly drive reach at Nayapul (42 km from Pokhara) and further to start the first-day trek heading past lovely Bhirethati village, as walk follows on old Trans Himalaya Salt and Caravan route of Nepal to Tibet for few days, a nice pleasant walk with gradual climb overlooking beautiful waterfalls as route reach at Tirkhedhunga for overnight stop a place with lovely waterfalls.
Second-day adventure takes you to one of our main highlights, and the tough day for the first half from morning till mid-afternoon, as morning leads on steep about 3,300 stone steps, till you reach above nice Ulleri farm village.
Where air gets much cooler at the height of 2, 080 m from here on till Ghorepani village populated by Poon, Magar the hill tribe of Western Nepal, after Ulleri on winding path into beautiful forest-lined with rhododendron, magnolia, oaks, pines, and firs trees.
Finally, the day ends on reaching at Ghorepani for an overnight stop at the height of 2,880 m, offers super views of world 7th high Mt. Dhaulagiri 8, 167 m, with Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South and Huin-Chuli peaks.
Ghorepani village with many nice cozy lodge for travelers located on the base of scenic Poon Hill.
Early morning start with an hour uphill hike to reach at Poon Hill, the highest point of the adventure which is above 3, 210 m / 10, 531 feet high, offers spectacular views of the sunrise over an uninterrupted Western Himalaya Mountain range.
Where first-morning sunlight that touches world 7th high Mt. Dhaulagiri, 8th highest Mt. Manaslu and 10th high Mt. Annapurna with an array of lesser mountain range from Tukuche Peak (6, 920 m), Nilgiri (6,940 m), Vara-Shikar / Annapurna Fang (7,847 m), includes Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna- III (7,855 m), Machhapuchare Peak (6,993 m), extends further east to Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,931 m).
Marvel amazing scenery of more than 360-degree wide-angle panorama of Mid-West to Far West Himalaya chain of Mountains, after a marvelous time on the highest point of the trek, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue the trek.
From Ghorepani few hour walks downhill to nice village of Chitre, where our route divers from main popular trail for some days, walk to a stream with short ups, and then on gradual path through farm fields to reach at Sauta for overnight stop, with views of Dhaulagiri mountain range.
After Sauta village, walk follows on winding path and into dense rain forest for an hour, as trail leads to climb on crossing a fresh stream within dense forest of pines, oaks and rhododendron trees.
Slowly walk leads to a small place Chistebung amidst forest surroundings for possible lunch stop, afternoon adventure with climb to Khopra Ridge on leaving the dense forested area for dry and arid mountain wilderness.
On reaching atop Khopra ridge enjoy fantastic close views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri peaks with Vara Shikar / Annapurna Fang and Annapurna South.
At Khopra Ridge enjoying fabulous views along with lovely scenery of rolling green hills and dramatic landscapes, start full day hike heading towards far flung corners of Annapurna Himalaya.
After few hours of good high altitude walk reach at Khair Lake on the highest spot of the trek at 4, 620 m, regarded as holy and also called Vara Lake which is fed from the glacier of Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang) and Annapurna South.
Where once a year in full moon time of August month as per Hindu Lunar calendar a religious festival held, villagers from all over Annapurna areas visit the sacred spot at Khair Lake.
For holy bathe and dip in the icy lake as well worship mountain spirits and Hindu God Lord Shiva, a great scenic spot with pristine environment in the midst of high snow-capped peaks.
Enjoying interesting visit at Khair Lake return journey back to Khopra Ridge for last overnight in high mountainous area, away from main popular trekking routes.
Return trek on an alternative scenic downhill trail to reach back into dense forest of rhododendron, pines and oaks tree lines, a pleasant wonderful walks with grand views to reach at Dobato in the middle of Himalayan forest.
Dobato, a cattle herder summer grazing field, with temporary built shades in the midst of rhododendron and magnolia forest, offers super close views of Annapurna south and Machhapuchare Himal with Manaslu mountain range in the east direction. Overnight in the comfort of a simple and basic lodge.
Enjoy great stunning views from Dobato of Annapurna South and Machhapuchare Himal, an easy short morning walk with much downhill to reach a small settlement at Tadapani.
Tadapani also a junction of four trekking destinations Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Khopra Ridge and to Chomrong gateway village towards Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp.
Morning walk takes you into deep cool alpine woods to Bhaise Kharka and then descend to Ghandruk, one of largest villages around Annapurna Himalaya populated with Gurung, the hills tribe of Annapurna region.
Ghandruk also a door of many various adventures around the Annapurna region, here enjoy the afternoon stroll visiting this nice village and its small Gurung museum to gather information of Gurung impressive culture and heritage.
The last and final day of trekking, morning enjoy views of Annapurna Himalaya from Ghandruk and depart after breakfast on the downhill to Kimche village or further.
Where walk ends on a road-head for drive to reach at Pokhara, as the ride takes you within low warm farm areas, as drive enters Pokhara valley and the city area towards Lake Side and then check into your hotel. After a great enjoyable and scenic adventure on the hills of Annapurna Himalaya.
After overnight at beautiful Pokhara by its serene lake along with fantastic views of Annapurna Himalaya, enjoy early breakfast and depart from the hotel for the exciting overland journey on interesting highway to reach back at Kathmandu.
On checking into your hotel rooms, with time in the afternoon for individual activities and shopping.
Evening enjoy last day farewell group dinner in a nice Nepalese restaurants with Nepalese folk dance programs to entertain you while with your last dinner in Nepal.
(By air from Pokhara to Kathmandu 30 minutes of short scenic flight)
Finally, final day nears for departure from amazing Nepal, a country of Himalayan wonders with colorful culture, our staff, and guide transfer you to the airport for final departures home-ward.
After a most memorable adventure and great experience on scenic Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking.
