Khopra Danda with Khayer Lake
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Accommodation Hotel and Teahouse
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Duration 12
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Trip Difficulty Moderate
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Activities Trekking
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Best Time Spring and Autumn
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Max. Elevation 4660 meters
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Group Size Min-02 pax
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Transportation Bus, Car & Flight
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Meals B L D During Trek
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Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Overview
The Khopra Danda with Khayer Lake Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful hidden trekking experiences in the Annapurna region. It is often described as a peaceful alternative to famous routes like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, or Everest Base Camp because it offers equally stunning Himalayan scenery but with far fewer crowds. The trek combines breathtaking mountain panoramas, traditional villages, dense forests, alpine landscapes, and a sacred high- altitude lake, creating a trekking experience that feels both adventures and deeply connected to nature.
Located northwest of Pokhara inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trail gradually climbs from green terraced villages and rhododendron forests to high open ridges with massive views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. The main highlight of the trek is Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge), a spectacular ridge viewpoint at around 3,660 meters, where trekkers can enjoy one of the widest mountain panoramas in Nepal. Another major attraction is Khayer Lake, a sacred alpine lake situated at more than 4500 meters above sea level beneath the towering Annapurna South Mountain.
Unlike highly commercial trekking routes, the Khopra trail still feels relatively untouched. Many trekkers choose this route because of its peaceful atmosphere, authentic village culture, and the chance to experience the Himalayas without large crowds. The route passes through traditional Gurung and Magar settlements where local people continue their mountain lifestyle based on farming, animal herding, and community-based tourism. This cultural aspect makes the trek more than just a mountain journey-it also becomes an experience of rural Himalayan life.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Pokhara (822m)
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Birethanti (1263m) then trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Day 04: Trek from Ulleri (1960m) to Ghorepani (2280m)
Day 05: Trek from Ghorepani (2280m) to Swanta (2214m)
Day 06: Trek from Swanta (2214m) to Khopra Danda (3660m)
Day 07: Trek from Khopra Danda (3660m) to Khayer Lake (4660m) then return back to Khopra
Day 08: Trek from Khopra Ridge (3660m) to Bayeli (3432m)
Day 09: Trek from Bayeli (3432m) to Tadapani (2630m)
Day 10: Trek from Tadapani (2630m) to Ghandruk (1940m) then take Bus/ jeep to Pokhara (822m)
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 12: Final Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have free time to rest after your flight or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, there will be a short trek briefing regarding the route, accommodation, weather conditions, and necessary preparations for the upcoming trek.
- Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
- Meals: B
After early breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway. The journey follows beautiful rivers, terraced fields, hills, and local villages. During the drive, you will enjoy views of rural Nepal and distant Himalayan landscapes. Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel near Lakeside. In the evening, you may enjoy a peaceful walk around Phewa Lake and nearby markets.
- Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
- Meals: B
After breakfast, drive to Nayapul/Birethanti, the starting point of the trek. After completing necessary permit checks, begin trekking through small villages, terraced farmlands, suspension bridges, and stone-paved trails. The trail gradually climbs through Tikhedhunga before reaching Ulleri via a famous long stone staircase. Ulleri is a beautiful mager village offering excellent mountain scenery and traditional local lifestyle.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
Today’s trail passes through dense rhododendron and oak forests filled with birds and
Mountain atmosphere. During spring season, the forest becomes colorful with blooming rhododendron flowers. The trail steadily ascends with occasional views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After several hours of trekking, arrive at Ghorepani, a famous mountain village known for panoramic Himalayan scenery.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
After breakfast, continue trekking towards the peaceful village of Swanta. The trail descends through forests and traditional villages while offering beautiful views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Swanta is a quiet and culturally rich Magar village where you can experience authentic local hospitality and traditional mountain lifestyle.
- Accommodation: Overnight at tea house
- Meals: B L D
Today is one of the most exciting trekking days. The trail climbs gradually through alpine forests and open ridges toward Khopra Ridge. As you gain altitude, the mountain views become more spectacular. You can enjoy close-up panoramas of Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Fang and other surrounding Himalayan peaks. Khopra Ridge is less crowded and offers a peaceful mountain experience.
- Accommodation: Overnight at tea house
- Meals: B L D
Early in the morning, begin a challenging but rewarding hike to the sacred Khayer Lake. The trail passes through high alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and remote Himalayan landscapes. Khayer Lake is considered a holy lake by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Upon reaching the lake, enjoy breathtaking mountain views and peaceful surrounding before returning back to Khopra Ridge for overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
After breakfast, descend gradually towards Bayaeli. The trail passes through remote grazing lands, forests, and scenic ridges with continuous mountain views. This less-crowded route offers peaceful trekking experience and opportunities to observe local yak pastures and Himalayan wildlife.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
Today’s trek descends through beautiful rhododendron forests and quiet mountain trails toward Tadapani. Along the route, enjoy occasional views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna south, and Hiunchuli. Tadapani is surrounded by forests and offers a peaceful environment for overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
- Meals: B L D
After breakfast, trek downhill to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. The village is famous for its traditional houses, Gurung culture, and stunning views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. After exploring the village, take a jeep or local vehicle back to Pokhara. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy your final evening in Pokhara.
- Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
- Meals: B
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu through scenic river valleys and hill landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. The remaining time can be used for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing before departure.
- Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
- Meals: B
According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Your memorable Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek concludes with unforgettable Himalayan experiences and cultural Memories of Nepal.
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: B
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Transportation from the starting and ending point of trekking by private vehicle
- Three meals(B L D) and tea, coffee during the trek
- Safe drinking water (treated with chlorine and iodine)
- Permit of the trek (TIMS, Conservation, and National park fee)
- All types of necessary government paperwork and government taxes
- Guide and Porter (meals, wages, Insurance & transpiration)
- An Englishspeaking government registered guide and porter
- Trekking equipment like a raincoat, sleeping bag, down jacket, and walking pole
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Personal & medical insurance
- Rescue evacuation by Helicopter in Emergency case
- Beverage and Bar bills (soft drinks, hard drinks, and mineral water)
- Boiled water
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner
- Electronic devise recharge
- Wi-fi during the trek
- Tips for Guide and Porter
Packing List
- 4- Season Sleeping Bag
- Duffel Bag ( we will provide one complimentary Snow Bank Adventure duffel bag)
- Day pack
- Down jacket
- Upper Body- Head/ Ears/ Eyes: Sun hat, wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears, Sunglasses with UV protection, Head lamp and Neck warmer.
- Hand: Liner gloves and Heavier shell gloves
- Core Body: T- shirt, Light weight expedition thermal tops, fleece jacket or pullover, water/windproof of shell jacket ( preferably breathable fabric)
- Lower Body- Legs: Light weight expedition thermal bottoms, Nylon hiking shorts, soft shell and hard sell trekking pants, water/ windproof trousers, and casual pants.
- Feet: Liner socks, Heavy weight socks, water proof hiking / trekking boots.
- Gaiter ( for monsoon and winter)
- Medicines and first Aid kits: Including blister treatments ( moleskin), Pain relievers and personal medication.
- Miscellaneous but Important: water bottle/ bladder, water purification iodine tablets, Toiletry kit ( Be sure to include toilet paper, stored in plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, and towel)
