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Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking

Adventure on the hidden pockets of Annapurna Himalayas

  • No-shopping | Group Tour

Overview

Eco Himalaya Treks & Travels, unveils an exciting and delightful adventure ‘Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking’. A marvelous blend and combination of popular mainstream trekking routes and walking “off the beaten tracks”.An enjoyable country walks of little more than a week duration, soaking within magnificent scenery of high snow peaks. Walking on mist-filled rhododendron and pine forest path, in the harmony of pristine nature of rolling green hills.Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking, situated high above the main trekking trails of Ghorepani and famous Poon Hill. One of the most scenic and popular shortest destinations around Nepal Himalayas of moderate grade walks.Where very few groups of trekkers often venture on the route that we have chosen for you. Our adventure leads on the same route for a few days, but with a difference. The walk leads to remote corners of Annapurna Himalayas on leaving the popular areas of Ghorepani. Heading beyond villages and human civilization in complete isolation of mountain wilderness.Truly a special way to enjoy the adventure, after having a wonderful time at Ghorepani and hiking to Poon Hill. For stunning sunrise views over an array of Himalayan ranges facing a wide panorama of the world’s three highest peaks.

On leaving the main trail from Ghorepani, the adventure leads to remote areas, well hidden and isolated. A least visited country and well hidden, away from the main human settlement. Most travelers are not even aware of this beautiful mountain destination’s existence.From Ghorepani, our route diverts towards high Khopra Ridge, in-between the world’s highest peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas.

Overlooking the spectacular scenery of beautiful landscapes with Ghorepani village down below, from the high ridge of Khopra. Truly a stunning place to enjoy and experience the stunning panorama of the Himalayan range of snow peaks.At Khopra Ridge, having a rest day to explore the hidden lake of Khair, the highest point of the adventure. The area around Khair Lake is regarded as a holy site, where once a year a religious festival is held.Located amidst Annapurna South and towering Vara Shikar peaks also called Annapurna Fang, after a great good long hike. Return journey downhill to the mid-hill village of Ghandruk, and then on the main road for a short drive back to Pokhara.Pokhara is a beautiful scenic city, where our adventure of a great wonderful experience on Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake concludes.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport received by our guide and staff with traditional greetings. Taking care of your baggage, and then a short drive to the hotel, located in the heart of a city near the exciting areas at Thamel. Check into your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed from the Jet-Lag, join in with other members for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offering information regarding the trek, hotels, local lodge.As well of local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurants. Entertains the environment with folk cultural program as introduction to Nepalese heritage and culture.

Day 2Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Morning after breakfast, at given time our city and cultural guide will receives you at the hotel. A short drive to the hub of Kathmandu city, for exciting tour of old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard. The area is teemed with life and activities, a great way to soak into Nepalese cultures. Visiting historical and religious monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites most of the ancient buildings.
After an interesting time at Durbar Square, a short drive to Nepal’s most important landmark, the Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years old history. A Buddhist monument tucked on a hill top west of the city, from here visit the Hindu holy temple of Pashupatinath. The tour continues to large dome Stupa of Bouddhanath, as well known as ‘Little Tibet’. A great place to enjoy the tour of the world’s largest Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.Enjoying the day tour, transfer back to hotel rest of the afternoon preparation for the trekking and packing the right gear.
Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m (30 mins by air)-06 hours on road.

Depending upon the trip cost where flight or drive included, as per the size of a group either travel by private car, coach or in regular Tourist Bus to Pokhara.An interesting overland journey and the best way to observe Nepal’s rural farm life, as drive heads beyond Kathmandu valley. Views of snow peaks along the drive following the Trisuli River for some hours. As drive diverts due west then reaching at beautiful city in Pokhara by the serene Phewa lake side.Where most good hotels, shops and restaurants are located, an exciting place for overnight stop. (Options for short flight of half hour to Pokhara from Kathmandu)

Day 3Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m (30 mins by air)-06 hours on road.

Morning enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas along with breakfast, and then a short drive takes you beyond Pokhara city. On reaching at Nayapul town or Bhirethati village where our trek begins, a nice village to start the walk.The trail follows uphill facing beautiful waterfalls, and into patch of cool forest as walk continues through farm villages. Finally the first day trek ends on reaching at Tirkhedhunga village for overnight stop, check into a nice simple lodge.

Day 4Drive to start point at Bhirethati 1,100 m and walk to Tirkhedhunga 1,425 m- 06 hours with drive and trek.

Morning enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas along with breakfast, and then a short drive takes you beyond Pokhara city. On reaching at Nayapul town or Bhirethati village where our trek begins, a nice village to start the walk.The trail follows uphill facing beautiful waterfalls, and into patch of cool forest as walk continues through farm villages. Finally the first day trek ends on reaching at Tirkhedhunga village for overnight stop, check into a nice simple lodge.

Day 5Trek to Ghorepani village 2,885 m - 06 hrs.

Morning walk leads close to a waterfall as route leads crossing a suspension bridge. From the bridge a steep climb on well paved stone steps leads to the top at Ulleri village. Facing views of Annapurna peaks, after refreshing stop, from here onward on gradual winding trail. As walk leads through cool forested path having lunch stop on route, and then ending the trek for the day at Ghorepani village.Ghorepani located beneath scenic Poon Hill amidst rhododendron forest surroundings facing views of Dhaulagiri Himalayas.Where all lodges are painted blue in contrast to green forest and white snow-capped peaks. Ghorepani village mostly populated by Poon / Magar people the hill tribes of Western Nepal. Check in to a nice homely lodge facing views of snow peaks.

Day 6Morning hike to Poon Hill and trek to Sauta 2,200 m - 05 hrs.

An early morning hike of an hour on top Poon Hill the highest point of the trek, offers grandeur sunrise views over 360° panorama of Himalayan Mountain range.Includes three world highest peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna range with array of lesser peaks.
After a refreshing morning walk, down to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek down to Chitre village. From here our route diverts heading north, walk leads down to a stream and then up Sauta. A lovely farm village for overnight halt, a small place with few simple lodges, as well the comfort of a home stay.

Day 7Trek to Chistibung 3,000 m -05 hrs.

After a pleasant stay at Magar tribes farm village in Sauta, facing views of Dhaulagiri Himalayas with Annapurna peaks. Morning walk on leaving the last
permanent settlement, on level path for short while. Climb leads towards dense forest of pines and rhododendron trees, within grazing land. Then ending the
uphill walk on reaching at a small place in Chistibung for overnight halt.Chistibung, located amidst forest surroundings with few small huts serving as shops and inns for few trekkers that seldom pass through this remote areas.

Day 8Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m -03 hrs.

From Chistibung a short day walk, morning leads to steep climb on a grassy slope sided hill. On leaving the tree lines behind for short alpine bush, uphill
continues then reaching a scenic ridge at Khopra.A place on a high top ridge with few small lodges for overnight stay.Located in between towering close views of Mt, Dhaulagiri in the west with Annapurna Fang / Vara Shikar and Nilgiris towards North. Includes view of Annapurna South at near distance on the east side of Khopra ridge.Afternoon after lunch free at leisure to marvel the incredible panorama of high Snow Mountain range.

Day 9At Khopra Ridge for day hike to Khair Lake-06 hrs. Both ways.

Another overnight in Khopra, start the morning hike carrying pack lunch for the long day walk. The trail follows contouring the ridge line close to Annapurna South peak, and then head north with slow climb. Having rest in between to admire the surrounding view of beautiful landscapes and snow peaks.
After hours of high altitude walk reaching a bowl of a small valley, where Khair Lake is situated. Located within rocky high cliff and Snow Mountains, the lake revered as sacred. Annual religious festivals takes place in the month of August on a full moon time as per Hindu Lunar calendar.Enjoy the pristine surroundings facing magnificent views of rolling snow peaks with high rocky edge cliffs. From this mystical magical place return back on the same trail to Khopra for last overnight halt.

Day 10Trek to Dobato 3,420 m - 05 hrs.

From Khopra Ridge downhill walk close to Chistibung, and then our route diverts east and back into tall tree lines. Walk follows through dense woods reaching an open grass land of Bhaise Kharka, a cattle herder grazing land. After a short rest an hour or more walk to scenic area at Dobato, situated in the middle of dense forest clearing. A place with few huts serving as simple lodge and shops, offers grand views of Annapurna Himalayas with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak. On checking into a nice simple lodge, enjoy the afternoon facing fantastic views of snow mountain range of Annapurna Himalayas.

Day 11Trek to Ghandruk village 1,951 m via Tadapani - 06 hrs.

Catch the morning grand views of Annapurna Himalayas, having breakfast walk downhill through dense tree lines. After few hour of steady walk reaching on the main trail of Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages at Tadapani.Possible lunch stop, at Tadapani a small settlement with number of good lodges.Afternoon walk on easy downhill to Ghandruk for last overnight stop around the hills of Annapurna. Ghandruk, one of the largest village around southern hills of Annapurna range. Afternoon at leisure to explore the Gurung typical mountain village, and visit its small Gurung museum and observe the history and culture of the native Gurung.

Day 12Trek to road-head and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 04 hrs.

Breakfast with views of snow-clad peaks, last day trekking on leaving the nice village of Ghandruk. Downhill through farm villages reaching on a road-head.
Board in a vehicle for exciting few hour drive to Pokhara facing excellent views of Annapurna Himalayas. As drive leads past villages and towns and then down towards Pokhara valley, on entering the city area. Then back at the hotel by lunch time with rest of the afternoon at leisure for individual activities.

Day 13Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Depart from the hotel in Pokhara, for interesting overland journey back to Kathmandu on the same scenic highway. On reaching the hotel in Kathmandu by late afternoon, rest of day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Option for short flight of half hour to Kathmandu from Pokhara)

Day 14International departure for homeward bound.

Your last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as per your international flight time our staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to guide and staff as you enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after a marvelous adventure to
Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking.

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      Major Highlights

      1. Adventure from mainstream route and towards off the beaten tracks.
      2. Exciting walks leaving the main trails to hidden areas of Annapurna Himalayas.
      3. Enjoy the adventure amidst mist filled lovely woods of rhododendron and pines.
      4. Stunning sunrise from Poon Hill and then walk to scenic high ridges of Khopra.
      5. Amazing close views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Vara Shikar with Annapurna South.

       

      Short Trek Profile

      Trekking Mode

      Tourist standard to *** Hotels, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, local lodges on trekking.

      Trekking Grade

      Moderate with Ups and Downhill walks.

      Highest Spot

      Khopra Ridge 3,870 m / 12, 697 feet and Khair Lake 4,247 m / 13, 934 feet high.

      Start Point of trek

      Bhirethati village around Kaski district with drives.

      Ending Point of trek

      Syali Bazar near Bhirethati to Pokhara city Kaski district.

      Trekking Routes

      Ulleri-Ghorepani-Chitre-Sauta-Khopra-Tadapani to Ghandruk and towards Pokhara.

      Activities

      Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, exciting drive /options for flights, scenic cultural country walks.

      Trek duration

      08 Nights & 09 Days from Pokhara to Pokhara.

      Total Trip

      13 Nights & 14 Days from arrival to departure.

      Best Seasons

      The best seasons for Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking, is in spring and autumn/fall however one can visit nearly all year round, except the wet monsoon time of July and August.The main flow and high season are spring starting from March to May, where days are longer with enough sun-light hours. Lower areas below 1,500 m are much warmer throughout the day, but on high hills cooler air for pleasant walks and views.This is the time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from tall trees to shorter bushes.Morning and late afternoon till night time is cold from 2,000 m above, chances of light rain and snow-fall sometimes.

      The next best season is autumn/fall, the high time for trekking around the Himalayas. Most days are crystal clear for scenic walks and best views, but short days due to sun-light hours. Can get much colder from late afternoon till next morning before the sun hits the area. Chances of snow-fall sometimes from 2,500 m high onwards.

      What to Expect

      Nepal is a country of the world’s highest mountain range known as the Himalayas, where 80 % of landscapes are covered by hills. As well as greater ridges and mountains, where one can expect walking ups and downhill.The only flat land of the country is located south, which extends from the Far East to the Far West of Nepal. The low land is known as the Terai belt, of sub-tropical climate, the country with most mid and high hills. The people around the hills, especially around Annapurna Himalaya’s southern range are Magar and Gurung tribes of people. Practice both Hindu and Buddhism religions, the villages are interwoven with Buddhist, houses are adorned with prayer flags.The lower areas of Annapurna Himalaya are heavily cultivated with paddy and other seasonal crops. The hills are cooler covered in beautiful rainforests and higher areas. The hills are lined with rhododendron, oaks, hemlocks, and pine trees.

      The region of trekking is most populated by Gurung people, the main hill tribes of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. As you explore some of the lovely typical Gurung villages on this trek. But from Ulleri, Ghorepani to Khopra Ridge, inhabited mostly by Poon Magar the hill tribes of Western Nepal follows both Hindu and Buddhism religions.Nepal has more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 native spoken languages, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhism religions.On this trek expect more uphill climbs with downhill walks, but with constant views of snow-capped peaks. Overlooking close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri as far as Manaslu Himalaya range.

      Extension trips

      People with enough time in Nepal, can join in for various adventure sports activities in Pokhara. Likewise Paragliding, Ultra-Light Flight, Bungee Jumping,Zip Flyer, White water or scenic float Rafting. Other extension program is Mountain Biking for few days, and trip to Chitwan National Park for Wild-Life Safari.

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