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Khopra Dada and Khair Lake Trek

Annapurna Khopra Ridge | Khair Lake Trek in Nepal

  •   Nepal
  •   Trekking
  •   Medium
  •   12 Days
  •   Khair Lake (4600m)
Annapurna Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trek
  • Annapurna Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trek

The Annapurna Khopra Dada and Khair Lake Trek is a captivating off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines stunning Himalayan vistas with serene alpine lakes in the heart of the Annapurna region. This unique trek takes you to the sacred Khayer Lake (4,500m), a pristine glacial lake nestled beneath the towering peaks of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m), revered by locals for its spiritual significance. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and high-altitude pastures, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Unlike the busier routes in the region, this trek provides a peaceful wilderness experience, with opportunities to spot wildlife like Himalayan thars and colorful pheasants. The journey also includes a visit to the holy Kopra Ridge (3,660m), a viewpoint rivaling Poon Hill but with far fewer crowds, making it perfect for trekkers seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty.

Typically lasting 10–12 days, the trek begins in Pokhara with a drive to Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village, before ascending through Tadapani and Bayeli Kharka toward Khayer Lake. The trail includes steep sections and rugged terrain, but rewards trekkers with panoramic mountain vistas and the tranquil turquoise waters of Khayer Lake, surrounded by prayer flags and towering peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote settlements like Chistibung and Khopra, where you can experience authentic Nepalese hospitality in community-run lodges. The trek’s moderate difficulty level makes it suitable for those with prior hiking experience, while its mix of cultural immersion, dramatic landscapes, and spiritual energy creates an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Trip Facts

  • Activities

    Trekking

  • Starting Price

    650 USD PP

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/ Lodge

  • Max. Altitude

    Khair Lake (4600m)

  • Best Season

    Autumn and Spring (All Season)

  • Trip Hours/Day

    5/6 hours a day

  • Trip Grade

    Medium

  • Group Size

    1 to 15 Pax

Highlights & Attractions

  • Sacred Khair Lake – A tranquil alpine lake with spiritual significance.
  • Khopra Dada is the closest views of HImalayas.
  • Gurung and Magar ethnic group Culture – Experience authentic village life in Sikles Village.
  • Annapurna Panorama – Stunning views of Annapurna II, IV, and Lamjung Himal.
  • Less Touristy – A newly opened trail with few trekkers.
  • Rich Biodiversity – Rhododendron forests, rare birds, and wildlife.

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  • Trip Itinerary
  • Include & Excludes
  • Trip Notes
  • Reviews

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
    Airport pickup, hotel check-in. Trek briefing and permits preparation. Overnight in Kathmandu.
  • Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (820m) 6/7 hrs.
    Scenic drive or flight (25 min) to Pokhara. Lakeside exploration (Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda). Overnight in Pokhara.
  • Day 03 : Pokhara to Ghandruk and Trek to Tadapani (2600 m) 5/6 hours.
    Drive through terraced fields & riverside villages. Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk, one of the picturesque Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. After exploring the village, begin trekking through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests toward Tadapani. As you gain elevation, glimpses of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre can appear through the forest.
  • Day 04: Tadapani to Dobato (3350 m) 5/6 hours
    Trekking route and follow the quieter trail toward Dobato. The path passes through dense rhododendron and mountain forests before reaching higher alpine terrain. Dobato is an excellent overnight stop before continuing toward Khopra Ridge.
  • Day 05: Dobato to Chistibung (3600 m) 5/6 hours
    Continue along the peaceful Khopra Ridge trail, descending and ascending through forests and open mountain landscapes. The surroundings become increasingly alpine as you approach Chistibung. This gradual progression is useful for acclimatization before reaching the higher Khopra Ridge.
  • Day 06: Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3660 m) 4/5 hours.
    Today you climb toward Khopra Ridge (Khopra Danda). As the forest thins, magnificent Himalayan panoramas open up, including views toward Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and surrounding peaks. Khopra Ridge is one of the defining highlights of the trek, with a community lodge providing a spectacular mountain setting.
  • Day 07: Khopra Ridge to Khayer Lake and Back (4600 m) 8/9 hours.
    Start early in the morning and follow the rugged trail from Khopra Ridge toward the sacred Khayer Lake. The route climbs approximately 1,000 metres and becomes increasingly rocky and exposed as you approach the high alpine landscape. Khayer Lake lies beneath the impressive Annapurna South massif and is regarded as a sacred site. There are no regular lodges along the route, so trekkers need to carry sufficient water, food, warm clothing and other essentials for the full-day excursion. Current route guides describe the round trip as roughly 16 km and 8–10 hours, although actual timing varies with weather, snow and individual pace.
  • Day 08: Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village (2200 m) 5/6 hours.
    Begin the long descent from Khopra Ridge toward Swanta. The trail passes through forests and traditional mountain settlements before reaching the peaceful Magar village of Swanta.
  • Day 09: Swanta to Ghorepani and Poon Hill (2860 m) 5/6 hours.
    Continue toward Ghorepani through forests, farmland and traditional villages. Depending on the schedule, you can make an excursion to Poon Hill for sunset or plan the sunrise visit for the following morning.
  • Day 10: Excursion to Poon Hill (3210 m) – Ulleri/Nayapul – Pokhara
    Wake early for sunrise at Poon Hill if weather permits. After enjoying the mountain panorama, descend through Ulleri toward the roadhead and continue by vehicle to Pokhara.

Package Includes

  • Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & TIMS card fees
  • Accommodation: Basic teahouse lodges (twin-share rooms) during the trek.
  • Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Nepali staples like dal bhat, pasta, and soups.
  • Experience Trekking Guide,.
  • Porter can be arrange (Optional.
  • Allowance, food and insurance for staff
  • Transport: Round-trip Pokhara to Ghandruk and Urleri to Pokhara by private/shared Jeep
  • Safety: Basic first-aid kit and emergency assistance (evacuation not included).

Package Excludes

  • Flights: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu airfare/bus.
  • Pokhara Hotels: Accommodation before/after the trek.
  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory for emergency evacuation.
  • Extra snack and drinks.
  • Tips for Guide & Porter /li>
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, battery charging fees.

Trip Notes

  • Sacred Khayer Lake — a challenging high-altitude day hike to the beautiful alpine lake at around 4,600–4,700 m.
  • Rhododendron and oak forests — trek through diverse forests, especially beautiful during spring.
  • Traditional Gurung and Magar villages — experience local culture, villages, farming communities, and mountain hospitality.
  • Off-the-beaten-path experience — quieter trails compared with the popular Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani routes.
  • Poon Hill sunrise — enjoy a famous Himalayan sunrise panorama before returning to Pokhara.
  • Community-based teahouses — stay in locally operated lodges and experience authentic mountain hospitality.
  • Alpine landscapes and mountain pastures — discover open meadows, yak/sheep grazing areas, and high Himalayan terrain.
  • Exceptional photography opportunities — dramatic mountain scenery, forests, villages, and alpine landscapes throughout the trek.
  • Peaceful natural environment — combine mountain adventure with a quieter trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
  • Convenient access from Pokhara — the trek can be combined with a short drive from Pokhara, making it an attractive option for a relatively compact Annapurna adventure.

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