Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking - 11 days

Introduction: Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge Trekking

Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge trekking in Nepal is a marvelous trek in the rugged, beaten trail of the Annapurna region. The Khopra Ridge Trek, also known as Khopra Dadha Trek, takes trekkers to scenic landscapes and high mountain views with spectacular sunrises or sunsets. 

Similarly, the Khayer Lake is between Annapurna Base Camp and Jomsom region trekking. The Khopra Dadha trek is also known as the Mulde Hill trek, which is close to theAnnapurna Base Camp (ABC) and an alternative to the Ghorepani Trek. Visitors who embark on the trek witness two of the world’s 14 highest mountains, Mt Dhaulagiri (7th highest) and Mt Annapurna (10th highest). 

Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek also provide breathtaking views of Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchre, Mt Nilgiri, Mt Huichuli, and Mt Ganga Purna. Travelers can traverse through alpine forests filled with rhododendrons in spring, passing various rivers and waterfalls. As diverse communities like Gurung and Magar inhabit the Khopra region, individuals can immerse themselves in the cultural and traditional practices of the locals to get insights into the region's daily life.

Khopra and Khayer Lake are some of Nepal's best and easiest treks. The Himalayan view point Poon Hill offers breathtaking views of Mulde Peak and Khopra. Poon Hill is also the best location for sunrise and sunset, which offers the golden sights of Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri and Annapurna South face. The same view is closer to Khopra Ridge.

How does the Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake Start and End?

The Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake start from the bustling city of Kathmandu. Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Khopra Ridge Itinerary adds an extra touch to Nepal's cultural and traditional history. After exploring the capital city, the journey continues to the lake city of Pokhara. Explore the vibrant city, including night walks on the shores of Phewa Lake. Afterward, the journey continues to Tikhedunga via Nayapul, which is the gateway to Poon Hill. Explore the green pastures, historical villages, and waterfalls. 

The Khayer Lake trek commences towards Ghorepani after Nayapul. Ghorepani is a fascinating Gurung village regarded as the finest viewpoint for sunrise and sunset. The place also provides terrific mountain views. Later continue the hike to poon hill, which is one of the major highlights in the Khopra Ridge trekking route.

Poon hill is a hill station in Nepal that provides excellent views of the Annapurna Massif range and Dhaulagiri Mountain range. The Annapurna range mountain peaks like Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Annapurna IV can be seen from Poon Hill.

After the mesmerizing view from the hilltop, the trek moves towards Sauta village, mainly inhabited by the Magar community. After Sauta, the trek proceeds toward Chistibang, seeing mesmerizing mountain flowers and vegetation. Chistibang, also known as Dhankharka, has community-based teahouses and lodges suitable for breaks.

As the journey proceeds, the major highlight of the Khopra Dadha Khayer Lake trek, Khair or Khopra Ridge, can be seen. The route is newly introduced, and a minimum number of trekkers are embarking on the trail. However, the trek has gained much attention due to its short time interval and mesmerizing view.

As the exploration of Khopra Ridge is completed, the trek moves towards a side trip to Khopra Lake. Glaciers, water sources, and mountains surround the holy lake. Trekkers can visit the small temple known as Barahai Temple, located in the lake.

After that, march towards Dobato and Ghandruk. Visit the Gurung museum or a nearby marketplace in Ghandruk. After Ghandruk, trekkers drive back towards Pokhara, which marks the end of Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trekking with Holiday Tours Nepal.

What is the best time/season for the Khopra Dadha Khayer Lake trek?

The Khopra Khayer Lake trek can be done in almost all seasons in Nepal. However, the best trekking season for the Khopra Dadha trek is spring and autumn. Spring lasts from March to May. The skies are clear with a vibrant atmosphere. The maximum temperature is 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, while the minimum can be 0 to 5 degrees. The forests come alive as the rhododendron becomes full bloom.

Meanwhile, autumn is another great season for the Khopra Khayer Lake trek. The maximum temperature of the region in autumn is 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, while the minimum can be 0 to -4 degrees Celsius. The campsites can be chilly at night, but the teahouses provide a cozy atmosphere. 

The Khopra Lake Khayer Ridge itinerary can also be completed in monsoon and winter. However, embarking on the trail during these seasons is relatively difficult and not recommended. The trails become slippery with extreme temperatures covered with snow. The trekking provides a good adventure and adrenaline-filled experience to hardcore trekkers who want to push the limits.

Trekking in the Khopra region requires more logistic and mental preparation. Holiday Planner Nepal can arrange a well-managed winter trek to Khopra Ridge; however, prior information regarding the time of travel should be provided.

Accommodation options at Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge

Several Khopra Khayer Lake trekking accommodation options provide essential, comfortable amenities. The place can be a teahouse, lodge, and guesthouse.

Teahouses are the most basic accommodation place in the Khopra Dada trekking route. They provide basic bed and blanket facilities with shared bathroom facilities. Electricity and Wi-Fi may cost extra. The teahouse mostly has two single beds with bed covers and blankets.

Lodge and Guesthouse are other Khopra Khayer Lake Trekking accommodation options. They provide suitable facilities and a cozy environment. A heating system can be installed with attached bathroom facilities. This accommodation can only be found in some areas during the trek.

Food options at Khayer Lake and Khopra Ridge trek

There are various food options per the teahouse or accommodation place. However, the food is classified according to the time of consumption.

• Breakfast: Eggs, Bread and Chapatti, Pancakes, Porridge, Vegetable soup.
• Lunch: There are several options for Lunch. The variety can range from authentic Nepali cuisine to Indian, Chinese, and continental. The options primarily include Dal Bhat (Nepal’s number one dish). Dal Bhat is a cuisine with Rice, Lentil soup, and vegetables. Other options include Noodles, Spaghetti, Pizza, Pasta, Mo: Mo (dumplings), and fries.
• Dinner: The dinner option is similar to Lunch. Dal Bhat is the primary option for Nepalese for dinner. However, individuals can order anything of personal choice on the menu.

Electricity and communication facilities at Khayer Lake trek

Trekkers can find electricity at all the teahouses or accommodation places. Charging can be done in the teahouse lobby if lucky ports for charging can be found in the room itself. However, trekkers need to pay an extra amount for the charge. Similarly, Holiday Tours Nepal advises all our fellow trekkers to carry solar chargers and extra batteries for charging their electronic devices if they are on a budget trek to Khopra Ridge.

Likewise, the company provides free SIM cards to our guests. This enables accessible communication throughout the route. However, there can be a problem in specific locations due to altitude or technical issues.

Permits and documents required for Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek

As Khopra lies under the Annapurna region, some special permits are required for trekking. The permits for Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trekking are 

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
• Other visa documents like a passport with a valid visa date.

Is travel insurance required for Khopra Ridge trekking?

Yes, travel insurance is required for Khopra Ridge trekking. However, it is not mandatory. Having travel insurance can safeguard against various unforeseen circumstances, such as:

1. Having travel insurance can cover trip cancellation or withdrawal of a trip midway.
2. Medical expenses in case of injury and health problems.
3. Theft is not standard. However, loss of baggage and personal belongings can be covered. 

Outline itinerary for Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,350 m / 4,430 ft, and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 860 m/2,700 ft. on Nepal mid-west highway - 06 hrs.

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul 1,070 m/3,510 ft. and trek to Tikhedhunga 1,540 m/5,052 ft -04 hrs.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 2,860 m/9,383 ft. - 05 hrs.

Day 05: Morning Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m/10,532 ft and trek to Swanta village 2,270 m/7,447 ft - 05 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Chistibung 3,000 m/9,843 ft -05 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Khair or Kopra Ridge 3,660 m/12,008 ft - 03 hrs.

Day 08: At Kopra Ridge for an optional excursion to holy Khair Lake.

Day 09: Trek to Dobato 3,400 m/11,154 ft - 05 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Ghandruk 1,940 m/6,365 ft- 05 hrs.

Day 11: Drive to Pokhara- 3 hrs.