If somebody wants off the beat trek much more rewarding than Annapurna, Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek will be a perfect choice. It is very close to Annapurna Base Camp and possible to see 22 big mountains, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I which are from eight-thousanders club. This trek gives you view of Annapurna massif even closer than Annapurna Base Camp. You will see Mt. Fishtail as outstanding as ever. No one can forget majestic Dhaulagiri peak that appears clearer as higher as you go. Mt. Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Ganga Purna, and many more splendid snow-capped peaks are visible along the trekking route.
The beauty of this trek is Khopra Ridge. It is among very few treks available in the world in which you walk 2-3 days only on a ridge that gives an astounding view of mountains either side of you. This trek gives you true sense of adventure. It is thrilling and adventurous to get a Lake at 4660m, which has made it totally unique and different than Annapurna Base Camp trek. Just like other trek programs, it is possible to do it in lodges (tea houses). Tea houses are made to have great views even from inside. It has usual mountain trail with multiple ups and downs. What makes it challenging is altitude gain. However, you will trek only for about 8-10 kilometers a day which is moderate in grade.
Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek is an absolutely crowd free trail to walk. There are a few itineraries to organize this trek. So, if you want to customize the itinerary according to your time frame and interest, feel free to ask.
After morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about six hours. Enjoy scenic views of mountains, hills, villages and rivers along the highway.
Pokhara is a tourist's paradise featuring lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After morning breakfast, drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Ghandruk (1050m.) takes approximately three hours, then trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (2650m.) takes about three hours.
The trek begins through the Gurung village with beautiful rhododendron trees, a birds chirping and welcoming the guests to their area. The stream runs down its clear and pure water as we climb up. We will come across the place named Bherikharka with some tea shops and lodges for a rest. The trek then continues to Tadapani on leveled path.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Tadapani to Dobato (3420 m.) takes about 5-6 hours. Today, your trekking trail passes through a beautiful forest consisting of rhododendron flowers. Enjoy beautiful views of Annapurna South and Macchapuchre.
Stay overnight at lodge/ local house.
Trek from Dobato to Chistibang (3026 m.) takes about 5-6 hours. Much of the trail goes uphill passing through forested path. There are traditional pasture lands used by Yaks for grazing. Chistibang is a small village inhabited by Gurung community.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Chistibang to Khopra Danda (3640 m.) takes about 4 hrs. The trail comprises of ascent and descent paths offering open views. Khopra Danda is famous for views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Macchapuchre, Annapurna II etc.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake (4700m) and then back to Khopra Danda takes about 6-7 hours. The trail is widely used by pilgrims and is straight uphill. Khayer Lake, also called Barahi Lake, is a beautiful water body located on the foot of Annapurna South. Enjoy views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna etc. Trek back to Khopra Danda.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Khopra Danda to Swata (2226m) takes about 5-6 hrs. The trail mostly passes through bamboo, rhododendron forests. Capture the views of Dhaulagiri along the path. Swata is a small Gurung village where lodges are available.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Swata to Ghorepani (2828m) via Chitre takes about 5-6 hrs. The early part of the trail involves crossing a small stream and uphill trek all the way to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a Magar village and a popular viewpoint to watch sunset/sunrise and many prominent peaks such as Dhualgiri, Nilgiri, Dhampus Peak, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Macchpauchre and even Manaslu.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3232 m.) takes about one hour. Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise/sunset and majestic views of tallest Himalayan peaks. After spending sometime in Poon Hill, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue trekking towards Ulleri (1950m) which takes about 3 hrs. Thereafter drive from Ulleri to Pokhara takes about 3 hrs. The trek from Ghorepani to Ulleri is mostly a downhill trek through pristine forests. Following arrival in Ulleri, you will take a vehicle back to Pokhara.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, early morning drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about six hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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