Trip Facts
Duration
14 days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4,130 m
Group Size
2–12
Starts
Pokhara
Ends
Pokhara
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Autumn
Highlights
- Trek to the remote and peaceful Khopra Ridge, away from the crowded trails.
- Witness panoramic views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli & Machhapuchhre.
- Explore the sacred Khair Lake (4,500m), nestled beneath snow-capped peaks.
- Enjoy cultural experiences in traditional Magar and Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Swanta.
- Hike through rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and alpine landscapes.
- Perfect alternative to Ghorepani-Poon Hill, with better views and fewer tourists.
Overview
Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking is one of the best off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Annapurna region. This 14-day journey offers raw Himalayan beauty, rich local culture, and dramatic mountain views—without the crowds found on more commercial trails. Starting from the lakeside city of Pokhara, the trail winds through dense forests, charming Gurung and Magar villages, and high ridgelines that expose uninterrupted vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
Khair Lake, a holy glacial lake at 4,500 meters, is the highlight of this walk. Local pilgrims think it is religiously important. The path to the lake is rough and exciting, and the spiritual energy at the top is something you’ll never forget. Along the way, the walk offers a mix of stays in cosy teahouses, interactions with locals, and time in nature that isn’t crowded with tourists.
Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking is a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered, regardless of your level of experience or preference for less commercial trekking.
Itinerary
Our staff will greet you with warmth when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your accommodation. In the evening, we’ll conduct a short briefing about the Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Dinner included)
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway, passing through hills, rivers, and small villages. Once in Pokhara, you can enjoy views of the Annapurna Range and a peaceful lakeside evening. Overnight at a hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
A morning drive brings us to Kimche, the starting point of our trek. From here, we ascend gradually to the picturesque village of Ghandruk, inhabited by Gurung people. Ghandruk offers fantastic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today’s walk is through lush forests filled with rhododendrons, oaks, and magnolia trees. The trail ascends gradually before descending to Tadapani. The panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks are stunning from here. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Leaving the busy trail behind, we trek towards the more secluded route to Dobato. The trail passes through quiet woodlands with occasional clearings offering views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. Dobato is a peaceful viewpoint spot. Overnight in a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
A pre-dawn hike takes us to Muldai Viewpoint, one of the hidden gems for sunrise views of over 25 peaks including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. We descend for breakfast and continue to Bayeli Kharka through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we ascend to Khopra Ridge, a major highlight of this trek. As you reach the top, a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, and other Himalayan giants awaits. The ridgeline here is quiet, spiritual, and awe-inspiring. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
An early start for the long and rewarding hike to the sacred Khair Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake nestled beneath Annapurna South. The path is steep but the mountain views, open skies, and spiritual energy of the lake make it worthwhile. Return to Khopra Danda for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We descend along grassy slopes and through pine forests to Swanta, a peaceful Magar village. You'll enjoy views of terraced fields, traditional houses, and local hospitality. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The trail leads uphill through forests to Ghorepani, a famous viewpoint village located below Poon Hill. You may meet other trekkers heading to or from the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
An early morning hike to Poon Hill rewards you with breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After soaking in the views, descend back for breakfast and trek down to Ulleri. Overnight at a teahouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Our final trekking day takes us down to Nayapul via stone steps and village trails. From there, we drive back to Pokhara. Enjoy the evening by the lakeside. Overnight at a hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We return to Kathmandu by tourist bus, retracing our route along the Trishuli River. You’ll have free time in the evening to rest or explore. Overnight at a hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Our team will transfer you to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. Safe travels! (Breakfast included)
Cost Details
Included
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu tourist bus
- Drive to Nayapul and back
- 2 nights in Kathmandu & 2 nights in Pokhara (standard hotel, twin-sharing)
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Government-licensed guide & porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Khopra Community Trekking permit & TIMS
- First aid kit, map, and duffel bag
- All government taxes and service charges
Excluded
- Nepal visa and international airfare
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation
- Personal expenses (hot shower, Wi-Fi, battery charging)
- Extra meals & beverages in cities
- Tips for guide and porter
- Entry fees for monuments/sightseeing in Kathmandu/Pokhara
Useful Information
- Best Season to Trek: March–May and September–November offer the best weather and views. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, while autumn skies are crystal clear.
- Permits Required: You’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card. Eco Himalaya arranges all required permits for you.
- Altitude & Acclimatization: The trek reaches up to 4,660m at Khair Lake. The itinerary is designed with gradual altitude gain for safe acclimatization.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Trails involve steep climbs and descents, but no technical climbing is needed. Good fitness is important.
- Accommodation: Clean and comfortable teahouses along the route. Expect shared bathrooms, basic bedding, and local food.
- Food & Water: Dal Bhat, noodles, soup, and Tibetan bread are common. Bring water purification tablets or buy bottled water at villages.
- Electricity & Charging: Available in most teahouses, usually solar-powered. Charging phones/power banks may cost extra at higher altitudes.
- Connectivity: Mobile network is limited. Some areas have Wi-Fi with a fee, especially in Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
- Packing Tips: Bring layered clothing, a down jacket, a sleeping bag (rated to -10°C), trekking poles, sunblock, and a headlamp.
FAQs
No, it's not too hard or too easy. The trail is clear, but some parts are steep, and it takes a long time to get to Khair Lake. Good for hikers who are in good shape.
No, it's not one of the well-known trails. It's great for people who want to enjoy nature without any other people around.
You can, but it's best to hire a guide for safety, help with direction, and to learn more about the area, especially for the Khair Lake hike.
Yes, especially near Khair Lake. But most trekkers can safely finish the path if they get enough rest, acclimatisation, and water.
It's a sacred lake believed to have spiritual powers. Local pilgrims often visit during full moon festivals. The scenery here is absolutely otherworldly.