Khopra Dada, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill Trek -12 Days

Good to Know

    Highlights

    • Khopra Ridge recently opened off a beaten-short trekking trail.
    • Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, and Hiunchuli
    • Sunrise view from Khopra Ridge, Poon Hill, and Muldai Viewpoint
    • Visit Khayer Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake close to Annapurna South.
    •  Hike through Gurung villages, paddy fields, and rhododendron forests.

     Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the newest trekking trails, which was introduced in the Annapurna region as a community trek to help raise the economic standard of the villages lying on the Khopra Danda route only in 2012. It is off the beaten path, far away from the popular routes in the Annapurna region that go through secluded and serene landscapes filled with enchanting views of Dhaulagiri (7th highest mountain in the world), Annapurna Massif, Hinchuli, Nilgiri Himal, and other peaks.

    The trek offers you an incredible journey to venture into the spell-binding beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal, which contributes directly to the welfare of the mountain communities along the way as well. Most of the villages lying on this route weren’t receiving the expected visitors, struggling economically. As an alternative, this new route came to light to uplift the economic condition of the villages situated on the trail.

    It is a community teahouse trek whose profits fund the local schools and health clinics. It is also the hometown of renowned educationist and social activist, Magsaysay Award recipient for the establishment of wireless computer technology in remote areas, Mahabir Pun, who has been promoting this trail since it was first introduced.

    Itinerary
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    On your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representative welcomes and deports you to your designated hotel.

    After refreshments, you will be briefed about your tour by your accompanying guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip, they should be asked and clarified at this time.

    Overnight stay at the hotel!

    • AccommodationStandard Hotel
    • MealsWelcome Dinner

    The road you are traveling today is scenic, with terraced fields and colorful villages with rice fields, rocky-bottomed rivers, and the ever-present majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.

    Once you reach Pokahra, you will spend the rest of the day preparing for the trek and wandering around the beautiful city.

    • AccommodationComfortable Hotel

    After breakfast, you will drive to Nayapul, then to Kimchi, a small traditional settlement, from where your trek begins. It’s a pretty short trek of about one or two hours (depending on your pace) on a well-maintained trail, climbing up a series of stone steps to reach Ghandruk.

    It is a traditional Gurung (ethnic mountain community) village that falls on the Gurung Heritage Trail, one of the most famous villages that has been protecting its authentic culture and tradition for ages.

    Most of the men from this town and other Gurung villages on the Annapurna serve in the British or Indian Army. 

    After reaching there, you will head to your teahouse and have some refreshments. Resting for a while will energize you, and you will explore the village and interact with the locals. Learn more about this community by visiting the Gurung Museum and a Buddhist monastery that lies at the edge of the village.

    Overnight stay in cultural Ghandruk!

    • AccommodationTea House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude1,940 m

    After breakfast, you will begin trekking through the fascinating Ghandruk village, traversing lush rhododendron forests, river tributaries, and spectacular views on the way.

    The colorful prayer flags greet you as soon as you arrive in Tadapani, at the foot of the Macchapuchhre mountain range.

    The mountain is revered by locals, and climbing is forbidden.

    You will make your way to a tea house and take much-needed rest by spending a night in Tadapani.

    • AccommodationTea House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude2,600 m

    You’ll wake up early this morning, and after breakfast, hit the trail to Dobato. You’ll climb more of the steps, walking past a dense rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) forest.

    During the spring, the forest gets ablaze with pink and red rhododendron blooms, a wondrous sight to behold.

    A relaxing walk on a ridgeline filled with inspiring views of the mountains and green valleys brings you to Dobato, your stop for the night.

    After a hard day’s walk, putting your feet up and chilling at the teahouse is an excellent feeling. You have to retire early, as you’ll have to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise.

    Overnight in Dobato!

    • AccommodationLocal Lodge
    • MealsFull Meal Course
    • Max. Altitude3,350 m

    Today, you’ll wake up early and head out to enjoy the Himalayan sunrise from Muldai Viewpoint. The golden sun rising over the white snow-covered peaks is a sight you will remember for years to come.

    After this magnificent view, head down to the teahouse, have breakfast, and you’ll proceed to Khopra Danda or Ridge. The trail follows an up-and-down trail through rhododendron forests and breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest mountain in the world.

    Though strenuous, this is an amazing walk, especially during the spring season, when the trail is covered with rhododendron petals and wildflowers, which feels like entering a mystical mountain kingdom.

    Except for a few yaks and mule trains, the trail is secluded, and you can enjoy the serenity and be one with nature. After a long walk, you reach Khopra Danda. Head to a community-run teahouse and take a rest.

    Overnight on Khopra Ridge!

    • AccommodationTea House
    • MealsAll Three Meal Courses
    • Max. Altitude3,660 m

    Your day begins in the morning, waking up before the hens to savor the lavish Himalayan sunrise over the snow-covered Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiris, Fang, and other peaks.

    Be ready with your camera to capture this glorious view. Later, you will have breakfast and make your way to Khayer Lake. The hike to Khayer Lake (a sacred high-altitude mountain lake) is one of the highlights of your trek.

    To reach the lake, you need to make the hike up to the slopes of the Annapurna Massif, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Hindu shrines dot the periphery of the lake. Locals believe that a dip in this lake purifies you and cleanses your sins.

    Located at a distance of about 6km, Annapurna South looms quite close to the lake. After taking pictures, retrace your steps back to your teahouse at Khopra Ridge. Overnight on Khopra Ridge

    • AccommodationLocal Tea House
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude4,500 m

    After relishing the awe-inspiring Himalayan panorama for one last time from Khopra Ridge, you will move along to hit the downward trail to Swanta Village, the village filled with traditional houses on a gentle hill slope surrounded by paddy and potato fields.

    Descend carefully as it is a steep descent to the chunky spire of Dhaulagiri, looming majestically on the horizon, where you will get to enjoy the typical Nepalese mountain landscape filled with terraced fields and ridge-top villages.

    When you reach Swanta, head to a teahouse and take a rest. If you are not too tired, you can explore this picturesque village and enjoy the grand view of the neighboring hills.

    Overnight in Swanta Village!

    • AccommodationLocal Lodge
    • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
    • Max. Altitude2,214 m

    On this day, after breakfast, you will trek the downward trail past paddy fields and a lush jungle. Then, you will cross the river, near it is a water mill to observe.

    Walking on a swaying suspension bridge will take you to the other side of the stream, from where you will head up to the village of Chittre and walk on the crowded Ghorpani trail.

    You will meet other trekkers and mule trains on this route, which climb well-laid stone steps to reach the village of Ghorpani (Horse Water in Nepali).

    It is named so because it was the real watering hole for caravans journeying through the ancient Tibet trade route.

    Finally, you will enter your tea house and take plenty of deserving rest with an overnight sleep in Ghorpani. 

    • AccommodationTea House
    • MealsFull Meal Course
    • Max. Altitude2,858 m

    On the very 10th day, you will hike up to Poonhill to catch one of the most magical sunrises on the Himalayan giants, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna, early in the morning.

    The 360-degree view of the golden rays over the radiant mountains appears pink, red, and golden, truly a mesmerizing sight to cherish forever.

    Later on, you will hike down to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and proceed towards Hile, which is a steep downhill walk filled with inspiring nature views. Once you reach Hile, board a vehicle and take a scenic drive to Pokhara. 

    You will be driven to your hotel, which lies close to Phewa Lake. Once you have checked in, you can take a well-deserved rest or take a stroll down the lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.

    • AccommodationComfortable Hotel

    From Pokhara, you return to Kathmandu through the Prithivi highway on a tourist bus, which will take around 6-7 hours.

    Throughout the way, you will fall in love with several lush meadows and roaring rivers at the base of the hills.

    Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, where you will take a rest or walk around the tourist street, Thamel, to freshen up.

    Overnight at the hotel!

    • AccommodationStandard Hotel

    Today, you will take a last glance at Kathmandu, Nepal. Our crew member will depart you at Tribhuvan International Airport as per your scheduled flight.

    We hope to see you again! Thank you for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks Pvt. Ltd.

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      Route Map
      Khopra Dada, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill Trek -12 Days Map
      What's Included
      Includes
      • 7 nights and 8 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
      • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokahara and back to kathmandu by tourist Bus
      • Pokhara to trekking departure point, and back to Pokhara by private transport
      • English speaking local expert guide, porters( porter carry 20 to 24 k.g and one porter between two person)
      • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
      • Annapurna Conservation permit
      • Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast, two nights accommodation in Pokhara at bed and breakfast
      • Airport transfers and escort
      • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
      • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
      • Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
      • Insurance for all staff & porters.
      • Trekking achievement certificate
      • Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
      Excludes
      • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
      • International flight & all domestic departure tax
      • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
      • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
      • Hot Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
      • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
      • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
      • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
      • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
      Dates and Prices
      Date PriceAvailability 
      Start DateStarts: MondayOct 02, 2023End DateEnds: SundayOct 01, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 05, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayOct 04, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayOct 09, 2023End DateEnds: SundayOct 08, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 12, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayOct 11, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayOct 16, 2023End DateEnds: SundayOct 15, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 19, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayOct 18, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayOct 23, 2023End DateEnds: SundayOct 22, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 26, 2023End DateEnds: WednesdayOct 25, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
      Start DateStarts: MondayOct 30, 2023End DateEnds: SundayOct 29, 2023PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable

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