Khopra Ridge Trek with High Routes Trek, is quite different from other normal adventures around Nepal Himalaya. A walk takes you to hidden corners of Annapurna Himalaya, near the main trails and yet far from popular routes. Truly exciting trekking off the beaten tracks for some days in the close harmony of tranquil surroundings. In between the high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, as route leads you to a high scenic ridge of Khopra.
In the early days, the area was a place for local hunters, and cattle herders bringing their animals for grazing in summer times. This lovely scenic country was unknown to outside people, other than local villagers. Where hundreds of pilgrims visit once a year on their way to Khair Lake, regarded as a holy spot. Once a year in August around the full moon a great festival is held. Where devotees pay homage by visiting the sacred Lake of Khair.
Khair Lake is a small glacial pond located in between the great peaks of Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar, also known as Annapurna Fang. So Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking is not only an adventure but rewards you with religious and historical background. Thus it makes the walks more interesting and enjoyable along with the dramatic scenery of surrounding close snow-peaks.
Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trek with a scenic and exciting overland journey from the capital Kathmandu to reach a magnificent city in Pokhara. A unique place on earth of low warm sub-tropical climate, and yet close to the high snow mountain range of Annapurna Himalaya. Including the serene lakes of Begnas and Fewa, wherein the morning one catches the reflection of snow peaks on the lake surface.
From Pokhara, a walk begins by taking a short drive to the starting point of Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking. A high hill climb to Ghandruk a mid-hill farm village and one of the largest within Annapurna Himalaya. Ghandruk village is populated by the Gurung people the main hill tribes of Annapurna Himalaya follow the path of Buddhism. Where trekkers can witness exploring the village of the ancient heritage of fascinating culture and traditional farm life.
After Ghandruk with an enjoyable first overnight in a mountain village facing tremendous views of Annapurna peaks, the adventure continues heading further north-west. From here onward towards complete wilderness only for a small settlement of Tadapani, and then into forested surroundings. A lovely uphill walk within a pristine environment of tall rhododendron, pines, and fir tree lines to reach the high ridges of Khopra. Where vegetation and tree lines stop for alpine scrubs and bush amidst high mountain surroundings at scenic Khopra Ridge.
An amazing spot standing in-between world giant peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna with an array of peaks. Spending a day on this lovely ridgeline far above the main trekking trails, the adventure continues contouring a ridge line. Then reach the crystal clear glacial pond of Khair, our main highlight destination of this awesome journey. Enjoy the ambiance of tranquility with only the sound of a cool breeze, and the crackling movement of glaciers on the close peaks. The pond is considered sacred with a small Hindu temple nearby, which worshippers visit once a year.
Takes a bath and dip in the icy pond where belief is that it relinquishes the sin of hundreds of a lifetime. After an enjoyable time around on this beautiful isolated spot, return journey all downhill to reach the main trail. Where short steep climb brings you to Ghorepani village and then an early hike up to scenic Poon Hill.
Rewards you with incredible sunrise over the chain of Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu range with majestic Machhapuchare Himal. The mountain with twin summits known as Fish-Tail, from Poon Hill after a glorious morning view down to warmer farm areas. As our trek ends, then taking a short drive to lovely Pokhara, where our adventure Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking of a lifetime experience completes, with the grand services of High Routes Trek staff and guide.
On this lovely adventure to Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake Trekking, one can extend the journey to the Mardi Himal trek, Annapurna base camp, and Sanctuary trek a week-long trek. Can join in for a long trek on Annapurna Circuit with a high Thorang-La Pass also of more than a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 14 days.
High Route Adventure offers other hidden and off-the-beaten tracks to Panchase Hill a short trek of less than a week from Pokhara to Pokhara.
While in Pokhara, one can enjoy staying longer for some days to enjoy various adventure sports activities like paragliding, Ultra-Light flights, Zip-Flyer or just relax and enjoy a tour around Pokhara at its natural wonders.
One can extend the holiday rafting Kaligandaki River, Seti River, or Trisuli River and stay near Chitwan National Park for exciting wildlife.
Check here, 8 things want to know before you trek in the Annapurna region:
After a great flight landing at Kathmandu the only International Airport in the country, after going through immigration then check out. Where our representative or guide welcomes you adorn you with a traditional greeting of garland. All your baggage will be taken care and then a short drive takes you to the hotels, located in the main areas of Kathmandu city.
On reaching respective hotels check into your lovely rooms and relax get refreshed from the Jet-Lag, and then meet your guides and other fellow members of the trek in the hotel foyer or lobby. Where our expert guide will provide you with full information about the trek to Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake. While briefing one may ask questions, our guide will take care of all the group from here onward till you depart from the country, after an enjoyable time in Nepal.
Evening time depart from the hotel for group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant, which will be a great introduction to get into Nepalese colorful culture. Where you will be entertained with folk dance and music of all parts of Nepal.
To reach the start of our adventure, drive leads to Nepal Far Mid-West Himalaya, to reach beautiful Pokhara, the 2nd largest city after Kathmandu. Taking a private vehicle or in tourist coach that operates every morning for Pokhara. It also depends upon the size of a group.
Drive heads past Kathmandu valley towards lower warm farm areas within interesting villages and towns to witness. As journey heads following Trisuli River for few hours. Then from Mugling Bazaar, our route diverts due west on leaving Trisuli River, a famous and popular river for rafting.
An exciting drive continues overlooking the grand scenery of the country-side with Manaslu, Lamjung, and Annapurna Himalaya peaks. Then finally at Pokhara, transfer into a nice hotel, rest of the afternoon enjoy a walk around Fewa Lakeside where many hotels, restaurants, and shops are located. Pokhara, a renowned tourist destination blessed with natural beauty located on the lap of high Annapurna Himalaya range with calm Fewa and Begnas Lakes. (To reach Pokhara with options for a short scenic flight from Kathmandu of 30 minutes) the flight cost is 125 USD.
After a pleasant overnight and time around Pokhara, morning having breakfast depart from the hotel for a short scenic drive to reach the town of Nayapul. Where our week-long walk begins, following the main path through the nice village of Bhirethati, then reach Syauli Bazaar. From here climb on stone steps past several hamlets and farm terraces to reach a large village in Ghandruk.
One of major Gurung village, a hill tribe of Annapurna Himalaya, as well as famous Gorkha soldiers in British and Indian infantry. Traditionally a farmer and raising livestock, Ghandruk also a gateway to several trekking destinations of the Annapurna region. With time here explore the cultural village and its small museum with full information of Gurung tradition and custom.
Morning walk leads above Ghandruk village and then gradual walk into a forest, as climb starts up to Bhainse Kharka, a small place in the middle of woods. From here trek continues on a pleasant forest path to reach Tadapani, catch of the trail of Annapurna base camp trek, located amidst a lovely forest with grand views of Annapurna peaks. Tadapani offers stunning views of the Annapurna Himalaya range, having lunch then start the afternoon walk, heading into hidden trails away from mainstream trekking routes. As walk progress and then climb into forested areas to reach Dobato facing tremendous views of Annapurna range of peaks, a peaceful spot in the middle of the forest. A place with a simple and basic lodge for travelers, overnight in one of its lodge simple but clean rooms and limited food menu to order.
On leaving Dobato, as altitude gains slowly leaving the tree lines behind after few hours of scenic walk and steep climb reaching at Khopra ridge for overnight stops. Khopra is situated on a high ridgeline with incredible close views of Mt. Dhaulagiri with Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang), and Annapurna South, certainly a magnificent place to marvel at the beautiful scenery of the dramatic country landscape.
Overnight in a nice simple guest-house or a lodge with a simple food menu, due to its remoteness, isolated from the rest of main villages and main trekking trails.
Second overnight at this wonderful spot in Khopra, after a good breakfast carrying pack-lunch, the start the long day hike to reach the holy lake of Khair at an altitude above 4, 500 m, leads to long-distance of 3-4 hours hike but worth the views of high snow-capped mountains. Walk follows a ridgeline close to Annapurna South and then heading north on a nice paved path to reach our major destination at Khair Lake, which is a small glacial pond. Regarded as a religious site where once a year festival held in August, as per Hindu Lunar calendar. Hundreds of local devotees and pilgrim visits to worship and prayer to Lord Shiva. As in Hindu belief mountains are an abode of Lord Shiva and other holy spirits.
Visitors take bathe and a dip in the icy waters, as well sacrifice sheep and goats to mountain spirits, enjoy the tranquil surroundings enclosed by high peaks of Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar. After a lovely moment head back on the same route to Khopra ridge for an overnight stop.
Enjoying great times within the hidden area of Annapurna remote wilderness, from Khopra Ridge, an easy morning walk downhill to reach Sauta village facing great views of Dhaulagiri-Nilgiris with Annapurna Fang (Vara-Shikar). After few hours descend to reach a small farm settlement of Chistibung, and back into a forested area. After a short stop on this isolated spot, walk leads to long downhill to reach back Into the farm field for an overnight stop at Sauta village with views of Dhaulagiri
Himalaya, from here onward the lodge is much better and up to tourist standard With a long list of food menus to enjoy.
Morning from Sauta village, walk leads on the main trail to join at Chitre village, where steep climb takes you into a beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron trees reach Ghorepani. Located at the bottom of famous Poon Hill amidst dense rhododendron woods facing fabulous views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South. Where all houses are painted blue that blends perfectly with their green surroundings. Ghorepani a popular trekking spot with many good lodges to stay, provides an excellent food menu to enjoy with friendly services of Poon people of Magar ethnic hill tribes of western Himalayas.
Early morning start an hour hike to Poon-Hill at 3,210 m and 10,531 feet high, offers stunning sunrise views over the 360-degree mountain range that includes Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna extends far towards Ganesh Himal includes Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”. After an enjoyable moment with exciting views of glorious snow-peaks with striking sunrise. Walk back to Ghorepani for breakfast, and continue the last day trek downhill to Tirkhedhunga village, Hile, and Birethati, The final walk of the adventure ends at a small farm village of Nayapul, after then few hour rides takes you to Pokhara for overnight stops by the famous and scenic Phewa Lake.
After breakfast, depart from Pokhara for an exciting and interesting drive to Kathmandu, as the journey heads on the main highway past many farm villages and towns. The drive follows the Trisuli River for some hour and then climbs to reach the suburb of Kathmandu valley. Finally, the ride heads down to enter the hustle, bustle city life of Kathmandu, and then transfer to your respective hotel.
The rest of the afternoon free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs or enjoy rest with grand memories of the adventure on the high mountains of Annapurna Himalaya. . Evening group farewell dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to Nepalese culture of various parts of Nepal with folk dance and music.
(Flying options half-hour on-air to Kathmandu with a sweeping panorama of mountains) the flight costs are 125 USD from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Last day in Nepal, a country of great bio-diversity of cultures and landscapes with Himalayan wonders, as per your international flight time transfer to airport for final flight departure homeward bound, after a great mesmerizing experience on Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking.
