Khayer Lake Trekking from Pokhara - 11 Days

Khayer Lake Trekking from Pokhara goes through the Annapurna foothills to the remote Kopra Ridge - one of the best vantage points in the Himalaya. We start our trek From Pokhara we drive to Ghandruk with nice terraced view, enjoying fine views of the Annapurna Mountains. At Tadapani we leave the popular main trail and for the next week head into remote alpine terrain to Baili, before ascending to Kopra. Here we view the lofty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Fang and Annapurna South. Dhaulagiri dominates the western skyline across the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Ghandaki. Our return route descends through open alpine pastures and oak and rhododendron forest to Swanta. We continue trek to Chitre - Ghorepani- Punhill - Nayapul then Drive to Pokhara.

AT A GLANCE

Trip Destination: Annapurna Region, Nepal
Trip Duration: 11 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate+
Max Altitude: 4,660m (Khayer Lake)
Meals: B,L,D on Trek
Accommodation: Tea House during the trek.
Best Season: March-May and September-December.
Views: Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna range.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Pokhara [970m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Ghandruk [1,945 m] (Drive 03-04 hrs) and Trek to Tadapani [2,657 m]."B,L,D".  (03-04 hrs).
Day 03: Trek to Dobato [3,420 m]."B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs). .
Day 04: Trek to upper Chistibung [2,950 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 05: Trek to Kopra Ridge [3,650 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Khayar Lake / Back to Kopra. [3,650 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (07-09 Hrs).
Day 07: Trek to Swanta. [2,290 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 08: Trek to Ghorepani (2810m). "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 09: (Sunrise trip to Punhill) Trek to Trikhedunga. [1,545 m]. ("B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 10: Trek to Nayapul Drive to Pokhara [970 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs and 1.30 M drive).
Day 11: Trip ends. “B”.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Pokhara [970 m]: Upon your arrival, a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport (or Bus park) gates to take you to the hotel. Depending on time of arrival, plans will be made for a briefing meeting once you have settled in. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Ghandruk [1,945 m] (Drive 03-04 hrs) and Trek to Tadapani [2,657 m]. (B,L,D): Breakfast will be provided in your hotel in Pokhara followed by a scenic drive towards the Gurung village of Ghandruk. The drive today will offer you with Amazing views of the Annapurna Range including many mountains. We drove west of Pokhara, gradually stepping out of the concrete jungle and checking ourselves in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The drive upto Siwai is smooth as the last part requires some off-road skills. Upon arriving on Ghandruk we will have a short trip of the village tailed by our first day of the trekking.

The trail after Ghandruk climbs gradually up towards Bhaise kharka. Expect some stairs during the initial stage today followed by a gentle walk into the Rhododendron forest after Bhaise Kharka. Crossing small streams along the way, we reach the settlement of Tadapani which is a junction for other treks of Annapurna Region. (Drive 03-04 hrs) Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 03-04 hrs)

Day 03: Trek to Dobato [3,420 m] - (B,L,D): Wake up in Tadapani with amazing sunrise vistas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) followed by a hearty breakfast at the Himalayas. Gurung Bread is a very popular local bread of this region which is loved by most of the trekkers. If you want to try some local cuisine it can be the best option for you. After Breakfast we begin our ascent towards Dobato, our final destination for the day.

We will enter the less explored trail on this day so be ready for narrow trails into the dense forests where you might have the chance to witness some wildlife. Some sections of the trail are steep uphill which will be demanding at times. For Lunch we will arrive at Isharu where the fresh ingredients from the local farms awaits you. After lunch we will gradually climb up to Dobato and the landscape changes as the tree line becomes thinner. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 03-04 hrs).

Day 04: Sunrise hike to Muldai View Point and Trek to upper Chistibung / Dhan Kharka [2,950 m] - (B,L,D): Get your head lamps ready as we will start our hike before sunrise. The trail to Muldai View Point (3,637m/ 11,932 ft) goes into the thin Rhododendron Forests and climbs continuously before arriving at the flat grassland at the top. It will take us around 45 min to 1 hour to reach the top from Dobato. There is also a yak stable at the top where lots of Yaks might be waiting for us to greet us good morning.

Upon arriving on the top you will be informed about the surrounding peaks by your guide and given free time to explore and take some good pictures for the memories. Don’t forget to carry some local currency for some Tea and Coffee at the view point. Return back to Dobato for Breakfast and start to trek north from Dobato. After 1 hour 30 min of trekking we will arrive at a place called Bayeli Kharka which is the last place for water or before reaching Upper Chistibung / Dhan Kharka. The trail after Bayli goes deep into the forest where we have a steep downhill section waiting for us. Just before reaching Upper Chistibung the trail again starts to climb up after crossing some streams and rivers on a wooden bridge. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 05-06 hours).

Day 05: Trek Kopra Ridge [3,660 m] - (B,L,D): After your Himalayan Breakfast at the Tea house in Upper Chistibung we prepare ourselves for the short yet amazing day of the trek. The trail upto Khopra Ridge rises continuously from Chistibung where the travelers will notice change in the vegetation. The surrounding trees become smaller as we gain altitude and eventually turn into the grassy surface. The views of surrounding villages and valleys during today's hike will give you a sense of being high into the mountains. Upon arriving in Khopra we will stay in a Community Operated Tea House and the rest of the day is at leisure where you can rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 03-04 hours).

Day 06: Day hike to Khayer Lake and Back to Khopra [3,660 m] - (B,L,D): Finally the most challenging and demanding day of the trek. With early morning breakfast at Khopra we begin our hike toward the Sacred Khayar Lake. This Lake is a religious spot for people living in surrounding areas and during the time of Janaipurnima, a festival during August; it receives a large number of devotees from different parts of the country. The trail winds up high into the mountains and is challenging because of the increasing altitude. We will completely be out of human contact as there is only one hut providing basic facilities in between at Khayer Khola. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 08-09 hours).

Day 07: Trek to Swanta [2,200 m] - (B,L,D): After a challenging day and accomplishing the major destination of the trip we begin to retrace our footsteps back from the Mountains. The trail until Upper Chistibung is similar to what we took to reach Khopra. After Chistibung we enter into the dense forest once again. During our descent we will have an opportunity to have a glimpse of a small hydropower machine which generates and distributes electricity to the Local villages. We will eventually pop out of the forest and reach the tranquil settlement of Swanta which is home to Magar and Poon Community. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 06-07 hours).

Day 08: Trek to Ghorepani [2,810 m] - (B,L,D): Our trekking off the beaten path will be coming to an end as we will be joining the trail coming from Annapurna Circuit Region towards Ghorepani in Chitre. The hike during the first hours of trekking today allows us to spend some time without many travelers as we cross a suspension bridge over Dhand Khola (River). After reaching Chitre we will join the ancient trading route used by traders to travel to Tibet but in the opposite direction. The trail climbs gradually as we slowly step into the town of Ghorepani. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 04-05 hours).

Day 09: Sunrise trip to Poonhill then trek to Trikhedhunga [1,545 m] - (B,L,D): Early morning hike before dawn to Poonhill in order to catch one final glimpse of towering Peaks is the highlight of the day. The entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range is clearly visible from Poonhill with the Himlayas extending further east until Manaslu. After experiencing a magical sunrise we will return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. The trail today enters into Rhododendron forests crossing streams and winds up along the Burungdi River. Before reaching Tikhedhunga you will cross the last two suspension bridges of the trek simultaneously. Overnight in Tea house. (Walking hour 06-07 hours).

Day 10: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara [980 m] - (B,L): Begin your day after the final Himalayan breakfast as today we will be getting back to Pokhara. Hiking along the charming local villages and smiling locals we hike back to Nayapul where our car will be waiting for us. We pass through Ramghai and Sudame as we hike back towards the settlement. After reaching Pokhara, evening is free time for you. You can explore around the Lakeside area and enjoy "city food" in good restaurants. Overnight in Hotel. (Walking time 03-04 Hrs and drive 1.30 hrs).

Day 11: Trip ends! (B): After breakfast your trip ends with Adventure Treks Nepal. Wish you have a good travel Holidays !!!