Khopra Khayar Lake Trek

Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Oriental Journeys who will drop us off at our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Oriental Journeys where you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After taking an early breakfast, you will drive to Pokhara. It will take approximately 6 hrs to reach Pokhara.

Pokhara will reward with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Later, we drive to Syauli Bazaar and start the trek to Ghandruk. The village is a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers and is the hub of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which promotes many varied ecological projects.

In Ghandruk, we get to enjoy astonishing views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the Hiunchuli mountains. From here we continue upwards through Deurali and into the dense rhododendron forests. The Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and when they bloom, the forests turn into gardens of dazzling red flowers when seen from the air or from afar. After trekking over a small pass we reach Tadapani where we get to enjoy excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli mountains. On the way, you may encounter many souvenir sellers of Tibetan origins. Overnight in Tadapani.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

After Tadapani we leave the main trail and for the next five days, we will walk in a more remote area of the Annapurna region. On our trek today we get to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the region and of course the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Trekking in a relatively easy trail we reach Dobato which is dominated by the excellent view of the Annapurna South. Overnight in Dobato.

After breakfast, we descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. Next, we ascend gradually through a forest before reaching Upper Chistibung which is a temporary herder’s settlement. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the colorful Lophophorus. Danphe is the local name for Lophophorus and this is the national bird of Nepal. Himalayan Thar is a common wild animal seen on the grassy ridge high above the trail. Overnight in Upper Chistibung.

You will cross tree lines through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra. As we approach Khopra Ridge, we see the tip of Annapurna South. Upon reaching Khopra we go for a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. From Khopra we also admire the stunning mountain panorama including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South. Overnight in Khopra.

We begin trekking from around six in the morning towards the Kaire Lake from where we attain excellent views of the Fang and surrounding mountains. Considered to be a sacred lake by the Hindus, it is believed that bathing in the lake will help attain Salvation. As Hinduism and Buddhism are intricately related and coexisting in Nepal, we can even see a number of Hindu and Buddhist shrines on the lakeside. For those of us who do not want to walk all the way to the lake, a half-day walk from Khopra can also be arranged. We have packed lunch today. Overnight in Khopra Ridge.

From Khopra Ridge we descend off the hillside and continue downhill on a steep trail. Along the way, we get more views of Mount Dhaulagiri with the mountain providing a lovely backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages. Overnight in Swanta village.

From Swanta we descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local watermill. From here we cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where we’ll join the main trekking trail at Ghorepani. After Ghorepani, we descend through the rhododendron forest to Ulleri where we stay the night.

On our way to Nayapul, we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. Our trek will end at Nayapul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara, the beautiful lake city. Even from the city, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. We check-in to our hotel and take a rest. We may also stroll in the streets of Pokhara and just enjoy being in one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. Overnight in Pokhara.

You will drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. A drive for 6/7 hours will take you to Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have time to go for souvenir shoping around the streets of Thamel.

Your visit to Nepal comes to an end today! A Oriental Journeys representative will escort you to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.