Khayar Lake Trekking
Highlights
- Enjoy an amazing sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas
- Hike to sacred Khayer Lake at the foot of Annapurna South
- Panoramic and close-up views of Annapurna massif, explore the valley,
- Spectacular sunrise view from Muldai View Point & Mohare Danda
- Experience the lifestyle and culture of the Magar and Gurung people,
Overview
If you are looking for a trek in the Annapurna region nicely concealed, which takes away from the more worn trails, this trek may well be for you. You are rewarded with some of the best views anywhere in the mighty Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt Machapuchare Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Nilgiri. The route is basically a circular one on the way back to our base at Pokhara. The trail leads through pastoral villages, lush forests, and verdant green valleys on the way to Khopra Ridge. From the ridge, the trail leads eventually to the final destination of Khare. The holy high mountain lake lies tucked behind the massif of Annapurna South. We return with a surreal sunrise over the Himalayas to take in Muldai View Point on the way.
Kopra Ridge:
The ridge holds two big festivals every year in the months of March and April and July and August when all the locals gather together on the top of the ridge (Khopra Hill). In the first case, the locals slay a Yak and drink the blood hot as it is believed to be a cure for all illnesses.
The Sacred Khare Lake:
The lake is a pilgrimage spot especially on the occasion of sacred-thread replacement day (Full Moon in August) people believe that all their wishes will be fulfilled after praying at the lake. They also believe that if they touch the water, they will be granted salvation after death. Married women who have yet to conceive visit the lake to ask for fertility.
Before The Trek:
In general Nepal Gateway Trekking itineraries include two nights in Kathmandu, these days are used to go over the trek in more detail, sort out permits etc. You will be introduced to your trek leader and he will go over your tour in more detail, this is a good chance for you to ask any questions regarding your tour. These days also provide our guests with an opportunity to adjust to Nepal. There is time to visit Nepal’s bazaars and vibrant colorful markets and also to purchase any items you may need for the trek to come. There are many shops selling trekking gear from branded names such as North Face, and Mountain Hardware among others. There are also many other shops selling copies with many of these offering very acceptable quality at much lower prices.
On the trail:
We leave Kathmandu early for the scenic journey through the hills to the beautiful lake town of Pokhara. Pokhara, with its spectacular mountain backdrop, is the perfect setting to prepare for our journey. with that will act as our base. From Pokhara, we take a jeep to the village of Kande where we start the trek. The settlements we stay in along the trail are mainly inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities. They are known for their friendliness and ever-welcoming ways and they are always very keen to embrace you into their way of life. If you are a nature lover, the region is renowned for its Bio-Diversity with an array of bird and animal species residing. On the initial days we follow the more popular route, via the beautiful large Ghandruk village with time to explore the old town. Here we have dramatic views of Machhapuchare and Annapurna South.
The following day, we trek up from Ghandruk to branch off the popular trail into the remote wilderness on our way to Kopra Ridge which once more offers some splendid views of Mount Dhaulagiri Annapurna South and Mount Nilgiri. From here we have a fairly stiff hike up to Khare Lake passing yak herder huts as we go. The highlight on our return to Pokhara is a surreal sunrise from Poon Hill, said by many to be the best mountain vista in Nepal.
- Day 1 - Pick up in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will meet you and transfer you to the designated hotel. Look for your name on display or placard.
When you had time to settle in and freshen up, we will invite you to our office for a briefing about the program. Here we will introduce you to your trekking guide and discuss briefly the trips. Please feel free to ask any quarries about the trip. If you arrive in Kathmandu in the late evening, the pre-trip meeting will be held the next day morning after your breakfast. Overnight in Kathmandu - Day 2 - Sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley and preparation for the trek.
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, we will proceed for a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley. A private vehicle and city guide will be at your disposal.
Today we will visit the UNESCO-listed world heritage sites – Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu Pilgrimage site), Boudhanath (largest Tibetan stupa), Swayambhuanth (2,000 years old monkey temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square (ancient royal seat of Nepal). These all sites have great religious and cultural values for locals. On our way back to the hotel, we can explore the local areas, gullies, and lifestyle. After dinner, we can stroll leisurely around the street of Thamel to get acquainted with the local environment and lifestyle. Overnight at Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast - Day 3 - Kathmandu (1315m) - Pokhara (820m). Drive 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we start our trip on a winding road along the Trishuli River to Pokhara. On the way, we get to admire the terraced fields, countryside huts, and lush forest along with Torrent Rivers and gorges. After reaching the juncture at Mungling, we veer north towards Pokhara. The view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Peak confirms that we are approaching Pokhara. Once at Pokhara, we drive to the pre-booked hotel at the lakeside and take a rest. In the evening, we can stroll leisurely at the lakeside or boat on Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast - Day 4 - Drive to Ghandruk (1940m) and trek to Tadapani (2630m). 3 hour driving and Walking 4 hours
After breakfast, we start with a gradual descent through the rhododendron forest; enjoying the chirping of birds. As we start climbing, we can hear the roar of streams flowing down towards the river. After a while, we will come across the village of Bherikharaka which houses a few lodges and tea shops for a break. Then we continue again through the rhododendron forest to Tadapani. Overnight in Tadapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 5 - Trek from Tadapani to Dobato (3350m). Walking 6 hours
Today, we leave the mainstream trail and climb via a less-trodden trail through a forest. Today we get to admire the diverse flora and fauna of the region and obviously the
stunning mountain vistas of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. This easy trail to Dobato is entirely dominated by the remarkable view of the Annapurna South. Overnight in Dobato
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 6 - Trek from Dobato to Chistibung (3000m). Walking 5 hours
After breakfast, we drop down through the ground and then through the lush forest to reach the pasture lands of Lower Chistibung. Next, we make a gradual climb through a forest to reach Upper Chistibung - a temporary herder’s settlement. If lucky, we get the opportunity to explore the colorful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal as well as Himalayan Thar grazing on a grassy ridge. Overnight in Upper Chistibung
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 7 - Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Danda (4020m). Walking 5 hours
After breakfast, we climb via a steep trail above the forest line through alpine meadows and grassland to Khopra. As we reach Khopra, we get an incredible view of Annapurna South. From Khopra, we make a short walk down to Khopra viewpoint to admire the stunning Kali Gandaki River draining far below in this deep valley. The viewpoint also offers spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South. Khopra Danda trekking package allows you to trek up to here. But this package is an extended trekking itinerary of Khopra danda trekking which allows trekking up to Khayar lake. Overnight in Khopra Danda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 8 - Hike from Khopra Danda to Khayar Lake (4827m). Walking 6-7 hours
The hike from Khayar Base Camp is the most strenuous part of the trek. But the effort is well-compensated by the amazing views of Mt. Fang, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and more. Here you will spot a shrine where the Bhadau Purnima Festival is held every year. Later climb down via the same route back to the Base Camp. Overnight at Khopra Danda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 9 - Trek from Khopra Danda to Swata (2270m). Walking 5 hours
After breakfast, we drop down via steep trail off the hillside to Swanta village. On the way, we get more views of Mt. Dhaulagiri providing an incredible backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages. Overnight at Swata
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 10 - Trek from Swanta to Mohare Danda (3320m). 6 to 7 hours walk.
Here again, a new belvedere to enjoy the sunset and the sunrise the next day overnight at Mohare Danda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 11 - Trek from Mohare Danda to Ulleri (2060m) and drive to Pokhara. 4 hours walking and 3 hours driving Overnight in Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 12 - Pokhara to Kathmandu. Driving 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we drive via the same road back to Kathmandu.
In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Day 13 - Departure from Nepal.
Your adventure trip in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative from Nepal Gateway Trekking will transfer you back to the Tribhuvan International Airport right at the scheduled time.
- All grounded transportation as per itinerary
- Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
- Two nights’ accommodation in Pokhara inclusive breakfast
- Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) with cup of tea and twin sharing accommodation in trekking
- One highly experience government license holder English speaking trekking guide and porter (one between two treekers) and their all expenses
- Annapurna conservation area project permit and TIMS card
- Annapurna base camp trekking map
- Nepal Gateway Company T-Shirt and achievement certificate
- Local fresh fruit
- First aid kit
- Office service charges
- All necessary government taxes
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Your travel insurance/medical insurance
- Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
- Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
- All kinds of hot & cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
- Tipping to field staffs ( Tipping is not mandatory but expected)