Khopra – Khayer Lake Trek

From Pokhara, drive for 1 hr and half to Nayapool; the drop off point, before commencing the trek. Then we trek following the Modi Khola to Birethanti bazaar. Passing check-post thru the bazaar, we keep on the east bank of Burundi Khola. An easy undulating trail – part of it has the under construction road; heads to Hile. Overnight at Lodge with full board.

We start our day with a steep ascend to Ulleri (1960m) where we get our first mountain view of Mt. Annapurna South (7219m). Then we head on along an undulating trail towards Banthanti and Nangethanti. Through a pleasant rhododendron forest trail, Ghorepani is about 2hrs away.

Ghorepani is a very famous small hamlet situated among forests on the top of the little hill, had wonderful panoramic views Himalayan peaks and surrounding area. Overnight similar with full board.

In early morning we ascend to summit of Poon Hill (3210m), enjoy with spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks and beautiful sunrise. Then we get back to the Lodge. After breakfast we descend to village of Chitre. Here we leave the main trekking trail and continue descending through terraced hillsides to Swanta Khola before ascending again to the village of Swanta. Here is where our unique trek takes an interesting dimension as we are now traveling in an area that has only recently opened up for tourism and still gets not so many travelers. For the next four days we stay in lodges run by the local communities. Many people who run trekking companies in Kathmandu have contributed to the construction of these lodge which as a part of a series of local projects. Overnight at community home/full board.

As we leave to the village of Swanta, we enter a thick oak and rhododendron forest. We continue to walk through forest ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herders (kharkas), settlement knows as Upper Chistibung. Overnight at community lodge/full board.

From Chistibung we continue along the side of the hill and ascend for most of the day with a few downhill en-route to reach the ridge at Khopra ; the area above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife and we should keep our eyes open for Himalayan thaar and danfe (Pheasant). The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend slow but steadily and rest as often as we wish. At Khopra ridge, we are greeted by great panoramic views that includes Annapurna South, towering directly above and only six kilometers away and Mt. Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north, whilst across the other side is the depth of the Kaligandaki valley, the Mt. Dhaulagiri dominants the entire western skyline. The Khopra community lodge is the highlight in the region as the profits from this lodge have contributed to the secondary school at Nagi. Overnight similar with full board.

We get up early, have breakfast then start hike to the lake known as Khayer Lake. This is a beautiful natural spot with religious importance for Hindus, as the temple by the lake is dedicated to Goddess Khayer Barahi. A fair is help here on the day of Janai Purnima. We have spectacular views from around the lake. We return to Khopra, stop for the night. Overnight similar/full board.

On our shortest trek today we remain high above the tree line, enjoying superb views of the Annapurna range. We take lunch by a small stream and in the afternoon continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where our trail descends though rhododendron forests to an open clearing area known as Bayali Kharka and our lodge. From the lodge there are great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) towers high above the 6000 meter – deep Kalaigandaki gorge. Overnight similar/full board.

Today we continue descending and walking is sure to be pretty. We are going t pass through the little ridge to Dobato which is the best place for the views. It offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from very close and green valley views from both sides. Then we reenter to the oak and rhododendron forest and continue descending to Tadapani. Overnight at Lodge/full board.

Today we would be into the shade mostly. Walking is short and easier than previous. We re-enter the oak and rhododendron forests. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk and the forest is often live with the sounds of birds singing, monkeys chattering and sound of tumbling waterfalls. Then we continue on a wide well defined part of flag stones that contours its way through fields of millet, wheat, potato, rice etc to Ghandrung village. It is a big settlement of Gurung; an ethnic group of Nepal, the village is well known for the number of people who have severed in the British Gurklha regiments. It is very famous village with terraces and offers excellent mountain views. After we get there it is possible to take a short walk to explore the village, visiting a cultural museum, monastery, ACAP office etc. Overnight at lodge with full board.

It is our last day. We leave the pretty village of Ghandrung and even we leave the mountains behind us. We descend the road head at Nayapool where we meet our bus/car or the short drive to Pokhara.

Note: this itinerary is meant only as a guideline and is subject to change to suit the local condition, walking hours are based on an average, walking pace and may change as per individual peace. Even there are many options along the way that, we can make trek longer or shorter.