The Khopra Danda–Khayer Lake Trek is a serene, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region. This trek treats you to spectacular panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges from the ridges, while guiding you to the sacred high-altitude Hidden Lake and Khayer Lake. Ideal for trekkers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and an authentic Himalayan experience, this journey immerses you in pristine landscapes, charming villages, and the timeless rhythms of rural Nepal.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu, Binay Lama from Sacred Himalaya will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can rest or explore the city’s tourist hub, Thamel.
Overnight: Dom Himalaya Hotel, or Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu
Included: (BB)
Day 02: Kathmandu – Pokhara by Flight
Take a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara around 10am. Upon arrival, spend the day exploring Pokhara’s beautiful lakes, charming streets, and vibrant local culture.
Overnight: Hotel Barahi Pokhara
Included: (BB)
Day 03: Pokhara to Ghandruk by Jeep and Trek to Tadapani – 2.5 hrs drive & 4 hrs trek (2630 m)
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to the near Ghandruk by Jeep. Begin your trek through scenic trails, passing terraced fields, traditional Gurung villages, and lush forests. Arrive at Tadapani, a peaceful village surrounded by rhododendron and oak forests, offering stunning mountain views and a perfect spot for an overnight stay.
Overnight Stay: Tadapani at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 04: Tadapani to Dobato – 5–6 hrs trek (3,460 m)
After breakfast, trek from Tadapani to Dobato, passing through dense rhododendron and oak forests. Stop for lunch at Isaru, a small village along the trail. Continue ascending to Dobato, a peaceful spot with stunning mountain views, perfect for an overnight stay.
Overnight Stay: Dobato at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Dobato to Chistibung (3,026 m)
Early in the morning, you will enjoy a fascinating 30-minute uphill hike to Muldai View Point to witness a spectacular sunrise. After soaking in the views, you will return to your lodge in Dobato for breakfast before beginning another incredible journey. The trail then alternates between gentle uphill and downhill sections, once again passing through lush rhododendron forests. After about an hour of walking, you will reach Bayli Kharka, a beautiful pasture offering close-up views of the Dhaulagiri range. From this day onward, you will begin to experience the authentic rural lifestyle of Nepal. It takes approximately three more hours to trek from Bayli Kharka to Chistibung. Chistibung has a small settlement with a few private and community lodges that provide simple yet reasonably comfortable accommodation.
Overnight Stay: Chistibung at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,640 meters)
Today’s trek to Khopra Ridge is relatively easy, taking a maximum of three hours. It is advisable to have a hearty breakfast and carry some snacks to maintain your energy throughout the walk. As the trail is mostly uphill, frequent short breaks may be necessary. Along the way, you may spot Himalayan tahr (wild mountain goats) and Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe. Upon reaching Khopra Ridge, you will feel truly rewarded as you enjoy lunch amid breathtaking surroundings. The panoramic views from Khopra Ridge are extraordinary. Peaks from the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Nilgiri and Baraha Shikhar, along with their foothills, can be seen from a remarkably close distance.
Overnight Stay: Khopra Ridge at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 07: Khopra Ridge – Exploration Day (Khayer/Hidden Lake) – 6–9 hrs total
Today is an exploration day at Khopra Ridge. Trek to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,660 m. The climb to the lake takes approximately 6 hours, passing high-altitude alpine landscapes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After spending time at the lake, descend back to Khopra Ridge, which takes around 3 hours. This full-day trek is challenging but rewards you with serene mountain scenery and the spiritual atmosphere of the hidden lake.
Overnight Stay: Khopra Ridge at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 08: Khopra Ridge to Bayeli Kharka – 6-7 hrs (3,450 m)
The distance from Khopra Ridge to Bayeli Kharka is roughly 9 kilometers (about 5.6 miles), taking around 7 hours to trek, involving a descent from Khopra Ridge through rhododendron forests and grasslands to reach Bayli Kharka.
Overnight Stay: Bayeli Kharka at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 09: Bayeli Kharka to Pode – 5–6 hrs trek (4050 m)
In the morning, visit the Muldai viewpoint (3637 m) for a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Monasolu Range, Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, and the beautiful Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain, along with a view down to Ghorepani Poon Hill. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then continue trekking from Dobato to Pode along scenic mountain trails. Arrive at Pode for an overnight stay.
Overnight Stay: Pode at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Pode – Hidden Lake Exploration Day – 2–3 hrs trek (4372 m)
Today, take a short trek from Pode to the sacred Hidden Lake at 4,372 m. Enjoy the serene alpine surroundings, glacial waters, and breathtaking mountain views. Spend time exploring the area and soaking in the peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere before returning to Pode for the night.
Overnight Stay: Pode at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Pode to Tribung Danda 6-7 hrs (3,425 m)
The trek from Pode Kharka to Tribung Danda (3,425 m) is a scenic, challenging, and truly off-the-beaten-path journey. The trail descends through remote and forested areas, occasionally crossing rugged and demanding terrain, before reaching Tribung Danda in the Annapurna region. This less-traveled route offers a sense of solitude and adventure and typically takes between five and eight hours to complete, depending on pace and trail conditions.
Overnight Stay: Tribung Danda at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12: Tribung Danda to Landruk Village – 7-9 hours (1,565 m)
The trek from Tribung Danda to Landruk is a beautiful descent through terraced fields, quaint villages, and verdant forests. As you make your way down, you are surrounded by traditional rural life, with glimpses of local farms, stone houses, and flowing streams. The trail offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Machapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges in the distance, making the journey both culturally enriching and visually rewarding. This section of the trek provides a gentle, refreshing contrast after the higher-altitude trails, leading you to the charming village of Landruk,
Overnight Stay: Landruk at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13: Landruk to Forst Camp- 4-5 hours (2554)
After breakfast, today’s trek follows a gradual climb through thick pine and juniper forests. The trail shifts between clear paths and more rugged, natural sections, giving you a feeling of peaceful seclusion. As you gain altitude, the surrounding mountain vistas open up, offering spectacular views that make the climb worthwhile. You will spend the night at a comfortable mountain lodge or teahouse, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the high-altitude landscape.
Overnight Stay: Forst Camp at a Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,600 m) – 5–6 Hours
After breakfast, the trek from Forest Camp to High Camp begins with a challenging climb through rhododendron and juniper forests. The trail alternates between steep uphill stretches and gentler, flatter sections, offering a varied trekking experience. As you ascend, the surrounding mountain scenery gradually unfolds, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Peak upon reaching High Camp. The day ends with an overnight stay at a cozy teahouse or mountain lodge, where you can rest and enjoy the serene alpine environment.
Overnight Stay:High Camp at Teahouse/Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and Return to Badal Danda (3,300 m) – 7–8 Hours
Wake up early to enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise over the Annapurna range from High Camp. After breakfast, set out on a challenging climb along narrow, rocky trails leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. The effort is richly rewarded with panoramic mountain views, pristine alpine landscapes, and a sense of accomplishment at reaching this spectacular high-altitude destination. After taking in the scenery and capturing unforgettable moments, retrace your steps back to High Camp and continue descending to Badal Danda for an overnight stay. The day concludes with a restful night at a comfortable teahouse or mountain lodge.
Overnight Stay: Badal Danda at a Teahouse/Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding Village and Drive Back to Pokhara – 5–6 Hours Trek, 2.5 Hours Drive
After breakfast, begin a steep descent from Badal Danda toward Low Camp, passing through lush forests and scenic landscapes. The trail then follows the serene Mardi Khola River, offering a peaceful walk amid the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. Continue trekking along the river until you reach the charming Siding Village, where you will stop for lunch. Afterward, board a vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara, enjoying the picturesque countryside along the way. The day concludes with an overnight stay at Barahi Hotel in Pokhara.
Overnight Stay: Barahi Hotel, Pokhara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17: Pokhara Exploration Day
Today is a relaxing day to explore the highlights of Pokhara. Begin with a visit to the iconic Peace Pagoda, perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountains. Next, visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the history of mountaineering, Himalayan culture, and the region’s legendary climbers. The rest of the day is free to unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Pokhara, with opportunities to stroll along the lakeside, enjoy a boat ride, or simply relax at a cafe.
Overnight Stay: Barahi Hotel, Pokhara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu – Flight
After breakfast, take a scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Dom Himalaya Hotel, or Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu
Included: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
Day 19: Departure from Nepal
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Note:
On the Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trek- Hidden Lake and Mardi Himal trek, most tea houses are basic. Rooms are simple and often shared, with limited facilities. Hot showers may not always be available, and electricity is sometimes limited to charging points or solar power. Meals are simple but filling, usually including dal bhat, noodles, soups, and local dishes. This trek is an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.
*****Important Note*****
Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Sacred Himalaya. Please note that your guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
*****Accommodations*****
We will be accommodated in Hotel Dom Himalaya or Hotel Moonlight hotel in Kathmandu, Hotel Barahi Pokhara with BB (https://barahi.com/properties/hotel-barahi/) and normal trekking lodge/ mountain hut during the Trek. On the trek accommodation is basic. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional £130.00. Although single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara in the trekking regions at lower elevation, it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
*****Meals*****
Meals During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the tea-houses or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be in a village we pass through or it could be a packed lunch. Please be aware that trying to accommodate dietary requirements of specific needs could be a challenge on trek. In KTM and Pokhara we will be able to find everything.
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