Overview
Khayer Barah Trek, also known as Khayer Lake Trek or Kopra Ridge Trek, is one of the most fascinating trekking areas in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail is still less travelled and offers some of the best views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and other mountains. The Khayer Barah Trek trail departs from Tadapani, the most popular Annapurna base camp trail, and connects with Ghorepani Poonhill. This trail is especially beautiful in the spring when various flowers and rhododendron trees bloom. This region’s residents welcome visitors with open arms and strong beliefs in colourful cultural traditions. Every year, there are two major festivals in the Khayer Lake trekking area. Once a month, the entire community gathers on the top of the ridge.
The trekking paths to Khayer Barah pass through dense and lush green forests, with pine, oak, and rhododendron covering the majority of the woods. Meanwhile, you can view the high Himalaya panoramas from various perspectives. You can also see how the green terraced farming lands help to decorate the trail. The Magar and Gurung communities are especially visible in the village.
You will come across Khayer Barah Lake. In addition to the lake, you will have the opportunity to visit the Khayer Barah temple. The Kopra Ridge at 3660m is the highest point of this trek. Among the mountain ranges visible from Khopra Ridge are the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, and Himchuli.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Ghorepani
By taking the traditional trekking route of Nayapul, Birethanti, and driving along the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola through the villages of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people, you can reach Tikhedhunga (1,160m)/Ulleri (1,90m) by jeep. From there, you can continue climbing steadily up the side of the valley to reach Hille (1495m) and Tikhedhunga (1570m. Our journey begins when we pass through Ulleri, a sizable Magar settlement (2,070m). The trail then ascends more gradually as it travels through lush oak and rhododendron forests in the direction of Banthanti (2250m).On rare occasions, we catch a glimpse of Lonmgur (the long-tailed, black-mouthed monkey). Then we hike towards Nangethanti (2,460m), arriving at Ghorepani after an hour of walking (2840m).
Day 2: Trek to Poon Hill and Trek to Swanta
Early in the morning, we will climb for around 45 minutes up to Poon Hill (3210m). This vantage position offers a clear and stunning perspective of the rising sun over the high Himalayas, including giants like Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna (8,091m), Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, South Annapurna, and others. In addition, we can make out a network of additional peaks that are gradually starting to form in front of our eyes like magic. Before Chitre village, we stroll through the pine and rhododendron trees to reach Swata/Swanta after returning to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast. There is a Magar community in Chitre. You will travel to the Swanta through the Khopra route from there.
Day 3: Trek to Khopra Danda
After breakfast, we began our journey to Khopra Danda by climbing a steep uphill trail from Swanta. We’ll have lunch at Dhand Kharka in Chhistibang after a couple of hours of walking.
Despite its steepness, the trail is pleasant, passing through rhododendron and oak forests and providing glimpses of wildlife. Dana Valley has spectacular mountain scenery and views of Andha gorge (the world’s deepest gorge) most of the time. The jungle comes alive in the spring with rhododendrons, magnolias, and various orchids that spread perfume.
Finally, we arrive at the Tea House in Khopra, which has an incredible 360-degree view of the western Himalaya range. This is far superior to Pun Hill and Sarangkot, but you’ll need more money to get here. Khopra, located at an elevation of 4,700 meters, serves as the gateway to the Barahi Tal. The location is worth seeing during ritual thread ceremony festivals.
Day 4: Explore the day at sacred Khayer Lake and Annapurna South Glacier
Your excursion today will take you to Khair/ Khayer Lake, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrine that is 4,700 meters above sea level. This is the main focus of your journey. Since there is no habitation beyond the Khopra Danda, you should carry lunch, a few energy bars, and enough water for the day’s journey, along with enough warm clothing. Despite the hike’s length, you get spectacular 360-degree views of the Annapurna Fang, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and nearby mountains. On the occasion of the August full moon (Janai Purnima), the villagers assemble at this holy lake dressed in their traditional culture, attire, and rituals.
Day 7: Trek to Bayeli Kharka
Today’s journey to the Bayeli (3432m) is lengthy; the majority of the trail is downhill, but there are also some flat and uphill sections. After breakfast, a spectacular mountainous landscape is encountered as the trail winds through the upper Himalayas. There are two trails: higher and lower. During the snowy season, the lower route is preferable because the upper road is frozen on the trail, but excellent for the views. Other people can take the upper route, save during the winter. This is a stunning hike with views of Annapurna South, which is 7219 meters high, Himchuli, Fish Tail/Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, and Annapurna II (7937m).
Day 8: Trek to Tadapani
Following breakfast, the trail descends via an alpine ridge, offering stunning mountain views all the way to Tadapani.On the main road, we can see a lot of hikers today. In our lodge, we provide hot showers as well. There are currently two routes to Tadapani, one through Deurai and the other straight. The right track leads to the Deurali when you descend to the Bhaisi Kharka/Dobate, while the left trail leads to the Tatapani via the Isharu (3137m) and Meshar (2969m) with spectacular views. We encourage you to travel to Tadapani on a fresh, open road.
The Deurali trail slowly descends along ridges with forests of pine and rhododendron before ascending through the main trekking route with stunning waterfalls, streams, and lush forests to the Banthati. We hike up to our ultimate destination, Tadapani, which means “far water,” and the village’s water supply is far below. The stream has a few clear pools alongside the way.
Day 9: Trek to Kimche and Drive to Pokhara
We will descend steeply through dense forests with stunning panoramic views of the Ghandruk village, inhabited by Gurung ethnic groups, after enjoying breakfast while taking in the mountain vista. You can see some beautiful sun rises over the mountains if you get up early in the morning. You may explore the second-largest Gurung community in Nepal, the scenic old Gurung village, the museum, and the Annapurna conservation office. After eating at Ghandruk, take a 4 to 5 hours hike to Kimche before taking a 2 to 3 hours jeep ride to Pokhara.
Cost Include
- Three meals a day during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Accommodations in a Tea House/Lodge during the Trekking.
- All necessary Trekking permits and Conservation entrance fees.
- Trekking Guide, assistant trekking guide for groups with 12 or more trekkers and a porter (Shared by two clients) with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
- Water purification tablet for safe drinking water.
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
- Proper First aid kit
- A TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)is like a permit.
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- The company’s duffel bag will also be provided. (if needed)
- All essential official fees
Cost Exclude
- Nepal visa, international air ticket and personal travel insurance
- Hard drinks, beverages and fancy drinks.
- Hot shower, hot water, toiletries and personal nature expenses
- Inter, battery charge and phone calls.
- Rescue opera charge in case of emergency
- Advance deposit transfer fee to book your trek.
- Tips and gratitude to guide and porters.
Additional Information
Check our fixed departure dates for the trip start dates and cost for Khopra Danda(Ridge) Trek. If it doesn’t suit your dates and length of trip, please feel free to contact us for your customized departure date, itinerary and price. The spring season is the best season to go for this trek otherwise every weather is suitable. There will be an open sky and a clear view during the spring season.
The itinerary can be adjusted according to your requirements.
