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Khopra High Ridge & Khair Lake trek

Overview

TILICHO LAKE & ANNAPURNA SEMI CIRCUIT TREKKING

Adventure to one of world’s highest Lake of Tilicho around Annapurna Himalayas’

Khopra High Ridge & Khair Lake trekking, with Himalaya Ultimate Adventure, leads to an exciting adventure. Where walk follows away from the main popular path towards pristine surrounding, on least ventured areas of Annapurna Himalaya region.

Khopra High Ridge & Khair Lake trekking, although not far from mainstream trails, and yet well hidden. Ultimate ways to avoid the main busy routes for some days in the harmony of mountain wilderness.

An adventure of great combination on Khopra High Ridge & Khair Lake trekking, an opportunity for trekkers. Experience the difference from the main trekking route to quiet serene surroundings, after walking past Ghorepani village to high Khopra Ridge.

Annapurna Himalaya region is one of the most trekked and visited areas from moderate, adventurous to challenging treks. As well as other various adventures due to its vast mountain range. Where one can trek for a few days to a month using varied ultimate routes of the region. Most travelers are unaware of hidden pockets of Annapurna Himalayas, this adventure takes you to remote corners of Annapurna.

Starts from the scenic city of Pokhara to the starting point of trekking around low warm farm villages. Then heading high uphill to cooler Himalayan hills covered in dense rhododendron and pine forest to Ghorepani village.

The village with excellent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks, early morning hike reaches you on top Poon Hill. A famous and popular viewpoint for stunning sunrise views over a 360° wide panorama of Himalayan peaks.

Facing the world’s three highest mountains Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Manaslu with an array of snow peaks. Includes views of majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famed Fish-Tail peak, after a glorious morning hike adventure continues to our destinations.

Where route diverts from the main trails reaching isolated remote high ridges of Khopra. Situated close in between of towering 7th world highest Mt. Dhaulagiri and 10th high Mt. Annapurna.

An amazing high country above the main villages of Ghorepani and Chitre, in the backdrop of giant snow peaks. An amazing scenic spot where day hike leads to hidden Khair Lake, revered as holy where annual festival held.

Enclosed by staggering high peaks of the Annapurna range, enjoy the tranquility and exciting scenery of dramatic landscapes. From Khair Lake and Khopra ridge walk leads down to the lovely village at Ghandruk and then on the road-head.

Then taking a short interesting drive to a renowned tourist destination in scenic Pokhara city. The finishing point of the great exciting adventure to Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:         Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02:         Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel -06 hrs.
Day 03:         Drive to start point at Bhirethati 1,100 m and walk to Tirkhedhunga
                       1,425 m- 06 hours with drive and trek.
Day 04:         Trek to Ghorepani village 2,885 m - 06 hrs.
Day 05:         Morning hike to Poon Hill and trek to Sauta village 2,530 m - 05 hrs.
Day 06:         Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m via Chistibung 3, 320 m-06 hrs.
Day 07:         At Khopra Ridge for hike to Khair Lake4,247 m-06 hrs. Both ways.
Day 08:         Trek to Dobato 3,240 m-05 hrs. 
Day 09:         Trek to Ghandruk village 1,951 m - 06 hrs.
Day 10:         Trek to road-head and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 04 hrs.
Day 11:         Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 12:         In Kathmandu free day for individual activities.
Day 13:         Depart for international departure

Trip Highlights

    “From main popular trails of Ghorepani and Poon Hills to off the beaten tracks.
    Enjoy the difference from mainstream route to hidden areas of Annapurna’s.
    Enchanting woodland of rhododendron, pines and oaks that covers the trails.
    Explore lovely traditional mountain villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk.
    Walk on high ridges of Khopra in between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas”

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode:                  Staying in best available Lodges
    Trekking Grade:                  Moderate to Adventurous.
    Highest Spot:                       Khopra Ridge 3,870 m / 12, 697 feet. Khair Lake
    4,247 m/13, 934 ft. and Poon Hill 3,210 m / 10,531feet.
    Activities:                              Exciting drives and scenic trekking.
    Trekking duration:             07 Nights and 08 Days Pokhara to Pokhara.
    Total Trip:                             13 Nights and 14 Days from arrival to departure.

    Best Seasons:

    Khopra High Ridge & Khair Lake trekking, for all seasons of the year-round, except the monsoon wet times. The best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks. 

    The springtime’s begins from March till May, the high seasons for trekking around Nepal Himalayas and to Annapurna scenic hills.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to short bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, one of the peak seasons. For trekking around the Himalayas and to Khopra High Ridge & Khair Lake, most days are crystal clear for views and scenic walks. However, the days are shorter due to fewer sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Chances of snowfall sometimes during the walk around higher areas above 2,000 m high, but with a clear starry night sky.

    Religion, Culture of Annapurna Himalaya region:

    Gurung are the main inhabitants of the Annapurna Himalaya range as far as Lamjung Himal areas. On this trek to Khopra Ridge & Khair Lake with Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Populated by Poon Magar people the hill tribes of Western Nepal Himalayas follows both Hindu and Buddhism religion and cultures.

    Around Ghandruk onwards are Gurung tribes follows Tibetan Buddhism known as Mahayana or Greater Wheel. Established by great Guru Rinpoche Padamasamba in the 7th Century, reforming Buddhism which was near to extinct.

    The culture, tradition, and heritage are similar to its Tibetan predecessors, the Gurung and Poon Magar are farmers and raise livestock. 

    As well famous Gorkha soldiers enlisted in British, and Indian armies, including Singapore Police. 

    Interesting villages of Gurung and Poon Magar around Bhirethati, Ulleri, and Ghorepani, Chitre, Sauta with Ghandruk. Witness the local impressive cultures of age-old heritage. The Gurung are Buddhist while Poon Magar follows both Hindu and Buddhism religions.

     


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel -06 hrs.

Early breakfast and depart for Pokhara, a drive of 5-6 hours exciting overland journey through Nepal countryside. Riding on main busy interesting highway then reaching at beautiful city in Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake side. Where most good hotels are located, enjoy the afternoon facing views of Annapurna Himalayas and the Lake. (Options for short flight of 30 minutes to Pokhara from Kathmandu)
Day 3:

Drive to start point at Bhirethati 1,100 m and walk to Tirkhedhunga 1,425 m- 06 hours with drives and trek.

From Pokhara our short adventure begins with morning drives of few hours heading past Pokhara valley towards west. Reaching at Nayapul and lovely Bhirethati village, from here walk starts as route follows the Old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade route that extends to Tibet border beyond Ghorepani towards far Upper Mustang area. Walk on gradual uphill path through several farm villages to Hille and then short climb reaches at Tirkhedhunga for overnight stop, a small village close to beautiful water falls.
Day 4:

Trek to Ghorepani village 2,885 m - 06 hrs.

The morning startswith steep climb to Ulleri village, offers views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’. From here walk on gradual up after Ulleri and Bhanthati village entering a dense forest of tallrhododendron-magnolia-oaks-pines and fir trees. Finally the day walk ends on reaching Ghorepani for overnight stop, a nice hill village populated by Poon / Magar hill tribes. The main tribes of Western Nepal, the village located beneath Poon Hill view point. At Ghorepani check into a nice cozy lodge this will be a highest overnight stop of the adventure at 2,885 m high, enjoy views of Dhaulagiri Himal range.
Day 5:

Morning hike to Poon Hill and trek to Sauta village 2,530 m - 05 hrs.

Rise early morning for short hike up for an hour to Poon Hill, the highest point of the trek at 3,210 m. On reaching the top of Poon Hill catch the stunning sunrise over array of Himalayan peaks. Includes views of Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiri-Annapurna Fang (Vara-Shikar) with massive Annapurna range and majestic Machhapuchare Himal. The views extends to Mt. Manaslu and Lamjung Himal all the way to Ganesh Himal in the far-east horizon. After glorious morning views back to Ghorepani, having breakfast carry on trekking downhill amidst forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Reaching at Chitre village, from here our route diverts heading north on leaving the main trails. From Chitre onwards to mountain wilderness on the hidden areas of Annapurna Himalayas. As walk leads to short climb and then on gradual path to a large farm village of Sauta for overnight halt. Enjoy views of Dhaulagiri Himalayan range with peaks of Annapurna from Sauta village.
Day 6:

Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m via Chistibung 3, 320 m-06 hrs.

From here gaining altitude leaving the tree lines behind, after few hours of climb reaching Khopra ridge for two overnight stops. The ridge of Khopra, offers grand views of landscapes with superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang) with Annapurna South, which towers above Khopra Ridge and the lodge.
Day 7:

At Khopra Ridge for hike to Khair Lake 4,247 m-06 hrs. Both ways.

Start the day hike to Khair Lake, early morninga long day, but worth the effort tothe holy site. Walk on pleasant winding ups for few hours and then reach the holy lake of Khair. Once a year a religious festival is held in the month of August and September. Villagers from surrounding area visits to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and mountain spirits, taking a bathe in the lake. A lovely surrounding of high snow peaks and rocky hills, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Annapurna-I, Annapurna South and Annapurna Fang or Vara Shikar. After an exciting day head back to Khopra for last overnight on the highest region of Annapurna Himalayas.
Day 8:

Trek to Dobato 3,240 m-05 hrs.

After an enjoyable time at Khopra Ridge and Khair Lake, morning walk down to Chistibung. From this small place, the trail follows into dense woods withclimb towards grazing fields. The walk continueson forested trail of rhododendron and pines to Dobato for overnight stop. Enjoy grand views of Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchare / Fish Tail peak at 6,993 m high.
Day 9:

Trek to Ghandruk village 1,951 m - 06 hrs.

Enjoy the morning glory facing great views of mountain range, morning walk continues downhill into a forest. As walk leads on the main trekking trail of Ghandruk and Ghorepani at Tadapani small settlement. After a short stop, downhill to Ghandruk for overnight in the comfort of nice and cozy lodge, with time to visit this large Gurung village of Annapurna region. Afternoon explore around Ghandruk inhabited by the Gurung the hill people of southern Annapurna range. Enjoy visiting an interesting Gurung museum along with views of Annapurna peaks.
Day 10:

Trek to road-head and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 04 hrs.

Last day walk of the adventure, having good breakfast and then head downhill to low warm farm villages. On reaching the motorable road, board in a vehicle for few hour drives to beautiful Pokhara for last overnight stop. A perfect place to conclude our memorable and enjoyable short adventure to Khopra Ridge&Khair Lake trekking.
Day 11:

Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Morning after a pleasant time in Pokhara and around high hills of Annapurna, depart for Kathmandu. On the same interesting highway past farm villages and town then reaching Kathmandu, by late afternoon.Rest of the day free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options for flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara of half hour scenic flight)
Day 12:

At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.
Day 13:

Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. The bidding farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful adventure on Khopra Ridge & Khair LakeTrekking.

Gears

    • Duffel/Rucksack bag
    • Day pack
    • Trekking shoes
    • Sports shoes or sandals
    • Sun Hat/cap
    • Warm woolen cap
    • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
    • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
    • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
    • Pullover or warm sweeter
    • Raincoat
    • Hand towel
    • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
    • Hand gloves
    • 3/4 pairs of trekking trousers
    • 4/5 pairs of trekking shirts
    • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
    • Sun glasses
    • Water bottle
    • 4 season sleeping bag
    • Flash or Torch light
    • Emergency contact information; Personal medical kit.