Overview

Trip introduction

Khayar Lake Trek is a delightful way of immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of green forested lands with excellent views of grand Himalayan ranges. Khayar Lake Trek is a lately opened trekking trail with lots of tea houses that make this a short, easy, and economical trek in the Annapurna region. You will be blessed with views of Annapurna’s south face from very close proximity. There are plenty of cultural encounters while trekking through Gurung-inhabited villages.

Overview of Khayar Lake Trekking Journey

We begin our Khayar Lake Trek from culturally affluent Kathmandu city and finish in the scenic lake city of Pokhara. Initially, we drive to Phedi and start trekking activities towards Tolka, Ghandrung, and Tadapani for the next couple of days. Walking through beautiful rhododendron forests, villages, landscapes, and great views of the Himalayas, we reach Khopra Danda via Chitsung. Further, we ascend towards Khayar Base Camp and finally arrive at Khayar Lake. The Lake is at an altitude of 4,827 meters above sea level. After visiting the high lake of Khayar, we descend to Khayar Base Camp. And return towards Khopra Danda, Swata, Ghorepani, Birethanti, and Nayapul. And get back to Kathmandu via Pokhara on a scenic flight or a 6-hour drive.

Best Season

The best season to join this trek would be during the spring months. To be more precise, March, April, and May when blossoming rhododendron adds another level of attraction to its trail. Similarly, the autumn months of September, October, and November give crystal clear views of the Himalayas; with very much less chance of weather obstruction.

Khayar Lake Trek is a perfect holiday trip for those who are looking for a peaceful and quiet trek; without any disturbances. It is a recently open, non-touristic route that offers the magnificence of natural panoramas of the Annapurna Himalayas, high lakes, and cultural insights that have something to offer for every travel lover. Nepal Mountain Trekkers are offering special discounts on Khayar Lake Trek for the coming season. As well as, a few other packages to promote tourism in Nepal which is in a very troublesome situation due to COVID-19. Hence, contact us as soon as possible or simply fill out this Inquiry form to get more information and a quotation for Khayar Lake Trek.

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft)::

As you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, complete the formalities at immigration. You shall then be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel for your stay. After relaxing at the hotel, you may go sauntering around in the streets of Thamel. Enjoy the delicious cuisine and warm hospitality in the hotel. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::

Before actually heading onto the trekking destination, today we shall explore the heritages of Kathmandu valley and do the necessary preparations for the trek. Meet with the trekking leaders and tour guide at the office of Nepal Mountain Trekkers, have interaction with them, and manage necessary equipment necessary during the adventure. In addition to that, explore the ancient monuments of international significance located in Kathmandu. From the historic royal palaces, temples, and museums along with intricate carvings in Kathmandu Durbar Square to the whitewashed stupas in Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, you shall be thoroughly entertained. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest stupas in the world, and the Hindu architectural masterpiece of Pashupatinath Temple are the other attractions for you today. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Fly or Drive to Pokhara (820m/ 2,690 ft)::

Today we shall be heading to Pokhara, which is the base for adventure and trekking in the Annapurna region for adventure seekers. We shall either take on a flight over a beautiful landscape filled with lush and green hills and valleys, terraced lands, serpentine flowing rivers, or a close-up view of humongous mountains. Another option is to drive through the twisting roads accompanied by perennial rivers, cool waterfalls, rural settlements, and cascading hills and mountains looking over from far. Get transferred to the hotel and later you may explore the quaint surrounding of Phewa Lake. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4 : Pokhara drive to Phedi Trek to Tolka (1,850m/6,069 ft): 6 hrs::

To begin with our trek, we shall drive to Phedi, our trailhead, after breakfast and begin our adventure for the Khayar Lake. Beginning the trek we shall have a trail that becomes rather steep as you progress ahead through a series of steps to reach a plateau-like place after half an hour or more. Ahead we shall proceed through the fields of rice and reach a suspension bridge. Continuing ahead in the trail, we shall have our downhill trek on a rocky trail which later changes to a gradual one leading us to the shoulder of a ridge. Trek further for about an hour and we shall reach our destination of Tolka. The settlements of Pothana, Dhampus, Deurali are some of the spots for marvelous scenery en route. Stay overnight in Tolka.

Day 5 : Tolka – Ghandrunk (2,012m/ 6,601 ft): 6 hrs::

Our destination for today is the large and famous Gurung settlement of Ghandruk. This trekking is an overall ascent, though you shall have enough uphill climb and descends. Pass through several settlements, cross a few suspension bridges, walk along with stone steps and lush forest before reaching Landruk in a long overall descent. Ahead in today’s trek, we shall cross over the mighty Modi River and traverse along the steep trail in the final section of our walk to reach the destination of Ghandruk. This village with a breathtaking view of mountains (Annapurna III and Annapurna South, Fishtail Mountain, Hiuchuli, and others) and cascading hills, traditional stone houses, and Gurung Museum, Ghandruk is our place of an overnight stay.

Day 6 : Ghandrunk – Tadapani (2,610m/ 8,562ft): 3 hrs::

In a short trek today we shall have Tadapani as our destination before we hike to a higher altitude in the region. Start your trek through the oak and rhododendron forest accompanied by chirping birds and other wildlife. Continue through the downward trail through the cool forest, aptly suitable for bird lovers, and in the latter section of the trail hike steeply to reach the destination of Tadapani. En route, you shall have beautiful views of mountains such as Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, and Fishtail. Stay overnight in Tadapani.

Day 7 : Tadapani – Dobato (3,350m/ 10,990 ft): 6 hrs::

Today we shall branch off the main trail and enter into the side trail as we have Dobato as our destination for today. March ahead through the ridges, terraced lands, grazing meadows, summer settlements of Meshar and Isharu before climbing across the Deurali Pass. From this pass, the trail goes downhill in a gradual fashion as we have our overnight stay in Dobato. En route, you shall pass through the rhododendron forest, have a view of Makalu and other Himalayan peaks besides marveling at the cascading hills and lush valleys. Stay overnight on Dobato.

Day 8 : Dobato – Chistibung (3,000m/ 9,842 ft): 5 hrs::

From the overnight stay in Dobato, we shall have a regular upward yet gradual and downward trekking as we reach the summer grazing land of Bayeli Kharka which is though a gradual ascent. The trail ahead passes through the dense and lush forest with oak and rhododendron forest, meadows, and grasslands as well as pastures. You shall also see some temporary huts built by local herders. In the forest en route, you shall also have the opportunity to watch the colorful Danphe pheasant, Himalayan Thar, and other wildlife. Following the ridge leading to Annapurna South and then along the trail to Kali Gandaki Valley, we shall reach Chistibung. Stay overnight in Chistibung.

Day 9 : Chistibung – Khopra Danda (4,020m/ 13,188 ft): 5 hrs::

The trail from Chistibung to Khopra Danda is a steady uphill climb yet not very strenuous in nature. As we continue our climb along the ridge of hills, we have ascent for most of the time with some occasional descends before reaching the hill of Khopra Danda. Towards the end of this trek, we shall be trekking well above the tree line overlooking the vast landscape full of layers of hills. Move ahead in this trekking trail slowly and gradually as you can expect to witness some rare wildlife and pleasant views of the Himalayas. From the summit of Khopra Danda, you shall have the panoramic views of Annapurna South towering directly above the Khopra hill while the peaks of Mt. Fang and Nilgiri seem to look over from the northern side. On the other side of the hill lies the deep Kali Gandaki valley, while the Dhaulagiri Peak watches over you from the western side. Stay overnight in Khopra Danda community lodge.

Day 10 : Khopra Danda – Khayar Base Camp (4,620m/ 15,157 ft): 6 hrs::

Trekking at an altitude above 4,000 meters, we shall trek in a slow and gradual manner as we target the Khayar Base Camp as our overnight destination. Begin your trek from the scenic Khopra Danda and walk past the camping sites before you encounter tough sections in several places of the trail. Be careful while you trek in this section of the trek. Trekking through rough and rocky terrain, you shall reach the Khayar Base Camp. Stay overnight in Khayar Base Camp.

Day 11 : Khayar Base Camp – visit Khayar Lake (4,827m/ 15,836 ft): 3 hrs::

Today we shall explore the extra beautiful Khayar Lake from our overnight stay at Khayar Base Camp. This sacred lake is a couple of hours from our overnight stay. Be careful on reaching near the lake as the terrain is much steeper. The lake is considered to be the abode of the Goddess of Khayar Barahi and thus sees a huge flock of pilgrims on special occasions where they give offerings to the deity. Explore the surrounding of the lake and marvel at the scenic surrounding with the view of Nilgiri, Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri peak, and other smaller peaks. After exploring the holy lake, we shall return back to the Khayar Base Camp.

Day 12 : Khayar Base Camp – Khopra Danda (4,020m/13,188 ft): 5 hrs::

Our trek has come to the ultimate destination and thus shall trail back to the Khopra Danda. In this return trip from Khayar Base Camp, we shall gradually return through the same trail. In this newly discovered trail, you shall find quaint trails positioned a little off from the busy trails in the Annapurna region. After trekking for around 5 hours slow and gradual you shall reach Khopra Danda. Stay overnight in Khopra Danda.

Day 13 : Khopra Danda – Swata (2,270m/ 7,447 ft): 5 hrs::

Taking a bit of a different route from our ascent to Khopra Danda, we reach the settlement of Swata. After heading straight from Khopra Danda for some time you shall take the trail to the left and traverse downwards through a forested ridge to reach the settlement of Ratmate. Crossing through the small stream on the way and passing through the dense forest and the shrines used by the pilgrims, you shall trek down with rather fast changes in altitude as you reach the destination of Swata. Stay overnight in Swata.

Day 14 : Swata – Ghorepani (2,855m/ 9,366 ft): 3-4 hrs::

From the overnight stay in Swata, we shall begin our trek to Ghorepani with the ascent to the settlement of Phalante and further on to the settlement of Chitre. As you enter the village of Chitre, you shall be joining the main trail of the Annapurna region and hence may see an increased number of fellow trekkers. From the village of Chitre, you shall be trekking on a muddy or dusty trail for some time before embarking on a hike to the ridge top known as Ghorepani Deurali. Descend from this ridge top to reach the Gurung settlement of Ghorepani after a short trek. Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Annapurna massif and high hills from Ghorepani before ending the day. Stay overnight in Ghorepani.

Day 15 : Ghorepani – Birethanti (1,080m/ 3,543 ft): 6 hrs::

In the major section of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek that we shall be trekking today, there shall come very beautiful sections with colorful forest and lush landscape. Accompanied all along the trail by the perennial Bhurungdi River, we shall begin our trek with the descent past natural springs to reach the village of Nangethati. Navigate your way through the trail surrounded by oak and rhododendron forest; we shall trek past some tea shops before exploring through the Magar settlements of Banthati and Ulleri. Past beautiful view of the majestic Annapurna South and Hiuchuli Peaks, we shall walk down gradually through a series of stone steps and across small streams before reaching Tikhedhungga. Further, on the trail, we shall walk through moss-covered oak and rhododendron forest, past waterfalls, several smaller settlements such as Hile, Sudame, Matathanti, and others, before reaching Birethanti. This settlement along the Modi River also serves as a checkpoint for the Annapurna conservation area in this trail. Stay overnight in Birethanti.

Day 16 : Birethanti – Nayapul (1,070m/3,510ft), drive to Pokhara::

After breakfast in this beautiful settlement, we shall trek to Nayapul along the Modi River and walk past terraced farmlands and over suspension bridges and prayer flags. After a short walk from Birethanti, we shall reach Nayapul. From Nayapul we shall travel to Pokhara in a private vehicle after a drive of around one hour and a little more. In a scenic drive past rural settlement and its lifestyle, beautiful waterfalls and pristine rivers, and glimpses of snowy mountains, we shall reach Pokhara. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 17 : Fly or Drive to Kathmandu::

Completing the trekking adventure in the less traveled Khopra region, we shall now return back to Kathmandu. We shall either take on a short flight of around half an hour over beautiful landscape and face to face with the colossal mountains or a drive through twisting and turning roads accompanied by perennial rivers, lush hills, and interesting roadside settlements. Either way, you shall be transferred to the hotel where you shall relax and prepare for your onward flight. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 18 : Departure Day::

Your Khayar Lake Trek comes to an official end today. You may extend your stay in Nepal by taking other packages offered by us. Go for last-minute souvenir shopping for your near and dear ones in your place if you wish to. Our representative shall escort you to the international airport for your onward flight as per the flight schedule. We hope you have created some wonderful memories with us and be back for other adventures in this beautiful nation.

Price Includes

• Airport pick up and drop service
• 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or Similar Standard)
• 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
  • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
• Transportation costs: Either drive or domestic flight in (Ktm – Pkr- Ktm). With other driving fares such as driving from Naya Pul to Pokhara
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
• Trekking permits: Upper Mustang Special Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
• First aid medical box
• T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
• Rescue Arrangement Service
• All required trekking gear like Sleeping bags and Down jackets made available on rent
• 13% VAT and 10% service charge
• Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa information)
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses
• Tip for guides and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments