1 daysEasy4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$900
TrekModerate
Khopra Ridge & Khayar Lake Trek — 9 Days
9 days4,660 mFrom Nayapul / PokharaBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May5.0 (1)
Photo by MarijaGrujovska on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
01 / 07
Duration
9 days
From
$985/person
Max Altitude
4,660 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts
Nayapul / Pokhara
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Khopra Ridge (3,660 m) — off-the-beaten-path viewpoint of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South
Khayar Lake (4,700 m) — a pristine hidden glacial lake rarely visited by outsiders
Dobato (3,840 m) community forest lodge: 180° panorama, no crowds
Dense rhododendron and oak forest trail above the Modi Khola valley
Combines with ABC or Ghorepani for a fully custom Annapurna itinerary
Alternative to Poon Hill: same region, same peaks, fraction of the foot traffic
Magar and Gurung villages on a trail that sees fewer than 200 trekkers per month
Khopra Ridge is the Annapurna region’s best-kept secret — 270° views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri from a peaceful ridge camp, with the sacred Khayar Lake above.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(9 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 3,660 m · Day 5Morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Trek through Birethanti and along the Bhurungdi Khola through terraced farmland and subtropical forest. Reach Tikhedhunga at the base of the Ulleri staircase as the day closes.
1,540 m3–4 hours12 kmB, L, DTea House
The Khopra Ridge & Khayar Lake Trek is an off-the-beaten-path gem in the Annapurna region. While crowds flock to Poon Hill, this route climbs higher for better views with a fraction of the people.
What Makes It Special
- Khopra Ridge Camp (3,660m) — panoramic Himalayan views
- Khayar Lake (4,660m) — sacred glacial lake
- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Fishtail views
- Dense rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages
- Minimal crowds even in peak season
What's Included
Included
- Government-registered English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- ACAP permit and TIMS card
- Pokhara–Nayapul private jeep and return jeep to Pokhara
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
- Meals not listed in daily itinerary
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.
Pickup in Pokhara
Trip starts hereAlready in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.
- Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Free
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Kathmandu
Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- No hotel, I will book my own$0
- Pokhara: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
- Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Best season. Crisp clear skies, stable weather, excellent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Peak trekking season but Khopra sees far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill.
Low: -5°C High: 15°C Possible above 4,000 m in November
Spring (Mar–May)
Rhododendron forest at peak bloom from Ghorepani to Khopra. Good visibility, slightly warmer. Afternoon clouds build from April.
Low: -2°C High: 18°C None below 4,500 m
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and snowy above 3,500 m. Khayar Lake often snow-covered. Lower sections passable but the upper ridge can be icy.
Low: -15°C High: 8°C Heavy above 3,500 m
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Wet trails, leeches, and cloud-covered mountains. Not recommended.
Low: 10°C High: 22°C None
Permits Required
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Required for all foreign trekkers in Nepal
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)Required for all trekking in the Annapurna region. Single-entry, valid for the trek duration.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Moisture-wicking base layers
Fleece mid-layer jacket
Down jacket (600+ fill)
Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
2 pairs trekking trousers
Merino wool socks (4 pairs)
Warm beanie and sun hat
Light and heavy gloves
Neck gaiter
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Kit that actually matters on this trek
All our gear adviceChosen for this route specifically — not a generic list. Each one says what you give up as well as what you get.
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Customer Reviews(1)
5.0
1 reviews
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Andrei Ionescu
October 2025
Khopra Danda is one of the most underrated viewpoints in the entire Himalaya. The ridge walk with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South simultaneously visible is something that doesn't appear on any tourist poster but absolutely should. Our guide Bikash was the perfect companion for nine days — quiet when you need quiet, brilliant company in the evenings. Khayar Lake at 4,700m felt like a sacred secret. Travel Himalaya Nepal's knowledge of these off-trail routes is exceptional.
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