Khopra and Khayer Lake Trek Overview
Seeking a scenic, peaceful, and culturally enriching trek in the Himalaya, but not overcrowded? The Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek in Nepal is your answer.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is a perfect alternative to the busy Annapurna Base Camp Trek, combining the best of the Mulde View Trek, Khopra Ridge, and Ghorepani Trek, along with the serene beauty of Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake.
An 8-day trek to Khopra Ridge is designed for trekkers interested in exploring the Annapurna region beyond the mainstream treks. You will visit the remote natural beauty of Khopra Ridge (Khopra Danda), climb to the sacred Khayer Lake, and experience the sunrise views that can be compared to Poon Hill, but without the crowds. It also combines a hike to the famous Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages.
If you have been longing for an expedition that balances cultural interactions, wilderness in the mountains, and offers a special view, such as that from Mulde Hill and Khopra Ridge, then this trek is perfect. It is a perfect trekking holiday in the western Himalayas. It offers breathtaking mountain views, intimate interactions with locals, an authentic countryside experience, and adventure.
Khopra Ridge Trek route, designed as a community lodge trek, directly supports local villages while offering a raw Himalayan adventure. It is a relatively new route, and the region is unspoiled. From Mulde Peak’s sunrise to the serenity of Khayer Lake, every day brings a new highlight. The landscapes from Ghandruk, Mulde, Khopra, and Ghorepani villages are phenomenal; you will hike to Poon Hill on your return from Khopra Danda. Poon Hill offers gorgeous sunrise and stretching views of the western Himalayan mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Dhampus Peak (6,012 m), Gurja Himal (7,193 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), etc.
You’ll trek alongside dense forest, yak pastures, rice fields, encounter wildlife like Himalayan tahr and Danphe, and stay in villages that showcase Nepal’s warm mountain hospitality. You will walk around the shadows of the Annapurna range and witness surreal views of mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), and Annapurna III (7,555 m).
Is the Khopra Danda Trek Beginner Friendly?
Yes! The Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek is rated as a moderately graded trek, which also means that beginners with decent fitness can also take it on. The walks last 5-7 hours per day, and the trail consists of a forest with steps of ascent. While the day hike to Khayer Lake (4,500m) requires more effort, the rest of the trek is manageable with steady pacing and good acclimatization. The journey is enriched with rest stops courtesy of community lodges, making this trek an ideal option for first-time trekkers who seek an off-the-beaten-path yet safe Himalayan experience.
Khopra with Khayer Lake Trek Highlights
- Khopra Ridge Trail is an untouched trekking route in the Annapurna region that leads to the beautiful Khopra Danda and the holy Khayar Lake.
- Trekking through peaceful trails away from the crowds of Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill.
- Scenic drive and trek to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village
- Magnificent sunrise and sunset from Khopra Ridge and Mulde Viewpoint.
- Side hike to Khayer Lake (4,600m), a sacred, pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists and rarely visited alpine lake beneath Brahashikhar,
- Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri.
- Explore authentic Gurung and Magar villages with warm hospitality.
- Visit Swanta Village, with its cheese factory and authentic cultural experience.
- Catch a gorgeous sunrise from Poon Hill before returning to Pokhara.
- Khopra Danda trekking combines a hike to the famous Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages.
- Rich rhododendron forests, yaks grazing pastures, and alpine landscapes.
- A short yet rewarding trek that fits within a week-long holiday in Nepal.
Why you should do the Khopra with Khayer Lake Trek in 2025 and 2026
The Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake Trek is one of the most rewarding short treks in Nepal, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual significance. Unlike the busy ABC or Everest Base Camp routes, Khopra offers a more peaceful and offbeat experience while still showcasing world-class Himalayan views.
During the Khopra with Khayer Lake Trek in Nepal, there are many attractions, and we have highlighted some of them below.
Untouched and less crowded- Peaceful trails
Unlike the crowded routes to Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani, the Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake Trek remains a hidden gem. The trails are quiet, giving you the chance to walk in solitude through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and ridgelines. This peaceful environment allows trekkers to fully connect with nature and experience the Himalayas in their purest form, far from the bustle of mainstream trekking routes.
Visit Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages.
This trek includes hikes to the famous Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages, two of the most beautiful settlements in the Annapurna region. These villages are known for their welcoming Gurung and Magar communities, traditional houses, and incredible mountain views. They give you a deeper insight into the Himalayan lifestyle and culture.
Scenery and Mountain Views
The Khopra Ridge Trek offers some of the most dramatic panoramas in the Annapurna region. From KhopraDanda, you’ll see both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in a single frame, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and more. Sunrise and sunset views from Khopra Ridge and Mulde Peak are unforgettable, with golden light illuminating the snow-capped giants. The diverse landscape, from lush forests and terraced fields to high alpine ridges and glacial lakes, makes this trek a visual feast at every step.
Come across diverse flora and fauna
The Khopra with Khayer Lake Trek route is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, where you will walk through dense forests of pine, oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. In spring, on the way from Swanta village to Ghorepani, the trail bursts into color with 14 species of rhododendrons, Nepal's national flower.
You’ll walk through numerous other types of vegetation and wildflowers. This trekking route is home to a diverse array of wildlife and birds. Trekkers may also spot wildlife such as the danphe (Nepal's national bird), the Himalayan tahr, monkeys, and wild boar.
Community-Based Eco Trek
The Khopra Ridge trail was developed as a community trek by Mahabir Pun to support local villages. Many of the lodges are run by locals, offering an authentic stay and providing the opportunity to directly contribute to the community while enjoying a raw Himalayan trekking experience. Joining the Khopra Danda trek will allow you to enjoy tranquil trekking and superb landscapes, contribute to the community, and have an excellent trek to support a cause.
Khopra Danda and Khayar Lake
Khopra Danda is a quiet ridge at 3,660 meters high offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. With these, you also see Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and several other mountains. It borders the Myagdi and Kaski districts. Unlike crowded trails, here you’ll enjoy the panorama in peace, where you can watch the sunrises and sunsets in solitude. The ridge is also home to a small community lodge, giving trekkers a warm welcome and a unique chance to stay right above the clouds.
Khayer Lake- Sacred Lake
The sacred Khayer Lake (4,500m) is one of the most beautiful yet least-visited alpine lakes in Nepal. It lies in Baglung, which is also known as Baraha Lake. It is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. This tiny lake location was inhabited 20 years ago by the Hindu population, but now it welcomes thousands of tourists and local visitors.
Khayar Lake, located at the bottom of Brahashikhar. It is a beautiful mountain that looks like a boar. According to local beliefs, Lord Vishnu, the deity who preserves and sustains the Universe in Hindu mythology, took the form of a wild boar and is said to have resided here.
Khayer Lake is springing up on the occasion of the yak blood drink, whereby people drink the blood of a yak, which is full of nutrients in the human body. This festival is held in late October/ early November. Lodges are limited, and in most instances, they are fully occupied in the season.
The day hike from Khopra Danda is challenging but rewarding, passing waterfalls, meadows, and rocky terrain. Locals believe the lake holds spiritual power, and during Janai Purnima, hundreds of pilgrims visit the nearby KhayarBarahi temple. Surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks, Khayer Lake is a place where natural beauty and spirituality meet.
Best Alternatives to Classic Paths
The Khopra Ridge Trek is considered the best alternative to the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp because it is quieter, less commercialized. It offers different perspectives, including Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake, in addition to the classic Poon Hill sunrise.
Hike to Mulde Viewpoint
A little higher than Dobato is Mulde Peak (3,637m), a place that sunrise lovers should not miss. It is a rival attraction to Poon Hill, in terms of vista of the Himalayan range, but with much fewer visitors. This is where a short side-hiking trip grants trekkers with breathtaking sights of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
From Tadapai, Mulde Peak is a 3 to 4-hour walk away. Your guide can arrange a short side excursion to Mulde Peak.
Culture and tradition
The Khopra Ridge Trek is not solely about mountains and landscapes, but also involves exploring the rich and deep culture and traditions of the Gurung and Magar people. Traditional stone houses, colorful festivals, and hospitable people characterize the villages of Ghandruk, Swanta, and Ghorepani. Folk songs, dances, and local forms of farming, as well as the influences of Buddhism and Hinduism, are deeply woven into the lives of trekkers. Lodging in villages offers a genuine opportunity for interaction with the locals and an insight into the ancient lifestyle of the Himalayas.
Festivals and Spiritual Practices
The Khopra Ridge trail offers trekkers the opportunity to witness local festivals and rituals that reflect the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. Major Nepali festivals, such as Dashain and Tihar, bring villages like Ghandruk and Swanta to life with celebrations, music, and family gatherings. At the sacred Phewa Lake, the annual Janai Purnima festival (August) draws hundreds of pilgrims who perform holy dips and rituals at the Phewa Barahi temple. These experiences add a deep cultural and spiritual dimension to the trek, making it more than just a mountain journey.
Solo Trek to Khayer Lake – Complete guide for Independent Trekkers
A solo trek to Khayer Lake is a fantasy for all the independent trekkers who seek solitude in the Himalayas. This Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake is also free from the congestion characteristic of the Annapurna Base Camp, thus allowing you to explore the paths freely at your own pace and closely connect with nature. The trail is safe and properly supported, with community lodges making it a well-organized endeavor. However, a side hike to Khayer Lake (4,500m) is long and demanding, making it both a challenge and an achievement for solo trekkers. This is one of the most rewarding solo treks in Nepal, provided you have made the necessary preparations, obtained the required permits, and secured local support.
Khopra Ridge Trek with Family and Kids
The Khopra Ridge trek is an excellent choice for families with kids interested in exploring the Himalayas but not yet ready to tackle the high elevations found on the Khopra Ridge Trek.
The Khopra trek offers a balanced mix of cultural experiences in villages such as Ghandruk and Swanta, easy forest hikes featuring rhododendrons and wildlife, and scenic panoramas including Mulde Peak and Poon Hill. With comfortable community lodges and a moderate pace, kids can enjoy the adventure while parents appreciate the safe and family-friendly environment. It is an ideal introduction to trekking in Nepal for people of all ages.
Khopra Trek Elevation: How High is Khopra Ridge Trek?
The highest elevation of the Khopra trek is Khayer Lake at 4,500 meters above sea level.
The Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake Trek gradually ascends from the mid-hills of the Annapurna region to the high alpine zone. The trek starts with a drive to Kimche (1,640m) and a short hike to Ghandruk (1,940m). From there, you gradually climb through Tadapani (2,630m) and Dobato (3,426m) before reaching Khopra Danda (3,660m), the main viewpoint ridge. The highest elevation of the trek is Khayer Lake at 4,500m, reached on a long day hike from Khopra Danda. On the return, the route descends through Swanta village (2,200m), Ghorepani (2,874m), and finally down to Ulleri (2,050m) before driving back to Pokhara. This steady elevation gain and descent make the trek safe and well-paced for acclimatization.
Look at the itinerary's route map and altitude chart for daily altitude gain.
Khayer Lake Trek Distance: How Long is Khayer Lake Trek?
The Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake trek covers an approximate distance of 62 kilometers (38 miles) in its standard 8-day itinerary. However, the total trek distance for the entire Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake trek can vary depending on the route you take.
The trek begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kimche, then follows a scenic trail through Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, Chistibung, Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, Swanta, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill before descending via Ulleri to end with a drive back to Pokhara.
Daily Walking distance may vary from 8 to 15 km, depending on the altitude and terrain. The longest and most demanding day is the side hike to Khayer Lake (4500 m), which takes about 8-9 hours round trip from Khopra ridge. Review the day-by-day itinerary to track your daily altitude gain.
Khayer Lake Trek Cost for 2025 and 2026
The Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake Trek is one of the more affordable trekking routes in the Annapurna region, especially because it uses community lodges that support local villages. On average, trekkers should budget around USD 500–900 for an 8-day package, which typically includes permits (ACAP & TIMS), guide, porter, accommodation, meals, and ground transport from Pokhara.
Additional costs may include hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, snacks, bottled water, or tips. To save money and stay eco-friendly, consider carrying a reusable bottle with purification tablets and bringing a small power bank. Booking with Outfitter Himalaya ensures there are no hidden costs, and your budget directly supports local communities. Find the Khopra Trek Cost for 2025 and 2026.
Khopra Trek Cost
Number of trekkers |
Cost in USD Per person |
1 Pax |
700.00 |
2 to 5 pax |
650.00 |
6 to 8 Pax |
600.00 |
9 to 12 Pax |
500.00 |
13 Pax and above |
Inquire |
A typical Day in the Khopra Trek
Each day on the Khopra Ridge with Khayer Lake Trek begins with a warm breakfast and breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You’ll walk for 5–7 hours through forests, ridgelines, and villages, stopping at teahouses for lunch and rest. Afternoons are spent reaching your next lodge, where you can relax with hot tea and enjoy local hospitality. Evenings are cozy and social, with trekkers sharing stories, enjoying hearty Nepali meals like dal bhat, and preparing for another rewarding day in the Himalayas.
Why Book Khopra Trek with Outfitter Himalaya
Choosing Outfitter Himalaya for your Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek means more than just completing a journey; it’s about experiencing Nepal the authentic way. Our expert local guides know every hidden viewpoint, cultural story, and safe path, while our community-first approach ensures your trek directly supports local villages. With well-crafted itineraries, reliable logistics, and a strong focus on safety, we make your adventure worry-free, meaningful, and unforgettable.
- Expertly Designed Itinerary: Covers Khopra Ridge, Khayer Lake, Mulde View Trek, and Poon Hill in just 8 days.
- Expert Local Guides: Our guides are experienced and from the Annapurna region and know hidden trails and viewpoints
- Authentic Community Trek: Stay in lodges that support local villages and schools.
- Safety and Support: First-aid trained staff, slow acclimatization, and backup plans, 24/7 support available while on trek.
- Tailored Itineraries: Small group size and personal attention. Small groups with options to customize for families, beginners, or solo trekkers.
- All-Inclusive Service: Permits, meals, transport, and accommodation handled by us—hassle-free experience.
- Sustainable Tourism: We support community lodges, ensuring that your trek directly benefits the local community.