Khopra Ridge & Khayer Lake Trek, Nepal — 10 Days

Annapurna's quieter southern ridge: Poon Hill at 3,210m, Khopra Danda at 3,640m, and the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,660m

The Khopra Danda Trek traces a less-travelled arc through the southern Annapurna region, connecting Pokhara to a high ridge that most trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit or Poon Hill loop never reach. The route begins with a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then moves by road to Ulleri before ascending through rhododendron forest and terraced hillside to Ghorepani. An early-morning detour to Poon Hill (3,210m) yields a panorama that takes in Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and a further dozen named peaks. The trek then diverges from the standard circuit, climbing to Khopra Danda ridge at 3,640m — a vantage point well-suited to both sunrise and sunset views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The most demanding day is a full out-and-back to Khayer Lake at 4,660m, a glacially fed alpine lake regarded as sacred by local communities, requiring seven to eight hours of walking. The descent concludes at Tatopani on the Kali Gandaki River, where natural hot springs have long been used to ease muscle fatigue. Throughout the route, the trail passes through villages of the Gurung and Magar communities, whose traditions and hospitality are a consistent presence on the lower and mid-elevation sections. At moderate-to-challenging difficulty, the 10-day itinerary includes rest time in both Pokhara and Kathmandu, making it manageable for trekkers with solid hill-walking experience who are not yet ready for the higher-altitude circuits to the north.

Highlights

Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) with views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and nine additional named peaks
Khopra Danda ridge at 3,640m — one of the highest ridges in the Annapurna region — with panoramic views across both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges at sunrise and sunset
Full-day out-and-back to Khayer Lake at 4,660m, a remote glacially fed lake considered sacred by local communities and surrounded by high Himalayan peaks
Trek through rhododendron forest between Ulleri and Ghorepani via Banthati village
Natural hot springs at Tatopani on the Kali Gandaki River, a traditional stop for trekkers to recover before the road return to Pokhara
Passage through Gurung and Magar villages on the lower and mid-elevation sections of the route
25-minute scenic flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara with Himalayan aerial views
A route that sees considerably less foot traffic than the standard Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill loop

Day by day

1Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel TransferTribhuvan International Airport · hotel in Kathmandu

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative meets the group and transfers them to the hotel in Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free.

2Kathmandu to Pokhara by Air, then Drive to UlleriKathmandu to Pokhara · Ulleri · Pokhara to Ulleri

A 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers aerial views of the Himalayan ranges. On landing at Pokhara, the group transfers by road to Ulleri — a 52-kilometer drive of approximately three hours, ascending to 2,050 meters (6,726 ft). Overnight in Ulleri.

3Ulleri to Ghorepani via Banthati VillageUlleri to Ghorepani via Banthati Village · Ghorepani · rhododendron forest

The day's trek covers 10 kilometers in four to five hours, ascending to Ghorepani at 2,874 meters (9,429 ft) via Banthati village. The trail climbs steadily through rhododendron forest, which blooms in season along the upper sections. Overnight in Ghorepani.

4Poon Hill Sunrise, then Trek to Upper ChistibungPoon Hill viewpoint · Ghorepani to Upper Chistibung

An early start allows trekkers to reach the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m / 10,532 ft) before sunrise. From the hilltop, the panorama takes in Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna III (7,855m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Lamjung Himal (6,931m), and Manaslu (8,156m), among other peaks. After returning to Ghorepani, the day's main trek continues to Upper Chistibung, covering 11 kilometers over six to seven hours to reach an elevation of 3,000 meters (9,842 ft). Overnight in Upper Chistibung.

5Upper Chistibung to Khopra Danda RidgeUpper Chistibung to Khopra Danda · Khopra Danda

A five-to-six-hour trek of 6.3 kilometers ascends from Upper Chistibung to Khopra Danda at 3,640 meters (11,942 ft), one of the highest ridges in the Annapurna region. The ridge position offers views across both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Overnight at Khopra Danda.

6Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake (4,660m) and ReturnKhopra Danda to Khayer Lake · Khopra Danda

The most demanding day of the trek covers 9.8 kilometers over seven to eight hours, ascending from Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake at 4,660 meters and returning to the same camp. Khayer Lake is a high-altitude glacially fed lake regarded as sacred by local communities; it sits in open terrain surrounded by Himalayan peaks. A packed lunch is carried on this day. Overnight again at Khopra Danda.

7Khopra Danda to Tatopani Hot SpringsKhopra Danda to Tatopani · Tatopani

A four-to-five-hour descent of 8.7 kilometers drops from Khopra Danda to Tatopani at 2,600 meters (8,530 ft) on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Tatopani is known for its natural hot springs, which local residents and trekkers alike use to ease muscle fatigue, joint discomfort, and skin conditions. Overnight in Tatopani.

8Tatopani to Pokhara by RoadTatopani to Pokhara · Pokhara

A jeep transfer covers the 55 kilometers from Tatopani back to Pokhara over three to four hours, descending to 822 meters (2,696 ft). The remainder of the day in Pokhara is unscheduled. Overnight in Pokhara.

9Pokhara to Kathmandu by Air and Rest DayPokhara to Kathmandu · Kathmandu

A short flight returns the group from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish—visit the city at your own pace, rest at your hotel, or pursue personal activities. Overnight in Kathmandu.

10Kathmandu: Departure TransferTribhuvan International Airport

An airport representative assists with checkout and transfers the group to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward departure from Nepal.

Where you go

Map: Khopra Ridge & Khayer Lake Trek, Nepal — 10 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Tribhuvan International Airport
2Ghorepani
3Pokhara
4Kathmandu
5Tribhuvan International Airport

Included

Accommodation during the bike tour in tea houses and lodges with all three meals. (B+L+D)
Hotel in Kathmandu on BB on twin/double sharing basis
Hotel in Pokhara on BB on twin/double sharing basis
International and Domestic Arrival Departure Transfer
ACAP Permit Fee
TIMS Card permit fee
Flight Fare Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu (Subject to Change as per Airlines Rules)
Flight Fare Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu for the Guide (Subject to Change as per Airlines Rules)
Bike on Hire from Pokhara to Muktinath to Pokhara
1 Experienced Bike Rider Guide
Applicable Government Taxes

Not included

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Fuel Required During the Trip
Bar Bills and Beverages
Any other expenses caused by unforeseen conditions
Tips and Gratuities
All other costs that are not mentioned in cost Includes Section.

Activities: TREKING, HIKING