‘adventure around hidden corners of Annapurna Himalayas’
Highlights:
“A scenic adventure in between massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya.
Walk on the high ridges of Khopra above and beyond beautiful forest and hills.
Trekking around lovely traditional hill villages enriched with age-old cultures.
Stunning sunrise from high Poon Hill reflecting over array of Snow Mountains.
Lovely woodland of rhododendron, magnolia, pines, firs and oaks tall trees”
Overview
Khair Lake Trekking, located on high ridges of Western Himalaya between the world’s 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri and 10th high Annapurna. An exploration in the perfect wilderness around remote pockets of towering Annapurna range of peaks, on less ventured areas. Few groups of trekkers seldom visit this wild country, which takes you into complete isolation away from main routes and villages.
Khair Lake Trekking, slowly gaining popularity among trekkers due to its remote and pristine surroundings. Where walk leads in the close shade of high snow peaks and towards the holy glacial Khair Lake. Tucked in a far corner beneath towering peaks of Vara Shikar / Annapurna Fang and Annapurna South.
The adventure starts from scenic Pokhara city, situated on a verdant valley surrounded by rolling hills and snow peaks of Annapurna. The charm of Pokhara is the reflection of the massive Annapurna Himalaya on its beautiful Begnas and Phewa Lakes. From Pokhara taking an exciting drive to the high hills dotted with farm villages of Ulleri to begin the trek.
Ending the driving journey at Ulleri, the walk starts heading on gradual uphill through the cool shade of the beautiful coniferous forest. A slow climb leads on top of a high hill at Ghorepani amidst rhododendron woodland, with views of Dhaulagiri peaks.
At Ghorepani, an early morning hike to famous Poon Hill at 3,210 m, offers stunning sunrise over an array of Snow Mountains. A glorious morning facing the world’s three highest peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna range with majestic Machhapuchare the Fish-Tail peak.
After an exciting panorama of Himalayan peaks, with striking sunrise views walk continues towards our main destination to Khair Lake.
The adventure leads away from the main busy and popular trails, heading north past the nice and last Sauta village. As the trek progresses with a climb into the cool shade of the forest and then reaching Khopra Ridge above Ghorepani and farm villages.
Khopra Ridge is the highest overnight stop of the trek at 3,865 m, a scenic ridge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya. From Khopra Ridge, early morning day hike to our main highlight at Khair Lake, the highest spot of the trek.
Khair is a glacial and holy lake fed from the glaciers of Annapurna South and Vara Shikar or Annapurna Fang. Once a year a religious event takes place on an auspicious time of full moon in August. Thousands of local devotees visit for pilgrimage to take a bath and dip in the holy lake. Belief is that it relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes, a pray and worship is held.
After an interesting time at the holy Lake of Khair, and then back to Khopra for return journey to Pokhara. Taking an alternative route walking on an isolated forested path to Dobato, and then reaching on the main trail to Tadapani.
Following down back into the green forest, where beautiful scenery of snow peaks follows you at Ghandruk village. Stopping for the last overnight halt around mountain village before ending the trek at scenic Pokhara city.
Finally, the adventure completes on reaching Kathmandu, after a marvelous time and great experience on Khair Lake Trek.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,345 m and transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, trek briefing and preparations.
Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara 860 m, transfer to hotel-06 hours on drives.
Day 04: Drive to Ulleri 1,700 m and walk to Bhanthati 2,300 m – 05 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani 2,880 m – 03 hrs. Transfer to nice lodge.
Day 06: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m and trek to Sauta village 2,640 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,865 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08: At Khopra Ridge for hike to Khair Lake 4, 248 m- 06 hrs. Both ways.
Day 09: Trek to Dobato 2,835 m -05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Tadapani 2,640 m – 05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Ghandruk village 1,951 m – 04 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to road-head and drive to Pokhara-04 hrs.
Day 13: Fly or drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.
Day 14: In Kathmandu free day for individual activities.
Day 15: International departure for homeward bounds.
Best seasons for Khair Lake Trekking:
The best time for this wonderful adventure is from the mid-spring and autumn seasons, mid-spring from March to May, and autumn/fall begins from September to November months.
Springtime from March to May will be much lively with wild flowers in seasonal bloom, especially the magnolia and rhododendrons the national flower of Nepal.
March to May fine clear day most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes on high altitude areas as well on passes. Autumn / Falls another best time for this trek with a fine clear day for views and walks. But days are short with sun-light hours can be freezing cold higher altitude, especially in the morning, and night times will be clear with bright starry nights. Chances of snow on tracks above 2,100 m higher.
Religion and Culture:
The high hills of Annapurna Himalaya and Mid-Hills are populated by Gurung and Magar Poon people the mountain tribes of Nepal and the highlanders of Annapurna Himalayas. The Gurung follows the Buddhism religion as well with their ancient culture of the Bon sect, pre-Buddhism. While the Magar Poon is interwoven with both Hindu and Buddhism religions. On the trek, you will notice traditionally built houses, where every home is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and religious monuments.
