Trip Highlights
- Exploring traditional culture around beautiful farm hill villages of Magar and Gurung people
- A spectacular walk from warmer areas of paddy fields to alpine cooler region on green hills
- An astonishing sunrise panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas
- Super spectacular landscapes of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, also the Manaslu Himalayan peaks
- Astonishing forest loaded with rhododendron trees
Khayer Lake Trek is a beautiful trek with scenic landscapes, lush green valleys, idyllic lakes; and traditional villages filled with the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities. Khayer Lake Trek lies in the Annapurna Region. However, this region is a blend of culture and outstanding natural wonders.
Khayer Lake Trek is a shorter trek which passes through rhododendron forests, cultivated fields, and lush greenery; with spectacular mountain views. Almost Gurung ethnicity people are found in the region and are warm and welcoming to every visitor. Day by day one can view postcard scenes of mountains, forests, rivers, and village on the trek.
Continuing on the trail, Poon Hill is another major spot in this Khayer Lake Trek. Poon Hill provides the best sunrise view that turns the snowcapped mountains into a golden color; by the rays of the sun which are completely mesmerizing. Khayer Lake is a sacred Hindu lake which holds a popular yak blood drinking festival. Many people visit here during the months of July and August and are both culturally and naturally important.
Additional information
Himalayan Summit Treks and Expedition always strives to deliver the best quality to our clients. We are a Nepalese based company that resides in a country with much to offer both in terms of natural and cultural beauty. We have highly skilled and knowledgeable guides and porters who know the landscape intimately. Their goal is to assist you in every way to provide outstanding service. Hence Let us take you on your journey of a lifetime.
Itinerary
After arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, one of the tour staff will come to greet you and escort you to the hotel.
Kathmandu city is surrounded by temples, monuments, stupas and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square showcasing the brotherhood between Hindus and Buddhists. These sites hold the ancient history of Nepal. The arts and crafts found in these sites are unlike any place in the world and will leave you in awe of these cultural wonders.
Today you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The total traveling distance is 200km and will take about 6-7 hours. Although the road may be uneven at times, it offers the best views of the surroundings with verdant green hills, mountains, and abundant wildlife. After arriving in Pokhara, you will have some time to rest and roam the peaceful environment of this lakeside town in the evening.
From Pokhara, you will be driven towards Kimche (1640m) and then the trek starts from Kimche to Ghandruk. Which will pass through beautiful villages along the way as you mover ever closer to the mountains? Ghandruk is a beautiful village central to the Gurung people. Here is also the Gurung Museum that shows Gurung culture and traditions.
Moving ahead from Ghandruk to Tadapani you will move through various forests and if lucky, one can spot wildlife. Tadapani is also known as the junction for many trekking routes such as the Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, and Khayer Lake.
You will walk towards Bayeli through the beautiful villages of Meshar and Isharu. Passing through rhododendron forests will feel like a lush tunnel of deep green. After arriving in Bayeli enjoy some rest, and explore around the village.
Today will begin with ascending up to the top of a hill where you will begin to leave the tree line behind and walk through small shrubs with the mountains in the background. As you continue to ascend you can see more clearly the beautiful scenery of the mountains with various small villages. Finally, you reach Khopra Danda and will spend the night.
From Khopra Danda we will go to Khayar Lake. The trail can be challenging as you trek through the rough and rocky terrain. However, when you reach Khayar Lake, its magnificent views will make worthwhile any challenges you overcame to reach this place. Khayar Lake is a beautiful lake. It is a pilgrimage site where the deity Khayar Barahi is worshipped in the Hindu religion. Once a year a famous festival is celebrated in the months of July and August. You can also see various mountains like Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m) and many more. After exploring for some time, we will descend to Khopra Danda.
Today we will descend from Khopra Danda to Swanta. Crossing forest, streams and ridges we reach Rat mate. Then we again start to descend through a dense forest. You will reach Swanta with energy to spare today, and we will overnight here.
From Swanta you will trek to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is another Gurung village. It is the nearest village to reach Poon Hill. Passing through beautiful rhododendron forests interspersed with views of the surrounding mountains you finally reach Ghorepani. Enjoy some tea and chat with the locals as we settle in for the evening.
An early start at around 5 am, we will give us the chance to see the incredible sunrise at Poon Hill (3,193m). It is a steep climb which is not too hard and takes around 1 hour to reach. Take in the sunrise here with views over the Himalaya. Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Nilgiri ( 7,061m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6443m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m) are all on display. Then you can return back to Ghorepani and have breakfast and hike downwards towards Nayapul and prepare to drive back to Pokhara. Once we reach Pokhara we will spend the night.
Today is the day to drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. After a roughly seven-hour journey, you will reach Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, we will escort you to your hotel to relax. Your time is free now to enjoy the sights in Thamel, where beautiful and exotic souvenirs can be purchased.
We will transfer you to the airport in Kathmandu for your further departures.