Trip Highlight:

“Marvelous scenic walks on green hills of Annapurna Himalaya with exciting views Adventure on and off the beaten tracks away from main-stream trail for some days Wonderful treks on high ridge of Kopra to holy pond of Khair within high mountains Explore local Gurung and Poon-Magar villages enriched with impressive old traditions Walk into chanting woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pine trees Stunning sunrise views from scenic Poon Hill over chain of world’s highest mountains Starting and ending marvelous treks at picturesque Pokhara city by its serene Phewa Lake”.

Brief Trip Profile:

Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge with camping for a few days.

Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous.

Highest Altitude : At Khair Lake 4,620 m and Kopra-Ridge 4,020m high.

Activities : Sightseeing tour, exciting drive and trekking.

People and Culture : Higher up dominated by Gurung and Poon-Magar the hill tribe of Annapurna region with Buddhism religion, lower area mixed tribes of Gurung-Magar-Thakali, Hindu Brahmins and Chettries varied culture and custom of Buddhist and Hindu traditional life.

Area of Trekking : Nepal Mid-West around Annapurna Himalaya range.

Trekking duration : 09 Nights and 10 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara).

Total Trip : 14 Nights and 15 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).

Season : March to May and September to early December months, March to May wild-flowers rhododendron and magnolia in full bloom.

Introduction:

Mountain Challenger Treks & Expeditions offers magnificent adventure Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama Trekking, leading you to complete wilderness of mountains facing close views of Annapurna, Vara-Shikar and Dhaulagiri range of peaks. An exceptional country into deep and hidden pockets of Annapurna Himalaya on least ventured areas by main-flow of trekkers where you will be in tranquil environment surround by massive mountains. Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama take you to the almost forgotten path to holy Khair Lake fed on the glaciers of Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar peaks known as Annapurna Fang, where once a year a religious fair and events take place. Hundreds of pilgrims from Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region visit this sacred pond to worship and have a holy dip in the freezing pond, believe it cleanses the sins of hundreds of lifetimes, where you can witness this beautiful country on Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama Trekking. Our wonderful adventure to Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama Trekking begins with an exciting overland journey to reach a beautiful Pokhara city blessed with natural beauty of Annapurna Himalaya and calm Phewa and Begnas Lakes. Where adventure continues heading on the main trail to Ghorepani and Poon Hill located within densely forested areas filled with tall rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) wherein springtime the hills will be alive when flowers are in full bloom. Hike to Poon Hill for fantastic sunrise views over an array of Himalayan peaks from Dhaulagiri, Annapurna to Manaslu range with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the Fish-Tail peak, from here leaving the main busy path for total wilderness into isolated areas of Kopra hills and Khair Lake. The walk leads higher leaving human settlement and farm village to enter into remote corners of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri areas facing fabulous views of high peaks and exploring scenic and holy areas of Khair Lake and Kopra ridge. After an enjoyable and superb walk into holy Khair Lake returns journey takes you to a large Gurung village at Ghandruk and then with the short exciting drive back to Pokhara after concluding incredible adventure on Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara 820m (220 k.m) - 06 hrs journey (30 mins by air).

Day 04: Drive to Bhirethati 1,100 m and trek to Ulleri village 1,640 m - 05 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani 2,854 m - 04 hrs.

Day 06: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m and trek to Sauta 2,200 m via Chitre 2,790 m - 05 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Kopra Ridge 4,020m - 06 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Khayer Lake 4,620m - 05 hrs.

Day 09: At Khayer Lake for local hike and exploration.

Day 10: Trek to Chistibung 3,100m - 04 hrs.

Day 11: Trek to Dobato 3,460m - 05 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Ghandruk 1,950 m - 04 hrs.

Day 13: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara - 06 hrs.

Day 14: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.

Day 15: International departure for homeward bound.

Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at the briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief you regarding Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.

Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.

Morning after breakfast our city guide will take you for an interesting sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu city, where Kathmandu valley steeped with ancient historical, religious monuments which is listed on world heritage sites. Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old Malla and Shah Royal courtyard) with resident of virgin ‘Goddess Kumari’ and other places of great interest, from here heading to oldest landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be more than 2,600 years old a Buddhist dome shaped with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. From here head back to Hotel with free afternoon preparation for Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama treks.

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara 820m (220 k.m) - 06 hrs journey (30 mins by air).

Morning taking a tourist coach or smaller vehicle as per group size for the ocean and drive that leads you away and beyond Kathmandu valley heading low warmer areas with views of snowcapped mountains. As drive continues on busy main highway past farm villages and town then heading Nepal Mid-West to reach at scenic Pokhara city.At Pokhara transfer to nice hotels by the serene lake Phewa with views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain range with towering peaks of Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’. (Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight from Kathmandu to land at Pokhara airport).

Day 04: Drive to Bhirethati 1,100 m and trek to Ulleri village 1,640 m - 05 hrs.

After a wonderful stop at scenic and beautiful Pokhara facing views of Annapurna Himal and Machhapuchare peaks 'Fish Tail', after breakfast heading beyond Pokhara valley to start our first day walk. Drive leads along with grand views of Annapurna past farm villages and towns and then by the bank of Modi River to reach at Bhirethati a charming village around the Annapurna region. From here our first day starts on the slow winding trail with an uphill to Tirkhedhunga overlooking beautiful waterfalls after a short rest. As walk continues with a climb on nice paved stone steps to reach at Ulleri a large and typical Hill village, inhabited mostly by Gurung and Magar tribes with thatched and slated roofs offering views of Machhapuchare Himal with Annapurna South and Huinchuli peaks.

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani 2,854 m - 04 hrs.

From here on gradual winding up the trail to reach at Ghorepani as walk leads into lovely alpine woodland of rhododendron and pine trees. After a great pleasant walk reaching at Ghorepani for next morning hike to Poon Hill, Ghorepani home of Poon people of Magar origin tribe, an ethnic hill tribes of Nepal famous as Gorkha soldiers in UK-India and other foreign countries. This village with many good lodges offers marvelous views of Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiri’s and Annapurna Himalayan mountains.

Day 06: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m and trek to Sauta 2,220 m via Chitre 2,790 m - 05 hrs.

Early morning before breakfast, hike up for an hour on top scenic Poon Hill at above 3,210 m one of the highest spots of the trek. From Poon Hill catch striking sunrise views of the panorama of mountains which includes Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiri’s-Annapurna Fang (Vara Shikar) Annapurna range of peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail' the unclimbed and virgin peaks of Himalaya. View includes Mt. Manaslu with Lamjung extending towards Ganesh Himal due to the eastern horizon, after a marvelous photo session head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and carries on trekking downhill into beautiful woods of rhododendron trees with views of mountains. Finally, as walk leads to descend and at Chitre village and then leaving the main trekking trail heading into quiet areas towards Khair Lake, with an overnight stop in a lovely Sauta farm village inhabited by Poon-Magar people with grand views of Dhaulagiri and tips of Annapurna Himalaya.

Day 07: Trek to Kopra Ridge 4,020 m - 06 hrs.

On leaving Chistibung where heights gains slowly leaving tree lines behind where few hours of scenic walk reach you at Kopra ridge for overnight stops, offers scenic views of landscapes facing a massive range of Mt. Dhaulagiri with Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang), Annapurna South from this wonderful spot.

Day 08: Trek to Khair Lake Base camp 4,620m - 05 hrs.

Morning hike to the holy lake at Khair Lake located at 4,620 m. which is a long walk, but worth the views, the site of religious festival occasion held annually around the month of August and September. Villagers from the surrounding area assemble here to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and bathe in the icy waters, offers sacrifices of sheep and goats.

Day 09: At Khair Lake for local hike and exploration.

An ideal spot for rest day where you can marvel the beautiful surrounding being close to towering Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Annapurna Fang or Vara Shikar, a pristine area, where few trekkers often venture around this amazing place. Here with ample time to explore the unexplored region of Khair Lake with exceptional view points and in perfect harmony of nature.

Day 10: Trek to Chistibung 3,100 m -05 hrs.

After a marvelous time at Khair holy Lake, walk back to Chistibung past Kopra ridge, starting with a slow gradual morning walk on off beaten trail passing farm fields and scattered Sheppard’s huts, trekking downhill through enchanting rhododendron and bamboo forest, walking small stream to summer pastures at Chistibung for overnight stop, a small place with few small huts serving as tea-houses.

Day 11: Trek to Dobato 3,420 m - 05 hrs.

After a great time around Khair Lake and Kopra hills, morning walk leads to a long descend through grazing lands in the middle of rhododendron forest to our overnight stop at Dobato, a summer pasture with views of Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchare / Fish Tail peak at 6,993 meters.

Day 12: Trek to Ghandruk 1,950 m - 05 hrs.

Enjoy morning grand views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare Himal, and then continue walk on downhill into forest of rhododendron, oak and magnolia to reach on the main trekking trail to reach at Ghandruk village, after a short stop on high area around farm village, downhill to Ghandruk for overnight in the comfort of nice and cozy lodge, with time to visit large Gurung village of Annapurna region.

Day 13: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara - 06 hrs.

Facing morning grand views of Annapurna peaks, morning leads downhill on long stone steps toreach at Syali Bazaar and then follow Modi River towards Bhirethati village unto Nayapul at the road-head for few hour drive back to scenic beautiful Pokhara after completing a wonderful adventure Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama Trekking by the serene Lake Phewa.

Day 14: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.

After pleasant and interesting time on high hills and valley of Annapurna with last overnight in Pokhara, morning taking a drive back to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway where the interesting journey ends on reaching hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara airport).

Day 15: International departure for home ward bound.

Last day in Nepal country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfer you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Khair Lake and Annapurna Panorama Trekking. 

Cost Details

  • Airport pick up and drop. ( In a comfortable vehicle).
  • 2-nights hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Kathmandu / Pokhara/Kathmandu/Besi Sahar by tourist bus/plane.
  • Lodge accommodation on the way.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner tea/coffee three times a day).
  • ALL Required permits.
  • One fluent English speaking, the government registered the most experienced for the respecting area (local), first aid trained, guide. 
  • Porters.
  • All ground transportation.

  • Clients personal travel insurance.
  • individual expenses of personal natural.
  • alcoholic beverage.
  • Donation for local communities people or school if the client wants.
  • Tipping.

No fixed departures.

Trip Review


Starting from$1,550

  • Trip Level
    Moderate
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Max Altitude
    4620m
  • Duration
    15 Days

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