Khopra Poon Hill Trekking-15 Days

Discover the pristine and charming hiking location in the heart of the Annapurna Region, Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake with Poon Hill hiking.

Trip Introduction: Khopra Poon Hill Trek 2024/2025

Khopra Poon Hill Trekking explores the unscathed and quaint trekking destination located in the heart of the Annapurna Region. Get all the elements of a typical trekking trail in Nepal in this trekking and in addition to that have the quaint trail at your disposal while you trek. Join this trek to experience one of the most exotic trekking adventures in the hills of Nepal with panoramic views, diverse vegetation, wildlife, a varied range of landscapes, culture, and traditions. Termed as the alternative to the Ghorepani Trek by some, Khopra and Khayer lake trekking takes you to another great panorama of the Annapurna Massifs. In this relatively new trekking trail, you get to experience beautiful and untouched nature.

During this trek, individuals shall be closer to the Annapurna Region, and explore the forest with diverse vegetation including pine, oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. Along the route, travelers can traverse through the settlements with the inhabitation of diverse communities including the Magar, Gurung, Chettri, Brahmin, Kami, and Damai. Individuals can get to witness the breathtaking view of the mountains including Annapurna Massifs, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri Peak, Machapuchare or the Fishtail Mountain, Baraha Sikhar Peak, and many others.

Khayer lake and Khopra hill trek has some strenuous sections and mostly easy trekking in the hills of Annapurna Region. For trekking, historical and cultural excursions, and quaint trekking experiences, this trekking trail is an ideal choice. Interact with locals and observe their authentic culture on this trek. Join the professional service of Nepal Trekking Planner where we provide high value for your money spent and make sure that visitors can make the best out of this trek. Come and get a new trekking experience in Khopra Poon Hill Trekking with Trekking Planner Nepal.

How does Khopra and Khayer lake trek start and end?

Khayer lake and Khopra hill Trekking welcomes people with a beautiful and scenic start in the Pokhara Valley. Proceed along the trail from Nayapul to reach the village of Birethati, an affluent village at the confluence of Modi and Bhurungdi Rivers. Accompanied by the Modi River, the trek continues through lush green forests, waterfalls, and the marvelous view of the mountains en route.

Traversing through the settlements of Syauli Bazaar, Kilu, Kimchi, and Kyumi, we reach one of the popular villages in the Annapurna Region, the village of Ghandruk. The village is perched on a hill that faces the range of the Himalayas; Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung settlements in the region with beautifully arranged houses and pieces of evidence of well-preserved culture practiced since ages. We ascent on to the Tadapani village and branch off from the main trail to join the trail of side-trips and head on to reach Bayeli Kharka; the summer settlement across several small streams and past the lush green hills. Upon ascending, trekkers will traverse through Upper Chistibung to reach the destination of Khopra Ridge.

Witnessing the panoramic view of the sunrise over the mountain ranges of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fang, and Nilgiri from the top of Khopra Ridge, trekkers shall then explore the small, quaint and beautiful Kaire Lake. After a scenic stop at Kaire, travelers retrace their steps back to the village of Swanta. Across a couple of streams, we then trek to Ghorepani, the ancient stoppage for traders. Trekkers shall then descend to the Birethanti village that hosts the ACAP check post following a drive back to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu which marks the end of the trek.

What is the best time for Khopra Hill and Khayer lake trekking?

The best season to go for Khopra Poon Hill trekking depends upon a number of factors including personal preferences, length of itinerary, peak and off-peak seasons, activities of interest, budget, and accessibility along the route. So, keeping all these factors in mind it is best for travelers to prioritize what matters the most.  

Apart from this, the best season recommended for Khopra Lake is generally spring which lasts from March to May, and autumn which lasts from September to November. During the spring season, the weather is mostly moderate offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The rhododendron forest along routes will be in full bloom offering a spectacular display of crimson colors throughout the forest. The trails along the way are dry, lush, and green.

Another best time for the Khopra Hill region trek is autumn. The weather during the period is cool and dry with a clear visible sky. The season also offers striking views of majestic peaks like Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/26,795feet), Annapurna (I, II, III and South) (above 8000 m), Machapuchare (6,993meters/22,943feet), Hiunchuli (6,441 meters/ 21,132 feet), Nilgiri (7,061meters/ 23,166 feet) and Lamjung Himal (6,983meters/22,901 feet) from Poon Hill. Similarly, the trekking trails are less muddy and slippery as compared to the monsoon season.

This hike is also possible in the winter. However, it gets more difficult due to cold weather, which necessitates extra packing, and the cost may climb due to additional heating charges at various accommodations. Similarly, during the monsoon season, the trails may become slick due to excessive rain. There is a possibility of landslides and flooding in specific regions, which could result in a barrier causing an impediment during the trek. It is advised to take extra precautions if the trek is to be completed during the winter and rainy seasons.

Note: Before beginning the Khopra Khayer Lake Poon Hill trekking journey, it is critical to adequately organize your trip, book accommodations, and obtain a weather forecast. Any confusion or problems about the journey can be resolved by a Trekking Planner Nepal expert who will support you during the expedition.

What are the permits/documents required for Khayer lake and Khopra hill trek?

Trekking in Poon Hill requires different permissions in order to commence trekking in and around the area. These permits are important to modulate tourist numbers and promote the preservation of the local ecology and culture which include:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Being a protected area, the Annapurna Conservation Area requires all hikers to get an ACAP permit. This permit can be made available by the Trekking Planner Nepal best agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as well as at the ACAP entry points along the trekking route.
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Trekkers also need to obtain a TIMS card, which helps track trekkers and provides assistance in case of emergencies. There are two types of TIMS cards: one for organized treks and another for individual trekkers. TIMS cards can be obtained from an authorized trekking agency like Trekking Planner Nepal in Kathmandu.

Other documents that are required are a valid Passport and Visa, Travel Insurance, Trekking permits for Support Staff, and any Emergency Contacts.

What are chances of AMS during the trek?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough time to acclimate to decreasing oxygen levels after rapidly rising to high altitudes. It could be a problem for trekkers in high-altitude areas like the Annapurna Region during the Poon Hill and Khayer Lake trek.

Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping are some of the symptoms of AMS. These symptoms usually occur within 6 to 12 hours of arrival at higher elevations. While AMS is often seen as a benign ailment, if left untreated, it can escalate to more serious forms, such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal.

How to cope with AMS during Khopra Poon Hill Trekking?

To decrease the potential of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during high-altitude trekking in the Poon Hill region special guidelines should be followed. First and foremost proper acclimatization is critical which can be covered by giving your body time to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Ascend slowly and include rest days in your trekking plan for the acclimatization process.

Drinking sufficient water and fluids throughout the day can help to cope with dehydration effects during the route. Consuming alcohol and tobacco should be avoided while maintaining a proper balanced diet is a must.

A medical professional or experienced guide may recommend medicine in some circumstances to assist in preventing or relieving AMS symptoms. If you have any worries or a history of altitude-related difficulties, consult a medical expert before embarking on your journey.

Is it necessary to purchase Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not necessary, particularly for Khopra Ridge, Khayer Lake and Poon Hill Trekking. However, having travel insurance will assure fellow travelers of any uncanny circumstances. It can provide protection in the event of unanticipated events, such as trip cancellation, medical issues, lost or stolen property, etc. Travel insurance can assist you in recovering some or all of your costs if you have to cancel your trip or if something goes wrong while you are on the road.

Although theft is rare, it does happen, so make sure all valuables are hidden. Travelers can leave any valuables in our office locker while traveling. Please follow your guide's instructions provided by Trekking Planner Nepal if there is a landslide, avalanche, flooding, or earthquake on the mountain.  Likewise, if you become ill, let your guide know right away.

Outline Itinerary for Khopra Poon Hill Trek

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,350 m / 4,430 ft and transfer to Hotel.
• Day 2: Full day in Kathmandu half-day tour at places of interest.
• Day 3: Drive to Pokhara 860 m on Nepal midwest highway - 6 hrs.
• Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Kyumi and trek to Ghandruk 1,940 m -5 hrs.
• Day 5: Trek to Tadapani 2,630 m - 4 hrs.
• Day 6: Trek to Dobato 3,349 m - 4 hrs.
• Day 7: Trek to Bayeli 3,437 m hike around Hidden Lake 4,372m - 6 hrs.
• Day 8: Trek to Khopra Hill 3,660 m- 6 hrs.
• Day 9: At Khopra Hill hike to Khayer Lake 4,620 m -6 hrs both ways.
• Day 10: Trek to Sauta 2,200 m -6 hrs.
• Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani 2,874 m via Chitre - 5 hrs.
• Day 12: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m walk to Tirkhedhunga 1,450 m - 6 hrs.
• Day 13: Trek to the main road at Bhirethati and drive to Pokhara - 5 hrs.
• Day 14: Drive / Fly to Kathmandu - 06 hrs journey (30 mins via air)
• Day 15: Final International departure from Nepal.