The treks in Nepal are more or less centered around the Annapurna region, and there is no doubt about the Khayer Lake trek. Located in the Southern part of the Annapurna region, the Khayer Lake trek is short and moderate.
Along with the Khayer Lake trek, there is an opportunity to get through the Khopra Ridge, making the overall experience worth it. In the form of the Khayer Lake trek, you have an option to visit the ridge, Khopra Danda, and the lake itself.
This particular trek is a short off-beaten trek that will take you through the Gurung and Magar villages. Following the variety in culture, you can also find the variety in flora and fauna.
The Trek Nepal has been performing the Khayer Lake trek for some time, but the experience is different and unique rather than other overcrowded treks.
Khayer Lake Trek Overview
If you want to get over the crowded Annapurna Base Camp trek, you have an option to choose the Khopra ridge and Khayer Lake view trek. Beyond the mainstream trek, you will have a chance to experience something different.
There are various landmarks like the ridge, sunrise view from Poonhill, a variety of Himalayas, along with the rhododendron and pine forest. Through this trek, you will stay in local tea houses and enjoy nature.
Some of the key mountains that you get to view include Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Fishtail, Dhampus Peak, Gurja Himal, Hiunchuli, etc.
Highlights of Khayer Lake Trek
- Chance to witness some of the beautiful mountains in the Annapurna region
- Amazing sunrise view from Poonhill and Khopra ridge
- Spectacular view of Khayer Lake at an altitude of 4600m
- Remote and less crowded trek for an authentic experience
How Difficult Is Khayer Lake Trek?
A constant question that keeps coming back to The Trek Nepal is about how difficult is Khayer Lake trek is and whether beginners can do it or not. Well, the simple answer is yes.
Khayer Lake trek touches down at 4500m, so the trek is a moderate opportunity. If you have decent fitness and have the ability to walk 6 hours for more than a week, you are good to go.
There are some steep ascents along with beautiful flowers and animals along the way. Guidance from The Trek Nepal, along with steady peace and acclamatization, allows you to complete the trek quite easily.
All along the way, trekkers will be staying at local tea houses, so being mentally prepared is also key to the trek. Moreover, it will be a beautiful experience for the trekkers.
Culture and tradition found in the Khayer Lake region
The particular Khayer Lake trek is massively dominated by the Gurung and Tamang cultures. You will find plenty of the Tamang and Gurung communities in the region.
Similarly, the major festival celebrated here are Dashain, Tihar, Janai Purnima, etc. Besides the local festival and rituals are also found in plenty when we talk about the Khayer Lake trek.
Phew Barahi Temple, present in the region, has a massive cultural importance to the local people. A deep cultural and religious dimension can be experienced during this particular trek with The Trek Nepal.
Best Season to Do Khayer Lake Trek
There are plenty of questions as to when is the best time for the Khayer Lake trek. Well, the answer is pretty simple. Either choose the spring or autumn season to get the best results.
The skies are clear with chilly mornings and evenings. The temperature during the day doesnt rise too high making the trek much more easier. If you choose the spring or autumn, the flowers bloom better to provide a brilliant experience.
March to May is spring in Nepal, while September to November is the autumn season. Eventhough the Khayer Lake trek can be done all around the year, we suggest two specific seasons for you.
Is Altitude Sickness an issue in Khayer Lake Trek?
It is easier to say that the Khayer Lake trek is an easier to moderate trek. The maximum altitude that we touch down is 4500m above sea level, which isn’t too high.
But the quick ascent and descent could cause a major issue. Starting the journey from Kimche at 1640m, you get to experience above 4500m too during the trek.
A journey that lasts just over a week will provide you with an insight into the local culture and traditions. You must follow the guidance from The Trek Nepal as we focus keenly on acclamitization.
Reasons Why You Should Do Khayer Lake Trek?
There could be a lot of queries why you should do the Khayer Lake trek in the 2025/2026 season. As the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes all the limelight, this particular trek is untouched.
Not only that you also have the chance to explore Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages in abundance. Meanwhile, being on the peaceful trail, you have the chance to explore all the beautiful mountains along.
Similarly, there is also the presence of 14 different kinds of rhododendrons, which can be enjoyed. Meanwhile, the wildlife like Danphe, Himalayan Tahr, monkeys, and wild boars also add to the beauty and variety.
Why is Khayer Lake Important?
Not only for the natural beauty and the outlook of the place, Khayer Lake is also religiously important. Readers might be surprised to know that Khayer Lake at 4500m is religiously important for both Buddhist and Hindu communities.
On the occasion of Janai Purnima, all the Hindus and Buddhists take the holy dip at this lake. This lake particularly comes down from the Annapurna region, so the alpine look is pretty beautiful.
Locals in the region believe all of their wishes get fulfilled after they take the holy dip at Khayer Lake during festivals. The Magar and Gurung community residing in the area believes the almighty lives here.
Food and Accomodation at Khayer Lake Trek
Like all of the other off-beaten treks in Nepal, you will find similar services even at the Khayer Lake trek. The Trek Nepal assures that we will provide the best services out of the available ones.
The accomodation in Kathmandu is top class, while there are tea houses on the trail. These tea houses are run by the local Magar and Gurung communities.
You will get all the basic facilities like sharing beds, hot and cold showers, etc, during the journey. Having said that, the beds will be clean and hygiene will be a premiere focus.
Talking about the food, though, you will get a variety of cuisines when in Kathmandu, but the options get limited when you are on the trail. There will be 3 meals on the day.
The breakfast and dinner will be provided at the place of stay, while lunch will be provided on the road. The authentic Nepalese food will be provided during the trek.
You will get the Nepalese Daal, Bhaat, and Dhido along with a normal breakfast since you leave Kathmandu. All the food is organic and self-grown by the locals.
Cost of Khayer Lake Trek
A lot of queries that come along with the Khayer Lake Trek with Khopra ridge are about the cost of the overall trek. Well, the accurate cost is hard to predict. The major reason is that the cost tends to vary based on various factors.
The time of the year to the number of people, and the time spent during the trek directly affect the cost of the trek. Other than that, you will also have to reconsider the budget.
Anyone who is confused and wants to know more about the cost of the trek can contact The Trek Nepal. We provide you with the details of the trek, the cost, the proper itinerary, and also customise the package.
This allows you to enjoy the beauty of Khayer while being on a budget. Readers can either contact our number or also visit the office in Kathmandu.
Permits Required for Khayer Lake Trek
Khayer Lake trek is present in the Annapurna region, so there are some specific permits that would be required for the trek.
If you have booked with The Trek Nepal, we do take care of every permit from either of Nepal Tourism Board or the specific location. But if you are performing the trek on your own, you need to get some permits sorted.
They include:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Detailed Itinerary of Khayer Lake Trek
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and stay in a hotel
The first day of the trek is all about arriving in Kathmandu. As you reach the international airport, a member of The Trek Nepal will be present there to receive you at the airport.
As you will be placed into your respective rooms, you will have an opportunity to either roam the city or rest at your hotel. By the evening, we will have the welcome dinner together.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
On the 2nd day of the trek, following a healthy breakfast, we will be driving to Pokhara. It will be a road trip that will take you around 7 hours to complete. Passing through the noise of the capital, we will move to beautiful landscapes.
River, forest, rugged roads, and everything in between will help you reach Pokhara by the end of the day. As the day comes to an end, we will rest at the respective hotels, planning for the trip ahead
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and walk to Ghandruk
The team of The Trek Nepal will drive you to Nayapul, from where the actual Khayer Lake trek begins. All the members of the trek will assemble and start the journey towards Kimchi. In about 3 hours of the trek, we will reach Ghandruk and spend the night.
Ghandruk is a small Gurung village, and we will reside at the homestay. After having proper rest for some time, we will head down to visit the locals and also understand their lifestyle in detail. As the night falls in we will move back to our rooms and spend the night.
Day 4: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani
The early morning healthy breakfast makes way to the Tadapani trek today. It will be through the beautiful Ghandruk village, providing great scenery for you. Rhododendron forest, river tributaries, and brilliant views will take you towards Tadapani today.
5 hours of trek means that we will reach Tadapani. The prayer flags all around will greet you with great peace. Trekkers will get a brilliant view of Machhapuchhre Mountain. Everyone will make their way towards the tea houses and spend the night at Tadapani.
Day 5: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato
Khayer Lake trek just gets interesting as we move ahead. Breakfast early in the morning means that we will be moving ahead towards Dobato today. There are plenty of stairs to climb as we move ahead through the rhododendron forest.
During the peak trekking season, we will see beautiful flowers all along the way. Walking down the ridgeline filled with beautiful views takes us to Tadapani. The maximum altitude we hit is 3550m, and we spend the night at Dobato. The stay will be at the local teahouse today.
Day 6: Trek from Dobato to Khopra Ridge/Khopra Danda
As we had a night stay in Dobato, we will move towards the famous Khopra ridge today. The journey won’t be easier, but it is worth it. First stop for the day will be Muldai viewpoint to get the beautiful sunrise view. The beautiful sunrise view adds to the glory of Khayer Lake trek.
Likewise, breakfast would mean that we would have to move towards Khopra Danda Ridge now. A trekking journey of 7 hours means that we will reach the ridge. Some of the mountains, like Dhaulagiri, will be at your disposal. A beautiful walk right around the trail will take us to the Danda, where we will spend the night.
Day 7: Hike to Khayer Lake and return to Khopra Ridge
It is judgment day as we will reach the Khayer lake today. The early morning sun to the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri will make things more interesting. Capture all the glorious views that come along the way.
After the early morning breakfast, we will touch down to reach Khayer Lake. A hike up the slopes of the Annapurna Massif will take you there. When you reach the lake, Annapurna South is much closer to you. Embracing the beauty and taking photos, we will get back to Khopra Ridge.
Day 8: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village
As we have touched down at our destination, we will be moving towards home now. The first step back will be to reach Swanta village. Admiring the beauty of the mountain panorama for one last time, we move back. We move towards Swanta village.
As the retracing is backwards, it will be easier, and we will trek for 6 hours today. Swanta is a small village filled with traditional houses on a gentle hill. All the trekkers will be placed into their rooms at the tea house with an opportunity to enjoy the night.
Day 9: Trek from Swanta Village to Ghorepani
On the 9th morning, we will have breakfast at Swanta village and move back to Ghorepani through the trek. It will be 5 hours of trek, and it will be easier as we will be moving downwards. First of all, we cross the river, walk past the swaying suspension bridge, and go to the other side.
We will find Chittre and start walking on the crowded Ghorepani trail. Throughout the day, you will be meeting other trekkers, mules, and greenery. By the end of the day, we will reach Ghorepani, where we will be spending the night.
Day 10: Hike to Poonhill, trek to Hile, and drive to Pokhara
Eventhough we have rested the night at Ghorepani, we will do an early morning hike to Poonhill. This will be to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises ever. As the first rays of the sun hit Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, it is beauty in the making.
Returning back we will have breakfast and move ahead towards Hile. Reaching Hile by midday, we will be driving to Pokhara and will also reach our respective hotels. Trekkers will have the option to stroll around the lakeside, enjoying the view.
Day 11: Back to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Things start to come to a close at Khayer Lake trek. After having a beautiful early morning breakfast in Pokhara, we will drive back to Kathmandu. It will be by bus, enjoying the scenic beauties.
The journey will have some beautiful mountains, landscapes, several lush green meadows, and roaring rivers. The road seems to be beautiful as we head towards the destination, Kathmandu. A 7-hour bus ride will take you to the capital.
Day 12: Departure for the home nation
The saddest part of the Khayer Lake trek comes today. All the trekkers will be departing for their home countries. A member from The Trek Nepal will guide all the trekkers to the airport.
With the promise to meet again, The Trek Nepal will bid the guests goodbye, leaving you at the respective terminals and flights.