Overview
The Annapurna Khayer Trek takes you to Khayer Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake at 4,620 meters that sits in the shadow of the Annapurna range. The lake is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, and the trail to reach it climbs through some of the most untouched forest in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Dense rhododendron, oak, and hemlock forests give way to alpine meadows with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare.
This moderate trek is one of the quieter routes in the Annapurna region. The trail passes through Gurung villages where traditional life carries on with little outside influence, and the path up to the lake is steep but rewarding. The lake itself is small and clear, set in a rocky basin with snow-capped peaks reflected in its surface. It is a wonderful option for trekkers who want a meaningful cultural and natural experience away from the busier trails.
Itinerary
After breakfast, you drive 200km northwest from Kathmandu to Pokhara which takes around 6-7 hours via tourist bus. It is an adventurous drive with scenic view of terraced rice field, stunning landscape, Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers and panoramic view of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna Himalayan Range. You will stop at Malekhu for having lunch and continue your drive to Pokhara..
Overnight at Lodge in Pokhara
After having breakfast, you drive to Nayapul from Pokhara via private car. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Nayapul. On the way to Nayapul, your way goes through Bamboo forests and a large waterfall. After reaching there you will trek to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the most popular trek. You ascend to reach there. You can see majority views of Annapurna range, Manaslu, and other mountains. You can visit the Gurung museum over there.
Overnight at Lodge in Ghandruk
From Ghandruk, you continue towards Tadapani with the view of waterfalls, landscapes, Annapurna south, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli and other peaks. On the way, you pass the small village of Deorali and enter deep into the forest of rhododendron to reach Tadapani.
Overnight at Lodge in Tadapani
After breakfast in Tadapani, you will make a downhill walk through rhododendron until Modi Khola and then ascend to Landruk. From here, a gradual walk through the terraced rice fields takes you to Bhedi Kharka.
Overnight at Lodge in Bhedi Kharka
Today, the trail rises high above the tree-line and you will start seeing the dwarf vegetation and alpine landscapes as you reach Khopra Danda. Here you get the feast of natural beauty, milky peaks and amazing scenery. Mountain views include Annapurna South(7219m), Baraha Shikhar(7647m), Nigiri(7061m) and Dhaulagiri(8167m).
Overnight at Lodge in Khopra Danda
Overnight at Lodge in High Camp
Today you retrace your step back from high camp(4240m) to Khobra Danda. You will be enjoying the amazing landscapes and hike around the village to get insight of local culture and tradition.
Overnight at Lodge in Khopra Danda
Overnight at Lodge in Sotta
The trek from Sotta to Ghorepani goes through the Poon village of Ghara and Sikha and their terrace farmlands and beautiful forest of rhododendron, birch and magnolia. The surrounding peaks look so amazing and pretty. After some time you will reach the destination.The panoramic view includes Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range which can be seen through Poonhill.
Overnight at Lodge in Ghorepani
You will drive from Ghorepani to reach Pokhara. On the way, you see many lakes and fascinating mountains. You will definitely be relishing their nature and fresh windy air which is one of the attractive things while going to Pokhara.
Overnight at Lodge in Pokhara
You can take a bus or flight to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara with an amazing countryside view. If you are on a flight, you will reach Kathmandu after 15 minutes. And if you catch a bus, the duration of the drive will be about 6-7 hours. You can explore green hills, rivers and terrace farming. After your arrival, you can rest at your hotel.