Khopra Trek Overview
The Khopra Ridge Trek via Ghandruk and Poonhill is a beautiful 15 days adventure trek that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Annapurna region. This trek offers a perfect mix of mountain views, charming villages, peaceful forests, and quiet trails, making it a great choice for trekkers looking for both natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Your trek begins in Kathmandu, where you will have some time for sightseeing and preparation. After that, you will head towards Pokhara and start your trek from Kande, reaching the lovely Australian Camp. From there, you will walk through peaceful villages like Landruk and the famous Ghandruk, known for its rich Gurung culture and stunning mountain views.
As you move higher, you will pass through Tadapani and Dobato, where you will start seeing even more incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek then leads you to Chistibung and finally to Khopra Danda (3,660m), one of the best viewpoints of the entire trek. From here, you will also take a day hike up to the beautiful Kalibaraha Lake (also known as Khayer Lake) at 4,827m, which is both a spiritual and scenic highlight.
After Khopra, you will descend through Swanta village and continue towards Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, you will hike up early to Poonhill (3,210m) for a famous sunrise view before trekking back down to Pokhara, where your trek ends.
This 15 days trek gives you the chance to enjoy the best of the Annapurna region at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to enjoy the views, local culture, and peaceful nature.
What can I expect to see at Khopra Danda (Ridge)?
At Khopra Danda, you will be standing on one of the best natural viewpoints in the Annapurna region. From the ridge, you can enjoy an incredible view of some of Nepal’s most famous mountains. Annapurna South feels very close, while Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) rise beautifully in the distance. When the weather is clear, you can see snow-capped peaks far across the horizon.
What makes Khopra Danda so special is how quiet and peaceful it feels compared to more crowded viewpoints like Poonhill. You can sit quietly, take your time, and fully enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without many people around. It feels like having your own private view of the mountains.
If you wake up early, you can watch the sunrise as the first light slowly touches the peaks. Many trekkers say this is one of the most beautiful moments of the trek. In the evening, the sunset also creates beautiful colors as the mountains turn soft shades of pink and orange.
Along the trail, you may also see wildlife. Yaks often graze in the meadows nearby, and you might spot colorful Himalayan monal birds, eagles, or other birds flying in the sky.
The calm atmosphere, stunning views, and quiet surroundings make Khopra Danda one of the true highlights of the trek.
How difficult is the Khopra Trek?
The Khopra Ridge Trek is considered a moderate trek. You don’t need any technical climbing skills or special mountaineering experience, but you should be in decent physical shape and ready for several days of walking. Most of the trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, though you will definitely face some steady uphill climbs and long descents, especially as you get closer to Khopra Danda.
The highest point where you will stay overnight is at Khopra Danda (around 3,660 meters), which is not considered extremely high in the trekking world. This means the chance of altitude sickness is lower compared to treks like Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. Still, it is always wise to take your time, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust naturally as you gain altitude.
Even if you are a first-time trekker, with a bit of preparation, a steady pace, and the support of a good guide, the Khopra Ridge Trek is a very enjoyable and adventurous experience. Many people are surprised how manageable it feels once they get into the daily rhythm of the trail.
What is the highest point (altitude) on Khopra Trek?
The highest point you will reach on the Khopra Ridge Trek is Kalibaraha Lake, also known as Khayer Lake, which sits at around 4,827m (5,836 ft) above sea level. This beautiful alpine lake lies just below Annapurna South and is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Local pilgrims believe that visiting the lake brings blessings, and during certain festivals, people from nearby villages hike up to perform religious rituals here. Standing at the lake, with the snowy peaks reflecting on the clear water, feels very peaceful and spiritual.
During the trek itself, the highest place where you will spend the night is at Khopra Danda. This viewpoint stands at about 3,660m (12,008 ft). From here, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountain views, with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre all standing tall in front of you.
The hike from Khopra Danda up to Khayer Lake is usually done as a day trip. It is one of the more challenging parts of the trek because of the altitude and the steady climb. The round-trip takes about seven to nine hours depending on your pace. Since you will be going higher, it is very important to walk slowly, stay well-hydrated, and listen to your body. Being well-acclimatized before attempting this hike makes the experience much more enjoyable and safe.
For many trekkers, reaching Khayer Lake is one of the most memorable highlights of the entire journey. The combination of natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and the feeling of standing close to some of the world’s highest peaks makes it truly special.
Why is Khayer (Kalibaraha) Lake considered sacred, and what is its historical importance?
Khayer Lake, also known as Kalibaraha Lake, is a high-altitude glacial lake located above Khopra Danda, sitting quietly at around 4,827 meters. While it may seem remote and untouched, for the local Gurung and Magar communities, this lake is deeply sacred and spiritually powerful.
The lake is believed to be connected to Lord Shiva and Lord Baraha, a powerful form of Lord Vishnu. It is also linked to Goddess Khayer Barahi, who is said to have lived here in her unmarried form. According to Hindu mythology and local stories, she is one of the nine Barahi sisters. People believe that long ago, there was a herdsman in Khopra who had nine daughters. Sadly, all of them died. Later, they were reborn as powerful goddesses. Among them, the goddess of Khopra (Kal Barahi) is considered the eldest, and Tal Barahi of Pokhara is believed to be the second sister. Other sacred places in the Annapurna region, like Ghorepani, are also said to be connected to the remaining sisters.
Many devotees, especially women who wish to have children, visit the temple and the lake to pray and offer sacrifices. They believe that the goddess blesses those who come with a pure heart and strong faith.
At the lake, there is a small Kalibaraha Temple, where all the prayers, ritual sacrifices, and bhakal (personal vows made to the goddess) take place. This temple is especially known among locals for fulfilling wishes when made with a pure heart and deep faith. Many women, especially those hoping to conceive, visit this temple to offer sacrifices in search of blessings. Young boys from Gurung and Magar families also come here to make bhakal, often with the belief that their devotion will help them get selected into the British or Singaporean army.
Every year during the Janai Purnima festival in August, people from districts like Myagdi, Kaski, and Baglung make a long and challenging journey to the lake. The area becomes a sacred gathering place where worshippers bathe in the icy water, offer animals like goats, and perform traditional rituals around the temple.
Bathing in the cold waters of Khayer Lake is believed to cleanse sins and bring peace and healing. Although there is no grand religious structure, the Kalibaraha Temple and small stone shrines nearby carry deep meaning for those who visit.
If you stay at the community lodge in Khopra Danda, the staff or your guide might share stories passed down from their elders. They may tell you about people hiking barefoot to the lake, carrying offerings wrapped in cloth, or walking for days without food just to reach this holy place. Some even say that the lake never dries up, not even during the driest months of the year.
For trekkers, visiting Khayer Lake is not only a challenging day hike but also a chance to witness a powerful side of local belief and culture.
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