Nepal · Trekking

11-Day Himalayan Trek from Kathmandu to Pokhara with Khayer Lake

11 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Gaze at Himalayan peaks from Khopra Danda, offering panoramic views
  • 02 Trek through rhododendron forests, spotting rare wildlife
  • 03 Enjoy tranquility at Khayer Lake by Annapurna South Glacier
  • 04 Immerse in Magar culture at Swanta Village
  • 05 Witness sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill

Embark on an 11-day Himalayan adventure from Kathmandu to Pokhara and into the Annapurna region, trekking through Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, Chistibung, Khopra Danda, Swanta Village, and Ghorepani. Along the way, enjoy rhododendron and oak forests, panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and the serene beauty of Khayer Lake at the base of the Annapurna South Glacier. The journey also offers meaningful encounters with local village life, including time with the Magar community in Swanta Village. Your trek concludes with a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill before returning to Kathmandu.

Your trek concludes with a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill before returning to Kathmandu.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Ghorepani, Ghandruk
Languages English, Hindi

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-Trek Briefing

  • On the first day of your journey, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you will be greeted by our representative.
  • They will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in the city.
  • In the evening, there will be a pre-trek briefing to discuss the itinerary and answer any questions you may have.
  • This is also an opportunity to meet the rest of your trekking group and get excited for the adventure ahead.
2
Day 02

Scenic Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara

  • The second day of your journey will begin with a delicious breakfast, followed by a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
  • The 6- to 7-hour drive offers breathtaking views of the countryside, including rural villages, lush forests, and terraced fields.
  • Alternatively, you can fly to Pokhara at any time from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The one-way flight cost is USD 106 per person.
  • When you arrive in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to rest and explore the city.
  • Pokhara is a lovely city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings, making it the ideal place to unwind before beginning your trek.
  • Spend the evening taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city and getting ready for the adventure ahead.
3
Day 03

Jeep Ride to Ghandruk and Trek to Tadapani

  • After an early breakfast in Pokhara, you will set off for Ghandruk village by jeep.
  • Due to blacktop work on the main Ghandruk road, we will follow an alternative route.
  • Get off the jeep and walk for 45 minutes to reach Ghandruk village.
  • Have lunch in Ghandruk village, then make your way towards Tadapani, which will take approximately 3 hours.

Overnight stay in Tadapani Lodge.

4
Day 04

Forest Trek from Tadapani to Dobato

  • You will have breakfast in Tadapani and set off for Dobato.
  • You will walk through rhododendron and oak forests for most of the journey.
  • If you get lucky, you might encounter musk deer and red foxes as well.
  • You will ascend the trail after crossing the forest to the ridge of Deurali.
  • You will continue walking upward, following the relatively steep trail to reach Dobato.
  • The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours in total.

You will spend the night at a tea house in Dobato.

5
Day 05

Mulde View Point Sunrise and Trek to Chistibung

  • Wake up early in the morning and hike up to Mulde View Point, which will take about 30 minutes.
  • You can see a mesmerizing sunrise view of the snow-capped peaks.
  • Then, descend, have your breakfast, and set off for Chistibung.
  • On this day, you have to walk both down and up through the woods.
  • With an hour's walk, you will reach Bayli Kharka.
  • From Bayli Kharka, we descend through forests to reach Chistibung.

Overnight stay in Chistibung.

6
Day 06

Trek to Khopra Danda Ridge

  • After a hearty breakfast in Chistibung, we will set out on the trek to Khopra Danda, which takes around 3 hours to reach.
  • This ridge is one of the main highlights of the trek, offering panoramic views of the stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • The trail to Khopra Danda is challenging, but the breathtaking views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
  • As we make our way up, we will pass through beautiful forests and witness the changing landscape, from rolling hills to snow-capped peaks in the distance.
  • We might get a chance to see some yaks on the way to Khopra Danda.
  • Once we reach the top, we will be treated to some of the most magnificent views of the Himalayas.
  • It is a perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges.

We will spend the night in a lodge or camping site on Khopra Danda, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

7
Day 07

Day Hike to Khayer Lake

  • We will embark on a breathtaking journey to the magnificent Khayer Lake.
  • This high-altitude lake is located at the base of the Annapurna South Glacier and can be reached through a steep and challenging trail.
  • However, the views of the stunning landscape and the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake will be a reward in themselves.
  • The round-trip hike to Khayer Lake will take approximately 9 to 10 hours, so it is important to be well-rested and prepared for a physically demanding trek.
  • Upon reaching the lake, we will be captivated by its natural beauty and serenity, making it an unforgettable experience.
  • After taking in the sights and sounds of the lake, we will head back to Khopra Danda for a well-deserved overnight stay.
8
Day 08

Descent to Swanta Village

  • After exploring the Khopra ridge, you will descend to Swanta Village on the eighth day of your journey.
  • You will descend for almost an hour to get to Upper Chistibung village.
  • Descending further, crossing potato and barley farms and beautiful villages along the way, you will reach Swanta Village.
  • You can spend the rest of the day exploring the village, the Magar people, and their lifestyle.
9
Day 09

Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani

  • You will have breakfast at Swanta and set off for Ghorepani.
  • You will descend through a beautiful trail covered in green forests.
  • You can catch a glimpse of the Annapurna range during the trek.
  • When you get to Ghorepani, you can spend the rest of the day with the people of the village.
  • You will have closer exposure to their culture and tradition.
10
Day 10

Poon Hill Sunrise and Return to Pokhara

  • On this day, you will be rewarded with a view of a glorious sunrise over the Himalayan range from Poon Hill.
  • You will hike early in the morning to Poon Hill to witness this mesmerizing sunrise, with views of Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna III (7855 m), Machhapuchhre (6993 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Nilgiri (6940 m), Varaha Shikhar Annapurna IV (7525 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), and Lamjung Himal (6931 m).
  • After taking in the view, you will trek down to Tikhedunga.
  • Take a jeep drive to Pokhara via Nayapul, crossing beautiful forests and enjoying the Himalayas in the background.
  • You will check into a hotel when you reach there.
  • You can sit back and relax, celebrating the success of your trekking journey.
  • Spend your evening walking by the lake, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring the streets.

You will stay overnight at a hotel.

11
Day 11

Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu

  • In the morning, we will head to the airport for a flight or drive to the bus station for a jeep or bus ride to Kathmandu, depending on our preference.
  • The flight takes about 30 minutes, while the jeep or bus ride takes about 6 to 7 hours.
  • Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will check into a hotel and spend the night in the city.
Khayer Lake, Khopra Danda ridge, Poon Hill sunrise

Where this trip takes you

Khayer Lake, Khopra Danda ridge, Poon Hill sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 4 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation on arrival and departure days from Tribhuvan International Airport
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • English-speaking, experienced, government-trained, licensed guide
  • One porter for two clients
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff
  • Annapurna Conservation Fee, TIMS permits, and any required permits or official documentation
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu for three nights (bed and breakfast and tax included)
  • Accommodation in Pokhara for one night (bed and breakfast and tax included)
  • All meals in the mountains (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Government VAT and tax
  • Farewell dinner

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu can be booked with us
  • Hotel and cold drinks (Coke, mineral water, beer, etc.) and lunch and dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara
  • Tips for the driver and guide (tipping is customary)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and anything not mentioned in the above services
  • In any case of returning early from your trek, extra costs apply

What to bring

  • Clothing:
    • A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
    • Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
    • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
    • T-shirts or shirts
    • Down jacket
    • Windproof/waterproof light jacket
    • Fleece jumper or jacket
    • Inner thermal (top and trousers)
    • Socks and underwear
    • Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
    • Inner and outer gloves
  • Equipment and Accessories:
    • Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
    • Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
    • Towel, flip-flops or rubber sandals, and toiletries
    • Water bottles and water purification tablets
    • 4-season sleeping bag
    • Sleeping bag liner

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Beyond The Limits Treks & Expedition P.Ltd., Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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Starting from

USD 950 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $950.00 — $1,080.00
Double Sharing $950.00 — $1,080.00

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