Khayar Lake Trekking 17 days
Facts of the trip
| Trip Code: | KLT |
| Trip Duration: | 16 days |
| Max. Altitude: | 4500m |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Program Type: | Trekking |
| Trek Start Point: | Birethanti |
| Trek End Point: | Birethanti |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
| Meals: | Breakfast, lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee |
| Mode of Travel: | Adventures |
| Transportation: | Car / Bus / Flight |
| Minimum Pax: | 05 |
| Best season: | September to November and March to May |
A Sacred Alpine Adventure Through Remote Villages and Stunning Himalayan Landscapes
Overviews: Khayar lake 17- days trekking
Introduction
The Khayar Lake Trek is a scenic and culturally rich journey in the Annapurna region. Known for its spiritual significance, it leads to the sacred Khayar Lake at 4,500 meters. This off-the-beaten-path trek offers striking views of the Himalayas and a chance to experience authentic village life.
It’s ideal for those seeking solitude, untouched nature, and spiritual tranquility. The trail combines high ridges, forested slopes, and remote communities. The trek is organized and guided by The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd., ensuring personalized care and local insight every step of the way.
About the Khayar Lake Trek
This 17-day trek begins in the lush lowlands near Nayapul or Ghandruk. It passes through scenic spots like Tadapani, Bayeli, and Khopra Ridge, before reaching the pristine Khayar Lake.
The trek offers clear views of major peaks such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Unlike crowded trails, this route remains peaceful and uncrowded.
At Khopra Danda, trekkers enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The side trip to Khayar Lake is more demanding but deeply rewarding. It’s both a physical challenge and a spiritual journey.
Location
The trek takes place in the Annapurna Conservation Area. It lies in Kaski and Myagdi districts, starting near Pokhara and heading deep into the inner Himalayas.
The trail climbs steadily from fertile valleys to alpine ridges. Khayar Lake is nestled beneath Annapurna South, far from modern roads. The trek offers remote wilderness within easy reach of Pokhara.
Lifestyle
The trail passes through traditional villages inhabited by Gurung, Magar, and Brahmin-Chhetri communities. People here live simple lives based on agriculture and animal husbandry.
Farming follows the seasons. Villagers grow rice, millet, potatoes, and vegetables on terraced hillsides. You’ll see women weaving baskets, elders tending cattle, and children walking long distances to school.
Teahouses and homestays are family-run, offering warm meals and genuine hospitality. Visitors can share meals, stories, and laughter with locals, making the journey deeply personal.
Religion and Spirituality
Religion is deeply rooted in daily life. People along the trail follow a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism. Shrines, prayer flags, and temples dot the route.
Khayar Lake is a sacred site for Hindus. Many believe the lake is blessed by Lord Shiva. Each year, hundreds of pilgrims visit during the Janai Purnima festival.
Stone shrines near the lake are decorated with bells, offerings, and red powder. Trekkers can join in rituals or simply enjoy the sacred atmosphere. Even in remote areas, spirituality remains strong and visible.
Vegetation
The trail passes through a range of ecological zones. Lower sections feature terraced farms, bamboo groves, and subtropical forests. These areas are lush and green most of the year.
Higher up, dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests cover the hills. In spring, rhododendrons bloom in vibrant shades of red and pink. Beyond the treeline, vegetation becomes sparse.
As you approach Khayar Lake, the land is covered with alpine shrubs and hardy grasses. The terrain becomes rocky and barren, offering dramatic contrasts in scenery.
Flora and Fauna
This trek lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to a wide range of plants and animals. The forests are alive with langurs, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr.
Birds such as the Himalayan monal, eagles, and woodpeckers are common. In spring and summer, butterflies and bees are active in flower-rich meadows.
Wild medicinal herbs grow along the trail, used by locals for generations. Though rare, signs of leopards and even snow leopards have been reported in remote sections. The trek offers much to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere on this trek is peaceful and pure. In the lower regions, sounds of rivers and village life accompany you. As you climb higher, silence becomes your companion.
At Khopra Danda, the sky often feels within reach. Sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with fiery colors. The view of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri is unforgettable.
At Khayar Lake, the mood is meditative. Wind whispers through prayer flags. Reflections of peaks shimmer on the icy water. It’s a place that invites quiet thought and inner peace.
About the Freelance Guide—The Himalayan Realms Treks
The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd. specializes in personalized trekking experiences. Our freelance guides are trained, local, and passionate about sharing the beauty of Nepal.
We offer small-group and tailor-made treks, focusing on safety, culture, and sustainability. Our guides don’t just lead—they interpret, translate, and connect you to the heart of the Himalayas.
On the Khayar Lake Trek, our team provides expert navigation and cultural insights. They ensure comfort and care, whether you’re enjoying a home-cooked meal or tackling a high-altitude trail.
We work closely with local communities to ensure tourism benefits everyone. Choosing us means traveling responsibly and meaningfully.
Khopra Danda Trek—A Scenic Alternative to Khayar Lake
The Khopra Danda Trek is a fantastic alternative to the Khayar Lake route, offering equally stunning views without the challenging ascent to the lake. This 10–12 day trek takes you through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, lush rhododendron forests, and alpine ridges. The highlight is Khopra Ridge (3,660m), which provides panoramic views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks.
Starting from Nayapul or Ghandruk, the trail passes through Tadapani, Bayeli, and Swanta before reaching Khopra. Trekkers can also include a short detour to Poon Hill, known for its sunrise views.
Less crowded than Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani routes, this trek is ideal for those seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery. It offers moderate difficulty and is suitable for families, photographers, and trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.
Conclusion
The Khayar Lake Trek is a journey through some of Nepal’s most beautiful and spiritual landscapes. It’s less traveled but rich in rewards—scenic ridges, sacred lakes, and welcoming villages.
In 17 days, you’ll experience towering peaks, ancient forests, and traditional lifestyles. You’ll see stunning sunrises, walk through blooming rhododendrons, and reach a sacred alpine lake that few tourists ever see.
It’s ideal for those who want more than just mountain views. It’s for those seeking culture, solitude, and depth.
With The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd., your journey is safe, soulful, and enriching. Let the quiet power of Khayar Lake guide your steps and renew your spirit.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus (7 hrs.).
Day 02: Pokhara to Phedi by car than trek to Pothana (5 hrs.).
Day 03: Pothana to Landrung, 5 hrs.
Day 04: Landrung to Tadapani, 7 hrs.
Day 05: Tadapani to Dobato, 6 hrs.
Day 06: Dobato to Sistibung, 5 hrs.
Day 07: Sistibung to Khobraridge 4 hrs.
Day 08: Khobraridge to Khare Lake base camp overnight, 5 hrs.
Day 09: Khare lake base camp to sightseeing at Khare lake and south base camp trip back to camp, and over night.
Day 10: Khare Lake Base camp to Sistibung 6 hrs. All most Slow and steep down hill.
Day 11: Sistibung to Chitre 6 hrs Walking down and cross the little stream.
Day 12: Chitre to Ghorepani 2hrs.
Day 13: Ghorepani to Nagy village. Via Pun hill 6hrs.
Day 14: Nagy Village to Lesper 5hre or Purano Goun 7hrs.
Day 15: Lesper to Nayapul camp overnight bank of Modhi river if from the Purano Goun walk down to Nyapul and after lunch drive to PKR and over night on Hotel.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.)
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) which takes about six hours. You depart early morning at 7 o’clock for the six-hour drive by tourist deluxe bus to Pokhara (915m,), 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Having pleasant weather, Pokhara is a tourist’s paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhists and Hindus, and mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This drive will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty. You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes about 25 minutes.
Day 02. Pokhara to pothana: 45-minute drive to sunkhet Phedi then walk ascending the trail for 2 hours. Then reach Dhampus and take lunch. After lunch, we ascended the trail for 1 hour. And reach to pothana and camp for the night. From here have a closer view of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna south.
Day 03. Pothana to Landruk: Walking for 3 hrs. Into the dense forest, the trek stops for lunch at Landrung.
Day 05: Tadapani to Dobato, 6 hrs. Walk through the forest with Rhododendron Oaks Little Bamboo, Alpine shrubs and Himalayan vegetation. You may see the wild animals and many birds with Himalayan Pheasants. You will be walking uphill along the ridge and round the Rhododendron forest. When you camp you can see Annapurna South and Fishtail between them.
Day 06: Dobato to Sistibung 5hrs.After Breakfast Walk down through Rhododendron Pine and still oaks. Dhaulagiri will be seen and villages. half of the downhill turn right-hand side to the stream also Sistibung will be visible on the further right-hand side. This is also not a village but that is a place for the animals when the local people took their animals to graze. There are two camps is available for large groups.
Day 07: Sistibung to Khobraridge 4 hrs. Climb steeply up and at the end turn right-hand side and slow climb to the camp. This is the best place for the view of Annapurna south Dhaulagiri with other snow peaks.
Day 08: Khobraridge to Khare Lake base camp overnight, 5 hrs.The slow climb up through the grassy meadow watching the beautiful Himalayan views. End of day camp at under the solve with rocky parts.
Day 09: Khare lake base camp to sight seen to Khare lake and south base camp trip and back to camp and overnight. This is one of the beautiful days of the trip and a bit difficult because of the high altitude and some time it will be snow all around the area. But about the lake most of the time it will be clear with fresh water. This place is the pilgrim place for the local people. It is the symbol of Bharah Mahadev. After the sight has seen around the areas and back to the camp and overnight.
Day 10: Khare Lake Base camp to Sistibung 6 hrs. All slowest and steeply downhill.
Day 11: Sistibung to Chitre 6 hrs Walking down and cross the little stream. After the stream turn left and walk down to the village. Lunch at Village and still walk down and cross the bridge then back up to Chitre.
Day 12: Chitre to Ghorepani 2hrs.
Day 13: Ghorepani to Nagy village. Via Pun hill 6hrs.Weak up early morning after light breakfast gets up to Pun hill for the view of three or four range of the high Himalayas including three 8000m. Snow peaks. After that walk down another side of Pun hill. Walk down to the right-hand side. Walking down through the trees with still Dhaulagiri views and stop for the lunch at Ramche. After lunch Steep Downhill than turn to the left to the camp. These camp places organize by Nagy School some time you may have a hot shower with paying 100 NPR. Sometime they will organize culture dance by the school students and teachers for the donation of the school.
Day 14: Nagy Village to Lesper 5hre or Purano Goun 7hrs.Walking along the village and after an hour walk uphill to cross the little pass with the beautiful view and walk along the ridge and through the woods. Stop for lunch and walk to the camp.
Day 15: Lesper to Nayapul camp overnight bank of Modhi river if from the Purano Goun walk down to Nyapul and after lunch drive to PKR and overnight in Hotel.
| Start Date | End Date | Price In US Dollar($) | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
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AVAILABILITY OPTIONS
OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.
Your Program Duration = 16 days Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.
Cost Include
Cost included Item
- 2 Night accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B Basie plan
• Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer by tourist bus.
• 1 Night accommodation in Pokhara with B/B basic plan
• All airport and hotel transfers
• National permit & TIMS permit (Trekking Information Management System)
• Accommodation, food and tea/coffee during the trek
• Guide: including salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
• Porter: including salary, insurance, equipment, food, and lodging
• Transfer from Birethanti to Pokhara by private Car
• For guests: down jacket, Good sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
• All government and local taxes
Cost Exclude
Cost does not include Item
• Food in Kathmandu (Lunch & Dinner)
• Food in Pokhara (Lunch & Dinner)
• Bakery food during the trek. When you eat in the bakery, you need to pay by yourself
• Nepal Visa fee
• International airfare from your country to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance if the guest gets mountain sickness and needs to rescue helicopters.
• Personal expenses example (phone calls, laundry service, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Tips for guide and porters
our testimonials
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…
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Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…
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Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…
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I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…
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My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience.
Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account.
Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built.
Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults.
Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary.
Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter.
As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp.
He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.
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Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader
I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years.
My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern.
The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region.
www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse.
On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important.
I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
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Dear Dammaru
I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group. Because he has more over 10 years experience of trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him.
I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese.
so you can get satisfaction for a great guide.
Very Thanks,
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I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas.
Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide.
I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
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My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.
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