Khayer Lake trek, also known as Khopra ridge trek or Khopra trek, is a quiet trail located in the middle of the Annapurna Conservation Area. It's less crowded compared to other trails and offers a unique experience. The trek to Khayer Lake, a sacred site in the Annapurna region is quite challenging. Local people and trekkers visit the lake to worship and to enjoy the stunning view of the Himalayan Range and the lake.
The trek to Khayer Lake passes through different landscapes like waterfalls, snowy areas, and dry lands, leading to the sacred lake at 4500 meters. Near the lake, there's a small temple, Khayer Barahai, where locals, especially the Magar Community and Hindus, perform pilgrimage activities and make sacrifices, particularly during Janai Purnima.
This trek is notable because it's not very well-known among trekkers, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer less crowded paths. The route starts from Ghandruk, proceeds to Tadapani, then moves upwards to Dobato, Shristibung, and Khopra Danda. It offers breathtaking views of various peaks including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Bhara Shikhar, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and more, seen from different locations along the trail like Mulde peak, Khopra Danda, and Poon Hill.
Walking through alpine forests allows trekkers to experience the rich biodiversity of the area, including various flora, fauna, and trees like cone, oak, juniper, and rhododendron. There are also yak pastures along the way, adding to the diverse landscapes of the Khopra danda trek. This newly opened trail, being off the beaten path, provides a pleasurable and unique trekking experience, away from the large crowds, for those wanting to explore the Annapurna region's natural beauty and cultural richness.
How difficult is Khayer Lake Trek?
Khayer Lake Trek isn’t too hard; it’s a middle-level trek going up to 4500 meters. You don’t need to be super fit or a certain age to do it. If you can walk for 6-7 hours each day, you should be fine. Just remember, it’s a mountain path, so there will be lots of ups and downs.
There’s a part near Khayer Lake, the way to Ice Lake, that’s especially tough and can be very slippery in winter because of ice. So, it’s smart to wear shoe spikes and use walking sticks. It’s also cold and the air is thin, so dress warmly and drink plenty of fluids to avoid falling ill.
Best Time to Trek to Khayer Lake
The best times to trek to Khayer Lake are during the autumn and spring seasons. Autumn is particularly favored as the weather is typically just right, not too hot or too cold, offering clear, sunny days and spectacular, unhindered views of the Himalayas, making the trek a preferred choice for many. Spring is also a pleasant time to undertake the trek, with warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons adding to the beauty of the journey, although the weather can sometimes turn unfavorable towards the end of the season.
Conversely, the monsoon season, spanning from June to August, is not recommended for trekking due to continuous rains, potential landslides, and obscured views, making the experience less enjoyable. Lastly, winter treks are considered risky owing to extreme cold, snowfalls, and obscured views, and those who choose to trek during this season do so at their own risk.
