Khayer Lake Trek

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4.9

90+ Google reviewsrated 4.9 by 90+ travellers on Google5+ years guiding5+ years guiding in the Himalaya30+ countriesGuests from 30+ countriesLocal-born guidesBorn-and-raised local guides

Trek at a Glance

Price From

US$ 480 per person

Duration

7 days

Trip Grade

Challenging

Max. Altitude

4,660m

Best Season

Oct–May

Group Size

1–10 pax

Region

Annapurna

Accommodation

Lodge / Tea House

Meals

All meals (Backpacker: breakfast)

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Permits

ACAP, TIMS card

Khayer Lake Trek Overview

Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide

A high alpine extension of the Khopra Ridge trek to a sacred glacial lake at 4,660m, rarely visited and utterly remote.

The Khayer Lake trek is the route our team recommends when someone wants Annapurna-region scenery without the crowds that fill Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani in peak season. The trail passes through beautiful Gurung villages, starting with Ghandruk at the foot of Annapurna South, before branching south through less-travelled terrain to Khopra Ridge and up to Khayer Lake, a sacred glacial lake at 4,660m beneath Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

This trek features a climb to Khopra Danda Ridge (around 3,600-3,800m), where the panorama of Dhaulagiri to the west and the Annapurna massif to the north is remarkable. The descent brings us back through Dobato and then to Ghorepani, where an early morning climb to Poon Hill provides the classic Annapurna sunrise view, culminating in a drive back to Pokhara. This combination makes it one of the most complete moderate treks in the region, with low foot traffic ensuring teahouses have rooms available even in October.

Sacred Lake

Khayer Lake

4,660 m / 15,288 ft

A high alpine lake sacred to local Magar communities, reached by an extension of the Khopra Ridge trail. Rarely walked, with uninterrupted views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South and a true sense of remoteness.

Khayer Lake Trek Highlights

Sacred high-altitude lake at 4,660m
Natural extension of Khopra Ridge
Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panoramas
Very few trekkers on the trail

Khayer Lake Trek Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Max Altitude	Duration
Day 1	Pokhara to Tadapani	2,630m / 8,629ft	3-4 hours hike + 3 hours drive
Day 2	Tadapani to Dobato	3,426m / 11,240ft	5-6 hours
Day 3	Dobato to Chistibung	—	5 hours
Day 4	Chistibung to Khopra	3,660m / 12,008ft	5 hours
Day 5	Khopra to Khayer Lake (4,660m) and back to Khopra	4,660m / 15,288ft	7-8 hours
Day 6	Khopra to Swanta	2,200m / 7,218ft	4-5 hours
Day 7	Swanta to Pokhara	—	3-4 hours drive

Day 01: Pokhara to Tadapani
2,630m / 8,629ft
Duration3-4 hours hike + 3 hours drive
Altitude2,630m / 8,629ft
Drive of 3 hours from Pokhara to Ghandruk village, then start hiking. Breakfast at Pokhara, lunch at Ghandruk. 3 to 4 hours of hike up to Tadapani. Camp at Tadapani.
Day 02: Tadapani to Dobato
3,426m / 11,240ft
Duration5-6 hours
Altitude3,426m / 11,240ft
Elevation Gain+796 m
5 to 6 hours of forest walking onto the Dobato ridge. Breakfast at Tadapani, lunch on the way. Camp at Dobato.
Day 03: Dobato to Chistibung
Duration5 hours
About 5 hours into the high pasture at Chistibung. Breakfast at Dobato, lunch at camp. Camp at Chistibung.
Day 04: Chistibung to Khopra
3,660m / 12,008ft
Duration5 hours
Altitude3,660m / 12,008ft
About 5 hours of climb to the Khopra ridge with the full Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama. Breakfast at Chistibung, lunch at camp. Camp at Khopra.
Day 05: Khopra to Khayer Lake (4,660m) and back to Khopra
4,660m / 15,288ft
Duration7-8 hours
Altitude4,660m / 15,288ft
Elevation Gain+1,000 m
Breakfast at Khopra. 7 to 8 hour up-and-down hike to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,660m beneath Annapurna South. Lunch on the way. Camp back at Khopra.
Day 06: Khopra to Swanta
2,200m / 7,218ft
Duration4-5 hours
Altitude2,200m / 7,218ft
Elevation Gain-2,460 m
Breakfast at Khopra, lunch on the way. 4 to 5 hours of descent through community forest to the Magar village of Swanta. Camp at Swanta.
Day 07: Swanta to Pokhara
Duration3-4 hours drive
Breakfast at Swanta, then a 3 to 4 hour drive back to Pokhara.

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Govt. License #1497

Rohit Timilsina

Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks

Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina

I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.

“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”

Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m

Meet the full team

Khayer Lake Trek Cost & What's Included

Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

All required permits and TIMS card

Licensed English-speaking trekking guide

Private vehicle transfers to and from the trailhead

Comfortable tourist-standard lodges, twin share

All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Crew salary, insurance, meals and lodging

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights and Nepal entry visa

Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance

Porter (available on request, extra cost)

Hot showers and Wi-Fi where not complimentary

Lunch and dinner in the city

Tips for your guide and crew

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

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Khayer Lake Trek Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

No published review names the Khayer Lake Trek yet.

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Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Know Before You Go

This is a moderately demanding trek. Daily walking times range from 3 to 7 hours, with the Khayer Lake day being the longest and most physically demanding at 6-7 hours round-trip from Khopra. The maximum altitude of 4,660m at Khayer Lake carries a risk of altitude-related symptoms. Acclimatisation is crucial, and the itinerary facilitates this with gradual ascent. Fitness requirements are equivalent to hiking 5-6 hours per day on uneven terrain for multiple days.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is NPR 3,000 (foreigners) / NPR 100 (SAARC) per person. It's bought in Pokhara at the ACAP office. A TIMS Card (NPR 2,000 independent / NPR 1,000 group) is also required and available at Nepal Tourism Board offices in Pokhara. Our team will handle all permit paperwork.

Khayer Lake at 4,660m is where altitude management is critical. The itinerary is structured to ascend gradually, providing adequate time for acclimatisation. Common symptoms include mild headache and poor sleep, which typically resolve with hydration and rest. Warning signs for serious altitude sickness require immediate descent.

Teahouses range from well-equipped lodges in Ghandruk to more basic huts at Dobato and Khopra. At Khopra, a few teahouses offer simple accommodation. A packed lunch is necessary for the Khayer Lake day. Dal bhat is widely available throughout the trek.

The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.

General

Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner

Head & Face

Sun hat or cap
Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
Buff or neck gaiter
Sunglasses with full UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries

Upper Body

Technical base layer shirts, two
Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Hiking pants, two pairs
Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse

Hands

Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions

Feet

Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
Hiking socks, three to five pairs
Liner socks if prone to blisters
Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m

First Aid & Medications

Personal prescription medications
SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
Electrolyte sachets or tablets
Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter

Other Essentials

Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics

We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.

Guide & Porter Services

Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.

Accommodation Bookings

We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.

Transportation Arrangements

All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.

Equipment Rental

A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.

Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.

FAQs for Khayer Lake Trek

We rate it challenging. Daily walking runs from 3 to 8 hours, and the day-five round trip from Khopra to Khayer Lake at 4,660m and back is the hardest, at 7 to 8 hours up and down. There is no technical climbing, but the combination of high altitude and a long summit-style day means you need real hill fitness. The standard guideline is being comfortable hiking 5 to 6 hours a day on uneven ground for a week.

You should be able to walk 5 to 6 hours a day on uneven terrain for several consecutive days, with one longer 7 to 8 hour day to the lake and back. A few weeks of regular cardio before you arrive, such as running, cycling, or hill walking, makes the trek enjoyable rather than a struggle. Strong legs help on the long descent to Swanta on day six.

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 100 for SAARC nationals, plus a TIMS card, which is NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers and NPR 1,000 for group trekkers. Both are issued in Pokhara at the ACAP office and the Nepal Tourism Board. Our team handles all of this paperwork for you so you do not need to queue.

The high point is Khayer Lake itself at 4,660m, reached on a day excursion from Khopra. You sleep lower at Khopra ridge, around 3,660m, which is where altitude management matters most. The itinerary ascends gradually over the first four days, which gives your body time to adjust before the push to the lake.

It is a real consideration because the lake sits at 4,660m. The itinerary is built to ascend gradually so most healthy trekkers acclimatise well. Mild headache or poor sleep can appear at Khopra and usually settle with hydration and rest. Our guides carry a first aid kit with an oximeter, and the golden rule always applies: if symptoms worsen, we descend.

October to May is the recommended window. Autumn brings the clearest, most stable skies for the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panorama, and spring adds rhododendron blooms lower on the trail. The June to August monsoon is best avoided because cloud hides the mountains and the high lake day can be unsafe in poor weather. A real advantage of this route is that even in busy October the teahouses still have rooms because so few trekkers come here.

You stay in teahouses on a twin or triple-sharing basis, ranging from well-equipped lodges in Ghandruk to more basic huts at Dobato and Khopra. The Standard and Luxury packages include three meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus tea or coffee twice daily; Backpacker covers breakfast, and you pay for lunch and dinner on the trail. Dal bhat is available throughout, and a packed lunch is carried for the long Khayer Lake day.

Our guided Khayer Lake trek starts at USD 560 per person on the Backpacker tier and USD 660 on the Standard tier for a solo trekker, with the per-person rate dropping as your group grows. The Standard price covers all ground transfers by jeep, a licensed and experienced guide with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance, teahouse accommodation, three meals a day, the ACAP and TIMS permits, and a first aid kit with oximeter. Backpacker keeps the guide, transport and teahouse rooms, but the ACAP and TIMS fees are not included and it covers breakfast only, with lunch and dinner paid on the trail. International flights, the Nepal visa, travel insurance, porters, and personal expenses are not included on any tier.

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