Khayer Lake Trek

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepali Heartland Treks & Expedition, who will assist you with your transfer to the pre-arranged hotel accommodation. You will reside in Thamel, a prominent tourist district in Kathmandu, with various outdoor shops ranging from local artisans to well-known brands such as Mountain Hard Wear, The North Face, and Sherpa Gear. Additionally, Thamel is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, spas, pharmacies, and music shops. In the evening, you are encouraged to explore the streets of Thamel and consider purchasing souvenirs.

Either land or air can accomplish travel to Pokhara. A flight takes approximately 25 minutes, and on the same day, it is possible to drive to Nayapul and commence a trek to Ulleri. However, opting for ground transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara entails a 7-8-hour drive, necessitating an overnight stay in Pokhara. Following an early breakfast, we shall proceed to the bus station along the Prithvi Highway. As we depart Kathmandu, we will pass through Thankot, descending towards Naubise, and continue alongside the Mahesh Khola and Trisuli River toward Muglin. We will then cross a bridge over the Trishuli River and proceed along the Marshyangdi River to Dumre before continuing our drive to Pokhara, encountering various hamlets, rivers, and verdant hills along the route. Scenic views of the mountains can also be anticipated during this leg of the journey.

Our driver will arrive at the hotel early in the morning to escort us to Nayapul, which is typically a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Pokhara. The trekking expedition will commence from Nayapul. After crossing the old suspension bridge, the path along the Modi Khola will lead us to Birethanti, Sudame, and Hile, where we will halt for lunch. Following a brief walk, we will reach Tikhedunga and cross another suspension bridge over the Modi Khola. The final ascent to Ulleri consists of a steep climb over stone stairs for approximately one and a half hours. Overnight accommodations will be arranged in Ulleri.

After breakfast, we will depart Ulleri, gradually ascending to Banthanti. The trek will involve several gradual and steep ascents through picturesque pine and rhododendron forests, culminating at Nangethanti, where we will take a tea break. We will proceed to Gorepani, a journey that will take an additional one and a half hours. We will encounter beautiful waterfalls within the forest and cross two metal bridges during this journey. Overnight accommodations will be arranged in Gorepani.

On this day, we will rise early to undertake a hike to Poon Hill, which stands at an elevation of 3200 meters. This viewpoint offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of notable peaks, including Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7855 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Nilgiri (6940 m), Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Lamjung Himal (6931 m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The hike from Gorepani to Poon Hill takes approximately one and a half hours. After enjoying the breathtaking views, we shall return to the hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, we will descend through the rhododendron forest to Chitre, a village predominantly inhabited by the Magar community, where we will witness magnificent vistas of Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and the Dhaulagiri range. We will continue our descent to Swata, where we will remain for the evening, enjoying views of the Dhaulagiri range and Gurju Himal.

Our expedition will entail a 4 to 5-hour trek through moist forests towards Sistibang. Departing from Swata, we will navigate through dense rhododendron forest, stopping for tea at Ratmate before resuming our journey towards Sistibang, Dhankharka. This location offers a commanding view of the massive Dhaulagiri Face. Accommodations for the night will be provided at Sistibang.

Today, we embark on another short hike, which will be physically challenging. It’s essential to carry enough water and snacks, as there are no places to eat or buy supplies along the way. After breakfast, we will walk steeply uphill through a rhododendron forest to reach Khopra Danda. Along the trail, you might spot some Himalayan wildlife, such as blue sheep, deer, monkeys, and the Impeyan pheasant (Danfe). The views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, and Baraha Himal, are breathtaking. We will spend the night at Khopra Danda. 

Note: You can spend an extra day exploring the Khayar Baraha Temple.

We can take the older, shorter route to Bayeli, but it is dangerous so that we will opt for the new, safer trail instead. Leaving Khopra behind, we will navigate a narrow, rough path through a dense rhododendron forest, leading us to the river. After crossing the bridge over the river, we will hike to Bayeli for lunch. 

After lunch, the trail will undulate through grassy meadows and rhododendron forests before arriving at Dobato, where we will stay overnight. 

*Note: Depending on the weather, we may hike to Mulde View Point (3637 m), just a half-hour walk from the hotel. This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, including the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Tukuche, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre, along with the Lower Budi Gandaki valley and rhododendron forest.

We will wake up early to hike to Mulde View Point to catch the sunrise before breakfast. After leaving Dobato, we will trek downhill through various forests, including rhododendrons, Himalayan birch, and pine, passing Isharu and Tadhapani along the way. The cheerful sound of chirping birds will accompany us. We will stop for lunch in Tadhapani. 

After lunch, we will continue our descent for 2 to 3 hours through the rhododendron forest until we reach Ghandruk, where we may see monkeys along the trail. Ghandruk is a picturesque Gurung village with stone slate roofs and numerous tea houses and shops. From here, we will enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and Machhapuchhre. We will spend the night in Ghandruk.

After breakfast, we will head to the bus stop. Departing from the beautiful city of Pokhara, we will drive along the Marshyangdi River initially, then along the Trishuli River from Muglin to Naubise. We will then drive uphill to Thankot and enter the Kathmandu Valley, where we will spend the night at a hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your final departure.