Experience the best of Nepal with a unique trek combining the famous Annapurna Base Camp and the peaceful Khopra Danda, popularly known Khayar Lake Trek. Discover stunning mountains, local culture, and hidden trails.
In late November 2024, we went on an amazing adventure in the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas. We combined the well-known Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek with the quieter, less crowded Khopra Danda route. This mix gave us the perfect balance of famous sights and the hidden beauty of the Annapurna Region. It was a journey filled with incredible mountain views, calm, lush forests, picturesque villages, friendly local people, and special moments of joy and thought.
Our journey started with a short, exciting flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. As our plane flew through the morning mist, we caught glimpses of the mighty Himalayan peaks. After landing, we drove to Kande, the starting point of our trek in the Annapurna area.
From Kande, we began our walk towards Australian Camp. This short, uphill path was a good warm-up. At Australian Camp, nestled on a peaceful ridge in the forest, we enjoyed our first evening in the Himalayas. The air was cool, and the weather became cloudy. It was Friday night, and the place was quite crowded with local visitors. Lots of singing and dancing went on until late at night. However, we had a good night’s sleep, and the morning felt calm and pleasant. In the morning, we walked to the viewpoint for the sunrise. Unfortunately, the sky wasn’t clear, so we missed the beautiful sunrise and mountain views. But still, the view of the eastern horizon and its colors was incredible.
Over the next few days, we slowly moved deeper into the Annapurna Base Camp region. The trail led us through thick forests, traditional stone Gurung villages, and farmed land. From the quiet, green forested area and stone paths of Pothana to the terraced farmland around Landruk, every step showed us new surroundings and changing views. In Landruk, a traditional Gurung village, we truly experienced local life with its stone houses, friendly people, and warm welcome.
As we continued towards Jhinu Danda, we were surrounded by the rich beauty of the Modi Khola valley, even with some clouds in the sky. Along the way, we saw cascading waterfalls, plenty of wildflowers, and glimpses of daily local life. One of the most relaxing parts of the trip was soaking in natural hot springs by the river. Sitting in the warm water, looking up at the hills we had just come down, we felt very thankful and peaceful.
From Jhinu, the trail took us through Chhomrong Village and deep into the forest. Chhomrong is a famous, beautiful Gurung village on a hillside with wide mountain views. The huge Mount Annapurna South and Hiunchuli stand right across the valley. Walking its stone steps, past the Buddhist stupa, monastery, and waving prayer flags, reminded us that these mountains are not just natural wonders but also spiritual places.
Beyond Chhomrong, the trail entered a thick, green forest filled with moss, bamboo, and waterfalls. This part of the trek, from Sinuwa to Bamboo and then to Deurali, felt almost magical. We hiked through quiet woods, crossed wooden bridges, and stopped by Barahi Temple, hidden in nature. The sound of the river was always with us, along with the excitement of what was ahead.
Annapurna Base Camp: A Moment Beyond Words
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp from Deurali was long, cold, and icy, but incredibly rewarding in the end. As we left the last part of the forest, the landscape opened up. Surrounded by snow-covered ridges and icy peaks, we entered a high mountain world. Reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp felt like a dream; the view of the sacred Mount Fishtail was amazing.
But the real highlight came when we reached Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. We stood in a natural circle of giant mountains: Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Bahrashikhar, Hiunchuli, and more. It felt like standing at the bottom of a huge bowl, with the majestic Annapurnas rising all around us. As the sun set, it painted the snow in shades of gold and orange. We stood in silence, feeling small but truly alive. That evening, sleep came easily under the cold, clear sky, with starlight reflecting off the snowy ridges. The next morning, the sunrise over base camp was even more magical. As the light touched the peaks, everything began to glow. It was one of those rare moments that stays with us forever.
Leaving ABC, we briefly walked back on our path to Chhomrong. Our walk down took us through the familiar landscape, but our view had changed. What was once a climb was now a descent, and the changing light and angles gave the forest, rivers, and valleys a completely new look. The sound of the Modi Khola river stayed with us until we reached Sinuwa Danda again. The climb towards Tadapani was very hard, especially in the midday sun. But the reward, an amazing view of the valley, the towering Himalayan peaks, green forests, and chirping birds, added joy to the journey.
From Tadapani, we began to see how diverse this trek was.
We left the busier ABC route and stepped into the quieter, more untouched areas of the Khopra Ridge. We hiked through beautiful Rhododendron, Pine, and Oak forests to reach Dobato. This simple and small place opened the door to one of the trek’s hidden highlights: Mulde Peak. Hiking up to Mulde Peak for sunset, we were rewarded with wide views of the entire Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu mountain ranges. The air was cold, but the view, bathed in golden and pink light, was absolutely unforgettable.
The next morning, we hiked again to Mulde Peak for sunrise. The soft morning light, the quietness of the mountains, and the rising sun made the world feel new again. These were the moments we had hoped for when we planned this trek.
From Dobato, we walked down to Sistibung and then climbed again to Khopra Danda. The trail took us through peaceful forests and open fields, with rolling hills and waterfalls offering constant, beautiful scenery. The hike to Sistibung was fairly easy but full of beautiful sights. A steep climb then brought us to Khopra Danda, a high ridge offering wide views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South. Though difficult, the climb brought a deep sense of freedom and space. It was well worth the effort.
After enjoying the wide views, we continued to Paudar, a beautiful Magar village with traditional stone houses and warm, welcoming people. Life in the village moved at a slower, more real pace. Children played in narrow paths, farmers worked in their fields, and we enjoyed homemade meals and true local hospitality. This cultural experience was a real gift, an opportunity to look into mountain life beyond tourism.
Our trek ended in Tatopani, a place famous for its hot springs. There, we rewarded ourselves with another soak in the natural hot pools. After nearly two weeks of hiking, it felt like pure luxury. We spent hours soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water, letting our bodies relax and recover. It was a well-deserved treat; our muscles loosened, and smiles came easily.
The next morning, we visited the hot springs again. There were fewer people and cleaner pools, making it the perfect goodbye to our mountain journey. By mid-morning, we drove back to Pokhara, our hearts full of memories and our minds already dreaming of returning to these mountains. The feeling of success, the friendships we made, and the beauty we saw were beyond words.
The Annapurna Base Camp & Khopra Danda Trek 2024 was more than just a hiking trip; it was a journey of connection. We connected with the mountains, the people of the Annapurna Region, and with ourselves. Each day brought something new: the challenge of steep climbs, the comfort of village facilities, the thrill of sunrise over rolling hills, and the peace of quiet forests.
This route is great for those who want to experience both the classic beauty of the ABC Trek and the hidden magic of Khopra Danda (Khayar Lake). It offers variety, from high-altitude glaciers to farmed lands in the lower valleys, from popular base camps to secret ridges. It’s physically tough but deeply rewarding.
If you’re planning a trek in Nepal and are looking for an adventure that mixes natural beauty, rich culture, and calm moments, this trek is highly recommended. Prepare well, walk slowly, and take it all in. The Annapurna Region has a way of changing you, and once you’ve been there, a part of you will always want to return.
In the end, it wasn’t just the views that made this trip unforgettable, it was the feeling of being truly alive in the mountains.
If you’re considering the amazing Annapurna Base Camp and Khopra Danda ( Khayar Lake) Trek in Nepal, please contact Blossom Expeditions. We’ll create a custom plan just for you and take care of all your needs.
Further Details Contact Us
Blossom Expeditions
P.O. Box No. 21101, Kathmandu, Nepal.
info@blossomexpeditions.com
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www.blossomexpeditions.com
Tel: 977-01-4810388
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Annapurna Base Camp & Khayar Lake Trek
Watch the Video, it justifies the trip review
Annapurna Base Camp and Khopra Danda Trek Part-1
Annapurna Base Camp and Khopra Danda Trek Part-2
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