14 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek, as known as Khayar Lake or Khopra Ridge Trek, is a route in Annapurna Region demanded by trekkers in search of trekking destination in Annapurna region. Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek offers a spectacular and astonishing views of natural scenery and experience of so many Himalayan culture. The breathtaking panoramic view of mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) among many other highlights are treat to watch. This spectacular adventure treks through the Annapurna foothills to the wild and remote Khopra Ridge, one of the best vantage points in the Himalaya. The views from Khopra, the highest point of trek (3650 m), are astonishing and almost as good as (or even better) the views of Poonhill. In this trek we will enjoy the best sunrise view from the Ghorepani Poonhill.
Throughout the trekking in the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trekking route we stay at community operated lodges whose profits are contributed for the welfare of local schools and people living in this region. From Khopra we trek up to a magnificent alpine lake, Khayar Lake, before trekking to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk and trekking down the Modi River Valley to meet the road and a scenic drive back to Pokhara. The Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek end up with lots of memories that last lifelong.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), transfer from airport by private bus to Kathmandu Hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
After breakfast drive to Pokhara which takes 6 hrs from Kathmandu, it will stop on the way for lunch and short time for seeing view and rest.
We drive from Pokhara to Naudanda Phedi (approx. 30 mins.) and then walk up to Dhampus for lunch. There are good views of the Annapurnas and the Pokhara Valley. After lunch the trail leads gently up towards Pothana.
We begin our trek around 8 am after breakfast. The early part of trek is gradual ascend for almost an hour up to Deurali which passes through oak and mixed forests with splendid views of Manaslu, Annapurna ranges and Mardi Himal. Now the steep descent trail moves downwards to Modi Khola river and crossing iron bridge you follow steep uphill to reach Ghandruk. Our campsite tonight has views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and the Mardi Himal south ridge, and looks across the Modi Khola Valley to the villages of Landruk & Tolka.
First the trail ascends through the spread-out village of Ghandruk and later climbs through the forest of rhododendron and oak tree following a watercourse ravine up to Tadapani with Lunch on the way at Bhaise Kharka. At our back are magnificent views of the Annapurnas. The views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal is just awe-inspiring from Tadapani which also offers glorious sunrise views.
The trail takes us gently uphill through the rhododendron and magnolia forest, with daphne bushes and orchids hosted by the bigger trees. After two hours we reach storm-torn trees broken by the winter snows and wind, and after a further two hours we picnic in the little meadow with its tumbling stream. After lunch the trail goes gently upward through clumps of bamboo before reaching Dobato.
For the first hour the trail follows the 3100m. Contour then breaks out of the forest onto the grass moorlands. To the west are breath-taking views of the lovely Kali Gandaki Valley far below with the great massif of Dhaulagiri above and beyond. The route then leads on upwards to Bhaise Kharka at 3330m. (Here too there is a fine campsite - a useful alternative to that at Dobato) It is quite gradually down now with an ideal shady lunch spot beside one of the clear streams that is finding its way on down to join the holy Kali Gandaki. For us too, after lunch, it is on down to Chhistibang Camp.
Just four hours walking today; the trail again breaking the tree-line uphill to the Kobra Ridge while watching out for Himalayan Thar and Danphe Pheasant. A packed lunch is prepared for this day for there is very little water in route for food preparation. Unbelievably beautiful Khopra Ridge - somewhere between Heaven and Earth - known by the knowing to have some of the most awe-inspiring mountain views our planet can supply. Annapurna South (7219m) Baraha Shikhar (7647m.) in the foreground, the peaks of the Nilgiri away towards Mustang and westward to the hulk of Dhaulagiri where later the sun will set.
Retracing our steps, we reach Chhistibang and then head due south and descend steeply to the Teuche Khola (1800m.) before climbing to the busy trekking trail that passes through Chitre.
Back now among the ‘guide-book’ trekkers, we climb to Ghorepani the village that sits astride the saddle that takes the trail over and down to the Pokhara Valley. Thus, on down via Ulleri and the thigh-pummeling steps to our camp at Tirkedhunga.
The trek’s last day takes us down to and over the bridge at Birethanti and up the few meters road-head to rendezvous with the transport for the 1½ hrs. private bus journey to Pokhara.
Back to Kathmandu by tourist bus which takes 6/7 hrs
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- 1 day tour in Kathmandu
- All Private transport
- KTM-PKR & PKR-KTM by tourist bus
- Guide for all tour/Trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All meals in trekking
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation, All permits
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 830 per person
Single supplementary: USD 300
Trekking season in Nepal: The usual trekking season starts from September to May. During the remainder of the year, Monsoon makes travelling difficult due to wet areas and offers little in the way of mountain views. Some treks that cross high passes are better attempted in months other than December and January because of the heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The temperature rises considerably under altitudes of 3000 ft. in April and May in some parts of the country, therefore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aim to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porters come from rural areas and farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porters work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically, they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal are as follows:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chef will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so it is our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
- TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
(Up to 5,500 m.) - 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support)
- 1 Small daypack
- 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C)
- 1 Down jacket / all-weather Anorak
- 1 Light water & windproof jacket
- 2 - 1-litre water bottles
- 1 Inner sleeping sheet (?)
- 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
- 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying)
- 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries
- Talcum powder, Blister plasters, Toilet paper
- Bio degradable soap / shampoo
- Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands
- First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication
- 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek)
- 2 Pairs lightweight trousers
- 2 Pair shorts
- 1 Fleece / warm sweater
- 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
- 3 Pairs heavy wool socks
- 2 Pairs light socks
- Walking poles
- Underwear (including thermals)
- Cotton Headscarf / bandanna
- Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat
- Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF), Money belt (?)
- Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
- 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
- Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine)
- Insect repellant
- Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)
Trip Gallery
