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May 24 - May 30, 2024 | Change

via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) via Khopra Ridge (Danda) and Khayer Lake Day Trip side trek (7 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal

View full itinerary: Annapurna Sanctuary
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Highlights: Ghandruk, Poon Hill, and Khopra Danda

Difficulty: challenging
via Ghorepani (Poon Hill)

A moderate hike in the Annapurna region for those who want a taste of trekking without the high altitude. While relatively easy by Nepal standards, this trek still packs a punch, with some steep climbs and awesome views, including the famed Himalayan panorama from atop Poon Hill.

Side trip Khayer Lake Day Trip: The long day hike to this remote sacred lake at the foot of Annapurna Fang is a strenuous but rewarding side trip climbing 1000 m from Khopra Danda to this small lake at 4660 m  (15,289 ft). You will need to pack a lunch and bring water or water purification equipment with you since there is no lodging along the route or at the lake. This hike brings you right next to the soaring rock and ice of the Annapurna Massif.

Side trip via Khopra Ridge (Danda): This route climbs up the Khopra Ridge for magnificent panoramas of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and other Himalayan peaks. An overnight at Khopra Danda (3640 m, 11,942 ft) lets you wake to this spectacular view just outside your room, at what must be one of the best lodge locations in the region.

Weather Conditions in May

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May is the end of the ‘Spring Season’ when temperatures are more moderate and the pre-monsoon moisture increases the chance of precipitation as the month progresses. It can be hot and humid in the valleys at low elevations, so make sure you carry enough water. Like the rest of the spring, clear mornings typically give way to cloudy afternoons.

At a glance
On average there are 12 days with precipitation in May. The highest point on the trek is Khayer Lake at 4660 m. During May, expect high temperatures of around 9.4°C (49°F) and lows down to -3.6°C (26°F) at Khayer Lake.

via Ghorepani (Poon Hill) via Khopra Ridge (Danda) and Khayer Lake Day Trip Side trek
(Elevation Profile)

Extra rest days and overnights can be added once the itinerary is created. However any side trips must be added in this step before the itinerary is created.

Fri May 24 (day 1)

Ghandruk (2000 m)

About 3-4 hours from Landruk (trail descends steeply towards the river for an hour then after crossing the river there is a steep ascent for about 2-3 hours with Himalayan views passing through several small villages)
Expect typical high termperatures of about 25.4°C (78°F) and lows of about 12.4°C (54°F) in May.

Ghandruk
Sat May 25 (day 2)

Tadapani (2590 m)

About 3-4 hours from Ghandruk (trail climbs through forest)
Expect typical high termperatures of about 21.9°C (71°F) and lows of about 8.9°C (48°F) in May.

Ghorepani (2874 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 20.2°C (68°F) and lows of about 7.2°C (45°F) in May.

Ghorepani
Sun May 26 (day 3)

Poon Hill (3210 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 18.1°C (65°F) and lows of about 5.1°C (41°F) in May.

Poon Hill

Swanta (2350 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 23.3°C (74°F) and lows of about 10.3°C (51°F) in May.

Chistibung (3000 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 19.4°C (67°F) and lows of about 6.4°C (44°F) in May.

Mon May 27 (day 4)

Khopra Danda (3640 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 15.6°C (60°F) and lows of about 2.6°C (37°F) in May.

Khopra Danda
Tue May 28 (day 5)

Khayer Lake (4660 m)

About 6-7 hours round trip from Khopra Danda (pack a lunch no food)
Expect typical high termperatures of about 9.4°C (49°F) and lows of about -3.6°C (26°F) in May.

Khopra Danda (3640 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 15.6°C (60°F) and lows of about 2.6°C (37°F) in May.

Khopra Danda
Wed May 29 (day 6)

Tatopani (1190 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 30.3°C (87°F) and lows of about 17.3°C (63°F) in May.

Tatopani
Thu May 30 (day 7)
Public bus from Tatopani to Beni (Not Included)

Estimated cost: $2.00
Travel time: about 2 hours
Please pay the fare for your guide & porter (if you have hired one)

Beni (830 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 32.4°C (90°F) and lows of about 19.4°C (67°F) in May.

Public bus from Beni to Pokhara (Not Included)

Estimated cost: $4.00
Travel time: about 4 hours
Please pay the fare for your guide & porter (if you have hired one)

Pokhara (827 m)

Expect typical high termperatures of about 32.4°C (90°F) and lows of about 19.4°C (67°F) in May.

Pokhara

by Ma alejandra (México) on Apr 8, 2024

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Great place, although we couldn’t see much due to clouds!

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by Brian (Australia) on Mar 28, 2019

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The side trip to Poon Hill was beautiful although the view at Khopra was more dramatic and far less crowded. If we did the Khopra trek again, I probably would not go to Poon Hill as well.

by Chris (Australia) on Dec 26, 2018

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by Michael (United Kingdom) on Dec 8, 2018

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The final ascent from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is not as difficult as some other parts of the trek, and is certainly worth doing for the spectacular views of the sunrise over the Annapurna range from the top.

by Chong fah (malaysia) on Nov 11, 2018

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by Benjamin (United States) on Dec 24, 2023

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by James (United Kingdom) on Sep 30, 2019

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