With the Annapurna region developing roads in certain areas, the laws of nature seem to be giving way to unnecessary modern needs for the development of commerce and trade in a region known for bio-diversified beauty, and with this changing by the weeks, backpackers who love trekking in Nepal are now seeking untouched and virgin routes in this magnificent area; and the ‘Khopra danda Excursion – Khopra Ridge Trek’’ is just the solution for a thrilling holiday that runs straight off-track onto a rough route called the ‘Yak trail’’, creating a sublime avenue for those who seek a tryst with the gods of nature…

 

This is a trip that sanctifies Mother Nature in an exceptional way, the fantastic trek steers itself into unknown territory and is said to be an exclusive outing for those looking for something lesser known. Trekkers on this route tend to meet less people [fellow trekkers] and it’s only you, the mountains, and those merry birds to keep us company all the way. We get what we want on this trail, sublime vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and the warm village folks we meet up on the way. And during spring time the trail is blessed with lovely flowers and the rhododendron trees stir our romantic emotions as we get our cameras ready for some great picture options to put up in our ballrooms when we get back home…

 

This particular area is a base for two big-time festivals in Khayer Lake held annually each year. The local folks group together on the higher elevations of the ridge once in March and April with a break to continue in July and August. Whenever the festival is celebrated the villagers take blood from a yak and drink it while it is still warm! The superstition goes that this will heal any disease. This time around the village people tend to believe that whatever they pray for will be granted: this includes good wives and the women folks hope for bearing children. The outstanding landscapes hereabouts display before us scenery ranging from the rich finery of the Pokhara Valley and its excellent views of Annapurna massif including the towering peaks of Machhapuchare [Fish Tail mountain] as we hike into marvelous rhododendron, hemlock and fir forest through the high alpine ridges of Khopra; Another wonderful addition is the sacred Khayer Lake, which requires a little stroll away from the Khopra Ridge. The ‘Khopra Danda Excursion – Khopra Ridge Trek’’ is just what we need to get away from those contemporary stressful situations we all experience sometime in life…