We leave Khopra at first light with packed breakfast and lunch. The trail climbs north-east across open pasture, then into a rocky ablation valley below the glaciers of Annapurna South. Height gain is roughly 1,000 m to the lake, and the path is faint in places, with boulder sections that need care. Without a guide who knows the route, it is easy to lose time on the wrong side of the valley.
Khayer Lake, also spelled Kaire or Khayar, lies at about 4,660 m and is sacred to Hindus, who associate it with the goddess Barahi. Each August around Janai Purnima, pilgrims from the Myagdi villages walk up to bathe in its cold water and make offerings. Outside that season the lake is usually deserted, with a few prayer flags and small shrines. The ice walls of Annapurna South rise close above, and you can hear seracs crack in the afternoon.
Because the lake sits nearly 1,000 m above your previous night's sleep, the hike is a good acclimatisation test. Anyone with a bad headache or nausea should turn back early. Cloud often builds over the glaciers by late morning, so we aim to reach the lake by about 11 am. The descent back to the Khopra lodge takes 3–4 hours, and a hot dinner and early bed follow. Walking poles help on the long return over loose moraine.
Good for
- Photographers
- Solo
- Pilgrims
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How difficult is the Khayer Lake hike?
It is the hardest day on any Khopra itinerary: about 1,000 m of climbing to roughly 4,660 m and 8–9 hours of walking in total, partly on faint trails and boulders. You need good fitness and should feel well acclimatised after a night at Khopra. It is optional on our treks; anyone who prefers can rest on the ridge instead.
Is Khayer Lake a pilgrimage site?
Yes. Khayer Lake is sacred to Hindus in the Myagdi and Kaski area, who associate it with the goddess Barahi. The main pilgrimage happens around Janai Purnima, usually in August, when devotees walk up to bathe and make offerings. Visitors should not swim, wash with soap or leave rubbish near the shrines at any time of year.
Can you camp at Khayer Lake?
There are no lodges at the lake, and camping requires full equipment carried up from Khopra, plus extra care at around 4,660 m, where sleeping without prior acclimatisation is risky. Almost every trekker visits as a day hike from the Khopra community lodge. We can arrange a camping extension for experienced, well-acclimatised groups on request.
