Khopra Ridge Trek
For many decades now, the Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp treks have been the bucket list treks for most trekking. If you think about trekking in Nepal, these are the two treks that come to mind.
But there’s another trek, very close to Annapurna Base Camp and much more rewarding, and that’s the Khopra Ridge Trek. Why is it more rewarding?
You see 22 big mountains from the Khopra Ridge.
Out of which 2 are amongst the 14 highest mountains in the world – Mt Dhaulagiri I (7th highest)! and Mt Annapurna I (10th highest). But that’s not the full picture. You see the Annapurna massif at an arm’s distance (even closer than on the ABC trek). You see the Mt Machapuchare as glorious as ever. You see Mt Nilgiri North and South. There’s Mt Himchuli, Mt Ganga Purna, it’s endless!
Let’s not forget Mt Dhaulagiri. It is right in front of you!
Khopra Ridge Trek is a moderate-difficult trek on a difficulty level ranging from easy to difficult.
You start from Pokhara which is at an altitude of 2,760 ft and reach an altitude of 15,300 ft in a matter of 6 days.
For the most part, it is a moderate hike through the villages of Nepal.
However, the terrain becomes difficult as you get closer to Khayar Lake. The summit day is a long walk of almost 9 hours.
This makes the trek a moderate-difficult one. It is a good trek for experienced trekkers.
You will need at least 8 weeks of solid preparation for this trek. You can begin preparation by going for brisk walks and then doing brisk jogs to improve your cardio. Your target should be to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes comfortably by the start of the trek.
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 3 - September 17 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) - Transfer to hotel & Trip Preparation
If you arrive during the daytime, you will be greeted by a wondrous sight of rolling hills and mountains. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Kathmandu valley from the plane. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to pick up and drop you at your hotel. Once you have checked in to your hotel room, take some rest. There will be a trip briefing later in the day. During the briefing, you will meet your guide and get to know some important dos and don’ts about your trek. There will be a final gear list check. If you have missed out on anything from the list, you can buy or rent from one of the numerous trekking gear shops in Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kimchi and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,365ft) - 25 minutes flight , 2 to 3 hours (52km) drive and 1 to 2 hours (2.5km) trek
You catch the first flight to Pokhara.During the flight, you can enjoy awesome views of the Himalayas. As you approach you will get to enjoy awesome views of the famed Machhapuchhre(Fishtail Peak), Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. Once you reach Pokhara, board a vehicle take a short drive to Kimchi, a small traditional settlement. Your trek begins from Kimchi. It’s a pretty short trek of about one or two hours (depending on your pace) on a well-maintained trail. You climb up a series of stone steps to reach Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village. After reaching Ghandruk head to your teahouse and have some refreshments. After resting for a while, you can explore the village and interact with the locals. Learn more about this community by visiting the Gurung Museum and a Buddhist Monastery that lies at the edge of the village.
Ghandruk falls on the Gurung Heritage Trail and is one of the most famous Gurung villages that has preserved the culture and traditions of the Gurungs, an ethnic mountain community. Most of the men from this village and other Gurung villages on the Annapurna serve in the British or Indian Army.
Overnight in Ghandruk.
Trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) - 4 to 5 hours (6.5km) trek
Trek begins through beautiful Ghandruk village and traverses lush Rhododendron forests. You will see many small streams and stunning natural views on the way.
The colorful prayer flags greet you as you arrive in Tadapani, a village at the foot of Machhapuchhre. Locals revere this mountain, and climbing it is forbidden. Make your way to a teahouse and take a much-needed rest.
Overnight in Tadapani.
Trek to Dobato (3,350m/10,990ft) - 4 to 5 hours (6.5km) trek
Wake up early and hit the trail to Dobato after breakfast. You climb more of the steps. Walk through past a dense rhododendron forest. During spring, the forest is ablaze with pink and red rhododendron blooms, a wondrous sight to behold. A beautiful walk on a ridgeline filled with inspiring views of the mountains and green valleys brings you to Dobato, your stop for the night. After a hard day's walk, putting your feet up and relaxing at the teahouse feels excellent. Retire early as you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise.
Overnight in Dobato
Bayli to Upper Chistibung (2,950m/ 9,679 ft): 4-5 hrs:
This morning you will descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will continue to walk through the forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge. For the next few days, you will stay in lodges run by the local communities. Being off-the-beaten-track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges and tourism industry, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. Stay overnight at Upper Chistibung Include Meal B/L/D.
Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,660m/12,008 ft): 3 hrs:
To reach the ridge at Khopra, you will embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so you should keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time, and rest as often as you wish. You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you at only six kilometers away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. Stay overnight at Kopra Ridge Include meal B/L/D.
Explore Day | Day Hike to Khayer Lake (4,700m/ 15,420 ft): 7-8 hrs:
It is a very good idea to stay here for at least two days; you can take a beautiful day’s hiking trip to Khayer Lake at 4,700m/15,420ft. This, however, is not recommended for every trekker, because it is a very long way to trek to the lake and come back the same way to Khopra. It takes a minimum of 7 to 8 hours as a round trip but once you make your way up to there, you won’t regret your walk because of the eye-dazzling sceneries of Mountain Ranges including Annapurna I and other surrounding peaks. And it is also a good idea to go as far as Thanti (around 4,200m high) and come back. At Thanti, there are some shelters for yak herders and shepherds to stay in during the monsoon. The views of nature’s beauty are mesmerizing here. Stay overnight in Khopra Ridge Include Meal B/L/D.
Khopra Dada Trek to Paudwar Village (1920m.) 4 to 5 hour walks.
After Breakfast steep downhill walk to paudervillage around 4 to 5 hour walk downhill. A beautifullivly Magar village, house and community cheese factory. Visit the cheese factory, learn about the process and enjoy a cheese tasting evening with local honey after 7 days trek. Stays at Local tea house include Meal B/L/D.
Paudervillage Trek to Tatopano Drive back to pokhara (1150M) 3 hour walks.
After Breakfast walk 3 hour downhill toward gharkhola then 20 minute to Tatopani.
After Lunch Drive back to pokhara 4 to 5 hour drive transfer to hotel if have time you can visit Fewa Lake or you can relax at hotel. Include B/B
Afternoon Fly to Kathmandu - 25 minutes flight
You have an afternoon flight, so you can spend the first half of the day as you wish. Relax at your hotel or stroll down the lakeside and take a boat ride by yourself. You can also visit the city’s major sightseeing spots (Davis Falls, Gupteshwar Cave, Seti Gorge) if you want. But be sure to check out of your hotel on time to catch your flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Final Departure
Our representative will drive you to the international airport on time (3 hours before your flight departs) to catch your homeward bound flight. If you want to explore more of Nepal or Bhutan and Tibet do let us know. We have a selection of exciting itineraries that might interest you.
Includes/Excludes
- 2 night’s hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara in 3 star category Hotel twin sharing with breakfast and bed and breakfast plan.
- Best available lodge and tea house accommodation during the trek on Twin sharing Basis.
- Full Board Meals(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) & 3x (Cup of Tea or Coffee) per day
- A trekking or hiking leader - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable Sherpa porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) together with their payments, assurance, gears, foods and accommodations.
- All necessary national park fees, permits and paper works (Annapurna Conservation permits and TIMS) , Entire administration and local Taxes
- Fresh Fruit after dinner everyday , 1 pc snickers or mars chocolate each person every day.
- Khopra Ridge Trek Completion Certificate
- First Aid Kit.
- Pokhara to nayapul- Tatopani to pokhara private Transport.
- Farewell Dinner in Nepali typical Restaurant with culture program.
- Complementary Trekking kit Bag
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc.)
- Your Lunch and dinners in pokhara (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in pokhara than above itinerary.
- Tips for guides and porters
Photo Gallery
