Khopra Ridge Trek
For decades, the Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp treks have topped the bucket lists of trekkers from around the world. When people think of trekking in Nepal, these two routes are often the first that come to mind.
However, there is another trek, located close to the Annapurna Base Camp trail, that offers an even more rewarding experience. This is the Khopra Ridge Trek.
What makes the Khopra Ridge Trek special is the incredible mountain panorama. From the ridge, you can see 22 major peaks, including two of the world’s 14 highest mountains. Mt Dhaulagiri I, the seventh highest peak in the world, and Mt Annapurna I, the tenth highest, dominate the horizon. The Annapurna massif feels almost within arm’s reach, even closer than on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Machapuchare rises in its full glory, while Nilgiri North and South, Himchuli and Gangapurna stretch endlessly across the skyline. Mt Dhaulagiri stands directly in front of you, making the view truly unforgettable.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. The journey begins in Pokhara at an altitude of 2,760 feet and reaches a high point of around 15,300 feet within six days. Most of the trail involves steady, moderate hiking through traditional villages and scenic landscapes.
As you approach Khayar Lake, the terrain becomes more challenging. The summit day is long and demanding, requiring nearly nine hours of continuous walking. For this reason, the Khopra Ridge Trek is best suited for trekkers with prior hiking experience.
Proper preparation is essential. A minimum of eight weeks of focused training is recommended. Start with regular brisk walks, then gradually include jogging to improve cardiovascular fitness. By the start of the trek, you should be able to comfortably cover 10 kilometers in under 60 minutes.
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) – Transfer to Hotel and Trip Preparation
If you arrive during the daytime, you will be welcomed by sweeping views of rolling hills and surrounding mountains as your flight approaches Kathmandu. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Kathmandu Valley from the air.
Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can take some time to rest and recover from your journey. Later in the day, there will be a detailed trip briefing. During this session, you will meet your trekking guide and receive important information about the trek, including essential dos and don’ts.
A final gear check will also be conducted. If you are missing any required equipment, you can easily buy or rent trekking gear from the many shops in Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Kimche, and Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6,365 ft) 25-minute flight, 2 to 3 hours (52 km) drive and 1 to 2 hours (2.5 km) trek
You take an early morning flight to Pokhara. During the flight, enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. As you approach Pokhara, the scenery becomes even more impressive, with clear views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), the Annapurna Massif, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.
After landing in Pokhara, you continue by vehicle on a short drive to Kimche, a small traditional settlement. The trek begins from Kimche and follows a well-maintained trail. This is a relatively short hike, taking about one to two hours depending on your pace. A series of stone steps leads uphill to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village.
Upon reaching Ghandruk, you head to your teahouse and enjoy some refreshments. After a short rest, you can explore the village and interact with the locals. Visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the culture and traditions of the community and walk to the Buddhist monastery located at the edge of the village.
Ghandruk lies on the Gurung Heritage Trail and is one of the most well-known Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. The village has preserved its traditional lifestyle, culture and architecture for generations. Many men from Ghandruk and nearby Gurung villages have served in the British or Indian Army.
Overnight in Ghandruk.
Trek to Tadapani (2,600 m / 8,528 ft) 4 to 5 hours (6.5 km) trek
The trek begins as you walk through the beautiful village of Ghandruk and continue along a trail that winds through lush rhododendron forests. Along the way you cross small streams and enjoy stunning natural scenery at every turn.
As you arrive in Tadapani colorful prayer flags welcome you to this peaceful village located at the base of Machhapuchhre. This sacred mountain is deeply revered by the local people and climbing it is strictly forbidden. You then make your way to a teahouse and take some well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Tadapani.
Trek to Dobato (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) 4 to 5 hours (6.5 km) trek
Wake up early and start the trek to Dobato after breakfast. You climb more steps and walk through a dense rhododendron forest. During spring the forest is ablaze with pink and red rhododendron blooms, creating a truly magical sight. A beautiful walk along a ridgeline with inspiring views of the mountains and green valleys brings you to Dobato, your stop for the night. After a long day on the trail putting your feet up and relaxing at the teahouse feels wonderful. Retire early as you need to wake up at dawn to catch the sunrise.
Overnight in Dobato.
Bayli to Upper Chistibung (2,950 m / 9,679 ft) 4 to 5 hours trek
This morning you descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where you will have lunch. After lunch you continue walking through the forest, ascending gradually and passing several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and the temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung. Here you will stay in a small community lodge.
For the next few days you will stay in lodges run by local communities. Being off the beaten track, these villages have not previously benefited from tourism. Now, with the network of our Community Lodges and the growing tourism industry, profits go directly to support local projects and schools.
Overnight at Upper Chistibung (Meals: B/L/D).
Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m / 12,008 ft) 3 hours trek
To reach the ridge at Khopra you embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. This area is known for wildlife, so keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasants. The best way to tackle the climb is to move steadily, take your time, and rest whenever needed.
You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch and be greeted by awe-inspiring views. The extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering just six kilometers away, with Fang and Nilgiri visible to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline.
Overnight at Khopra Ridge (Meals: B/L/D).
Explore Day | Day Hike to Khayer Lake (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) 7 to 8 hours trek
It is highly recommended to spend at least two days at Khopra Ridge so you can take a scenic day hike to Khayer Lake at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft. This hike is not suitable for every trekker as it involves a long round trip of 7 to 8 hours, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of Annapurna I and other surrounding peaks.
If you prefer a shorter option, you can hike as far as Thanti at around 4,200 m and return. Thanti has simple shelters used by yak herders and shepherds during the monsoon. The natural beauty along the trail is truly mesmerizing.
Overnight at Khopra Ridge (Meals: B/L/D).
Khopra Ridge Trek to Paudwar Village (1,920 m) 4 to 5 hours trek
After breakfast, begin a steep downhill walk to Paudwar Village, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. This is a beautiful Magar village known for its traditional houses and community cheese factory. Visit the cheese factory to learn about the cheese-making process and enjoy a tasting session with local honey, a perfect treat after seven days of trekking.
Overnight at a local teahouse (Meals: B/L/D).
Paudwar Village Trek to Tatopani and Drive Back to Pokhara (1,150 m) 3 hours trek
After breakfast, begin a 3-hour downhill walk toward Gharkhola, followed by a short 20-minute walk to Tatopani.
After lunch, drive back to Pokhara, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival at your hotel, you can relax or if time permits, visit the scenic Fewa Lake.
Overnight in Pokhara (Meals: B/B).
Afternoon Flight to Kathmandu – 25 minutes
You have an afternoon flight, so you can spend the first half of the day as you wish. Relax at your hotel or take a stroll along the lakeside and enjoy a boat ride. You can also visit major sightseeing spots in Pokhara such as Davis Falls, Gupteshwar Cave and Seti Gorge. Make 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 in time for your flight, usually three hours before departure. If you wish to explore more of Nepal or venture to Bhutan and Tibet, let us know. We offer a selection of exciting itineraries that may 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