Khopra Ridge Trek
Small Group Journeys

Khopra Ridge Trek

on a beautiful off the beateaten trail

  • duration 10 Days
  • Trekking
  • Culture Tours
  • Moderate
    Moderate
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek & Everest Base Camp Trek rule the bucket list of legions of trekkers. Yet, there is more to it than these two treks in Nepal, especially for those seeking off-beat, less crowded trails yet retaining the same level of trekking charm and allure. The Khopra Ridge Trek readily comes to mind. What sets it apart from the others is hiking on the ridge for almost three days with 360° uninterrupted views of mountain ranges. And, not to miss is its glorious sunrise and sunset view. The natural aesthetic of Khayer Lake is another arresting highlight.

The Khopra ridge trek is one of the least trodden trail to the south of the Annapurna range. The trail traverses quaint villages, allowing insights into the daily life of congenial locales. The Khopra Ridge Trek runs through Rhododendron forest – a visual feast during spring with its blooming, thick temperate forest and alpine meadows. Although, it is not as strenuous as the famed ABC trek. We can safely put it in the moderate bracket. However, prior experience and training are required to attempt this trip.

The journey begins with a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley. Then we drive to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. From Pokhara, we take an hour’s drive to Birethanti, the starting point of the Trek. The route follows the usual Poon Hill trail until Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, leaving the main hiking trail, we descend into the valley on an off-the-beaten path and ascend north towards Khopra ridge. Khopra Ridge offers some of the best views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain peaks. Khopra Ridge Trek includes all the essence of a typical trekking experience in Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: In Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara
Day 4: Drive to Ghandruk-Trek to Tadapani
Day 5: Trek to Dobato
Day 6: Trek to Khopra Ridge
Day 7: Excursion to Khayer Lake
Day 8: Trek to Paudwar-Drive to Pokhara
Day 9: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 10: Departure

Overview

trekking Trip Type
activity Activities Included
Trekking Culture Tours
accommodations Accommodation 3-4* category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local village lodge during the trek
meals Meal Only breakfast included in Kathmandu and Pokhara while all meals are included during the trek
seasons Best Seasons Best during the spring when the sky is clear and forest with blooming rhododendron. The next best season is autumn with appropriate weather and clear sky.
route Route Kathmandu-Pokhara-Tadapani-Dobato-Khopra Danda-Paudwar-Pokhara-Kathmandu
best Best Months March, April, May, October, November

best Good Months September

best Lean Months June, July, August

best Not Recommended Months January, February, December

Trip Highlights

    • Off the beaten trail in the Annapurna Region.
    • Witness the unobstructed sunrise view from Poon Hill over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
    • Hike through pristine forests and traditional Nepalese villages.
    • Walk through dense jungle, Rhododendron flowers, and waterfalls.
    • Hike to the sacred Khayer Lake at the foot of Annapurna South.
    • Enjoy the 360º view of the Mountains from Khopra Danda.
    • Experience the lifestyle and culture of the Magar and the Gurung people.

Detailed Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at the airport, meet and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and walk to Thamel through Asan and Indrachowk market squares. In the evening, a short briefing regarding your trip followed by a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

MEALS:
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Day 2:

In Kathmandu

Today, we have a full day of sightseeing covering the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu valleys. We will visit the Swayambunath stupa, popularly known as the Monkey temple amongst the foreigners due to the presence of large number of monkey population around the stupa. Swayambhu is a collection of ancient shrines and temples. In the morning and the evening you can see the devotees in ritual circumnavigation of the stupa. Boudhanath is one of the center of Buddhism in Nepal. Thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make kora(ritual circumnavigation), beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha. Walk along with the pilgrims and visit the many shops and monasteries around the Stupa. After the visit we will drive a short distance to visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest hindu site in Nepal. Although non Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the surrounding complex with shrines, lingams, ghats and devotees might interest you. Overnight in Kathmandu.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Duration Duration: Sightseeing 5-6hrs
Day 3:

Fly to Pokhara

This morning, we shall drive to the domestic airport and take a flight to Pokhara. Our guide and vehicle will pick you up from the Pokhara airport and transfer you to your hotel in the lakeside area. Upon reaching the hotel, you can rest and relax until lunch, after lunch, we will have a half day tour around Pokhara covering, Devis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Pagoda and the Lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

Option is also available to drive to Pokhara in a private vehicle, if there are more than two members, this will cut down the flight cost

MEALS:
Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 822 m
Duration Duration: 208kms/6-7hrs
Day 4:

Drive to Ghandruk-Trek to Tadapani

This morning, we will set out on an exciting journey past interesting villages like Nayapul, Lumle, and Kimche to reach the captivating Gurung village of Ghandruk. We will visit the Gurung Musuem and stroll around the village. And after lunch, we will start our trek toward Tadapani. Along the way, we can get the magnificent views of mountain peaks such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre. It takes about 3-4hrs to reach Tadapani from Ghandruk. As we arrive at Tadapani, we will be treated to an amazing view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and various other peaks. Overnight in Tadapani.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2630m
Duration Duration: Drive 3hrs/Trek 3hrs
Overnight Village Lodge/Tea House
Day 5:

Trek to Dobato

From Tadapani, we will leave the main ABC trail and take a diversion to an off the beaten track destination. This day hike is relatively easy as as the trail goes through breathtaking rhododendron forests, experiencing occasional inclines and declines along the way towards Dobato. Overnight in Dobato.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 3420m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Overnight Village Lodge/Tea House
Day 6:

Trek to Khopra Ridge

Early morning, we shall hike for about 30 minutes to Muldai view point in order to witness the sunrise view. The views are almost the same or even better than from Poon Hill. After enjoying the sunrise view, we make our way down to Dobato for breakfast. After breakfast, we once again hit the trail through beautiful rhododendron forest past the pasture land of Bayeli Kharka. Bayeli Kharka provides the close up view of the Dhaulagiri range. Initially, it is a downhill hike following a verdant slope traversing through pastureland, and then a gradual uphill hike. The walk is over a narrow path to the ridge with stunning mountain views of the Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and the Annapurna south. Enjoy the sunset view over the mountain range with clouds rolling above. Overnight in Khopra Ridge.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Muldai View Point at 3637m/Khopra Ridge at 3640m
Duration Duration: 7-8 hrs
Overnight Village Lodge/Tea House
Day 7:

Excursion to Khayer Lake

Today we have a long journey to Khayer lake and back to the lodge at Khopra ridge. It is a long and a tiring journey but it is worth the effort. This long and tiring trek is certainly worth the effort, as Khayer Lake holds great significance for Hindus and is considered a sacred site. In fact, during the Janai Purnima festival, thousands of Hindu pilgrims flock to this pristine high-altitude lake. The hike goes uphill over stone steps, past meadows across the Khayer Khola valley. It takes about 5 hours to reach Khayer Lake. Take your time to enjoy the splendid views before retracing our steps back to Khopra Ridge for the night. Overnight in Khopra ridge.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Khayer lake at 4660 m
Duration Duration: 7-8hrs
Overnight Khopra Cumminity Lodge
Day 8:

Trek to Paudwar-Drive to Pokhara

From Khopra Danda, we will descend back down into the valley. The trail goes past several villages with views of the hills and mountains. After approximately an hour of trekking, we will find ourselves on a high ridge, which marks the halfway point of our journey to Paudwar. It will take us another two hours to reach Paudwar from the ridge. Once we arrive in Paudwar, we will hop into a private jeep and drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Duration Duration: Trek 3hs/Drive 4hrs
Day 9:

Fly to Kathmandu

We will transfer you to Pokhara airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer your to your hotel.  The rest of the day is free to rest and relax or go for shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Option is also available to drive to Kathmandu in a private vehicle, if there are more than two members, this will cut down the flight cost

MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 10:

Departure

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.

MEALS:
Breakfast

Cost Information

Included

    • All airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle.
    • One full day of sightseeing with an entrance fee accompanied by a local guide.
    • Accommodation in the above listed or similar (3-4*) hotels in Kathmandu and in local village lodges during the trek.
    • Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and all meals during the trek.
    • One welcome/farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
    • English-speaking local guide along with a porter(one porter for every two pax) during the trek.
    • Guide, porter, and trekking staff insurance.
    • All necessary paperwork and permit (TIMS/ACAP).
    • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu flight cost.
    • Free hire of a duffel bag, and trekking poles.
    • All Government taxes and service charges.

Not included

    • Nepal entry visa.
    • International flight to and from Kathmandu.
    • Lunch and dinner or any other meal not specified above.
    • Personal Travel Medical Insurance.
    • Personal expenses such as bar, beverages, tips and gratuities, laundry, telephone, battery recharge, etc.
    • Hot showers during the trek.
    • Any extra cost incurred due to unforeseen circumstances or early return from the trek.
    • All other personal expenses are not listed in the included section.

Guides

Overview

trekking Trip Type
activity Activities Included
Trekking Culture Tours
accommodations Accommodation 3-4* category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local village lodge during the trek
meals Meals Only breakfast included in Kathmandu and Pokhara while all meals are included during the trek
route Route Kathmandu-Pokhara-Tadapani-Dobato-Khopra Danda-Paudwar-Pokhara-Kathmandu
group_size Max Group Size 2-8
seasons Best Seasons Best during the spring when the sky is clear and forest with blooming rhododendron. The next best season is autumn with appropriate weather and clear sky.
best Best Months March, April, May, October, November

best Good Months September

best Lean Months June, July, August

best Not Recommended Months January, February, December

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Khopra Ridge Trek