Khopra Ridge Trek

The trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani not only offers stunning mountain views but also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Gurung culture at Ghandruk village.

Embark on your adventure with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk, passing through villages such as Nayapul, Lumle, and Kimche. While in Ghandruk if time permits, you can take a leisurely stroll around the village and visit the Gurung cultural museum, and gain insight into the cultural heritage of the Gurung people.

After lunch, commence your trek to following the ABC trail to Tadapani. The trail meanders through lush rhododendron and oak forests, providing glimpses of the majestic Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre peaks along the way. Tadapani provides amazing view of Annapurna south, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and others. Overnight in Tadapani.

Departing from Tadapani, you’ll leave the main ABC trail and embark on a less-traveled path towards Dobato. The trail meanders through forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine, offering a serene and immersive experience.

Initially, the trail is relatively moderate, leading you to the tea house at Misharu. After a short break at Mesharu, the trail ascends steeply for about an hour to reach Isharu. From Isharu the trail contours around the hillside descending and finally ascending to Dobato.

Dobato, situated at an altitude of 3,420 meters is a small settlement consisting of a few tea houses offering a spectacular views of the Annapurna range. If time and energy permit, consider taking a 30-minute hike to the Muldai Viewpoint, renowned for its panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, especially during sunset. Overnight stay in Dobato

While in Dobato, you should not miss the Muldai View Point, Muldai view point located at about 3,640 meters provides panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and Dhaulagiri ranges. The viewpoint is also renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Early morning embark on a 30 minutes hike to the Muldai View Point, to observe the sunrise over the Himalayas. Spend some time soaking the breathtaking early morning view, where the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-capped mountains, and then you will descend to Dobato for breakfast.

After breakfast, you will continue through Rhododendron forests towards Chistibung. Initially the trail follows a narrow path over the ridge through rhododendron forests, with good views of the mountains along the way, finally ascending towards the tea house lodge at Bayeli Kharka.

From Bayeli Kharka, the path descends through dense forests and crosses a small river before a gradual uphill climb leads you to Chistibung, a small settlement with a community lodge. Overnight in Chistibung.

Today’s trek is relatively short involving a steady ascent through alpine meadows and pastures. As you ascend, keep an eye out for Himalayan tahr (wild mountain goats) and the colorful Himalayan monal (Danfe), Nepal’s national bird.

The trail gradually ascends, and as you approach the ridge, the tip of Annapurna South comes into view. Upon reaching Khopra Ridge, you will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panorama of towering peaks, including Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South close in front of you.

After arriving at the community lodge on Khopra Ridge, enjoy lunch and take time to rest. In the afternoon, consider taking a short walk to explore around. Overnight in Khopra ridge.

For those seeking an extended adventure, a day hike to the sacred Khayer Lake (4660 m) offers a rewarding challenge. This day hike is moderately challenging due to its rugged terrain, and high altitude. The whole journey takes about 8-10 hours round trip.

From Khopra ridge, the trail meanders through alpine meadows with stunning mountain views until Khayer Khola. From here, it is a steep climb over stone steps for about 2 hours until you reach the lake. At the lake, you will be greeted with the close up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Baraha Shikhar.

The trip to Khayer Lake not only offers unparalleled natural beauty but also provides a sense of tranquility and spiritual fulfillment, making it a memorable highlight of the Khopra Ridge Trek.

After breakfast, begin your descent from Khopra Ridge toward the Magar village of Paudwar. The trail initially leads you to a high ridge, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From here, it is a long and steep descent over well-constructed stone steps, Along the way, you’ll pass the small settlement of Laureni before arriving at Paudwar.
Paudwar is a charming village inhabited by the Magar community, known for cultural significance.

The trek from Khopra Ridge to Paudwar takes around 4 to 5 hours, traversing through forests, terraced fields, with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Paudwar.

After breakfast, you will take a short walk to meet the vehicle. Board on the waiting vehicle and take a scenic drive back to your hotel in Pokhara.

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