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.

Our guide and vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and then you will drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk passing through villages such as Nayapul, Lumle, and Kimche.

In Ghandruk, 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, you will commence your trek towards Tadapani.

The trail goes along with the magnificent views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre along the way. Tadapani provides amazing view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks. Overnight in Tadapani.

From Tadapani, you will leave the main ABC trail and head towards Dobato over off the beaten trail. The trail takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine. The trail is relatively moderate and takes about 5-6 hours, and involves with some occasional ascents and descents.

Along the way to Dobato, you will pass through woodlands, and small streams enjoying the serene beauty of the Himalayas. As you approach Dobato, the landscape opens up, revealing breathtaking views. Dobato is a small settlement with some tea houses offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range. Overnight in Dobato.

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

Early morning before dawn, you will hike for about 30 minutes to the Muldai View Point, to observe the sunrise over the Himalayas. Spend some time soaking the breathtaking early morning view, and then you will descend to Dobato for breakfast.

After breakfast, you will continue through Rhododendron forests towards Chistibung. Initially the trail ascends through rhododendron forests, pasturelands, and then ascend towards Bayeli Kharks. From here you will descend to the valley below, and then it is a gradual uphill climb along a narrow path towards Chistibung. Overnight in Chistibung.

Today will be a short day in this Khopra ridge trek. You will begin with a steady uphill hike past meadows with the views of grazing yaks.

Along the way, you can expect to see the Himalayan tahr (the wild goat) and the Himalayan Pheasant (Danfe) the national bird of Nepal, Danfe.

The hike is a gradual uphill and can be very tiresome, as you approach the ridge, you can view the tip of the Annapurna South. But once you arrive at the ridge, almost unvelievable panorama of the of Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South opens up close in front of you.

After lunch, you can take a walk down from the Kopra Ridge to the viewpoint overlooking the Kali Gandaki River valley. Overnight in Khopra ridge.

Today’s journey to Khayer Lake and back to the lodge is long and demanding but highly rewarding. Khayer Lake holds strong significance for Hindus and is a sacred site. During the Janai Purnima festival, thousands of Hindu pilgrims gather at this pristine lake.

The hike features an uphill trek over stone steps, passing through meadows across the Khayer Khola valley. It takes about 5 hours to reach Khayer Lake, which is the highlight of the Khopra Ridge trek.

The landscape’s raw beauty is truly breathtaking. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Baraha Shikar appear so close that you feel you could almost touch them. Far below, you can see the Kali Gandaki River Valley.

Take your time to savor the splendid views, but not so long because you have a long way back to the lodge at the Khopra Danda before it gets dark. Overnight in Khopra ridge.

Today you will descend from from Khopra Ridge to Paudwar. After breakfast, you will hike from Khopra to a high ridge leading towards Paudwar. From the ridge it is a long and a steep descent over well built stone steps through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and past small villages to Paudwar.

This journey will take around 5-6 hours, through stunning landscapes with the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Paudwar, a charming Gurung village known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Overnight in Paudwar.

After breakfast, you will descend down from Paudwar to Tatopani on the Pokhara-Jomsom highway. At Tatopani, you will board on a private vehicle and take a scenic drive back to your hotel in Pokhara  (within the city limit).