Khopra Ridge Trek
on a beautiful off the beaten trail
Trip Overview
Duration
10 Days
Trip Level
Moderate 
Trip Type
Trekking 
Activities Included
Trekking 
Best Months
March, April, May, October, November 
Good Months
September 
Lean Months
June, July, August 
Not Recommended Months
January, February, December 
Accommodation
3-4* category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local village lodge during the trek
Meals
Only breakfast included in Kathmandu and Pokhara while all meals are included during the trek 
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. 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.
Trip Description
The Khopra Ridge Trek stands out as a hidden gem for trekkers seeking an equally fascinating adventure to the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Everest Base Camp Trek, yet within a less crowded setting.
Unlike the bustling trails of Annapurna and Everest, Khopra Ridge trek presents a more tranquil and less frequented path. Here, you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the Himalayas without encountering the usual bustling crowds.
The trail provides panoramic views throughout the journey. Walking along the ridge enables you to enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges. Moreover, witnessing the sunrise and sunset against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks from the Khopra Ridge will be an unforgettable experience.
The Khopra Ridge trek presents unparalleled views of peaks such as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, offering you an opportunity to witness the grandeur of these mountains up close. Exploring this off-the-beaten-path route not only provides solitude but also offers a chance to experience the raw and unspoiled beauty of the region.
The journey begins with a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley, known for its historical sites and vibrant culture. Subsequently followed by a drive towards Pokhara, known for its tranquil lakes and stunning vistas of the Annapurna range.
From Pokhara, you drive to Ghandruk, from where the trek begins. From Ghandruk to Tadapani, you will follow the Annapurna Base Camp trail, which is a popular route known for its panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. However, from Tadapani, you’ll deviate off the main trail onto a lesser-known path leading towards the Khopra Ridge.
For those seeking a quieter trekking experience in the Annapurna region while still relishing beautiful landscapes and cultural insights, the Khopra Ridge Trek can be a fulfilling choice.
In terms of difficulty, the Khopra Ridge trek is not as demanding as the Annapurna Base Camp trek or Everest Base Camp trek. However, it still requires prior trekking experience and some level of physical fitness.
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
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening. Later in the evening, there will be a short briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Altitude:
1350m
In Kathmandu
Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
At Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments. Following the visit, you will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Here, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries. Later in the afternoon, you will proceed to the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. The evening is free for you to shop for any last supplies or gear needed for your upcoming trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Altitude:
1350m
Duration:
4-5hrs
Fly to Pokhara
This morning, you will take a short, spectacular 25-minute flight to Pokhara. The flight provides you with the first glimpse of the snowcapped Himalayas. Our guide and vehicle will be waiting to pick you up from the Pokhara airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area. Later in the afternoon, we will go on a half-day sightseeing tour around Pokhara, visiting Devis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Pagoda, and the Lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.
Altitude:
822 m
Duration:
4-5hrs
Drive to Ghandruk-Trek to Tadapani
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.
The drive to Ghandruk passes through charming villages like 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.
Following lunch, you will commence your trek towards Tadapani, with the magnificent views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre along the way. Tadapani provides amazing view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and various other peaks. Overnight in Tadapani.
Altitude:
2630m
Duration:
3hrs drive/3-4hrs trek,
Trek to Dobato
From Tadapani, you will leave the main ABC trail and head towards Dobato. The trail goes through forests of rhododendron and pine with some occasional ascents and descents. En route, you will come across small settlements where you can engage with the locals, and gain insight into their culture, traditions, and way of life. Overnight in Dobato.
Altitude:
3420m
Duration:
5-6hrs, Approx. 7kms
Trek to Khopra Ridge
Early morning before dawn, you will hike for about 30 minutes to the Muldai Viewpoint. The viewpoint provides breathtaking sunrise views, possibly even better than those from Poon Hill.
After enjoying the sunrise view, you’ll descend to Dobato for breakfast. Post breakfast, you will continue through Rhododendron Forest towards Bayeli Kharka. Bayeli Kharka offers a close-up view of the majestic Dhaulagiri range.
Initially the trail descends across lush slopes through pasturelands, followed by a gradual uphill climb along a narrow path finally arriving at Khopra ridge. Khopra ridge presents breathtaking views of Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South. Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
Altitude:
Muldai View Point at 3637m/Khopra Ridge at 3640m
Duration:
7-8hrs
Excursion to Khayer Lake
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 involves an uphill trek over stone steps, traversing meadows across the Khayer Khola valley. It takes about 5 hours to reach Khayer Lake. Take your time to savor the splendid views before retracing your steps back to Khopra Ridge for the night’s stay. Overnight in Khopra ridge.
Altitude:
Khayer lake at 4660 m
Duration:
7-8hrs
Trek to Paudwar-Drive to Pokhara
From Khopra Danda, you’ll descend to the valley below, passing through villages while enjoying panoramic views of the hills and mountains around. After approximately an hour of hiking, you’ll arrive at a high ridge, which acts as the midpoint to Paudwar. From this ridge, it will take about two more hours to reach Paudwar. You will have lunch at Paudwar and then drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Duration:
3hs trek/3-4hrs drive
Fly to Kathmandu
After breakfast, our guide and driver will drop you at the Pokhara airport for your departure flight to Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to yourself. 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
Departure
Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.
Included
- All transfers by private vehicle.
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu in 3-4* category hotel.
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara in 3-4* category hotel.
- 4 nights’ accommodation in tea house lodge during the trek.
- Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with coffee/tea during the trek.
- One welcome or farewell dinner with a cultural performance in Kathmandu.
- 1 full day guided city tour in Kathmandu.
- English-speaking licensed trekking guide along with a porter (1 porter for every two trekkers).
- Round trip airfare between Kathmandu-Pokhara.
- First aid kit, and duffel bag.
- Trekking staff accommodation, wages, meals, trekking gears, and insurance.
- All necessary paperwork and permits for the trek (ACAP/TIMS card).
- All government tax and service charges.
Not included
- Nepal Visa.
- International airfare.
- Meals other than listed (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, bar, beverages).
- Bottled/boiled water, battery recharge and Wi-Fi and hot showers during the trek.
- Tips and gratuities to Guide, Porter and driver.
- Travel medical insurance covering rescue and emergency evacuation.
- Personal trekking gears and equipment’s.
- Trip cancellation cost due to your health, weather condition, political situation, and any other unforeseen events.
- Any other expenses other than the listed above.