Khopra Ridge Trek

Durations

8 Days

Difficulty

Medium

Min Age

18

Khopra Ridge trek is a newly discovered short trekking trail in the Annapurna region. This trekking trail is less crowded and peaceful than other trekking routes in the Annapurna Region.

In this trekking route, you can witness the glory of the mountain ranges of the Annapurna region—Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri Himal, and many other mountains. Khopra Ridge trek gives you the experience of the daily, lifestyle of people living in the Himalayan region.

Being a short and easy trek one can complete it within a given duration, as compared to other ABC treks. Basic trekking Knowledge for this trek is enough to enjoy this trek with your family members and friends.

Khopra Ridge Trek was introduced by the Annapurna Region to support the villages of Khorpa economically through tourism. All the funds and money collected through community tea houses and guest houses of this trekking route goes to local schools and hospitals.

One of the renowned Nepali researchers, teacher, and social entrepreneur founded this technique to help his village Khopra for the betterment of locals and the region. Khopra Ridge Trek is also known as Khayar Lake Trek. The main highlights of this trek are Khopra Danda, and Khayer Lake (a secret lake at an altitude of 4500m).

The most suitable season for this trek will be in spring (March-May) and autumn (mid-September-November). In this season the days are warm and nights are a bit chilly and during the daytime skies are clear so you can fully experience the views of mountains and mountain ranges.

During this peak season, you will be witnessing the different kinds of seasonal flowers and birds while trekking through this trail. Passing through thick and dense forests, visiting the local villages of Gurung and Magars, watching terrace farmlands, and many other memorable things.

Khopra Ridge Trek is also known as Khayar Lake Trek. The main highlight of this trek is Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake (a secret lake at an altitude of 4500m).

Highlights of Khopra Ridge Trek

Short and adventurous trek in the Annapurna Region
Jaw-dropping view of sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
Culturally diverse Villages and welcoming locals
Visiting the secret Khayer Lake at the altitude of (4500m)
Passing through dense forests filled with Rhododendrons and seasonal flowers.
Spending a night at a tea house with authentic Nepali Cuisine
Panoramic Views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri Himal, and other mountains.

Trip Facts

Destination: Nepal
Accommodation: Tea House and Community Lounge
Walking distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max elevation: 4,600m
Best season: March-May and mid-September-November
Difficulty: Easy and moderate

Itinerary Outlines

Day 1: Drive to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk (1,920m), Duration: 5 hours
Day 2: Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,590m), Duration: 4 hours
Day 3: Tadapani to Dobato (3,420m) Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Day 4: Dobato -Sunrise Munde View Point to Chistibung Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,660m), Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 6: Trek to Swanta Village (2,200m) Duration: 5 hours
Day 7: Trek to Ghorepani (2,050m) Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Day 8: Hike to Poon Hill- Banthanti, drive to Pokhara

Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk

Maximum Altitude: Ghandruk (2,012 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drive Duration: 5hrs

It takes around 2 hrs to reach Kimche from Pokhara by local vehicles. After reaching Kimche our trek officially starts, the first destination of our trek will be Ghandruk. The trails are moderate and easy to reach Ghandruk

While continuing your trekking along the Modi Khola river flowing beside you. One can notice a glimpse of Ghandruk village within 1 and a half hours of the hike. Ghandruk is the last village of the Annapurna Conservation Area and it is also the most important village of the Gurung Heritage Trail.

Most of the houses are made with stones and mud and colored in white. The locals of this village are always welcoming towards their guests and they will welcome you with great hospitality and a warm room to stay. We will be spending our night there at a local Tea House The tea house offers quality food, hot water for baths, comfy beds to sleep in, and electricity.
Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani

Max Altitude: Tadapani (2,590m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 4 hrs

Trek starts early in the morning with the view of sunrise from Ghandruk and after finishing your breakfast. You will be trekking at an altitude of (2,500m) where the path gets steep and narrower from time to time.

While continuing your trek you reach the place called ‘lovely viewpoint’ from where you can witness the stunning views of Mt Macchapucchre, Mt Annapurna South, Mt Ganga, and Mt Himchuli.

After resting and watching the view from a ‘lovely viewpoint’ you will be continuing your trek and crossing through the dense forest covered with Rhododendrons and different kinds of eye-peeling flowers. After crossing through many forests and streams you will reach Tadapani where you will be spending your night there at the local Tea House.
Day 3: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato

Max altitude: Dobato (3,350 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs

After spending a night at Tadapani you will start your trek to Dobato. The route to Dobato is filled with forest full of Rhododendrons and bamboos. During peak season, you will witness the best sight of Rhododendrons blooming alongside the path. After trekking for an hour you will reach Meshar where you can rest for a bit and refill your water containers.

While continuing the trek from Meshar you will reach another viewpoint at the place called Isharu. From Isharu’s viewpoint, you can witness the panorama view of Mt Ganesh Himal, Mt Annapurna II, and Mt Annapurna VI along with the other Mountain ranges.

After resting at the viewpoint you will continue your trek toward Dobato for a whole 5-6 hrs. You spend your night at the Tea House and get prepared for the next day.
Day 4: Trek from Dobato to Sunrise Munde Viewpoint Chistibung

Max Altitude: Chistibung (3000 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

This day is probably the longest trekking day of the whole journey where you have to trek towards Munde Viewpoint and from there to Chisitbung. You wake up early in the morning and start your trek to reach Munde Viewpoint for sunrise. As your trek starts before sunrise you will have to trek at dark where it might get risky.

After reaching Munde Viewpoint you will witness the breathtaking sight of sunrise from the great Mountain ranges which is one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. After enjoying the sunrise you will head back down to your tea house and have some meals. After resting for some time you’ll start your trek towards Chistibung.

The trail toward Chistibung is filled with ridges and has to pass through a dense forest filled with rhododendrons. After a continuous hike for 6- 7 hrs, you will reach Chistibung. It is a small village inherited by Magars and Gurungs where you will be staying at a local tea house and spending a night there.
Day 5: Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Ridge

Max altitude: Khopra Ridge (3900 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

From Chistibung it is a short trek to Khopra Ridge but the trail gets Stipper and hard as you move forward. It takes around 3 hrs to reach the ridge and it’s 3 km from Chistibung. After trekking along the ridge you will reach your tea house where you will take rest. The tea house itself is a viewpoint where you can enjoy the views of the Dhaulagiri Range.
Day 6: Trek to Swanta Village

Max altitude: Swanta Village (2,200m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5 hrs

After witnessing the breathtaking view from your tea house you will start your downward trekking to reach Swanta Village. You need to be extra careful during this trek because from this day your downward trek starts. After trekking for five hours you will reach Swanta village where you will be spending your night at the tea house.
Day 7: Trek to Ghorepani

Max altitude: Ghorepani (2,050m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Trekking downwards alongside paddy fields and lust jungles and crossing through many suspension bridges. After climbing many stone-made stairs you will reach the village of Ghorepani. The meaning of Ghorepani is “horse water” in Nepali language. When you reach Ghorepani you will be resting there at a local tea house.
Day 8: Hike to Poon Hill-Balthali and drive to Pokhara

Max altitude: Poon Hill(3,210 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Poon Hill is the famous viewpoint of the Himalayan region. After spending a night at Ghorepani you leave early in the morning for Poon Hill. There you will witness the sunrise over the most famous mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other mountain ranges.

After enjoying the sunset you will head down to Banthanti and there you can take a rest and have breakfast and take a local bus to Pokhara,

On this day your Trek to Khopra Ridge Trek ends here. Along with all the captivating and magnificent views throughout the trek, you’ll be returning back to your country with a bag full of memories.

Include

Pick up and drop off to and from the airport.
Bus travel from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Comfortable lodging at tea houses throughout the trek.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) provided during the trek.
Government-licensed guide for an informative and safe trekking experience.
Porters to carry luggage on a shared basis (1 porter for 2 trekkers), with a maximum weight limit of 15-18kg for each porter. Trekker luggage limit: 7-8kg.
Comprehensive coverage for guides and porters, including meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight, and necessary equipment.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS CARD).
All government, local taxes, and official expenses are included.
Farewell dinner after you conclude your trek.

Exclude

Tips for guides and porters.
Costs for accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before and after the journey.
Additional costs for extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
Expenses such as shopping, snacks, bottled water, hot and cold drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery recharge fees, extra porters, etc.
Costs associated with personal clothing and trekking gear.
Compulsory travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.
Extra costs resulting from delays beyond the company's control, such as landslides, weather conditions, safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
Any services not explicitly mentioned above

FAQ

What is the best season for the Khopra Ridge Trek?

The most suitable season for this trek will be in spring (March-May) and autumn (mid-September-November) where in this season the skies are clear, and days are warm and dry. These seasons are also known as the peak season of Trekking because you can witness and experience the full potential of this trekking route.

The trails will also be less risky due to clean and dry weather which makes it easier for trekking.

Autumn is the best season for the Khopra Ridge trek because the skies get clear and the weather is a bit chilly and warm during the daytime so the trekkers feel comfortable during this season.

From September to October, you can experience the most important and famous festival of every Nepalese known as Dashain and Tihar. These festivals are also known for festivals of light and flowers where different kinds of seasonal flowers grow.
What is the scenario for Food and Accommodation during the trek?

Khopra Ridge trek offers tea houses and lounges for accommodation whereas while spending a night at Khopra Ridges you have to spend your days at community lounges. As we know, community lounges are a bit cheaper than tea houses. Facilities are a bit different than tea houses but still not too bad during a trekking.

Tea houses and community lounges provide the same food which is authentic Nepali food (Dal Bhat, Tarkari, Acchars), other locally grown and made foods are also available on the menu. Tea houses and lounges offer good hospitality and facilities, some are hot water, electricity, comfortable beds, and other things.
How long is the Khopra Ridge Trek going to take?

As per our itinerary, you can complete the Khopra Ridge trek within 8 days if you are healthy and can work according to our itinerary. However, if you are a beginner and struggling during the trek, you can rest overnight and start your trek the very next day.

Price

$500

per Person (min 2 pax)

Price

From

500 $

Enquiry Form

Things to know

Permits Required

The permits that you need for the Khopra Ridge trek are:

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entree fees us $30 per person
Trekkers Information Management System Fees (TIMS) $20 per person

Group, Duo, or Solo Trek

Because of the permit regulations, a minimum of two participants is necessary for this journey. For solo travelers, we can assemble a group for you. Trek & Adventure Nepal is proficient in accommodating various group sizes and teams with an additional assistant guide. If you have a group, you’ll get a discount. More members in a group, more discounts.