Khopra Ridge Trek

Duration

9-10 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Max. altitude

3,660 Meter

Group Size

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best season

March -May/September-November

Overview and Highlights

Namaste and welcome to the majestic land of the Himalayas.

The Khopra Ridge Trek, also known as the Khopra Danda Trek, is a scenic and less-crowded trekking route located in the Annapurna region of central Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path trail offers spectacular and close-up views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, along with breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna range and other surrounding Himalayan peaks.

One of the main highlights of the trek is the panoramic viewpoint at Muldai Viewpoint and Khopra Danda, which stands as the highest point of the main trail. From here, trekkers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Himalayan landscape. Many travellers also choose to take an optional side hike to the sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m), a high-altitude alpine lake. The hike to Khayer Lake typically takes 3–4 hours from Khopra Danda, with a return journey of approximately 3 hours.

The Khopra Ridge Trek is especially appealing to trekkers seeking a peaceful and authentic Himalayan experience, as it is significantly less crowded than other popular trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Along the way, trekkers can experience the rich culture, traditions, and hospitality of the Gurung and Magar ethnic communities.

The trek generally begins with a 2.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk village. From Ghandruk, the trail ascends to Tadapani (2,630 m), a trek of approximately 4–5 hours. Tadapani is an important trail junction and serves as a starting point for both the Khopra Ridge Trek and the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek.

Alternatively, trekkers can access the Khopra Ridge Trek via Galeshwor in Myagdi District, offering a different approach route for those seeking further exploration of the region.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you and provide a short and informative briefing about the trek.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara – Drive to Ghandruk – Trek to Tadapani (2,630 m)

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, drive by private jeep to Ghandruk village (approx. 2.5 hours). After lunch, begin a scenic trek to Tadapani, which takes about 4–5 hours.

Day 3: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato (3,350 m)

Trek through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests to reach Dobato. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and optional sunset views from nearby viewpoints.

Day 4: Sunrise at Muldai Viewpoint – Trek to Chistibung (3,000 m)

Early morning hike to Muldai Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After breakfast, descend and continue trekking to Chistibung.

Day 5: Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Danda (3,660 m)

Ascend gradually through alpine pastures and along scenic ridgelines to Khopra Danda. Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains.

Day 6: Excursion to Khayer Lake (4,500 m) and Return to Khopra Danda

A full-day hike to the sacred Khayer Lake, the highest point of the trek. This is a challenging but rewarding day with incredible mountain scenery. Return to Khopra Danda for overnight stay.

Day 7: Trek from Khopra Danda to Swanta (2,200 m)

Descend through forests and traditional villages to reach the charming village of Swanta.

Day 8: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2,850 m)

Gradual ascent through forest trails to Ghorepani, a popular trekking village known for mountain views.

Day 9: Sunrise at Poon Hill – Trek to Ulleri / Nayapul – Drive to Pokhara

Early morning hike to Poon Hill to witness a spectacular Himalayan sunrise. After breakfast, trek down to Ulleri or Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.

Day 10: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Afternoon)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Pokhara before flying back to Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Day 11: Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg meximum per person during the trek.
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.