- Activities
Trekking
- Trip Grade
Easy
- Starting Price
€1250/Person
- Accommodation
Tea house/Lodge
- Max. Altitude
4827meters
- Best Season
Sep-Dec, Mars-May
- Active Hours
5hours
- Group Size
04-15
Khopra Ridge Trek is located in western Nepal and northeast of Pokhara.The Khopra Danda Trekking borders the districts of Myagdi and Kaski and is relatively close to the village of Ghorepani in Dhaulagiri rural municipality. The Khopra Ridge trek is a community lodge-based trek, so many also know this trek as the Khopra Ridge community trek.
Khopra trek is situted in Annapurna region, which is not so far from second famous city for the touristes. There are lots of famous lakes, which name is Phewa, Pegnas where we can see the reflection of Annapurnas and Macchapuchre Himal (Fishtail).
Khopra trek is one of the shorter, less popular, and moderate trek in the Annapurna region. We can enjoy our trek by the breathtaking dawn over like Dhaulagiri (8167 m/), Annapurna I (8091 m), Machhapuchre (6,993 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7455m), Tukuche peak (6920m), Dhampus Peak (6012m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gurja Himal (7193m), Nilgiri Himal (7061m), We stay at a teahouse lodges during khopra ridge community trek. We can see as a local lodges, the real trekking life as we did before 20 years ago in Nepal. In Khopra trek, we pass through the rhododendron forests with Himalayan wildlife like pheasants and yaks. Without going on a long trek, you can witness gorgeous mountain sceneries and get to see the lifestyle of the locals. While spending nights in the villages, you will learn how simple life can be so satisfying.
The Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek typically starts with a stunning drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and pass night at Birethanti. We start our hike from Birethanti and second day, we pass our night at big and famous Gurung village "Ghandruk". We can see the Gurung culture, traditions and typical houses. We can visit the museum and see the magnificient views of Annapurna south and Hiunchuli Himal just infront of us.
The isolated trail begins as we trek from Tadapani to Dobato, and from here, we can enjoy the tranquil environment up to Khopra Ridge. For the first two days of the trek we follow the popular trails of the Annapurna foothills. We pass through terraced fields, rhododendron forests. After Tadapani we leave the main trekking trail and for the next five days we walk along a quieter trail. Our highest lodge is at Khopra Ridge at 3,660m. It is well worth getting up early before breakfast to see the sunrise across the Himalayan peaks.This trek takes you to the holy waters of Khayer Lake, so some also know this by the name of Khopra Danda Khayer Lake trek. We back from Gorepani, where we join the trail of classique annapurna cirucuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
We end our trek at Pokhara via Gorepani, Hile village and do the cirucuit of the trek up to Birenthanti. We will take bus from Birethanti to Pokhara.
Flight to Kathmandu from different cities
Arrival at Kathmandu airport (usually in the afternoon) already marks our entry into another world... Customs formalities, baggage collection and welcome by our local French-speaking guide. Crossing the city to the hotel already offers a first discovery of the bustling and colorful capital of Nepal. Buses, trucks, bicycles and sacred cows crisscross in a friendly chaos... Depending on the arrival time, visit the surrounding area or simply settle in and rest at the hotel before your dinner at the hotel..
Free time
Accommodation : in lodge
We take a bus to go to Pokhara (880m), which is known as the second big city for tourists, located on the banks of Phewa lake, where Machhapuchhare (6997m), Annapurna III (7555m) and Annapurna IV (7525m) are reflected. We take a bus directly to our camp Birethanti. We don't walk this day. It's a long way on bus as the road Kathmandu to Pokhara is on the way of construction.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Transfer: Private Bus, between 7h to 8h
We start to walk towards our camp Ghandruk village by following the banks of modhi khola which come from the annapurna base camp. We left Sauli Bazar (1220m) and start to climb up steep stone path by passing Kimche village (1640m)which take us towards the mountain and arrive at Ghandruk by passing lots of cultivation fields, local houses and meet local people on the way. Ghandruk village is big and famous Gurung ethic group village where lots of people from this village are famous for the British, Indian armies and singapore police. This village is very reputed for it. We can see the magnificent views of Machhapuchhare (6997m), Annapurnas and HiunChuli (6441m), just infront of us. We can visit the village and museum as well.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 5h
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+1050 m/-110 m
Now, it's time to do the real trek in the full nature. We leave in the direction of Tadapani (2685m). We start to climb of an impressive rhodondendron forest and arrive for lunch break at Bhaisi Kharka, which is notable for the lush greenery and richness in flora and fauna. We do the pass of Komrong Danda pass (2654m). And then we arrive at small settlement village Tadapani which is surrounded by the forest. We can see the beautiful views of the same mountains that we can see from Ghandruk village. Silent and peace place for the camp site. And junction of Annapurna circuit trek, base camp trek, Gorepani trek and khopra trek.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 5h
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+625m/-110m
We leave t he main trail for Annapurna base camp trek and start to take the path mainly used by the inhabitants of Ghandruk village to reach the high pastures in summer as the have lots of buffaloes, cows, sheep and goats. We walk through the dense and lush rhododendron forest and will be accompanied by the mightily mountain Machhapuchre until we reach our resting point at Masher(2969m). Now, we start to follow the ridge, even continue to hike on a higher altitude, involving gradually climbing at stop at Haire (3137m) for the lunch break. To the west, we can see the views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) range (7th highest peak in the world). We camp at Dobato(3450m).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 5h to 5h30
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+875m/-110m
This is important to see the Sunrise, wake up early in morning and climb up to the Hilltop at Dobato. From the hilltop (3550m), even we can see the famous sunrise point view (Poon Hill 3200m) also below us. We don't have to miss this Sunrise. We can see the magnificent mountains views of including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Manaslu and many more peaks. We come back to take breakfast and walk mainly through pastures between herds of dzos (a cross between a zebu and a yak) and shepherds' shelters. With a little luck we will be able to observe the colorful Danphe (pheasant, national bird of Nepal) and in the grassy slopes, the Himalayan Thar. We arrive our camp at Shistibung.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 5h to 5h30
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+350m/-810
This will be the most exciting day of the trek in the Annapurna region as you will have a steep climb to reach the top of the Vantage point. We walk through the alpine meadows to gradually approach Khopra Ridge and observe the magnificent view of Annapurna South (7219m). This ridge can be accessed after 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes of walk from Shistibumg and offers a panoramic 240-degree view of the mountains in the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri range, Fang, Nilgiri and Annapurna South, Gurja Himal, Baraha Shikar and Sunset. We lunch at our camp for the night at kopra Danda. After lunch, we enjoy the views of mountains and the deep valley view of Kali Gandaki river valley and Gorepani area views.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 3h to 3h30
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+650
This is the long way day of hike of this trek as we climbed in the high altitude up to Khayar lake (4655m) around 10 hours of walk for ups and downs way. We returned back to sleep in the same camp. Therefore, the day is organized to the level of the group and as the wishes of the each person to go to Khayar lake or rest around the camp. We can see the beautiful views of Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna South Himal, Baraha chuli (7647m) and other peaks. According to the Myths, Lord Vishnu, the Hindu deity of Preservation and operation of the Universe took the form of a wild boar and resided here. It is a great pilgrimage for Hindus.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 9h to 10h
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+/-1060m
We descent from Khopra danda to Shistibumg on the same way we climbed just before two days. And we descends down to the river and a bit ascent through beautiful forest, a gradual day walk with a lush forest of rhododendron and occasional steep descent. We can enjoy the view of Dhaulagiri which provides a superb background to the traditional houses and terraced crops of the region. We arrive to lunch at Swanta and pass night over there.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 5h to 5h30
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+100m/-1500m
This is the day that we join the main route of Annapurna cirucuit trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek afte around one hour of hike from Swanta village. We asends steep stone way to arrive a famous village Gorepani. We can see the village by it's blue rooftop and surrounded by rhododendron forest. It's belive that we can see around 14 species of rhodondendrons in that area, among 32 dinstinct species of rhodondendrons found in Nepal. In spring time, you can see rhododendron in colorful. We lunch at Gorepani and descends towards our camp at Ulleri by passing through the rhododendrons forest again by the bank of the river and view of Machhapuchre Himal (Fishtail).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 6h to 6h30
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+880m/-900m
The last day of the trek. We descends really steep part of stone path to arrive the suspension bridge of Tikhedunga and pass through the Hile village. We can see the cultivation and local houses. We go to join the first night of trek at Birethanti. We will do one circuit. And take a bus to go to Pokhara from Birethanti. Night on the banks of Lake Phewa.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Walking hours: 4h to 4h30 and 1h30 of bus
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Height difference:+150m/-1015m
We head to Pokhara airport early in the morning after breakfast to take the flight to Kathmandu. (flight subject to weather and operational hazards). Transfer to your hotel and free and visiting time
Breakfast included.
• Accommodation: in a hotel
Return flight
Free time depending on your flight departure time, transfer to the airport.
Breakfast included.
Arrival at the destination
(End of the trek)
Khopra Danda Trek is newly introduced short and delightful off the beaten excursion of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek at Annapurna Region of Nepal. Khopra danda trek offers excellent panoramic views of Annapurna Himalayan range including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchreand other neighbouring peaks. Cultural exploration is another major highlight of this short and easy trekking.
Located at an elevation of 3,900M, Khopra Ridge Trek is a moderate level trek which for its difficulty level is suitable for anyone with some prior experience of high-altitudes. The Khopra Ridge Trek is perfect for trekkers looking for an offbeat trail in Nepal.
Khopra Ridge has its challenges, but the trek is a must-do when you are in Nepal. It is a moderate-grade trek that starts from Pokhara at an altitude of Khopra (3645m) and the highest point of the trek is at Khayar lake (4655m) at Khayer Lake.
During Khopra Danda Trek, you would be staying overnight at tea-houses or lodges and you will be served with traditional Nepali dishes like Dal-Bhat. Or if you wish to spend overnight in tent-camps or home-stays, then such accommodations could also be arranged. And while you would be on Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can stay overnight at hotel with the standard of your choice.
The best time to go for Khopra Danda Trek would be autumn or spring because the weather would be clear and the sceneries are vivid under the clear blue sky and lush greenery everywhere. Moreover, the blooming of rhododendron forest and other herbs and vegetations would be the major attraction of being there during autumn and spring as well it will reduce the risk of natural calamities and blockades from snowfalls.
The trail is partially busy because most of the trekkers are trekking there only in the season time.
Since April 1, solo or independent trekkers must hire a guide or a porter to walk on Nepal's trekking trails. If you were asking, is guide compulsory in Nepal? the answer is yes. You will not be allowed to trek otherwise.
Generally, Khopra Danda Trek is about two weeks long but you can customize/personalize the trekking days and the itinerary according to your requirement with Nepal Mountain Trekkers.