Khopra Ridge Trek

10 Days
Group : 8-15 People
Guided Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Nepal
Altitude : 3,900 m

Khopra Ridge Trek is a newly established trekking destination in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The ridge offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Poon Hill. Visitors can trek to Khopra Ridge and then continue on to Poon Hill for an even more fantastic view of the area.

The itinerary for this trek is designed to give travelers the best possible experience while trekking in Nepal.

Khopra Ridge, located in the heart of the Annapurna region, is a hidden gem for trekkers. This trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal. It contains all of the elements of a classic Nepal trekking experience, including villages, wildlife, panoramic mountain views, and various landscapes from forests to high alpine. Khopra Ridge is the perfect trek for an authentic Nepal experience.

For the first four nights of the trek, you stay in community lodges set up by local villagers. The remaining nights are spent in teahouses.

This trek is located away from the busier trails of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. You will experience the Nepalese people’s hospitality and learn about their way of life.

The Khopra Ridge Trek offers trekkers delightful views of the sunrise over the mountains and a chance to visit the Khayer (Khair Tal) Lake and Khayer Barah temple. For Khayer Lake, an extra day is required than what is needed for the regular Khopra Ridge Trek. This trek extends from the Khayer Tal Trek and leads up to Khopra Ridge, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The scenery on this trek is truly breathtaking, with views of some of the world’s highest mountains. On Khopra Ridge Trek, you will enjoy views of some of the world’s tallest mountains like Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgin (7061m), Bharha Shikhar (7647m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7219m) Hiunchuli (6434m), Fishtail (6997m), Annapurna II (7937m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal (6983m). The experience is truly unforgettable, and you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty surrounding you.

This trek is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and experience Nepal in a truly unique way.

Departure & Return Location

Pokhara, Nepal

Meeting Time

4 P.M

Price Includes

Activity: Trekking, Camping, etc
Accommodation during Trek (Camping)
Meals during Trek (Veg)
All season Camping tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags with adequate sub-zero temperature rating, comfortable mattress
Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys, ice-axe, micro-spikes, slings
Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission – up to the amount charged for Indian Nationals.
Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid knowledge
Experienced Local guide, cook, helpers
Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
Exhaustive First Aid kit including portable oxygen cylinder, oximeter

Price Excludes

Transportation
Meals during the road journey
Insurance
Any expenses of personal nature
Mules or porter to carry personal luggage. (extra luggage, if any can be left at the base camp with the authorities)
Cost Escalation due to natural reasons
Any expense not specified in the inclusion list

Highlights of the Khopra Ridge Trek

Breathtaking sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the AnnapurnasThe amazing thing about the Khopra Ridge Trek is that it gives you a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world. Every morning, you'll be treated to a stunning view of the sun peeking out from behind the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
Teahouse Accomodation with Beautiful PanaromasOne of the highlights of the Khopra Ridge Trek is the opportunity to stay at a teahouse with an unbeatable view of the Himalayas. You'll be able to wake up each morning to a panorama of some of Nepal's most beautiful mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre.
Get up close and personal with the world's tallest mountainsOn the Khopra Ridge Trek, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's tallest mountains. You'll be able to see firsthand the massive size of these peaks and appreciate their beauty from a new perspective.
Experience the culture of Nepal's highland peopleThe Khopra Ridge Trek is a great opportunity to experience the culture of Nepal's highland people. You'll have the chance to meet local villagers and learn about their way of life. You'll also get to see firsthand how they live in harmony with the natural world around them.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Nepal HimalayasOne of the best things about the Khopra Ridge Trek is that it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You'll be able to find peace and quiet in the Nepal Himalayas, far away from the noise and pollution of the city.
Hike to the holy Khayer LakeA highlight of the Khopra Ridge Trek is the opportunity to hike to the holy Khayer Lake. This sacred lake is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and you'll be able to see why when you witness its serene beauty.

Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Pokhara

After a long journey, you finally reach Pokhara, where you will be staying at a hotel booked by Advenchar.

You will meet the rest of the team at the hotel and have a briefing in the evening. After the briefing, you can explore Pokhara, have dinner by the lakeside, and do some last-minute shopping from the Pokhara market.

Retire early to save energy for the next day and the start of the Khopra Ridge Trek.

Day 2Pokhara to Ghandruk & Trek to Tadapani

Distance: 55 km (Drive) & 8 km (Trek)
Time Taken: 1.5 hours (Drive) & 5 Hours (Trek)
Ghandruk Altitude: 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
Tadapani Altitude: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)

The drive from Pokhara is a beautiful journey through the Nepalese countryside. You’ll wind your way up to Ghandruk, a charming village with slate-roofed tea houses. This is the starting point for the Khopra Ridge Trek.

As you walk through the village, you’ll get a taste of the tea house culture that is characteristic of trekking in Nepal. You’ll be staying in these tea houses throughout the trek.

Ghandruk is a great place to start your journey because it provides stunning views of the Himalayas. The village is also home to many Gurung people known for their friendliness and hospitality.

The trek to Tadapani from Ghandruk goes through a narrow path in the village, then crosses a junction where the trail splits into two. One of the trails leads to Kommorong and ABC, while the other goes to Tadapani.

The trail towards Tadapani has steps cut into rocks. After 10 minutes of climbing, you will reach the first viewpoint, which offers a stunning view of majestic mountains like Mt Annapurna South, Mt Himchuli, Mt Ganga Purna, Mt Annapurna III, and Mt Machapuchare (fishtail). These mountains will stay with you as you continue on the trail.

As you trek further, you’ll find yourself entering a forest area with tall trees of wide varieties. If you’re trekking during April, you’ll be able to see the big, red rhododendron flowers. In addition, you’ll hear the faint sound of a waterfall in the distance. This area is incredibly refreshing due to the moist air from the flowing stream and the dense canopy of trees above.

From here, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend for about 45 minutes. Along the way, you will pass a small waterfall and eventually reach Bhaisi Kharka, a small village in Nepal’s far western region. This village is approximately 5 km from Ghandruk.

Take a break at Bhaisi Kharka to rest and refill your water bottles before continuing your journey.

This trek will take you through dense forests, where you will see tall Rhododendron trees. The trail is lovely, and at specific points, you will see a view of the mountains through the branches of the trees. The trek will take around 2 hours to reach Tadapani, where you can have lunch. You will have a perfect view of the sunset from this point in the evening.

Day 3Tadapani to Dobato

Distance: 7 km
Time Taken: 5 hours
Altitude: 3,460 m (11,350 ft)

The Khopra Ridge Trek starts today with a gradual uphill climb through a forested area filled with rhododendrons and bamboo. The Annapurna range is visible on the right as you trek. As you continue, the trail enters a deeper section of the forest, where oak trees become prevalent.

The trail then descends for a short while before resuming an uphill climb. This part of the journey takes you close to the tree line, where you can see Khopra Ridge in the distance. The remainder of the trek is spent along this ridge, with stunning views of the valley and mountainside below.

Meshar is a beautiful place with stunning views of the mountains. It’s a great place to fill up your water bottles before continuing on the trek. The next leg of the trek takes you up to Isharu, where you can see some of the most impressive mountain views in the world.

Mt Annapurna (the 10th highest mountain in the world) and Mt Annapurna Fang (7,647 m) are visible from here. The views are truly breathtaking and something you won’t want to miss.

The next hour is a mix of ascent and descent, leading you to Dobato. Have lunch at the teahouse to refuel before continuing on to the best place on this trek – the Muldhai Peak viewpoint. This spot has gained a reputation among locals for its unbeatable views of twenty-two snow-capped peaks, two of which are among the fourteen highest mountains in the world.

Witnessing the complete Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with Mt Tukuche and Mt Nilgiri North and South, is an unforgettable experience – especially at sunset. If you want to catch the sunrise from this vantage point, set your alarm and head back up the following day.

Day 4Dobato to Khopra Ridge

Distance: 11 km
Time Taken: 7 hours
Altitude: 3,650 m (11,975 ft)

We will set off early in the morning from Dobato to make the most of the daylight. After half an hour of walking uphill, we will reach a fork in the trail. The path to the right takes us to a hidden lake, while the one to the left leads up to Khopra Ridge.

We will take a break here and take in the magnificent views of all the mountains in the Annapurna range. But don’t worry; these breathtaking views will soon be replaced by an even more stunning vista of the Dhaulagiri range.

After trekking for 15 minutes, the Dhaulagiri range will come into view to the left. This is your first sign that you’re getting close to your first rest stop, Bayali.

The trail then descends for two hours through a forest. This brings you to Chhistibang, a tea house inside the forest. Be sure to have a light lunch here, as you still have 3 more hours of trekking ahead of you.

The trail ahead from Chhistibang to Khopra Ridge is a continuous ascent, with small streams and waterfalls running alongside it on both sides. As you ascend, the views of the clouds playing around the ridge on either side are enchanting. Every step towards Khopra brings you closer to the Dhaulagiri range, culminating in majestic mountain ranges when you finally reach the tea house.

The views from the tea house itself are breathtaking, with Mt Annapurna South, Mt Annapurna Fang, Mt Annapurna I, Mt Nilgiri South and North, Mt Tukuche, and the Dhaulagiri range all visible in the panorama.

Day 5Khopra Ridge to Khayar Lake & Back

Distance: 15 km
Time Taken: 8 hours
Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)

We will start the trek early today as it will be the longest day. The first 45 minutes will be a level walk with scenic views of the Dhaulagiri range. After that, the trail will turn into a ridge walk with multiple climbs and descents for the next two hours.

We will see the world’s deepest valley, Kaligandaki, between Mt Tukuche and Mt Nilgiri North. Make sure to take plenty of breaks and enjoy the views!

As you slowly make your way along the trail, the scenery gradually changes from barren mountains to an open field. This is the same landscape as the Spiti Valley in the Indian Himalayas. This means that you’re getting close to Khayar Lake.

As you approach the lake, you’ll see a small dhaba at Khayar Ghat. The dhaba will offer you some local tea and snacks. From there, it’s about 1.5 hour trek to the lake. The trail gets progressively steeper from this point onwards, with many steps. There are also symbols of a temple and bells along the way, which are signs of Khayar Lake’s mythological stories.

Before you finally see the lake, you’ll catch a glimpse of Mt. Annapurna South in the distance. The lake is located at the base of the mountain.

When you reach the lake, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the entire landscape. The lake is a beautiful turquoise color, surrounded by mountains. It’s a unique and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The area around Khayar Lake is dotted with prayer flags, bells, and a temple. Sit here for a while and take in the peaceful surroundings. This is the summit of the Khopra Ridge Trek.

In July, Nepalis visit Khayar Lake as part of a yatra (pilgrimage) to seek the fulfillment of wishes and to sacrifice an animal to Lord Shiva. They believe that if their wish comes true, they must return to the lake as a token of thanksgiving.

From Khayar Lake, it is a 3.5-hour trek down to Khopra Ridge. There is a lunch spot at Khayar ghat along the way. The descent is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

Day 6 Khopra Ridge to Swanta & Drive to Pokhara

Distance: 10 km
Time Taken: 5 hours
Altitude: 822 m (2,696 ft)

This is the last day of the Khopra Ridge Trek. You’ll start the day with a ridge walk that will take you down into the forest. The first part of the trail is the same one you took to get to Khopra Ridge. The descent will take about two hours.

You’ll come to a fork in the trail at the end of the descent. Take the path to the right – it will take you to Swanta and then to Ghorepani. If you take the left path, it will lead back down to Dobato.

Today’s trail will take you through a dense forest strikingly different from the previous two days of forest trails. This forest is predominately oak trees, with bamboo scattered throughout. The trek will take three more hours and bring you to the village of Swanta. There are many agricultural lands here but very few tea houses.

Make sure to enjoy the surroundings today, as it will be your last chance to take in the views of the mountains and forests. This trek has been a fantastic experience; you’ll want to remember it for years.

As you reach Swanta, you’ll notice a change in vegetation. The forest becomes thinner and more scrubby. This is the end of the trek! You’ve made it to your final destination. Congratulations! You should feel proud of yourself for completing this incredible journey.

Now that you’re in Swanta, you can board the vehicles that will take you back to Pokhara.

Day 7Departure From Pokhara

This is the last day of the Khopra Ridge Trek and we will say goodbye to you as you depart from Pokhara.

Khopra Ridge Trek Map

Khopra Ridge Trek Photos

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to do Khopra Ridge Trek?

The best time to do the Khopra Ridge Trek is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and clear. The trek can be done year-round, but it’s important to note that the trails can be very slippery during the monsoon season (June to August).

What is the difficulty level of Khopra Ridge Trek?

The Khopra Ridge Trek is considered to be a moderate trekking trail. However, there are some sections that may be challenging for those who are not used to trekking at high altitudes. It is important to be prepared for the trek by doing some training beforehand.

How long does it take to complete Khopra Ridge Trek?

The Khopra Ridge Trek can be completed in five to six days. However, it is recommended to take your time and enjoy the trek, so seven to eight days would be ideal. This will also allow you to spend some time exploring the villages and taking in the stunning views.

What are the requirements for participation?

All participants are expected to be confident that they are physically and mentally fit and able to complete the itinerary of their chosen event as defined in the itinerary.

Any minors between 10 and 17 years of age must accompany their parent or guardian who assumes full responsibility for them to participate in the adventure activity or event. Any unaccompanied, underage minor will not be allowed to participate in the adventure activity.

How to make a booking with us?

You can make your booking at our website www.advenchar.com or you can contact us at hello@advenchar.com.

You must be at least 18 years old to make a booking with us. After the booking, our team will send you a confirmation of the booking.

We understand that you may have to change your travel plans due to the Covid-19 situation, so considering this we have introduced a Book Now, Pay Later facility for all the participants. However, you will be required to pay the full amount at least 15 days prior to the departure date.

How do I cancel/modify my booking?

If you wish to cancel/modify your existing booking, you can do so by logging in to www.advenchar.com, and pay through the dashboard or you can drop us a mail at hello@advenchar.com with all the details of your booking, and we’ll cancel it for you.

What is cancellation policy?

You can claim a 100% refund if you choose to cancel your booking before 15 days. The refund will primarily be in the form of a voucher valid for 12 months. You can also opt for a cash refund provided the booking is not part of a promotional offer or a coupon code provided by Advenchar.

Refund

Cancellation before 15 days from departure date – 100% refund.
Cancellation between 15 days and 7 days from departure date – 70% refund.
Cancellation less than 7 days from departure date – You can modify your trek free of cost, and transfer it to a friend/family member.

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