Khopra Ridge Trek
on a beautiful off the beaten trail
Trip Overview
Duration 7 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 Local tea house lodge/community lodge Meals 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 close up view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Baraha Shikar from Khayer lake.
- 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 Mountain ranges 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. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri.
Unlike the bustling trails of the Annapurna and the 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.
This 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.
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.
This trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from terraced fields and lush forests to high alpine meadows, past traditional Gurung and Magar villages, giving you a chance to experience the local culture and hospitality. With moderate difficulty and fewer tourists, it is ideal for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Himalayas.
The Khopra ridge trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk. From Ghandruk 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.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is a great option for those looking for a quieter trekking experience in the Annapurna region. This trek can be completed in 6-7 days, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region within a shorter time frame.
This trek offers a unique and rewarding experience for trekkers seeking a quieter and more authentic Himalayan adventure. With its diverse landscapes, stunning mountain vistas, and cultural encounters, the trek provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and local charm.
In terms of difficulty, the Khopra Ridge Trek is less challenging than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, it still requires some prior trekking experience and a reasonable level of physical fitness.
Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk-Trek to Tadapani
Day 2: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato
Day 3: Trek from Dobato to Chistibung
Day 4: Trek from Chistibung to Khopra ridge
Day 5: Excursion to Khayer lake
Day 6: Trek from Khopra ridge to Paudwar
Day 7: Trek from Paudwar to Tatopani & Drive to Pokhara
Trip Itinerary
Drive from Pokhara 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.
Our guide and vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and then you will drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk passing through villages such as 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. After lunch, you will commence your trek towards Tadapani.
The trail goes along with the magnificent views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre along the way. Tadapani provides amazing view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks. Overnight in Tadapani.
Altitude: 2630m
Duration: 3hrs drive/3-4hrs trek, Trek from Tadapani to Dobato
From Tadapani, you will leave the main ABC trail and head towards Dobato over off the beaten trail. The trail takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine. The trail is relatively moderate and takes about 5-6 hours, and involves with some occasional ascents and descents.
Along the way to Dobato, you will pass through woodlands, and small streams enjoying the serene beauty of the Himalayas. As you approach Dobato, the landscape opens up, revealing breathtaking views. Dobato is a small settlement with some tea houses offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range. Overnight in Dobato.
Altitude: 3450m Duration: 5-6hrs, Approx. 7kmsTrek from Dobato to Chistibung
While in Dobato, you should not miss the Muldai View Point. Muldai view point located at about 3,640 meters provides a panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and Dhaulagiri ranges. The viewpoint is also renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a photographers delight.
Early morning before dawn, you will hike for about 30 minutes to the Muldai View Point, to observe the sunrise over the Himalayas. Spend some time soaking the breathtaking early morning view, and then you will descend to Dobato for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will continue through Rhododendron forests towards Chistibung. Initially the trail ascends through rhododendron forests, pasturelands, and then ascend towards Bayeli Kharks. From here you will descend to the valley below, and then it is a gradual uphill climb along a narrow path towards Chistibung. Overnight in Chistibung.
Altitude: 3010m Duration: 6-7hrs including Muldai View PointTrek from Chistibung to Khopra Ridge
Today will be a short day in this Khopra ridge trek. You will begin with a steady uphill hike past meadows with the views of grazing yaks.
Along the way, you can expect to see the Himalayan tahr (the wild goat) and the Himalayan Pheasant (Danfe) the national bird of Nepal, Danfe.
The hike is a gradual uphill and can be very tiresome, as you approach the ridge, you can view the tip of the Annapurna South. But once you arrive at the ridge, almost unvelievable panorama of the of Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South opens up close in front of you.
After lunch, you can take a walk down from the Kopra Ridge to the viewpoint overlooking the Kali Gandaki River valley. Overnight in Khopra ridge.
Altitude: 3660m Duration: 3-4hrsExcursion 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 features an uphill trek over stone steps, passing through meadows across the Khayer Khola valley. It takes about 5 hours to reach Khayer Lake, which is the highlight of the Khopra Ridge trek.
The landscape’s raw beauty is truly breathtaking. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Baraha Shikar appear so close that you feel you could almost touch them. Far below, you can see the Kali Gandaki River Valley.
Take your time to savor the splendid views, but not so long because you have a long way back to the lodge at the Khopra Danda before it gets dark. Overnight in Khopra ridge.
Altitude: 4660m at Khayer lake Duration: 7-8hrsTrek from Khopra ridge to Paudwar
Today you will descend from from Khopra Ridge to Paudwar. After breakfast, you will hike from Khopra to a high ridge leading towards Paudwar. From the ridge it is a long and a steep descent over well built stone steps through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and past small villages to Paudwar.
This journey will take around 5-6 hours, through stunning landscapes with the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Paudwar, a charming Gurung village known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Overnight in Paudwar.
Altitude: 2000m Duration: 5-6hrsTrek from Paudwar to Tatopani & drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, you will descend down from Paudwar to Tatopani on the Pokhara-Jomsom highway. At Tatopani, you will board on a private vehicle and take a scenic drive back to your hotel in Pokhara (within the city limit).
Duration: 3hrs trek/3-4hrs driveIncluded
- All ground transfers by private vehicle.
- 6 nights’ accommodation in tea house lodge during the trek.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with some coffee/tea during the trek.
- English-speaking licensed trekking guide along with a porter (1 porter for every two trekkers).
- 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
- Meals other than listed.
- 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.