Khopra Ridge Trek, a newly identified and developed route, considered an off-beaten trail, is located in the Annapurna Region. Relatively, this route is less busy, unlikely classic Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek, yet the magnificent view of the trek is rewarding.
The Khopra Ridge Trek, known as Khopra Danda Trek takes trekkers through lush forests, quaint villages, excellent mountains, and Himalayan foothills. The scenery of this location creates a good impression in the hearts of adventurers.
One who finds the Khopra Ridge Trek interesting should know that stunning views are never far from the hikers at this place. The view is excellent, spanning from Dhaulagiri’s highest peak to Annapurna South and the lush greenery of rhododendrons.
The view of sunrise from Poon Hill is a beautiful one where you get to see mountains that seems to touch the sky which are painted in a golden-orange gradient. Besides enjoying the views, clients on the Khopra Ridge Trek also get to socialize with the local people.
The authenticity of the living reality of the Gurung and Magar people travelers can learn about their culture, lifestyle, and the warm welcome of the inhabitants. Staying in traditional homestays along the Khopra Ridge Trail provides trekkers with an original village experience and a cozy home atmosphere. The standard trekking period for Khopra Ridge is 6-8 days.
The journey starts from Nayapul and goes through Tadapani, Ghorepani, Chistibung, and finally the Khopra Ridge. The nature of the trail is up and down and the trekking path is moderately difficult for several categories of trekking enthusiasts.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport and after finishing your visa and customs clearance process, you will meet our staff member holding a placard, who will welcome you by offering a garland of Marigold.
Our staff member will take you to a hotel in Kathmandu city. After a short rest and refreshing you will have to go to the Go Trekking Nepal office nearby to do some paperwork.
Before dinner, if you are interested in exploring the charming touristy hub, Thamel then you will have time to hang out. In the evening you will be invited to take part in a welcome dinner organized by Go Trekking Nepal in a restaurant. You will interact with the trek leader and other fellow trekkers.
Early morning, around 6:30 am, we head to the tourist bus stand to catch a bus to Pokhara.
The road distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is just 200 kilometers, but the hilly and winding terrain slows the journey. However, the scenic route rewards us with views of beautiful terraced farmland and roadside settlements.
Nearly half of our journey follows the Prithvi Highway, Nepal’s busiest road, connecting Kathmandu with other parts of the country.
For several hours, the road runs alongside the mighty Trishuli River, renowned for water sports like rafting and kayaking. We stop for breakfast on the riverbank.
After a 7-hour scenic drive, we reach Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal. We check into a hotel, rest, and explore the Lakeside area.
After dinner at a restaurant, we return to the hotel to prepare our gear for tomorrow’s Khopra Ridge Trek.
After having a hearty breakfast, you will start the day with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the trekking starting point. From there, the trek begins through picturesque villages and lush forests, ascending to Tikhedhunga at 1,480 meters. You will enjoy the serene landscapes and local hospitality as you settle in for the night.
Overnight stay in Tikhedhunga.
The journey starts around 8 am. The trail begins steeply up towards Unlleri Village, crossing thousands of steps of a staircase. The snow-capped Annapurna South dominates the northern horizon, while the trail reveals breathtaking views of the lush valley below.
After several hours of ascent and crossing through lush forests, we reach Banthati for a well-deserved lunch break.
The trail then gradually ascends to Ghorepani, passing through dense forests where the melodious chirping of various birds adds a rhythmic soundtrack to the tranquil path.
In a 2 to 3-hour house trek after lunch, we reach a beautiful settlement, Ghorepani, covered by lodges and teahouses.
We will check into a lodge to refresh and relax, easing our sore muscles from today’s trek.
Overnight stay in Ghorepani
Early at dawn, our trek leader will wake you up to catch the sunrise views from Poon Hill. As you reach the viewpoint, you’ll join several other travelers eagerly awaiting the first sunlight to illuminate the mountain peaks, transforming them into a stunning golden color.
From Poon Hill, a magnificent mountain range of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is seen at an almost 360-degree angle. Most of the famous peaks, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhulagiri peaks are festooned in the same range.
After two hours Poon Hill Trek, we will return to the hotel, have breakfast and start trekking to Tadhapani.
We cross the lush forest through Gurung Hill, enjoying rhododendrons, bamboo, juniper, and other mixed trees.
Trekking a 5-6 hours trek, we will reach to beautiful settlement, situated in the ridge, Tadhapani.
Overnight Stay in Tadhapani
Trekking traversing through picturesque landscapes and tranquil forests, enjoying the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere along the way to your next destination.
The trail is simply up and down gradient with flat area in between which gives the hiker experience of different forest terrain. Dobato is less crowded than other areas where trekkers are found in large numbers; therefore, it is more serene as one gets time to rest, appreciate nature, and prepare to face the next day’s activity.
Overnight stay in Dobato
Your trek today will take you from Dobato to Khopra Ridge today which is quite an exciting part of the trek. The climb to Khopra Ridge and get rewarded with splendid views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. Khopra Ridge, being relatively less explored, gives a very calm and beautiful landscape to enjoy the great Himalayas up close. Spend the night in a very basic camp and get a clear view of the surroundings.
Overnignt
On the last day of trekking, Return to Swanta from Khopra Ridge. On reaching Swanta, further, you have to drive back to Pokhara. It gives one a good opportunity to analyze the trekking experience and also has some cooling off period after the exercise. That evening, loosen up and soak in the beautiful lake-side views of Pokhara in preparation for your departure the following day.
When you are back from the Pokhara tour, you will have spare time for shopping and other touring around Kathmandu. Most arriving tourists dedicate their time in Kathmandu to the capital’s cultural and historical sites, visiting in particular the international airport for a departure. This is the final day of an incredible journey to the Khopra Ridge Trek.