Overview
The Khopra Ridge Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience with jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas and authentic local encounters. This 12-day journey blends scenic flights, picturesque villages, and serene trails far from the busier trekking routes.
Beginning with your arrival in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, the adventure soon transitions to the peaceful beauty of Pokhara and the surrounding foothills. From the charming village of Ghandruk, the trek ascends through rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides to reach the stunning Khopra Ridge (3,700 m), a vantage point that rivals the more famous viewpoints in Nepal, offering dramatic vistas of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri.
Along the way, you’ll stay in traditional teahouses, unwind in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, and witness the day-to-day life of Gurung and Magar communities. This itinerary is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter, culturally immersive, and scenically rich alternative to the classic trails.
Whether you’re drawn by the mountains, the solitude, or the authentic rural charm of Nepal, the Khopra Ridge Trek promises a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and surrounding peaks from Khopra Ridge (3,700m)
- Peaceful trails away from the crowded mainstream trekking routes
- Suitable for moderate-level trekkers seeking nature, culture, and solitude
Itinerary
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport. Upon arrival, met by representative and transferred to the hotel. At the hotel, the guests will be welcomed with a welcome drink and assigned to their rooms.
18:00 Hrs: A short briefing about the tour will be carried out at the hotel lobby. Later board the waiting vehicle and proceed for a welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant.
Overnight at the Hotel
AM: BOARD THE VEHICLE AND FLY KATHMANDU TO POKHARA
Upon Arrival at Pokhara, board the vehicle and drive towards Kimche which take another hour or two.
After crossing the bridge, there is a check post where the National Park entry permit must be purchased prior to starting the trek.
After lunch and some rest, we once again reassume our drive towards Kimchi. After kimchi we start our trek to Ghandruk. The trail from here continues to climb steadily until we arrive at a gate with a signboard saying “Welcome to Ghandrung”. However, there is a steep climb for another 20 minutes to arrive at the main village of Ghandrung.
Ghandrung is the one of largest Gurung village in Annapurna region in Nepal where the sons and male member of the local community have sacrificed their lives to serve for the Gurkha Armies and security Forces around the world. The brave and chivalrous Gurkhas have earned themselves the reputation as the most loyal and indomitable soldiers in the world! The afternoon is free for rest or optional activities such as a visit to the Annapurna Conservation Museum and a tea break at the home of a renowned Gurkha soldier who may show you his Victoria Cross won during the first or Second World War. In the evening the local Gurung womenfolk will join the campers for a village get together to show their talents in singing and dancing. Guests are welcome to join in. A contribution to the dancing group may be necessary.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge Trek duration – 1 to 1 ½ hrs
Today’s walk will be easier with not many steep ascents to encounter. Once you leave Ghandruk, you will enter into a cool oak and rhododendron forest. The forest comes alive with the sounds of birds, streams and small waterfalls. There are no villages on today’s walk but there a few tea houses at Bhaisikharka .we stop for our morning tea and rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and LamjungHimal (6931m) teasing you all along the way.
Lodge at Tadapani is perfectly located between the rhododendron forests. One must not miss a sunrise and sunset views from here
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge Trek duration: 5 ½ - 6 hours.
Today we will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani and follow a rarely used trail – (mainly used by the local shepherds). We will be trekking through thick rhododendron, pine and bamboos forest and soon emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range and the Fishtail Mountain.
There are little tea shops here and we stop for lunch. After lunch we will continue to climb gradually through rhododendron forest to reach Dobato. From here one can absorb great views of the ‘Fish Tail’ Machapuchhare (6993m) and Annapurna south.
The trail descends for a while before making the final ascent to BailiKharka where you stop for the night.
This is the first community lodge of the trek which provides great views of Dhaulagiri Himal.
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge Trek duration: 4 ½ - 5 hours.
This morning we will be descending through open ground, forest and crossing the river to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. We will now make a climb from the river to reach a clearing and temporary herders settlement at Dhankharka or upper chistibung.
Being off the beaten track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the construction of the Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. This lodge supports the school at Kindu, a nearby village.
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge Trek duration: 4 ½ - 5 hours.
Today we will embark on a steady climb that will carry us above the tree line to reach the ridge at Khopra. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish.
You come across few herders with their Yaks grazing on the slopes. You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views.
Khopra Community Lodge supports the secondary school at Nangi.
Spectacular sunset and sunrise view is possible from here.
Dinner and Overnight at Lodge Trek duration: 5 ½ - 6 hours.
This is a rest day to venture out and explore the area around Khopra Ridge. The ridge provides extraordinary panoramic view that includes are Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7061m), Bharha Shikhar (7647m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7219m) Hiunchuli (6434m), Fishtail (6997m), Annapurna II (7937m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal (6983m) and other famous mountains in this area.
Dinner and Overnight at Lodge Trek duration: 3 hours.
Today we will wake up early for the sunrise over Gigantic Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges.
After breakfast, start our trek which is mostly downhill. It is a relatively easy day following the trail through the forests until our arrival at the village of Paudwar. The village is predominantly a “Magar” Village belonging to the “Poon” community.
Dinner and Overnight at Lodge Trek duration: 5 ½ - 6 hours
After breakfast, there is more downhill until we arrive at the road-head that links Pokhara with the Mustang District. Follow the highway for a few kilometers until our arrival at the famed settlement of Tatopani.
In Nepal almost every town next to a hot spring is named Tatopani (hot water in English). The Tatopani on this trail is popular because it lies in the Annapurna region. It is believed that the natural minerals in hot springs relieve ailments associated with joints, gastritis and skin among others.
The afternoon is free to enjoy a hot dip in the mineral hot springs of Tatopani.Dinner and Overnight at Lodge Trek duration: 5 ½ - 6 hours.
After breakfast, Board the waiting vehicle and drive from Tatopani to Pokhara for 3 ½ - 4 hours’ of drive. Upon arrival, Pokhara check into the Hotel.
Pokhara stands at 827 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and its bustling but quaint lake side bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. From here most of the treks starts for the western region and is a haven for people who wants to relax in this serene mountain beauty. The Annapurna mountain range is impressive by any standard and looming ahead to take the center stage is Machapucchre or “Fish Tail Mountain”, which gets its name from the shape of its summit and flanking it from either side are the great mountains of the range including Annapurna I (8091 m), the first 8000 m peak to be scaled in 1950. The range continues to meet the Lamjung Himal in the east while to its west looms the massive dome of Dhaulagiri (8161 m).
Rest of the day is free to relax and explore around the lake Bazaar.
Overnight at the Hotel
07:00 – 08:00 Hrs – Breakfast
08:30 Hrs: Drive to airport and board the mid-morning or early afternoon flight Back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel.
Flight Time: 25 Minutes
Rest of the Afternoon is free to relax or last minute shopping.
Overnight at the Hotel
(Reporting time is at least 3 hrs before flight time)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Arrival and departure transfer in a Private / Deluxe A/C vehicle accompanied by a Representative / Guide from Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
- 02 nights stay at the Kathmandu Guest House on twin sharing basis with in Bed and Breakfast basis and inclusive of all taxes.
- Welcome dinner during arrival and Farewell dinner with deluxe a/c vehicle and accompanied by the representative from Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
- Trekker Information Management System Card (TIMS) Card
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Airfare for the Sector Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu
- Airfare for the guide for the Sector Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu
- Drive from Pokhara to Kimche (Pre Trek) in a private deluxe a/c vehicle accompanied by Trek leader + Sherpa Assistants
- Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (Post Trek) in a private comfortable a/c accompanied by Trek leader + Sherpa Assistants
- 08 Nights / 09 Days trek inclusive of twin sharing accommodations at local tea houses / lodges with common baths (Attached baths will be provided as per availability)
- 01-night stay at the Fishtail Lodge on twin sharing basis with in Bed and Breakfast basis and inclusive of all taxes.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) will be provided throughout the trip at the Hotel/ Lodges / Guesthouses (Except lunch during arrival and before departure day)
- Services of an experienced and knowledgeable Trek Leader / Sirdar
- Service of Sherpa assistants who will assist clients / and ensure porter loads etc)
- Services of Locally Hired Porters to carry client’s personal belongings.
- Govt. taxes, tolls and entrance fees where applicable.
Cost Excludes
- Nepal Visa (if applicable).
- Extra meals/ snack items/ alcoholic and non-alcoholic Beverages, aerated drinks, Mineral water and expenses of a personal nature such as bar bills, laundry, telephone calls etc.
- Personal Insurance for travel to Nepal.
- Emergency Rescue evacuation if needed.
- Personal Medical Supplies.
- Tips to trek staff and porters.
- Costs incurred due to cancellation of flights, strikes, landslides, etc due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
- Any item not mentioned in the above “The Cost includes”.
