Khopra Rigde Trek from Pokhara

  • Private
  • Family
View from Khopra Ridge
Old Gurung Museum in Ghandruk
Magnificent View from Poonhill
Duration7 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude4,500 meters
ActivitiesTrekking
Group Size1-20
StartsGhandruk
EndsUlleri
Best TimeMid Feb - Begining of May

Trek Overview

The Khopra Ridge Trek is a less traveled but stunning short trek from Pokhara. This 7-day trek combines spectacular views of mountains with some local culture. We begin in the picturesque village Ghandruk. This trek takes us through rhododendron trees, ridge tops, and remote Magar and Gurung people's villages. The highs are the stunning panorama from Khopra Danda and holy Khayar Lake at 4,500 meters.

It is a mid-level trek that is suitable for those who desire a less busy path away from the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani. It offers expansive views of Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre; it is a unique place like the trek to the Mardi Himal but with even fewer tourists. The best periods to undertake the Khopra Ridge Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is pleasant and the trees are in bloom or golden.

This walk ascends up to 4,500 meters to reach Khayar Lake. All you will require is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and not a TIMS card. This trek suits trekkers who are photographers, those with an appreciation of nature, lone trekkers, and families looking to experience an exclusive and different trekking experience in Nepal.

Trek Highlights

  • Stunning sunrise views from Poon Hill and Muldai Viewpoint.
  • Stunning ridge walk to Khopra Danda (3,660 m)
  • Day trek to holy Khayar lake (4,500 m)
  • Reside in the traditional-style Magar and Gurung settlements.
  • Stunning woodlands with rhododendrons, oak trees, and pine trees.
  • Trails that aren't so crowded and have lots of nature.
  • Panoramas of the Himalayas such as those of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri and Fishtail
  • Friendly smiles in local tea houses with authentic Nepalese cuisine.

Why is Khopra Ridge Trekking one of the best-kept secrets in Nepal.

The Khopra Ridge Trek is serene and more beautiful in comparison to other Annapurna treks. Contrary to the busy Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani treks, Khopra takes you away from the masses to quiet and high altitude locations where one can indulge in nature to one's heart's content.

The trekking route is highly picturesque from the hills with numerous flora and fauna and exclusive cultural activities in Magar and Gurung settlements. Since it is an off-the-beaten-path trekking route, it is tranquil and offers trekkers a real Himalayan experience in solitude and nature. With the picturesque hills of Khopra Danda and the serenity of Khayar Lake, the trekking trail is an adventure and offers fantastic opportunities for clicking photographs in the absence of hassles of big batches.

Trekking Khopra Ridge vs. Mardi Himal: Which One to Choose?

Both treks are less crowded and offer stunning scenery—but they are distinct and have varying degrees of difficulty. The Mardi Himal Trek is shorter, steeper, and more forested, culminating in close views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

On the other hand, the Khopra Ridge is longer and varied with a ridge-line trek, side trips to holy sites like Khayar Lake, and a blend of both cultural and alpine attraction. Khopra would be better if one likes a slightly longer trek with less tourist traffic, greater involvement, and varied scenery from blustery ridgelines to holy lakes.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

We eat breakfast in Pokhara and then embark on a 2-hour road trip to Ghandruk, a lovely Gurung village renowned for its scenery and tradition. Upon our arrival, we go to visit the Gurung Museum and the stone houses before beginning the trek.

We follow the trail climbing through dense oak and rhododendron forests, across waterfalls and streams. We reach Tadapani in 4 to 5 hours. It's on a ridge and offers a wonderful view of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. Overnight at a cozy teahouse.

Max Altitude: 2,630 meters Meals: Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

We take an off-path route to Dobato along a quieter forest track. This path has ancient rhododendron trees and moss-covered trees. Owing to the fact that few trekkers take this route, it is serene and abundant with wildlife.

As we climb, the forest gives way to fields with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We reach the village of Dobato in 5 to 6 hours. Weather permitting, we visit Muldai Viewpoint in the late evening to watch one of the best concealed mountain views in Nepal.

Max Altitude: 3,420 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

We continue climbing along fields of grass and yak grazing areas to reach Khopra Danda. We are able to walk along the ridge with wonderful views of mountains to either side.

After 4-5 hours of trekking, we arrive in Khopra Ridge, probably one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region. We spend the day soaking up the 360° views and taking it easy in the peace. The sun set here is incredible.

Max Altitude: 3,660 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

This is the highlight of the day's hike. We leave early for a 7 to 8 hour journey to Khayar Lake, a spiritual glacial lake believed to make wishes come true. The hike is steep and challenging, but highly rewarding.

The landscape seems barren but gorgeous as it rises upwards. Rest here awhile near the lake's edge, unwind, and soak in the tranquil sensations before ascending again to Khopra Ridge to spend the night.

Max Altitude: 4,500 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

We descend from Khopra to alpine terrain and return to grass meadows. The trail passes through stone houses, forests, and areas with grazing animals. It is a long but pleasant walk and will take 6 to 7 hours.

We arrive in Swanta, a serene Magar village ringed by fields and hills covered with trees. We spend the evening with a warm welcome from the people and a hot dinner.

Max Altitude: 2,200 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

The path rises gently to Ghorepani village, a well-known trekking village famous for its sunrise. We trek through lovely rhododendron groves and small tea houses along the way.

After 4 to 5 hours, we arrive in Ghorepani and spend the night at our lodge. Prepare for an early morning trip to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's finest viewpoints.

Max Altitude: 2,874 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

We set off before dawn and hike up to Poon Hill in some 45 minutes. We will witness the sunrise illuminate Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. It is an ideal way to end your trek.

We will then descend stone steps from Ghorepani to Ulleri on beautiful village and forest trails. We then take a 2 to 3 hour road trip to reach Pokhara and conclude the trek.

Max Altitude: 3,210 meters Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Cost Details
Included
  • Pokhara - Ghandruk & Ulleri - Pokhara in a Jeep
  • Local guesthouse/teahouse accommodation in the mountains.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
  • Food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Sleeping bag, and duffel bag which has to be returned after the completion of the trek.
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes.
Excluded
  • Meals & accommodation in Pokhara.
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging/wifi fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, and other packaged bevarages.
  • Tips for guide and porter.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)