Khopra Ridge Trek

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative from Adventure White Himalaya will be there to welcome you. Look for our signboard outside the airport terminal. We’ll then take you to your hotel in our private tourist vehicle for Khopra Ridge Trek.

Note: If your arrival is after 4 pm, our guide will brief you about the trip in a pre-trip meeting. This meeting is essential for you, so feel free to ask any questions you may have. If you arrive before 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting will be on the same day at our office. During the meeting, we’ll introduce your trek guide and suggest for the Khopra Ridge Trek. Please ensure you bring your passport, three passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Additionally, clear any remaining balance during this meeting and sign the necessary trip forms, including a legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.

After breakfast around 8:30 am, your day of sightseeing begins. You’ll have a private vehicle and an experienced tour guide at your service. Our destinations of Khopra Ridge Trek for today include:

Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, it’s one of the most significant Shiva temples worldwide. While entrance inside is restricted to Hindus only, you can observe the temple and its activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple’s distinctive square two-tiered pagoda structure on a single-tier plinth is renowned globally.

Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhanath is a sacred Buddhist site in Kathmandu, built in the 5th century. The stupa features Lord Buddha’s eyes watching over people in all four directions. Pilgrims from Tibet can be seen circling the stupa, spinning prayer wheels. The serene environment offers a glimpse into Buddhist traditions.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple):
Located atop a hillock in the city center, Swayambhunath is popularly known as the Monkey Temple. Be cautious around the monkeys, as they can be mischievous. Enjoy a spectacular view of the valley from this Buddhist stupa. The site is adorned with Buddhist flags and prayers, creating a serene atmosphere.

After the tour, the rest of your time in Kathmandu is free for exploration or some last-minute shopping in Thamel, especially for any essential gear for the Khopra Ridge Trek.

Our trekking team will pick you up from your hotel at 6:30 am and take you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara departs around 7:00 am. Pokhara, a beautiful valley situated on the shores of Phewa Lake, is renowned for its stunning views of Annapurna and Machapuchare to the north, Dhaulagiri to the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu to the east. It’s a smaller and more relaxed city compared to Kathmandu, making it an ideal starting point for the Khopra Ridge Trek.

Our Khopra Ridge Trek kicks off from Nayapul, which is an hour’s drive from Pokhara. The journey begins with a short 25-minute walk along the Modi Khola riverbanks, leading us to Birethanti (1,070 m), a bustling village with numerous shops and teahouses. Continuing through the village, we follow the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola.

The trail gradually ascends the valley’s side, taking us to Hille at 1,495 m. A brief climb from there brings us to Tikhedhunga at 1,570 m. Today’s trek is relatively short and easy, providing a gentle introduction to the Annapurna region’s trekking experience.

Our journey of Khopra Ridge Trek continues with a steep climb to Ulleri, a sizable Magar village situated at 2,070 m. From there, the trail leads us more gently through beautiful forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2,250 m. We then proceed to Nangethanti at 2,460 m. After an additional hour of walking, we reach Ghorepani at 2,840 m.

Early in the morning, before breakfast, embark on a one-hour hike to the stunning Poon Hill, standing tall at an altitude of over 3,210 m. From the summit of Poon Hill, witness the breathtaking sunrise, unveiling a panoramic view of the mountains. Marvel at the majestic peaks, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna Fang (Vara Shikar), and the iconic Machapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail.’ The unexplored and untouched Himalayan peaks also come into view, such as Mt. Manaslu with Lamjung, extending towards Ganesh Himal on the eastern horizon.

After capturing marvelous moments in photographs during Khopra Ridge Trek time, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Continue your downhill journey to Chitre after a short walk. Beyond Chitre, our route diverges from the main trail, leading to Sauta for an overnight stay. This part of the trek takes you off the well-trodden paths, offering a unique and less-explored experience.

From Sauta village, our journey continues off the beaten track, passing through rural farm villages. As we walk, we meander into rhododendrons and bamboo forests, following animal trails on our way to Kopra Ridge trek time. The morning walk is delightful, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

In the afternoon, the trail takes us on a gradual uphill climb through pastures where local domestic cattle graze. We reach Chistibung for our overnight stop. Chistibung is a small settlement with a few tea houses serving as lodges for the occasional visitor exploring this beautiful wilderness nestled within forested areas adorned with tall rhododendron trees.

Today’s trek involves a steady climb to reach the elevated Khopra Ridge. As we ascend, we leave the tree-lined areas behind, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as the Himalayan Thar and Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant, the National Bird of Nepal).

Reaching the ridge is rewarding, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang). About half of the journey involves a gradual ascent on a well-maintained path, leading us to Khopra Ridge for our overnight stop. This marks one of the highest points of our adventure, providing a spectacular vantage point. we had a great experience from along  Khopra Ridge Trek time

Today, take advantage of a free day to discover the pristine wilderness around from Khopra Ridge trek. Engage in a day hike to the sacred Khayer Lake at an elevation of 4,620 m. This is a challenging and lengthy journey.

Khayer Lake, fed by the glaciers of Annapurna and Vara-Shikar peaks, is also known as Pautarko Kair. It holds significance as the site for the ‘Badau Purnima’ festival, celebrated annually in August and September. During this festival, villagers from the surrounding areas gather to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, take icy pond baths, and make sacrifices of sheep and goats.

For those seeking an easier option, a walk along a high ridge offers fantastic views. The panorama includes Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) and its satellite peaks dominating the western skyline, along with Annapurna I (8,091 m), Fang or Vara Shikhar (7,647 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and the Nilgiris (7,061 m) to the east. This range is separated from the Dhaulagiri range by a 6,000-meter drop, forming the world’s deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River.

After a memorable time at Khayer Lake, the highest point of our adventure, head back to Kopra for the last overnight stay in this untouched wilderness.

Starting from Kopra Ridge Trek, descend eastward through small grazing pastures surrounded by scrub rhododendrons. This area is mostly visited during the monsoon season by villagers from Sauta. They bring their sheep, goats, and buffalo, occupying the small huts and shelters that we frequently pass along the way.

After the downhill walk, the trail gradually ascends for the rest of the day, leading to a small notch that takes us to the watershed of the Modi Khola valley. While there isn’t a designated campsite, the best option is to camp at Dobato, a small clearing on a ridge offering magnificent views of Annapurna South and the famous fish-tail peaks of Mt. Machhapuchhre Himal (6,993 m).

Leaving the tranquil and less-traveled path, the morning journey involves a descent through forests of rhododendron, oak, and magnolia. Eventually, we reach the main trail at Tadapani, a small settlement with several lodges offering views of Annapurna.

Continuing after Tadapani, the trail leads to Ghandruk, one of the largest villages in the region, inhabited by the Gurung tribe. The men of this village have a long history of serving as Gorkha soldiers in British and Indian regiments. Take some time to explore the local Gurung museum in Ghandruk, offering insights into their culture, and enjoy views of the snow-clad peaks.

Start on a long descent from Ghandruk village, leading to the Modi River valley at Sauli-Bazaar. This takes us back into the lower, warmer areas surrounded by paddy fields and terraced farms.

Continuing the walk for a few more hours, we reach the charming village of Birethanti. From there, a drive back to Pokhara awaits, taking less than two hours. Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to your respective hotels by the serene Lake Phewa.

In the morning, we’ll be driving back to Kathmandu from Khopra Ridge Trek.
If you’re interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking, and other activities.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.

Please note that our trip concludes today. Our airport representative will accompany you to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure flight from Nepal. Safe travels!