Highlights
- Adventure far off from main trekking trails within a complete wilderness of mountains
- Trek beyond main villages and human settlement on least ventured areas of Khopra ridge
- Beautiful cool forest laden with tall rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, firs with blue pine trees
- Grand panorama of high snow-capped peaks of Mid and Far Western Himalayan range
- Enjoy stunning sunrise from Poon Hill that touches over an array of the massive mountain range
Overview
Khopra Ridge Trekking, probably one of the most scenic adventure to enjoy around hidden corners of Annapurna Himalaya and within close to massive Dhaulagiri Himalaya range on least explored and visited region of Nepal Far North Mid-West.
Khopra Ridge Trekking an amazing place to be where you will in the midst of high ridges and scenic hills in between giant peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s with Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang) and near within Annapurna South peaks.
The adventure takes you within a complete wilderness of high forested green hills and mountains around absolute tranquil surrounding away from major villages and human settlements.
Khopra Ridge Trekking where first and last part of the journey on the main popular trail of Ghorepani and Poon Hill including large Ghandruk village, where for four to five days in remote isolated and hidden areas with glorious time overlooking the grand snow-capped mountain range.
Starting our wonderful adventure taking a short drive from the beautiful and renowned touristic city of Pokhara, where the route leads at the bottom of a hill within much low and warmer climatic farm villages, and then begin the trek with the climb to reach cooler alpine hills.
As journey progress heading past few nice farm villages of Bhirethati, Tirkhedhunga and Ulleri and within deep dense rhododendron and pine forest to reach scenic Ghorepani, a nice village with many good lodges located in the midst of beautiful rhododendron forest.
Ghorepani offers grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks, where next early morning short climb takes you on top Poon Hill at 3,210 m high famous and most popular viewpoints for a stunning sunrise over the chain of the mountain range that includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna with Manaslu range and Machhapuchare Himal the famed ‘Fish-Tail peak’.
After the visit of Ghorepani and Poon Hill walk leads away from main trekking routes heading into complete tranquility within the green forest with a climb towards our highest spot at Khopra Ridge facing close views of massive Dhaulagiri and adjoining peaks with Annapurna range at close distance.
At Khopra ridge enjoy spare and rest days for local exploration and hike to sacred Khair Lake regarded as holy a glacial lake feed from the glaciers of Vara Shikar and Annapurna South where once a year great religious festival held in the month of August.
Enjoying fabulous panorama of high mountains with rolling green hills and valleys return journey with long descend through the cool shade of the forest to reach back on the main trails at Tadapani a small settlement then reach large Gurung village in Ghandruk.
In Ghandruk with time visit around this nice lovely mountain village and observing local cultures of both Hindu and Buddhism, then head back to scenic Pokhara taking a short exciting drive reaching by the serene Phewa Lake after a great marvelous adventure and experience on Khopra Ridge Trekking.
Season for Khopra Ridge Trekking:
March to May with mid-September till early December are the best months for the walk to Khopra Ridge Trekking, where spring season of March to May hills are alive with wildflowers in full bloom times, especially rhododendron and magnolia in bloom.
During spring most days are clear for views of mountains and pleasant walks with longer sunlight hours due to springtime, another best months from mid-September to early December although cold morning and night time with freezing temperatures around higher hills, but with the fine clear day but sunlight hours due to autumn/fall and pre-winter season.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be escorted to hotel in Thamel by All Nepal Excursion's staffs.
On checking your rooms, getting refreshed join with other trekkers for briefing provided by our guide or leader.
Evening enjoys group dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant with a live cultural program to entertain you with dinner.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel - 06 hrs journey.
After breakfast, approach to tourist bus park for your bus to Pokhara at 7 a.m. and then on the road with an exciting drive to Nepal Mid West reaching Pokhara, a renowned touristic and beautiful place of Nepal and whole Himalaya areas.
Pokhara a major starting and ending point of many trekking and other adventure around Annapurna Himalaya and beyond, where some can take the options flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara of 30 minutes scenic flight.
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga 1,445 m - 04 hrs.
Enjoying overnight in Pokhara, where short takes you in the morning to start the treks, where drive heads past Pokhara valley with beautiful views of Annapurna peaks.
Reaching Nayapul a busy town or further towards nice Bhirethati village, then start to walk with up past farm villages and terraces facing views of waterfalls, and then reach overnight stop at Tikhedhunga village close to beautiful waterfalls.
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 2,880 m -06 hrs.
The morning begins with a steep climb for an hour or more to large Ulleri village overlooking views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare peaks, from Ulleri onward walks on nice pleasant winding up into the cool shade of rhododendron and pine forest.
As walk leads to famous Ghorepani village for an overnight as well the major destinations of the trek located at the base of Poon Hill, Ghorepani offers grand views of the Dhaulagiri range of mountains.
The village populated by Poon Magar hill tribe of Western Nepal, this nice place situated in the midst of rhododendron forest, in spring will be lively when flowers are in full bloom.
Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m and trek to Sontha village 2,440m -06 hrs.
Early morning head for a climb to be at scenic Poon Hill offers striking sunrise views over 360° wide panorama of snow-capped peaks from Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri’s with massive Annapurna range includes Manaslu and towering Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish-Tail’ peak.
After a glorious moment descends to Ghorepani for breakfast and continues to trek down to Chitre village along with mountain views.
From here our route diverts with a short climb to reach at Sontha village a nice farm village facing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Day 06: Trek to Chisti-Bung 3,030 m -05 hrs.
Start morning walk off the beaten trail past villages, head north into rhododendron and bamboo forest, with a short and slow climb to reach at Chiste-Bung for the overnight stop, a small place with few small huts serving as tea-houses.
Day 07: Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m - 04 hrs.
Morning walk of few hours takes you to our main destination at scenic Khopra ridge, from here altitude gains on leaving tree lines behind, after few hour walks reaching our main destination with overnight stop at Khopra ridge, a scenic place facing grand views of surrounding landscapes with Mt. Dhaulagiri range, Vara-Shikar (Annapurna Fang), Annapurna South closeby.
Day 08: At Khopra Ridge for a day hike to holy Khair Lake of 6 hrs round trip.
Spare or rest day for optional hike to Khair Lake at 4,247 m high a tough and long walks to a holy site where Hindu festival held during month of August, pilgrims and villager from around visits here for prayer and worship to Lord Shiva having dip and bathe in icy water, where sheep and goats are sacrificed, after an interesting long day hike back to Khopra ridge for the return journey to Pokhara.
Day 09: Trek to Dobato 3,420 m - 05 hrs.
After a great experience at Khopra ridge, morning long descend past grazing fields within rhododendron forest, from Khopra back into tree lines to reach overnight stop at Dobato a summer pasture a grazing land offers views of Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchare the Fish Tail peak.
Day 10: Trek to Ghandruk 1,930 m and transfer to lodge - 04 hrs.
From Dobato walk to Tadapani from here on main trekking trail with fabulous views of high Annapurna peaks, as walk leads within beautiful woodland then long descend to a large village of Ghandruk, mainly populated by Gurung the hill tribe of Annapurna region.
At Ghandruk having last overnight stop on hills of Annapurna explore local Gurung culture and visit a nice small museum with information on the history and heritage life of Gurung people.
Day 11: Drive to Pokhara - 04 hrs.
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy your last time at the nature. You will drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara which will take around 4 hours drive with jeep ride.
Pokhara a great city offers a wide range of activities one can join in for other activities like Para-Gliding, Ultra-Light Flight or Zip-Flyer, where one spends the afternoon boating on Phewa Lake.
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
The morning after breakfast in the hotel departs for Kathmandu of more than 6 hours of interesting and exciting drives following the main highway through nice farm villages and towns with views of the snow-capped mountain range.
As the drive continues then on winding up to reach the top spot on the outskirt of Kathmandu valley and the city, a short drive from the top reaches you to your hotel, with afternoon free for individual activities and shopping.
(Flying options from Kathmandu to Pokhara of 30 minutes scenic flight)
Day 13: International departure to respective countries homeward bound.
Last day in the land of world highest mountains and exciting cultures, as per your time for international flight depart from the hotel, where All Nepal Treks staff and guide transfers you to the airport, with grand experience and beautiful memories of Khopra Ridge Trekking.
What's included
- All Arrival and Departure transfer from airport to hotel and vice versa.
- Twin sharing accommodation at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on Bed and Breakfast basis (Unless booked for Single Room Supplement).
- Twin sharing accommodation on best Lodge available on treks on full board with breakfast-lunch and dinner.
- Flight from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Private jeep transportation form Pokhara to Tikhedhunga and Ghandruk to Pokhara
- Applicable Trekking and Annapurna Conservation Permit Fees.
- Group briefing and orientation program on do’s and don’ts of the trip.
- International air tickets re-confirmation.
- Basic First Aid and Medical Kits.
- Experienced and skilled English speaking trekking guide.
- Porter as on ratio of 2:1 (one porter for two guests).
What's not included
- International Airfare-Nepal Entry Visa.
- Personal Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Expenses of Personal Nature-Gratitude-Airport Tax and Meals in Kathmandu and at Pokhara as per the Itinerary.
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment, down or duvet jackets, sleeping bags. (Sleeping bags and down jackets and climbing equipment can hire in Kathmandu at a reasonable cost).
- Emergency Evacuation by any means of Transportations and personal medical kit.
- Early return from the trips or breaking up the journey due to personal/medical reason clients has to bear extra expenses in Kathmandu or on route with related expenses as there will be no refund from the company in such situation.