Khopra Ridge Trek
About this tour
The Khopra Ridge trek offers you all the aspects of a successful and classic trekking in Nepal. The landscape is diverse, from high alpine areas to dense forests. Along the way, you will encounter locals, wildlife, and spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas. Besides expanding your cultural horizon, you also give more Nepalese the chance to reap tourism benefits. In this way, you make a positive contribution and help the mountain people from less-known regions with income and development opportunities.
This trek gives you a chance to explore the real Nepal, away from the mainstream touristic highlights. Moreover, as local Nepal experts, we offer you a unique and personal experience and are specialized in tailor-made trips. If you want to make changes to the itinerary, please get in touch!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu, Nepal
One of our employees will welcome you at the airport. Our staff is there to accompany and assist you with the check-in procedures at your hotel in Kathmandu. A short meet & greet with Maaike and/or Chuda will take place. You will receive tips, answers to all your questions, and a trekking briefing. The rest of the day you can explore the surroundings of your hotel or discover the hidden gems in the old city part of Kathmandu. You will spend the night in a standard hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu, Nepal to Pokhara, Nepal
Today you travel to Pokhara. On the way there is a lot to see and you make a few stops in some beautiful spots. Pokhara is a lovely town located on the shores of the beautiful Phewa Lake. With the right weather conditions, you both can see the snowy peaks of the Annapurna chain as well as its wonderful reflection in the lake. After arrival you can make a lovely walk on the lakeside and take a boat to visit the island with a Hindu temple. You will spend the night in a standard hotel in Pokhara.
Day 3: Pokhara, Nepal to Ghandruk, Nepal
Prepare yourself for a winding drive through the green mountain landscape, a climb, and a short walking day. Along the way, you will pass many small villages and come across the locals. Today’s final stop is Ghandruk, a village where mainly Gurungs live. Here you can visit a local museum and, if you like, dress up in traditional Gurung clothes. Ghandruk offers a beautiful view of the Annapurna South (7219m) and the Macchapuchhre (6993m). You will spend the night in a teahouse in Ghandruk.
Day 4: Ghandruk, Nepal to Tadapani, Ghandruk, Nepal
Today you will walk up to a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. You will have a peaceful walk while enjoying the sound of birds and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a breath-taking view over the Annapurna massif, Machhapuchhre, and the Lamjung Himal. After walking through a rhododendron and oaked forest, you arrive in Tadapani. End your day with a lovely sunset. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Tadapani.
Day 5: Tadapani, Ghandruk, Nepal
You start your walk today through a thickly wooded area and you climb above the tree line. Once again, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Annapurna Mountains. The path continues and goes up slowly, and you walk down in a less wooded area between the small hills to today’s final stop, Dobato. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Dobato.
Day 6: Tadapani, Ghandruk, Nepal to Chistibang Lodge, Shikha, Nepal
The day starts early; you walk up to the Muldai viewpoint; here, you are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas. Firstly, you descent through a forest, and afterward, you walk up to Bhayli Kharka. Your journey continues; you will cross a wooden bridge and continue up to the alpine meadows until you arrive in Chistibung, a shepherd’s village. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Chistibung.
Day 7: Chistibang Lodge, Shikha, Nepal to Khopra, Shikha, Nepal
Today you will rise above the tree line and may come across different wild animals as you reach Khopra Ridge (3660m), the highlight of the trekking. You are rewarded with an overwhelming view of the Annapurna Mountains, Dhaulagiri Mountains, and the Nilgiri. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Khopra Ridge.
Day 8: Khopra, Shikha, Nepal
On today's program, you hike to Lake Khayer (4650m). It's a sacred place for Hindus. After a strenuous hike of ascending more than 1000 meters, you pass the last stone Chörten and arrive at Khayer Laker with its snowy peaks in the background. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Khopra Ridge.
Day 9: Khopra, Shikha, Nepal to Swanta Happy Valley Lodge, Shikha, Nepal
First of all, you will descend and follow the path which leads you back to Chistibung. Next, you will climb through a forest and arrive in Kharka. Your journey will take you over a small wooden bridge and through a bamboo forest. In the Magar village of Swanta, you will be welcomed with open arms. You will spend the night in a homestay in Swanta.
Day 10: Swanta Happy Valley Lodge, Shikha, Nepal to Ulleri, Pokhara, Nepal
You can admire a traditional watermill when descending through village fields to a small river. Second, you cross a suspension bridge and climb up to the village of Chittre, which is also a migratory route towards Ghorepani. Therefore, the area is busier than the others. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Ulleri, a small but popular village.
Day 11: Ulleri, Pokhara, Nepal to Pokhara, Nepal
Today’s walk offers, again, a magnificent view of the snowy Annapurna South and Hiunchuli peaks. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Tirkedunga River, you will pass the villages of Tirkedunga and Hile. Descending further through a bamboo forest, your path takes you along a waterfall. Once you arrive in Nayapul, your driver will drive you to Pokhara. You will spend the night in a standard hotel in Pokhara.
Day 12: Pokhara, Nepal
Enjoy your free day to explore all Pokhara has to offer. You can visit the colorful old bazaar where they, besides clothing products, also offer food. The bazaar is home to the Bindhyabasini Temple, one of the most important sanctuaries in the city. You can also take a boat across the lake to enjoy a walk through the wood to the World Peace Pagoda or visit the Devi falls, the Mahadev Guptheswor or the Mahendra Caves. Lastly, you can go paragliding above the lake overlooking the Himalayas or rent a mountain bike and make a lovely tour through the hills and surrounding villages. If you want us to arrange a particular activity or visit, do not hesitate to get in touch and we will add it to your itinerary! You will spend the night in a standard hotel in Pokhara.
Day 13: Pokhara, Nepal to Kathmandu, Nepal
During the drive back to Kathmandu, you will stop several times to stretch your legs and enjoy the environment. During lunch in the village of Malekhu, you can taste the fresh fish caught in the river. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can your time to shop for souvenirs or explore the city. There are several great fair-trade shops and social enterprises with beautiful handmade goods made by marginalized women. You will spend the night in a standard hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Kathmandu, Nepal to Tribhuvan airport, Kathmandu, Nepal
All good things must come to an end. We hope you had an amazing experience! May your memories of this journey last a lifetime. In case you want to give something back to Nepal, talk to us about it! We have several reliable NGO’s and projects we work together with, and can direct you towards them to sponsor, donate or volunteer. At least 3 hours before your flight's departure time, our driver will pick you up at your hotel's reception.
What's included
> Welcome package (map of Kathmandu, textile mouth mask, etc,) > Only during the trekking lunch and dinner are included, not in Kathmandu and Pokhara > During trek: one porter per 2 persons who carries your luggage up to a maximum of 18 kg > Only a guide during the trekking: English speaking licensed trekking guide > All necessary trekking documents > All transportation is done by a private car or jeep > Local taxes
> No lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara > Personal expenses > Beverages > Visa fee > International flight tickets to Nepal > Tips for drivers, guide, porters, etc. (about 70 USD per person) > Any entry fees for cultural visit during your stay in Kathmandu
What to know
Please get in touch with us for the latest info regarding entering in Nepal in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Traveling to Nepal is possible (dec. ‘20) but there are strict conditions that need to be followed.
Route & locations
Kathmandu, Nepal