Khopra Ridge Trek

• Mountain views during the trek of more than 20 peaks (including named and unnamed peaks) and panoramic views of some highest peaks in the world, including Annapurna South(7,219 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m / 23,166 ft), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft).
• The sunrise view over the snow-covered mountain.
• Trekking through the small, beautiful villages and farmlands at Ghandruk.
• Trek along the Khopra Ridge between two mountain ranges, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and ascend upto the Khopra Danda.
• Experience with nature between forests filled with rhododendron, oaks, and pine trees, also chances to witness rare wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, and Langur monkeys.
• Trek to the holy Khayer lake, which is also exquisitely beautiful.
• Authentic teahouse and cultural experience in the rural villages of Nepal and Captivating sunrise views from Poon Hill.
• Isolated trekking route and pristine trekking trails.

It's no wonder this question must be on your mind as you search through the Khopra Ridge Trek page and ponder whether the Khopra Ridge trek is worth it. Indeed, the Khopra Danda Trek is less popular than other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poonhill Trek, and many other frequently spoken treks. However, Khopra Ridge Trek is worth the shot as it is an unexplored gem hidden from even the most experienced trekkers.

It is also true that you have yet to hear much about the Khopra Ridge trek, but if you have already done many Base Camp Treks and want a change of pace for an isolated region, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Khorpa Danda Trek are perfect for you. Moreover, some even compare the Khopra Ridge trek to the Manaslu Trek of the Annapurna region due to its remoteness, isolated trek as well as pristine paths.

You can cover what most of the Poonhill trek has to offer during the Khorpa Ridge trek. Excluding the base camp experience Khopra Trek has everything to offer, from scenic views to the panoramic views of the magnificent Himalayas, the cultural experience in rural Nepal, the untouched paths as well as the altitude gain to Khayer Lake 4,650m, which is no less than most of the base camps.

Moreover, the highest altitude of the Khopra Ridge Trek is Khorpa Danda at an altitude of 3640 m (11942 ft) if you wish to avoid the trek to Khayer Lake, but none of us want to leave halfway, right? The highest altitude of the Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Treks then exceeds the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m / 18,330ft) as Khayer Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters(15091 ft). However, due to the absence of lodges, the highest overnight stay will be at Khopra Ridge Phedi, 3640 m(11942 ft) on a community Lodge.   

The delightful time around Annapurna's hidden and isolated areas ends after you join the popular trekking trails in the Annapurna region to reach Ghorepani. You can trek from Ghorepani for about 45 minutes - 1 hour to reach Poonhill and witness the breathtaking sunrise views from Poonhill, the same view that the Poonhill trek offers. Those who have already trekked the isolated Khopra Danda Trek, compare the Khopra Ridge Trek to the same if not better than the Annapurna Base Camp trek, as it offers more Himalayas, and the Dhaulagiri stands right in front of you.
So, if you are ready to do something different than following the crowd and traveling the same overcrowded paths, then the Khopra Ridge Trek is the perfect trek for you. 

Khorpa Ridge Trek Cost:

While the standard cost for the Khopra Danda trek for 7 days is 450 USD per person, it can vary according to the season you are trekking and the number of people you are trekking with. The costs include accommodation and three sets of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with three cups of tea/coffee during the trek, an experienced English-speaking, government-licensed guide, his/her accommodation and meals, salary, and insurance. Additionally, the permits and TIMS required for the trek are all included in this cost. 

Best time for Khopra Ridge trek: 

Like most other trekking trails in Nepal, the best time for Khopra Danda Trek is Spring( March to May) and Autumn( September to November). The visibility is spectacular, the temperature is mild, and the weather is less harsh during these seasons; spectacular mountain views and walking along the ridge are much more comfortable. 

However, the experienced hiker opts to go for adventure during the rainy season of Monsoon(June-August), as rhododendrons and wildflowers adon the path making the lush evergreen forests a sight to behold. The Khopra Ridge trekking path becomes more isolated, and the muddy and slippery path challenges adventure junkies, but crampons with good trekking should be used during this season. 

While most regular trekkers avoid the Winter(December-February), some go on an adventure, venturing into the winter wonderland. The Khopra Danda Trekking trail can also be snowbound, so experienced guides are always needed during this season. The ever-white snowcapped mountains are covered with snow from the base to the top, and the surrounding becomes a snowy paradise. If you are experienced enough, the Khorpa Ridge Khayer Lake Trek journey is worth a shot with full preparation, trekking gear, and an experienced guide. 

Accommodations and Foods during Khopra Ridge Trek: 

The Khopra Ridge trek is a community lodge-based trek, so many also know this trek as the Khorpa Ridge community trek. You will see tea houses along the trail as you deviate from the mainstream of the Annapurna trekking trails. Even the tea lodges are absent at the Khopra Ridge, and you can accommodate in Community lodges, which are run by a community rather than privately run lodges. This community lodge was opened in 2014 by a woman from the Khopra Ridge region. 

The traditional dish of Nepal staple DalBhat( Rice, Lentils, Veg Curry, Pickle) is available at most teahouses and community lodges during the Khopra ridge trek. Some tea houses even offer Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines in the teahouse; however, this varies according to the place you stay overnight and the teahouse you choose.  

TIMS and Permits for Khopra Ridge Trek: 

The TIMS card(Trekkers Information Management System) and the ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) permit are required for trekking the Khopra Ridge Trek. 

The TIMS costs you 20$, and the ACAP permit costs you 30$, totaling 50$, but both are included in the packages. 

The TIMS card ensures your safety as it holds your information, including your itinerary and emergency contacts so that it can be helpful in any accidents or emergencies during the trek. 

ACAP permit helps in maintaining the existing trekking trails as well as expeditions and finding new trekking trails in the Annapurna region. 

Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary with Mohare Danda:

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hile & Trek to Ulleri:

Drive: 2.5 hours
Trek: 3 hours
Altitude: 2,100 meters
Level: Moderately easy

After breakfast, we begin our journey from Pokhara, setting out on a scenic 2.5-hour drive towards Hile. After about 1.5 hours of driving, we arrive at Birethanthi, stopping at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpoint to complete permit formalities. From here, we continue driving through picturesque villages like Mathathanthi, Lamdwali, and Sudame, enjoying the serene beauty of the region.

Upon reaching Tikhedhunga, we stop for lunch, re-energizing for the trek ahead. After lunch, we cross two suspension bridges at Tikhedhunga, which marks the beginning of the steep part of the day. The trek involves a steep 2-3 hour ascent on stone stairs, taking us from an altitude of 1,540 meters to 2,100 meters at Ulleri. This section of the journey is moderately difficult due to the long stair climb but offers stunning views along the way.

Ulleri, a large village home to the Magar ethnic community, greets us at the end of the trek. This village is known for its rich Magar cultural heritage and honey-hunting traditions. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and relax with a cup of mountain tea, enjoying breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the village.

Day 2: Ulleri to Mohare via Taprang:

Trek: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3,300 meters
Level: Moderately easy

The day begins with breakfast before setting off from Ulleri. After crossing the Ulleri village, the trail splits, offering two routes—one towards Poonhill and the other towards Mohare Dada. We take the Mohare route, which leads us through a beautiful forest trail.

The forest is filled with vibrant rhododendron flowers, adding color to the trek. After approximately 4 hours of walking, we reach Taprang, our lunch stop for the day. This spot is located deep in the forest, offering breathtaking views in a quiet, isolated setting. It's important to note that this stop is not open year-round.

After lunch, we continued trekking for another 3 hours toward Mohare. The trail takes us through forested areas and open grasslands, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We passed through Khoke Danda before finally reaching Mohare Danda, which sits at an altitude of 3,300 meters.

Upon arrival, we settled in for the night. We could witness a stunning sunset, which is the perfect end to a challenging but rewarding day of trekking.

Day 3: Mohare to Swanta via Poonhill

Trek: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2,214 meters
Level: Moderately easy

We start the day early, enjoying a breathtaking sunrise from our teahouse in Mohare Danda. The spot offers panoramic views of more than 15 different mountain peaks, creating a truly picturesque scene. After taking in the views, we have breakfast and set off for Poonhill, one of the most popular viewpoints in the region.

The trek to Poonhill takes about 2 hours, bringing us to an altitude of 3,210 meters. From here, we descend towards Ghorepani, a well-known hill station full of teahouses, located at 2,850 meters. Ghorepani is well-facilitated, with shops offering books, clothing, snacks, drinks, and even medicines, making it a convenient stop for trekkers.

From Ghorepani, the route primarily consists of descending stairs as we head towards Swanta. An interesting historical fact about this trail is that it once served as a salt trading route and a pilgrimage path to the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.

After a 3-4 hour trek via Chitre and Phalante villages, we arrive at Swanta, a charming village where we spend the night at a local homestay, experiencing the warm hospitality and traditional lifestyle of the village.

Day 4: Swanta to Khopra:

Trek: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3,660 meters
Level: Moderate

After breakfast, we begin the sententious trek toward Khopra Danda. Compared to previous days, this route is more demanding as we gain nearly 1,450 meters in elevation, reaching a height of 3,660 meters. A slow and steady pace is key as we make our way up to the Khopra Ridge, allowing us to acclimatize while enjoying the scenic landscape.

The trail leads us through dense forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees. Along the way, we might spot wildlife such as pheasants, wild rabbits, and langurs, adding to the adventure. Before reaching Khopra, we stop at either Ratmate or Chistibung for lunch, taking a break before continuing the ascent.

After lunch, the climb resumes, and we make our way to Khopra. Upon arrival, we check into a basic community lodge for the night. Khopra Danda is renowned for its clear night sky, offering a stunning view of the Milky Way Galaxy, making for an unforgettable experience under the stars.

Day 5: Khopra to Dobato:

Trek: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 3,350 meters
Level: Moderate

We start the day early with an exploration of Khopra Ridge, soaking in the stunning views before returning to the lodge for breakfast. For those interested in a side trip to Khayer Lake, which sits at 4,650 meters, an extra day can be added to the itinerary.

After packing our bags, we begin the trek to our next destination, Dobato. The trail is known for its breathtaking views and leads us to Mulde, one of the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints along the trek. The day’s hike involves several ascents and descents over 6-7 hours, with sections through forested areas and stone stairs.

Upon reaching Dobato, we are rewarded with views just as spectacular as those at Khopra Danda, but from a different angle. The location is known not only for its mountain views but also for its incredible night sky, making it a popular spot for astronomy tours. The proximity to both the road and the mountains, along with its high altitude, enhances the experience for stargazers.

Dobato offers only basic lodges, but they provide hearty meals to fuel us for the next day's adventure. We spend the night at Dobato, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.

Day 6: Dobato to Tadapani:

Trek: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2,675 meters
Level: Easy

We start the day with an early morning hike to the Mulde Viewpoint, which sits at 3,637 meters. This spot is renowned for its 360-degree panoramic sunrise views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, the Annapurna range, the Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and many other peaks. After taking in the magnificent sights, we return to Dobato for breakfast before setting off for Tadapani.

The trail to Tadapani is mostly a descent, which can become slippery during the monsoon and winter seasons, so caution is advised. Along the way, we encounter a few teahouses where we can take breaks. Tadapani is a popular stop, often buzzing with trekkers from various routes meeting at this junction.

As we trek, we leave the Magar ethnic group villages behind and enter the region inhabited by the Gurung community. The change in culture and architecture adds another layer of interest to the journey. After 5-6 hours of trekking, we arrive in Tadapani, where we settle in for the night at a local teahouse, enjoying the vibrant mix of trekkers and the welcoming atmosphere.

Day 7: Tadapani to Ghandruk & Back to Pokhara:

Trek: 4 hours
Level: Easy
Altitude: 2,000 meters
Drive: 3 hours

We begin the day with an outstanding sunrise and mountain view right from the balcony of our teahouse in Tadapani. The village is bustling with trekkers planning their next destinations, as Tadapani serves as a key junction for several treks, including the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, Khopra trek, and Mulde trek.

After breakfast, we leave Tadapani behind and embark on a scenic descent through lush forests rich with diverse flora and fauna. The trail is dotted with small teahouses where we can take breaks as needed. The trek today is easy, with our destination being Ghandruk, a beautiful village just 3-4 hours away, reached by a continuous descent.

Ghandruk is one of the largest settlements of the Gurung ethnic community, renowned for its brave soldiers who have served in the British and Indian armies. The village is both charming and culturally significant, offering an excellent opportunity to explore Gurung traditions. We can spend some time strolling through Ghandruk, visiting the Gurung Museum, and exploring small tea gardens.

After exploring the village, we drive back to Pokhara, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Once in Pokhara, we settle in for the night, reflecting on the memorable trek.

Khopra Ridge Trek Altitude and Duration:

Days	Destination	Altitude	Trek Duration
1	Pokhara to Ghandruk & Trek to Tadapani	2,630 m | 8,628 ft	4-5 hrs
2	Tadapani to Dobato	3,350 m | 10,991 ft	6 hrs
3	Dobato to Chistibung	3,000 m | 9,843 ft	6-7 hrs
4	Chistibung to Khopra Ridge	4,600 m | 15,091 ft	8 - 9 hrs
5	Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village	2,270 m | 7,447 ft	6 hrs
6	Swanta to Ghorepani	2,874 m | 9,429 ft	6 hrs
7	Ghorepani to Poonhill & back to Pokhara	3,210 m | 10,531 ft	5 hrs

Khopra Ridge Trek Cost:

Here is a detailed cost breakdown for the 6-night 7-day Khopra Ridge Trek, so you can select the plan that best suits your needs and budget.

Khopra Danda Trek Cost for Full Board Package:

Group	Cost per Pax
1 Pax	US $ 630
2 Paxes	US $ 540
3 - 6 Paxes	US $ 490
7 - 12 Paxes	US $ 465
13-25 Paxes	US $ 440

While the Khopra Ridge Trek listed above costs the full board package including Transportation, Guide, TIMS, Permits, 3 times meals, and accommodation, you can choose the half board package or the guide service.

Khopra Ridge Trek cost for Half Board Package:

Group	Cost per Pax
1 Pax	US $ 490
2 Paxes	US $ 400
3 - 6 Paxes	US $ 350
7 - 12 Paxes	US $ 325
13 - 25 Paxes	US $ 300

The half-board package cost for the Khopra Ridge trek is on per person basis and includes your transportation, Guide, TIMS, Permits, and accommodation with Breakfast as per the BB plan.

Guide or Porter Service for Khopra Ridge Trek:
The guide for Khopra Ridge Trek costs US$ 30 per day and the porter costs US$ 25 per day.

Note: You need to understand that your guide isn’t your porter, so they can’t help you carry your big bags. Also, the porter can only have 25 kg and if the bag is heavier than 25 kg additional charges may occur without any further notice.