Khopra Ridge Trek
Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the most fascinating and interesting trek routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake (optional). This trek route is also known as the Khopra Hill (Khopra Danda) trek, which is less crowded and offers more off-the-beaten-path experience and still remains a rural and secret area. The Khopra Ridge trek includes all the elements of a classic Nepal trekking experience, including charming villages, wildlife, terraced fields, panoramic mountain views, and landscapes ranging from forest to high alpine. One of the highlights of the Khopra Ridge trek is the panoramic view from Khopra Danda, a ridge situated at an altitude of 3,660 meters. From here, you can have stunning views of mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (7,041 m), Bharha Shikhar (7,647 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m).
Another popular viewpoint along the trail is Muldai Viewpoint (3,637 m), which offers a breathtaking sunrise view over the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Of course, Poon Hill is also another great viewpoint (3,210 m) of the trek that you will see on your return journey, but this is not important as you have already seen similar views from other places.
If you want to make this trek more challenging and aspire to a higher altitude, then from Khopra Danda you will continue towards the enchanting Khayer Lake (Khair Lake), situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters. The trail takes you through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged terrain. Throughout the journey, you will get to see spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
During trekking, you stay in a community lodge for four nights with accommodation and meals organized by local villagers, and the rest of the nights you stay in teahouses. The Khopra Ridge Trek usually starts and ends at Nayapul, which is easily accessible from Pokhara.
The best time to undertake the Khopra Ridge Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear, and the visibility is excellent.
Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu airport transfer to Hotel overnight at hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation, overnight at hotel
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (8,50m) by tourist bus overnight at hotel
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul then trek to Ghandruk (1,940m) overnight at teahouse
Day 05: Trek to Tadapani (2,610m) overnight at teahouse
Day 06: Trek to Dobato (3,350m) overnight at teahouse
Day 07: Trek to Upper Chistibung (3,026m) after visiting Muldai Viewpoint overnight at community lodges
Day 08: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660m) overnight at community lodges
Day 09: Day hike to Khayer Lake (4600m) or Tour around Khopra overnight at community lodges
Day 10: Trek to Swanta Village (2,200m) overnight at community lodges
Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2,855m) overnight at teahouse
Day 12: Visit Poon Hill (3,210m) then trek Tikhedhunga (1,577m) overnight at teahouse
Day 13: Trek to Nayapul drive to Pokahara (8,50m) overnight at hotel
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus, overnight at hotel
Day 15: Depart Kathmandu