Max Altitude
15,650 FT
Grade
Moderate
Duration
9 Days
Trekking KM.
50 KM
Suitable for: | 10+ years. |
Experience: | Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 trek. |
Fitness: | sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes |
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Trek Info
Why Is Khopra Ridge A Must-Do Trek?
A beautiful and offbeat trek in Nepal, Khopra Ridge presents mountain views unlike any other. The ridge offers views of not just one but 22 mountain peaks, and two of them are among the 14 tallest mountains in the world – Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I!
The sunrise view from the ridge is one of the key highlights of the trek. You will walk for two whole days on the ridge, admiring the mountain views and the thrilling climb to the enchanting Khayer Lake. You also get to see the deepest gorge in the world – Kali Gandaki, which separates Dhaulagiri from the Annapurna Ranges.
The trekking trail follows through alpine meadows, dense forests, and quaint hamlets. The trek is based in the Annapurna Range but it is quite offbeat as compared to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek). Khopra Ridge presents two major highlights, the ridge itself and the high-altitude lake, Khayer.
The trek, although not as tough as the ABC trek, demands a good level of fitness as you will come across many ascents, descents, and changes in terrain. Khopra Ridge has its challenges, but the trek is a must-do when you are in Nepal.
About The Trek
It is a moderate-grade trek that starts from Pokhara at an altitude of 2,760 ft and the highest point of the trek is at 15,300 ft at Khayer Lake. For the most part, the trek is along the remote villages of Nepal.
From the start point of the trek, you will trek to Ghandruk followed by Tadapani, and then to Dobato. From Dobato on Day 5, you will trek to Chhistibang via Muldai Top and on to Khopra Ridge the following day. The Khopra Ridge offers stunning views of Mt Annapurna South, Mt Annapurna I, Mt Annapurna Fang, Mt Nilgiri South, and North, Mt Tukuche, and the Dhaulagiri range On Day 7, we will head towards Khayer Lake, a hidden gem in the laps of the Himalayas. This high-altitude glacial lake presents surroundings similar to that of the cold desserts of Spiti. After spending some time in the tranquil environs of the lake, we will return to Khopra Ridge. On Day 8, we will begin descending towards Paudwar via gorge point, and on Day 9 we descend to Tatopani and drive back to Pokhara ending the beautiful journey.
What Can You Expect At The Trek?
It is a moderate-grade trek so it is necessary to have a good level of fitness for the trek. The highest point of the trek is Khayer Lake, which is at an altitude of 15,700 ft. Trekking to a glacial lake at such an altitude is truly wondrous.
You will walk for two days on the ridge and trek to the glacial lake Khayer and back to the lake. There are very few ridge treks that offer trekking on a ridge for two long days and this is a unique highlight that sets Khopra Ridge apart from other treks.
The trek offers great views right from the start of the trek and every campsite opens up more and more majestic views. You will also trek to Khayer Lake, a lake revered by the locals. Not only this, but you will also get to witness the deepest gorge in the world. If you thought Grand Canyon had deep gorges, you’re in for a surprise. Kali Gandaki stands to be the deepest gorge in the entire world!
You can expect a wonderful offbeat experience when embarking on the Khopra Ridge Trek!
Health Awareness
Note
Pokhara is the base camp for your Khopra Ridge Trek. You have to reach Pokhara by 4:00 pm so that you can attend the briefing session at your hotel. The briefing session will be conducted at 6:00 pm where you will be acquainted with your team, you will be given the necessary instructions and the schedule for the upcoming days.
After the briefing session, you can go for a walk around Pokhara Lake, soak in the beautiful environs of Pokhara, and after a hearty dinner retire early so that you wake up energized for the trek the next day.
Today is the first day of trekking and we will start from Kimche. Kimche is a short drive away from Pokhara and it takes about 2 hrs to reach Kimche. From here, the trek starts toward Ghandruk. The trek to Ghandruk is an easy to moderate one with a gradual ascent. Initially, the trail from Kimchee is a little narrow and passes through a small mountain settlement.
As you keep ascending the trail, the mountain views open up and the Modi Khola River flows serenely beside you. If you look on the opposite side of the mountain, you can spot the Mardi Himal trail. Ghandruk starts to come into view about 1.5 hrs into the trek. It is a gradual ascend to Ghandruk from here.
Ghandruk is a panoramic village in the Modi Khola Valley of Nepal. It is the largest village in the Annapurna Conservation area and you can see the old stone and slate-roofed architecture. From Ghandruk, you can see sweeping views of the Annapurna Massif with Annapurna I – the tenth tallest mountain in the world. Here, you can observe the everyday life of the Gurung people of Nepal. The village is lined with prayer flags on all streets with accompanying mountain views making Ghandruk a picturesque and leisurely location where you can feel the serenity of the mountains.
Interestingly, Ghandruk also happens to be a recruitment hub for the British army’s Gurkha soldiers. This allows you to observe and learn about the Gurkha heritage and the community.
Your overnight stay will be in a teahouse or lodge in Ghandruk.
Today’s trek will take you from Ghandruk to another mountain hamlet, Tadapani. The inclines are quite steep in places and you will gain around 2500 ft in altitude today. It’s a lovely walk through Rhododendron forests to Tadapani.
Waking up to a beautiful sunrise in Ghandruk, we will have our breakfast and start towards Tadapani. Begin the trek by taking the narrow path that runs through the village. Five minutes into the trek and you will arrive at a junction point. The trail that runs centrally heads towards Kommorong and further on to ABC. We will take the route that heads west to arrive at Tadapani.
The trail is cut into steps so it can be a little hard on your legs. Although you may face a little difficulty ascending 10 minutes into the climb and a surprise waits for you! You arrive at a beautiful viewpoint named the ‘Lovely Viewpoint’ presents stunning views of Mt. Macchapucchre, Mt Annapurna South, Mt Annapurna III, Mt Ganga, and Mt Himchuli.
Continue on the trail and you will enter a beautiful forest of Rhododendron and a variety of other tall trees. Sunlight streams in through the dense canopy making the forest appear sparkling here and there. If you’re trekking in April, the Rhododendron trees are blooming with big red flowers. Continue walking through the forested trail until you reach a small bridge crossing over a stream. The stream is a good source of water and you can refill your water bottles here. After the stream, it is a steep ascent of about 45 minutes. A little more into the trek and you will arrive at a tiny settlement called Bhaisi Kharka, it is a remote village in the far western region of Nepal.
The remaining part of the trek is through similar forested trails that you have encountered before until you arrive at Tadapani. We will have lunch at Tadapani and the stay for the night is arranged in a guest house Tadapni. Mt. Macchapucchare is vividly visible from here and you will end your day with a beautiful sunset view over this majestic mountain peak.
Today again begin your trek through the forested trails of Bamboo and Rhododendrons. Further, into the trail, Oak trees start appearing, and the Annapurna Ranges remain on your right. From this point onwards it is a descent for about 30 minutes and then you start climbing up once again.
An hour’s climb takes you to Meshar where you have your first water source. Fill your water bottles here. From here, you can see grand views of Mt Annapurna Fang, and Mt Annapurna. The two mountains remain visible until you reach Isharu. From Meshar, the trail starts ascending once again, all the way to Isharu. Isharu is another great viewpoint with a staggering panorama of Mt Ganesh Himal, Mt Annapurna II, and Mt Annapurna IV, along with other peaks in the Annapurna Range.
A mix of ascent and descent of about an hour will take you to Dobata. Have a delicious lunch at Dobata and an overnight stay at a teahouse here.
Today is going to be a long day of trekking, so we will start early in the morning. From Dobata, the trail begins with an ascent and after ascending for about 30 minutes, you will arrive at a junction. The trail on the right goes to a hidden lake in the Himalayas and the one straight ahead follows towards Khopra Ridge. We will take the trail that continues toward Khopra Ridge.
As you continue on the trail, the Annapurna Ranges begin to disappear giving way to the Dhaulagiri Range. The appearance of the Dhaulagiri Ranges indicates that you are close to the Muldai Top viewpoint, which lies en route to Chhistibang.
Muldai viewpoint offers a straight-line panorama of 22 mountain peaks. Two of these mountain peaks rank amongst the tallest peaks in the world – Mt Dhaulagiri I (7th highest) and Mt Annapurna I (9th highest). The complete ensemble of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri Range, Mt Nilgiri North & South, and Tukche is a sight that you will never forget in your life.
From Muldai Top, descend for about 2 hrs and you will arrive at Chhistibang. The teahouse here is located in the middle of a forest! Overnight stay will be at Chhistibang before we proceed to Khopra Ridge the next day.
From Chhistibang, it is a short trek to Khopra Ridge. Khopra Ridge is about 3.5 km away and takes about 3 hrs to reach the ridge. The trail from Chhistibang to the Khopra Ridge although short is quite steep and you gain an altitude of 200 m every km.
As you walk out of the treeline from Chhistibang, the views become more and more impressive every moment. You will be gazing at snow-capped mountains all around and also come across numerous small streams and waterfalls along the way. The trail will snake around the ridge taking you to a teahouse at the ridge. The teahouse is a viewpoint in itself.
From the ridge, you can see close-up views of the Dhaulagiri Range along with Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Mt. Nilgiri North & South and Mt Tukuche.
The sunset view here is truly amazing and after the sun sets, the temperature drops drastically, so keep your warm layers on to protect yourself from the cold.
Today we will trek to a high-altitude glacial lake, Khayer Lake. It is a 16 km long trek so we need to start as early as possible. The beginning of the trek is a levelled walk for about 45 minutes. The Dhauligiri Range accompanies you today as well. Soon the trek becomes a mix of ascents and descents. This continues for the next two hours. Look to your left and you will see the deepest valley in the world – the Kali Gandaki. It is located between Mt. Tukuche and Mt. Nilgiri North. It is an intimidating yet incredible sight to behold.
Keep walking and you will soon arrive at barren fields quite similar to the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti. This is an indication that you will soon arrive at Khayer Lake. Keep walking and you will arrive at a Dhaba serving tea and snacks. From this point, it is another 1.5 hr trek to the lake. From here, it is a continuous ascend on steps and along the way, you will get to see symbols of bells and temples. These symbols represent the mythological tales of the region. The lake is situated at the foot of Mt. Annapurna South and the mountain looms large above the lake - a majestic sight to behold!
We will spend some time at the lake, post which we will return back to the ridge. It will take about 3.5 hrs to return to Khopra Ridge. Enjoy a beautiful sunset view as you descend down the trail.
The trek from Khopra Ridge to Paudwar takes about 6.5 hrs and you will cover a distance of 8.5 km. The trek starts with a gradual descent and soon you will arrive at a forest covered with Rhododendrons. During the months of March and April, the forest is bedecked with blossoming red, pink, purple, and white Rhododendrons. Crossing the forest, you arrive at a teahouse at Loreni which is about 2 hrs above Paudwar. There’s a teahouse at Loreni as well. From Loreni, the trail winds along the hills of the Jarbhang Valley into a patch of bamboo forest and cow pastures. Crossing this section of the forest, it is a steep descent all the Paudwar.
Paudwar is a scenic traditional village belonging to the Magar community of Nepal. The lovely hamlet showcases the ancient Nepali stonework architecture in its houses. All the houses here are more than 80 years old. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. The labyrinthine paths, the winding staircases, and the stonework architecture of Paudwar make it worth the effort of the trek. Tonight, you will stay in a homestay at Paudwar.
This is the last day of your trek and we will trek down from Paudwar to Tatopani and drive back to Pokhara. Tatopani village falls on the old route to Mansarovar Lake. It is an easy descent from Paudwar to Tatopani. You will descend through a forested trail for about 2 hrs and once the treeline recedes, you will walk alongside a stream until you reach Tatopani. The Khopra Ridge Trek ends here. From here, you will be driven back to Pokhara, which is approximately 110 km away from Tatopani and the drive takes about 5 hrs.
First of all everyone have to reach Pokhara.
You have to come to our hotel, once you book the trek our trek coordinator will share with you the hotel name, location and contact person number.
Options to Reach Pokhara
By Flight:-
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only International airport located in Kathmandu, Nepal. There is no Pokhara airport, although it has its own landing field. One can fly to Tribhuvan airport and then can take an additional flight to Pokhara. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 kms and can be covered in 5 hours 40 minutes. Popular airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Simrik Air serve this Pokhara route.
By Train:-
There is no train option travelling to Pokhara, Nepal. The closest railway stations which one can arrive are Jaynagar, New Jalpaiguri or Gorakhpur. From there crossing the corresponding borders of Panitanki or Sunauli, one can take a bus to Pokhara via Kathmandu.
By Bus:-
One can directly travel to the cities like Gorakpur or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and by crossing the Sunauli border can catch a bus or book a private car to reach Pokhara. The journey will take upto 8 hours to complete. Or one can fly to Kathmandu and then take public or private transport to Pokhara. The distance between these two cities is 200 kms which may take upto 6 to 7 hours.
.
To go back from the Pokhara, you can take any option by road or flight. Our services are up to hotel only and hotel check out time is 11:00 am.
Inclusion:
1. Accommodation: (Sharing basis)
• Day 1 and Day 9 Stay in 3 Star Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast
• Day 2 to Day 8 Teahouse.
2. Private Transport: (According to Itinerary)
• Pokhra to Nayapul and return.
3. Support:
• 1 English Speaking Guide.
• Assistant Guide (Depends on group size)
4. All meals during the trek: (As per the itinerary)
• Day 2 Lunch to Day 9 Lunch, Tea & Cookies on arrival at Tea Houses
• 3 Cups Tea/Coffee with Meal, Fresh Fruit after Dinner.
5. All necessary permits and entry fees.
6. TIMS card.
7. High-altitude sleeping bag.
8. First aid medical kits
9. Store room facility in Pokhra for extra luggage.
10. Insurance of Trekking Guide and porters.
11. Services from Pokhra to Pokhra.
12. Entire Administration and Local Taxes.
Exclusion:
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Porters for the personal bag*
3. Wi-Fi, charging batteries and hot showers, warm water for drinking
4. Nepal entry visa (approximately $40 USD) only for foreigners (Not for Indians)
5. Customary gratuities for guides & porters
6. Unforeseen costs due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, etc
7. Evacuation and medical expenses*
8. Drinks: Bottled water.
9. High-altitude Trekking Insurance is mandatory.
10. All costs not outlined under "What's included"
11. Permit fee for Foreign Nationals/OCI/NRI upto 110 USD
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
Offloading for the personal backpack:
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can hire a porter.
Charges of offloading backpack:
INR 4800/-including GST, please let us know 10 days in advance
Applicable for foreign national/OCI/NRI : Trek fee for Non-Indians are higher. However, They can book trek by paying fee applicable for indian national directly from website but balance's fee need to be paid in cash on your arrival or pay online prior to the trip.
Non Indian's balance fee will be calculated as per ongoing current exchange rate to avoid any kind of confusion. If you want to pay in advance then mail us at [email protected] for balance payment link.
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellations prior to 07 days from the start of the Trek: Get a full refund (minus 5% trek cost). The money will be transferred to the same bank account from where the transaction was made.
Cancellations prior to 06 days from the start of the Trek: 100% full refund of trek cost in form of Trek The Himalayas trek voucher valid for 1 year from date of issue. This voucher is applicable for Indian treks only.
Cancellation on Start of Trek date:Get 20% refund of trek cost in form of Trek The Himalayas trek voucher valid for 1 year from date of issue. This voucher is applicable for Indian treks only.
Note: 1. Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
2. In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
3. TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
4. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
Cash Voucher Terms:
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 2 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Moderate |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
Customise Trek
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The best time to do the Phulara Ridge Trek is from april to May and September to December when the weather is clear and dry.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is considered a moderate-level trek that requires a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
The Khopra Ridge Trek requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card.
The highest altitude reached on the Khopra Ridge Trek is around 4,770 meters at Khopra Ridge.
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the Khopra Ridge Trek, it is highly recommended for safety and to learn about the local culture.
Accommodation on the Khopra Ridge Trek is typically basic tea houses or lodges with basic facilities such as shared toilets and hot showers.
Pack warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a water bottle, and snacks.
Altitude sickness is a risk on the Khopra Ridge Trek, so it is important to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
The trail condition on the Khopra Ridge Trek is generally good, but there are some steep and rocky sections that can be challenging.
Landslides can occur on the Khopra Ridge Trek, especially during the monsoon season. It is important to check weather conditions and take precautions.
While it is possible to do the Khopra Ridge Trek solo, it is recommended to have a guide or travel with a group for safety and to learn about the local culture.
The cost of the Khopra Ridge Trek is 28000 per person.
The weather on the Khopra Ridge Trek can be unpredictable, but generally clear and dry from March to May and September to December. It can be cold at higher altitudes, especially at night.
The maximum group size for the Khopra Ridge Trek is typically 15 people.
The Khopra Ridge Trek offers opportunities to experience local culture, including visits to traditional villages and monasteries.