| Trip code | |
| Package name | KHOPRA RIDGE TREKKING - 11 DAYS |
| Duration | 11 |
| Max. elevation | 4660 m |
| Level | Moderate |
| Transportation | <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Domestic flight and all ground transportation as per itinerary<o:p></o:p></span></p> |
| Accomodation | 3*** Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara and Mountain Lodge / Tea House during the trek |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu - Pokhara - Ghandruk - Tadapani - Dobato - Khopra Ridge / Khopra Danda - Khayer Lake - Swanta Village - ghorepani - Poon Hill - Hile - Pokhara - Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
As there are various
popular trekking regions already well known among the travelers and the trip
organizers, those regions and trails are gradually being commercialized and
naturally somehow affected. But still, there are many other trails, not so
popular for many reasons, that are more than beautiful and worth exploring.
Sometimes, we call those paths off-the beaten and unexplored though not with so
much wilderness but friendly and easy trails.
Khopra Ridge Trekking is also an unexplored, less visited trekking trail in Annapurna Region but it offers the unmatched natural beauty lying between Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu himalayan range. Along the route, the trekkers can enjoy both the natural beauty of the Himalayas and can experience the local cultures of the indigenous people and their lifestyles.
Initially introduced and promoted as a community trekking trail with the aim to support the local people and their livelihoods, the concept is still there and has made huge contribution to the communities. Supporting school education, local health facilities, local agriculture and other products, this trekking can give the travelers a combined sense of fulfillment through adventure and philanthropy.
With spectacular Himalayan mountain views, traditional ethnic villages, terraced fields and lush rhododendron forests on the way, this trip begins from Pokhara with a drive of about 2 hours and the core trekking trail starts from Ghandruk. The initial part of the trek, also very popular for short trail, gives you ample of opportunities to feel the colors flourished in the rhododendron forests and the life and culture of the local people. Reaching the Khayer Lake at the high altitude and view the panoramic scenery really gives the feeling of accomplishment and peace of mind. As the trail is easy but rewarding, this trek is suitable for all the beginners and experienced trekkers.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal! Upon your arrival, a representative from Ace Holiday Treks will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to relax and refresh. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to explore the bustling streets of Thamel or visit nearby attractions such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing and receive important information about the itinerary, safety protocols, and what to expect on your journey.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
On Day 2, you’ll
start your day with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes about
6-7 hours. The drive offers stunning views of the hills, valleys, settlements,
terraced fields and riversides. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll enjoy your
evening around lakeside.
Overnight in Pokhara
In the morning, you
can enjoy the awesome views of the famous Machhapuchchhre (Fish Tail),
Annapurna, manaslu and Dhaulagiri range. Once you are ready, you will board our
four wheeler and drive for about 2 hours to Ghandruk, very popular and
beautiful traditional settlement of Gurung ethnic people. From Ghandruk, you
will begin the core trail of the trek to reach Tadhapani. The first day of
trekking begins through beautiful typical Ghandruk village and further passes
through Rhododendron forests and small hill streams. It’s only about three
hours trek along easy trekking trail and you can energize yourself for the
remaining days. As you reach Tatopani, you will have a chance to reflect on the
experience of your first day of trekking.
Overnight in Tadapani.
On the fourth day,
you will wake up and have your breakfast. After a little preparation, you will
start climbing through the beautiful rhododendron forest. Especially the trail
along the forest is really colorful and feels like vibrant tapestry of life and
nature and symphony of sounds. It is also about embracing the comfort and peace
fostering well being with awe inspiring existence of lives. Walking on the
ridge with a diversity of surrounding views, you will reach dobato.
Overnight in Dobato
As you did a short
trek and had enough rest the day before, you will wake up early in the morning
and hike up to Muldai Viewpoint for Himalayan sunrise view. Snow capped
mountains with blazing golden reflection is worth watching and give you
goosebumps. Now, you will walk down to the lodge and have your breakfast before
proceeding for an up and down trail leading to Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge through
rhododendron forests. Not to mention, the view of very high standing Dhaulagiri
massif will be a significant highlight of your trip. When you reach Khopra
Danda, you will take rest at a community run tea house.
Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
Not to miss the
spectacular sunrise view over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri and many
other peaks, wake up early and be ready with your camera to capture the moment.
After breakfast, you will walk up to the slopes of the Annapurna massif to
reach the sacred high altitude mountain lake - Khayer lake surrounded by
mountains and glaciers. This lake is revered by both Hindu and Buddhists with
the belief that dipping into the lake purifies and cleanses their sins. The
closest scene of Annapurna South is really rewarding to wrap up and return back
to Khopra Ridge along the same trail.
Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
As you have already
accomplished your goal to reach Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake, you will follow
back the trail steep down ward to Swanta Village. Because it is not as
challenging as going up, you can feel relaxed and enjoy the surrounding views
of the mountains, villages, terraced fields and forests. When you reach Swantta
village, you will see the village of traditional houses and the local people
lives. You can also walk around the village or take rest at the tea house
there.
Overnight in Swanta Village.
From the village
surrounded by paddy fields, you will trek along downward trail and reach to a
river bank where you will see a water mill. Cross the suspension bridge and
walk pass Chittre village to continue stepping up the stone steps to the very
popular and also beautiful village of Ghorepani. Taking rest and enjoying your
last night at a mountain tea house in Ghorepani is sure to give you a
remarkably memorable experience.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
If we talk about
shorter treks with a remarkable sunrise viewpoint in Annapurna region,
Ghorepani is always the best choice. And, today you are going to hike up to
that point after waking up early in the morning. A blend of greenery, mountains
and sunrise over the mountains will portray a natural canvas in front of your
eyes. Standing high among the midhills just adjacent to Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna Himalayan range, Poon Hill offers you the mesmerizing 360 - view of
the Himalayan peaks in northwestern part and the southern part of western
region.
As you descend down
to your lodge, have your breakfast and trek further down to Hile for 4 hours.
From Hile, take your Jeep and drive to Pokhara. Now, you check into hotel and
take rest or explore the vibrant evening around Lake side of Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.
On Day 10, you will
drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. This journey takes around 7 hours.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore
any sites you may have missed during your first day in the city.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
On your final day,
prepare for your departure from Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule,
you may have time for a leisurely breakfast or some last-minute exploration. An
Ace Holiday Treks representative will assist you with your transfer to the
airport, ensuring a smooth end to your unforgettable Annapurna Base Camp Trek
experience. As you leave, take a moment to reflect on the incredible
landscapes, friendships, and experiences you’ve gained throughout this
remarkable journey. Safe travels!