Khopra Ridge Community Trek is one of the newest treks in Nepal’s Highlands. The trek takes you through secluded and serene trails filled with majestic views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri Himal, and other mountain ranges.
Situated on an off-the-beaten-path, away from the popular routes in the Annapurna Region. The Khopra Ridge Community Trek offers trekkers an appreciation of the majesty of Nepal’s Himalayas. And directly contributing to the well-being of the mountain communities that inhabit the path. The trek was established in the Annapurna Region as a community trek. To help the villages along the Khopra Danda route and to improve their financial conditions. Since most of the communities along this route receive minimal tourist traffic and they struggle economically, this new route was developed to help the villages along this trail and better their economic situation.
Khopra Ridge Community Trek is a classic Nepal trek. Offering jaw-dropping Himalayan landscapes, traditional Nepalese towns, deep wilderness, terraced farmland, alpine grounds, ridges, lakes, and mountains. Be a part of this trek with the Female Guide Kathmandu and discover the secret trails of the Annapurna Region.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6-month prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirts.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4592ft)
You are greeted with unending rows of verdant hills and mountains as your plane approaches Kathmandu. Our staff will accompany you at the airport and drive you to your accommodation. After you've checked in, you'll have time to tour the city (depending on your arrival time). Kathmandu's valley has a wide range of tourist attractions from which you can choose.
Day 2 :
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast move out to explore the wonders of the valley. Visit various UNESCO World Heritage Sites around. First head towards Swayambhunath Stupa popular known as Monkey Temple. Set on a hill on the western side of the valley the Stupa is dotted with several temples and ancient stupas. Also, witness panoramic views of the valley and the rows of snowcapped mountain peaks to the north. Next head towards Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath nestled on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The massive stupa is the largest in the country and is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for people following Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa complex was established in the 5th century AD and built upon the relics of Kashyap Buddha. This massive stupa is regarded as a powerful meditation tool Mandala. Then explore the Pashupatinath temple. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple in the country. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva the temples are regarded as the head of the deity. The temple complex nestles at the bank of the holy Bagmati River surrounded by several ancient temples and various important landmarks. The Pashupatinath Temple is also known as the protector of the country. After the tour is completed, you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Later in the evening join in for a brief orientation regarding the trek with your team leader and staff.
Day 3 :
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Syauli Bazaar and trek to Ghandruk 1,940m/6,365ft Flight: 30 min Driving: 2 hrs Hiking: 3 Hours
You're on your way to Pokhara on the first flight. During the flight, you'll be treated with spectacular vistas of the Himalayas. As you get closer to Pokhara, you'll be able to see the renowned Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), the Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. Once you arrive at Pokhara, get in a vehicle and drive to Syauli Bazaar, a little traditional town. Your trekking begins at Syauli Bazaar. It's a fairly short hike of one to two hours (depending on your speed) on a well-kept route. Ghandruk, a typical Gurung settlement is located on the Gurung Heritage Trail and is reached through a series of stone stairs, when you get to Ghandruk, go to your teahouse for some refreshments, after that, you can tour the village and engage with the locals. Ghandruk is one of the most notable Gurung villages that has retained the Gurung culture and traditions.
Day 4 :
Ghandruk to Tadapani 2,700m/8,859ft Hiking: 3-4 Hours
Wake up early and soak in the majestic views of the sunrise turning the snow-capped peaks of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli Mountains into an array of colors. After breakfast start the trek following the ascending route to the village of Deurali. Next traversing along lush rhododendron woodlands reach the village of Tadapani. From the village relax and enjoy the grand views of the mountains and central hills of the country.
Day 5 :
Tadapani to Dobato 3,350m/10,991ft Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Today's trek is demanding and challenging so start early. Soaking in the grand views of the landscapes start the trek. As you progress you will be traversing on a series of stone paved stairs. Following the trails covered with lush sub-tropical woodlands and miles of undergrowth reach the ridge line. Next following the ridge section reach the village of Dobato. Upon reaching the village relax and enjoy the views during the sunsetting.
Day 6 :
Dobato to Upper Chistibung 2,975m/9,761ft Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Start the trek following the ridge section. As you progress on the trail the topography changes and you will be following the trails through open fields. Then the trail leads you across the deep wilderness of sub-tropical woodlands. After a brief walk, you will reach Lower Chistibung. Next following the trail, you will finally reach Upper Chistibung a temporary herder’s settlement. Upon reaching the settlement head out to explore around. Later relax on the grassy ridge and soak in the views around.
Day 7 :
Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,660m/12,008ft Hiking: 3-4 Hours
Today's trek is short and takes you across high alpine grounds and pasture lands. Traversing across the ridgeline witness panoramic views of the mountains, colorful hills, and various river networks. Upon reaching Khopra Ridge head towards your accommodation and later head out to explore. Proceed towards a vantage point and witness the grand views of the landscape including the Kali Gandaki river flowing deep down the valley. Later relax and enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, and other various peaks from the porch of your tea house.
Day 8 :
Rest day in Khopra Ridge: Tour of Kaire Lake 4,500m/14,765ft Hiking: 10-11 Hours
Today you will be exploring around Khopra. After breakfast head towards Kaire Lake. The hike takes you following the sections of the ridge. Along the way witness grand views of the surrounding. Upon reaching the lake relax and soak in the energy of the region. Kaire Lake is considered sacred by the Hindus and Buddhists, and it’s believed that taking a dip in this freezing water washes your sins and helps attending Nirvana. After spending time at the Lake retrace your steps back to Khopra Ridge.
Day 9 :
Trek to Swanta Village 2,200m/7,218ft Hiking: 5-6 Hours
Wake up early and soak in the grand views of the sun rising. Next after breakfast retrace your steps downwards. Along the way witness grand views of Dhaulagiri and other mountain giants. Progressing on the trail pass various settlements and agricultural fields. Following the descending route on ridges and forested trails, you will eventually reach the village of Swanta.
Day 10 :
Trek to Ulleri 2,050m/6,726ft Hiking: 5-6 Hours
Today's trek takes you across several villages and agricultural lands. Following the descending trails traverse across villages and deep wilderness. After a brief walk cross a suspension bridge and head on an uphill climb towards Chittre and then follow the main trail at Ghorepani. Next, proceed towards Ulleri.
Day 11 :
Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara 827m/2,713ft Driving: 1-hour Hiking: 5-6 Hours
After breakfast following the descending trail reach Naya Pul. Upon arriving proceed on a short drive toward Pokhara. Along the way witness views of rolling hills and snowcapped peaks. Upon reaching Pokhara head towards your accommodation, Later proceed out and explore the city of lakes. Stroll by the banks of Phewa Lake and visit various pubs and restaurants in the region.
Day 12 :
Sightseeing in Pokhara then fly to Kathmandu 1,350m/4,429ft Flight: 30 min
Wake up before dawn and head towards the vantage point of Sarangkot. From the vantage point witness grand panoramic views of the Himalayas and Pokhara city. Next visit various attractions around the city. Explore various cave networks, visit ancient temples, and head on a boat ride in Phewa Lake. In the afternoon catch a flight towards Kathmandu. Upon arriving at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later in the evening join in for a farewell dinner program to mark the end of your successful adventure.
Day 13 :
Final departure
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport by our staff. Now it's time to bid Nepal farewell and return home. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
