February 15, 2025

How to complete the Khopra Ridge trek?

5 min read

The Khopra Ridge trek is a short and moderate trek that is a part of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community trek. It was introduced by Mahabir Pun who is a local and well-known as “the man who brought the internet to rural Nepal”. He managed a project to establish high-speed internet connection in many villages on the trek. He has introduced the Khopra Danda trail as a community trek that supports the local economy in the villages.

The trail goes through uphill and downhill tracks along the diverse landscapes. There are fewer trekkers than other popular routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. You can have the most spectacular views of the snowy peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, etc.

If you are seeking a thrilling adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal then Khopra Ridge trek is the right choice. The diverse landscapes, lush forests, sunrise and sunset from Khopra Ridge, hike to Khayer Lake are the attractions of this trek. This article gives you the overall information required for completing the Khopra Ridge Trek.

What is the Best time?

There are two peak trekking seasons in Nepal: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).

The best time to trek, Khopra Ridge, depends on the weather, temperature, and trail conditions. Here are the brief notes on what it is like during the different seasons:

Spring (March-May):

Spring is one of the best seasons for trekking. The weather is stable and the temperature is warm. You will see the beautiful rhododendron blooms covering the forests on the trail.

Summer (June-August):

Summer is not recommended for trekking as the monsoon brings rain. Heavy rain can make the trails slippery and may cause mudslides. There can be leeches which is a hazard on the trail.

Autumn (September-November):

Autumn is an ideal season for trekking in Nepal. The post-monsoon weather is pleasant and the temperature is mild. The skies are clear and you will enjoy the unobscured views of the mountains.

Winter (December-February):

The winter season is dry and cold. Most of the teahouses close down and trails can be covered with snow. The trails will be quieter. The temperatures may be freezing so you might need extra layers for warmth.

Permits and fees

You will need the following permits for the Khopra Ridge trek:

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) Permit:  NRs 3000

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card: NRs. 2000

You can get these permits from Kathmandu or Pokhara. You will need a rough itinerary, passport photos, and travel insurance for the application process.

Trekking gears and packing lists

Clothing:

  • Base layer
  • Mid layer
  • Windproof and waterproof outer layer
  • Down jacket
  • Trekking pants

Footwear:

  • Sturdy hiking boots

Accessories:

  • Trekking poles
  • Ruck Sack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottles and purification tablets
  • Camera
  • First aid kit
  • Snacks

 

Itinerary

Khopra Ridge Trek is an 11-day trip, if you trek with Nepal Trekking routes, a trusted local trekking agency. The itinerary can be customized according to your preference.

Arrival in Kathmandu:

On your arrival, you will be transferred from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel. In the evening you will get the necessary briefing about your trip itinerary.

Travel to Pokhara

You can travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight, private jeep, or public bus depending on your preference.

Drive to Tadapani via Ghandruk

From Pokhara, you can get to the trailhead by taking a shared jeep or a local bus. Normally, you will travel to Tadapani passing through Ghandruk.

Trek to Dobato

From Tadapani, you will start your trek following a trail that passes through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests. After 5 hours of walking, you will reach Dobato where you stay in a teahouse.

Trek to Khopra Ridge

You will continue your trek from Dobato and enjoy the stunning view of the Annapurna range followed by the Dhaulagiri Range. Passing through the rugged trail, you will take a break at Bayali and then continue. You will reach another rest point at Chistang Village. Finally, you will reach Khopra Ridge and have a beautiful sunset view. Khopra Ridge is the vantage point for a sunrise view of the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs.

Hike to Khayer Lake and trek back to Khopra Ridge

You will hike toward an alpine Lake at a higher altitude, Khayer Lake. This holy lake is a pilgrimage for Hindus. The locals visit the Khayer Barahi temple to worship Lord Shiva. After enjoying a mesmerizing view of the crystal clear lake and the reflection of magnificent mountains, you will trek back to Khopra Ridge for a night’s rest.

Trek to Swanta

From Khopra Ridge, you trek towards a village through dense forests followed by terraced farmlands. After walking for 6 hours, you will reach Swanta village. It is surrounded by a large agricultural plot and has a few teahouses where you can stay overnight.

Trek to Ghorepani

You will walk towards Ghorepani passing through the uphill and downhill trail along the dense forests, rivulets, and wooden bridges. Ghorepani is quite a developed Gurung village in the Annapurna region. It is a popular stopover during Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and Annapurna Sunrise View Trek.

Trek to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara

From Ghorepani, you will trek towards Ulleri, climbing up toward the famous 300-stone staircases. From this typical Magar village, you will travel to Pokhara.

Travel back to Kathmandu

From Pokhara, you can travel to Kathmandu by either flight, private jeep, or public tourist bus depending on your preference. While in Kathmandu, you can stroll and shop around Thamel.

Final Departure

Finally, you will wrap up your memorable journey and board the returning flight from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Food and accommodations

The Khopra Danda trek is teahouse-based. The teahouses are run by local communities.

Food

During the Khopra Ridge trek, the food is a simple Nepali dish. Dal Bhat and curry are nutritious and delicious with free refills. You can get some other options like pasta, noodles, bread, and soup.

Accommodation

Since the accommodation is a teahouse, it consists of a basic room with a single or twin bed and a shared bathroom. You can have hot shower for additional cost.

Conclusion

The Kopra Danda trek is a short and exciting journey fit for all. This trek is an off-the-beaten-path adventure to the Annapurna region of Nepal, a brainchild of Mahabir Pun, who established wireless internet in rural villages. You will have a 360-degree panoramic view of Himalayan peaks and hike to serene Khayer Lake at a higher altitude. You will enjoy the sunrise and sunset view of the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges in solitude.

Nepal Trekking Routes (NTR), a reputable local trekking company will provide exceptional guidance and logistic support. So, book your Khopra Ridge trek with NTR and enjoy a seamless and exciting vacation in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.