Khopra Ridge Trek - 11 days

Khopra Ridge Trek - 11 days


Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the newest treks in the Nepal Himalaya. Lying off-the-beaten-path, away from the popular trails in the Annapurna Region, the Khopra Ridge Trek route goes through a secluded and serene trail filled with awe-inspiring views of Dhaulagiri (7th highest mountain in the world), Manaslu (8th highest mountain in the world), Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri Himal and other peaks. Khopra Ridge Trek offers you the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Nepal Himalaya as well as contribute directly to the welfare of the mountain communities living along the trail. 

Khopra Ridge Trek was introduced in the Annapurna Region as a community trek to help raise the economic standards of the villages lying on the Khopra Danda trail.  As most of the villages lying on this route were receiving no tourist traffic and thus struggling economically, this new route was introduced to improve the economic condition of the villages situated on this trail. This is a community teahouse trek and the profit collected from these teahouses goes to fund local schools and health clinics. Mahabir Pun, a local of this area and a renowned educationist and social activist has been promoting this trail since it was introduced. He has received the Magsaysay Award for introducing wireless computer technology in the remote mountain villages of Nepal.

Filled with jaw-dropping Himalayan views, typical Nepalese villages, terraced fields, and lush jungles, Khopra Ridge Trek is your classic Nepal trek. You begin your trek from Kimchi after taking a short drive from Pokhara. The trail passes through quaint Gurung villages and dense rhododendron forests. It is a delight to walk this trail in spring as splashes of pink and red rhododendron blooms cover the trail. The highlights of your trek are the hikes to Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill. The Khayer Lake trail takes you to a sacred high-altitude lake and brings you very close to Annapurna South. You can view this mighty peak up close and feel the sacred vibe of this magical place. Khopra Ridge Trek can be done by novice as well as experienced trekkers.This trek is also ideal for families traveling with kids. An experienced guide will be with you throughout your trek.

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.

Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

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Trip Highlights

  • Khopra Ridge Trek is a short trek on a new trail, the off-the-beaten-path with fewer crowds and 360-degree Himalayan views
  • Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, and other peaks from Khopra Ridge. Inspiring sunrise view  from Khopra Ridge, Poon Hill, and Muldai Viewpoint
  • Visit Khayer Lake, a sacred high altitude lake close to Annapurna South
  • Savour a typical Nepalese hillside trekking experience. Hike through Gurung villages, paddy fields, and rhododendron forests

Is This Trip Suitable For You?

  • Graded easy to moderate, Khopra Ridge Trek is ideal for beginners and families traveling with kids (8 years and above. If the kids feel tired en route, the porters will carry them.). 
  • It would be best if you were reasonably fit. If you hike regularly or can climb stairs without any difficulty, you can easily do this trek. 
  • You spend a total of 7 days on the trail. The minimum time spent walking is 1 hour (Day1), and the maximum is10 hours(Day 5). The highest point reached is Khayer Lake (4500m). 
  • You will have your meals and stay overnight at community-run teahouses with basic facilities.

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) - Transfer to hotel & Trip Preparation
Day 2 Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kimchi and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,365ft) - 25 minutes flight , 2 to 3 hours drive and 1 to 2 hours trek
Day 3 Trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 4 Trek to Dobato (3,350m/10,990ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 5 Trek to Khopra Ridge or Khopra Danda (3,660m/12,006ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek
Day 6 Hike to Khayer Lake (4,500m/14,762ft) and return to Khopra Ridge - 8 to 10 hours trek
Day 7 Trek to Swanta Village (2,214m/7,263ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 8 Trek to Ghorepani (2,858m/9,376ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 9 Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise view, descend to Hile and drive to Pokhara - 4 to 5 hours trek and 2 to 3 hours drive
Day 10 Afternoon Fly to Kathmandu - 25 minutes flight
Day 11 Final Departure

Route Map

Route Map for Khopra Ridge Trek Route Map for Khopra Ridge Trek

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) - Transfer to hotel & Trip Preparation

If you arrive during the daytime, you will be greeted by a wondrous sight of rolling hills and mountains. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Kathmandu valley from the plane. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to pick up and drop you at your hotel. Once you have checked in to your hotel room, take some rest. There will be a trip briefing later in the day. During the briefing, you will meet your guide and get to know some important dos and don’ts about your trek. There will be a final gear list check. If you have missed out on anything from the list, you can buy or rent from one of the numerous trekking gear shops in Thamel.

Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Day 2
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kimchi and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,365ft) - 25 minutes flight , 2 to 3 hours drive and 1 to 2 hours trek

Ghandruk Village Ghandruk Village - one of the most famous Gurung villages that has preserved the culture and traditions of the Gurungs, an ethnic mountain community

You catch the first flight to Pokhara.During the flight, you can enjoy awesome views of the Himalayas. As you approach you will get to enjoy awesome views of the famed Machhapuchhre(Fishtail Peak), Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. Once you reach Pokhara, board a vehicle take a short drive to Kimchi, a small traditional settlement. Your trek begins from Kimchi. It’s a pretty short trek of about one or two hours (depending on your pace) on a well-maintained trail. You climb up a series of stone steps to reach Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village. After reaching Ghandruk head to your teahouse and have some refreshments. After resting for a while, you can explore the village and interact with the locals. Learn more about this community by visiting the  Gurung Museum and a Buddhist Monastery that lies at the edge of the village.

Ghandruk falls on the Gurung Heritage Trail and is one of the most famous Gurung villages that has preserved the culture and traditions of the Gurungs, an ethnic mountain community. Most of the men from this village and other Gurung villages on the Annapurna serve in the British or Indian Army.

Overnight in Ghandruk. 

Day 3
Trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

Rhododendron Forests Colourful rhododendrons bloom on the way to Kopra Danda Trek

Trek begins through beautiful Ghandruk village and traverses lush Rhododendron forests. You will see many small streams and stunning natural views on the way.

The colorful prayer flags greet you as you arrive in Tadapani, a village at the foot of Machhapuchhre. Locals revere this mountain, and climbing it is forbidden. Make your way to a teahouse and take a much-needed rest.

Overnight in Tadapani.

Day 4
Trek to Dobato (3,350m/10,990ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

Wake up early and hit the trail to Dobato after breakfast. You climb more of the steps. Walk through past a dense rhododendron forest. During spring, the forest is ablaze with pink and red rhododendron blooms, a wondrous sight to behold. A beautiful walk on a ridgeline filled with inspiring views of the mountains and green valleys brings you to Dobato, your stop for the night. After a hard day's walk, putting your feet up and relaxing at the teahouse feels excellent. Retire early as you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise.

Overnight in Dobato

Day 5
Trek to Khopra Ridge or Khopra Danda (3,660m/12,006ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek

Annapurna South Annapurna South

Wake up early and head to Muldai Viewpoint to enjoy a Himalayan sunrise. The golden sun rising over the white snow-covered peaks is a sight you will remember for years to come. After this magnificent view, head down to the teahouse, have breakfast, and proceed to Khopra Danda or ridge. The trail follows an up and down trail through rhododendron forests and breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world. Though strenuous, this is an amazing walk, especially during the spring season, when the trail is literally covered with rhododendron petals and wildflowers. You feel as though you have entered a mystical mountain kingdom. Except for a few yaks and mule trains, the trail is secluded, and you can enjoy the serenity and be one with nature. After a long walk, you reach Khopra Danda. Head to a community-run teahouse and take a rest.

Overnight in Khopra Ridge. 

Day 6
Hike to Khayer Lake (4,500m/14,762ft) and return to Khopra Ridge - 8 to 10 hours trek

Wake up at the crack of dawn to enjoy a magnificent Himalayan sunrise. The sun rising over the snow-covered Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiris, Fang, and other peaks is a sight to behold. Be ready with your camera to capture this glorious view. Later have breakfast and make your way to Khayer Lake. The hike to Khayer Lake is one of the highlights of your trek. In order to reach the lake, you need to make the hike up to the slopes of the Annapurna Massif. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, Khayer Lake is a sacred high-altitude mountain lake. Hindu shrines dot the periphery of the lake. Locals believe that a dip in this lake purifies you and cleanses your sins. Located at a distance of about 6km, Annapurna South looms quite close to the lake. After taking pictures, retrace your steps back to your teahouse at Khopra Ridge.

Overnight in Khopra Ridge.

Day 7
Trek to Swanta Village (2,214m/7,263ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek

Dhaulagiri Range Dhaulagiri Range - View from Swanta Village

After savoring the breathtaking Himalayan panorama for one last time from Khopra Ridge, hit the downward trail to Swanta Village. Descend carefully as it is a steep downhill. As you walk down, the chunky spire Dhaulagiri looms majestically on the horizon. Enjoy the typical Nepalese mountain landscape filled with terraced fields and ridge-top villages. When you reach Swanta head to a teahouse and take a rest. The village filled with traditional houses lies on a gentle hill slope surrounded by paddy and potato fields. If you are not too tired you can explore this picturesque village and enjoy the grand view of the neighboring hills.

Overnight in Swanta Village.

Day 8
Trek to Ghorepani (2,858m/9,376ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek

Take the downward trail past paddy fields and a lush jungle. When you reach the river close to the river, there’s a local water mill that you can visit. Walk on a swaying suspension bridge and get to the other side of the river. From here, head up to the village of Chittre and walk on the busy Ghorepani trail. There will be other trekkers and mule trains on the trail. Climb the well-laid stone steps to reach the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani means “Horse Water” in Nepali. This was actually the watering hole for caravans journeying through the ancient Tibet trade route. Head to a teahouse and take a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Ghorepani.

Day 9
Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise view, descend to Hile and drive to Pokhara - 4 to 5 hours trek and 2 to 3 hours drive

Poon hill Poon Hill - one of the most magical Himalayan sunrise viewpoint

Wake up early and hike up to Poon Hill to catch one of the most magical Himalayan sunrises. Poon Hill is one of the most popular Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal. From here you get a 360-degree view of the Himalayan giants- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. Catch the dramatic view of the golden sun rising over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks lighting them up in pink, red and golden colors. It is a magical sight, one you will cherish forever. Later hike down to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and proceed towards Hile. It is a steep downhill walk filled with inspiring nature views. Once you reach Hile, board a vehicle and take a scenic drive to Pokhara. You will be driven to your hotel, which lies close to Phewa Lake. Once you have checked in, you can take a well-deserved rest or take a stroll down the Lakeside.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 10
Afternoon Fly to Kathmandu - 25 minutes flight

You have an afternoon flight, so you can spend the first half of the day as you wish.  Relax at your hotel or stroll down the lakeside and take a boat ride by yourself. You can also visit the city’s major sightseeing spots (Davis Falls, Gupteshwar Cave, Seti Gorge) if you want. But be sure to check out of your hotel on time to catch your flight to Kathmandu. 

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 11
Final Departure

Our representative will drive you to the international airport on time (3 hours before your flight departs) to catch your homeward bound flight. If you want to explore more of Nepal or Bhutan and Tibet do let us know. We have a selection of exciting itineraries that might interest you.



Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons to trek to Khopra Ridge. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, which makes it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed views of mountains. The days are warm and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.

The trail to Khopra Ridge passes through a thick forest filled with rhododendron trees which get covered with a burst of colorful pink, white and red blooms during spring. Walking past the hills covered with wildflowers and rhododendron blooms against the backdrop of the snowy Himalayas will seem heavenly.

Autumn is the most popular season for Khopra Ridge Trek. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around late September or October will allow you to experience the most important festivals of the Nepalese, Dashain, and Tihar. These festivals celebrated by Hindus last for several days. Expect good food, merry-making, dance, and music at the villages along the trail. 

You can also opt for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds. Trekking during these times will let you enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses that remain mostly empty. But you should be ready to face some discomforts (rain, leeches, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times.


Getting to Khopra Ridge

First, you need to travel to Pokhara, which can be done by taking a flight or driving overland. Many private airline companies operate daily flights on the Kathmandu- Pokhara route. Taking a flight may be expensive, but it saves you time and is more comfortable. In less than 30 minutes, you reach your destination.

If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to travel by tourist coach or a local bus. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours. The tourist bus to Pokhara departs daily from Sorahkhutte and Thamel at 7 AM. If you want to travel like locals, then you need to go to Naya Bus Park in Gongabu and get yourself a bus ticket to Pokhara. There are also micro vans or Hiace vans that leave for Pokhara at an interval of 1 to 2 hours daily. Private vehicles are also available on hire. The vehicle comes with a driver, and rental charges vary according to the size and type of the vehicle.

As per our itinerary, you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa by flight. Due to the mountainous terrain, aircrafts used for domestic flights in Nepal tend to be small and light.  You will be flying either in a 70 to 47 seater ATR, 30 seater Jetstream, or 18seatersr Beechcraft. The 25 minutes flight lets you enjoy incredible views of Himalayan peaks.

On reaching Pokhara, you board a private vehicle and drive to the trailhead of your trek, Kimchi. The drive, on a pitched highway, lasts for about an hour. From Kimchi, you trek all the way to Khopra Danda and return to Hile, from where you will be picked up and driven to Pokhara.


Entry Permits & Requirements

The permits you need for Khopra Ridge Trek are

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit, and
  • TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.

Both Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and TIMS Card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.

To get these permits, you need to provide the following documents and information:

  • Copy of your passport
  • 2 Passport-sized photos
  • Dates when your trek starts and ends
  • Itinerary/route
  • Entry and exit points
  • Emergency Contact Information (local and home country’s)
  • Travel Insurance Details

Permit Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit: NRS 3000 per person for foreigners, NRS 1000 for citizens of SAARC countries, and NRS 100 for Nepalese.

TIMS Card: NRS 1000 if you are trekking with a guide. NRS 2000 for free individual trekker (FIT). For SAARC country nationals, NRS 300 if trekking with a guide and NRS 600 for a solo trekker.

You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.


Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Khopra Ridge Trek takes you very close to the Annapurna Massif. The highest point of your trek is Khayer Lake, located at 4,500 meters above sea level. The low levels of oxygen in such an environment will sometimes make breathing difficult.

To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.

AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2,000 meters. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay.

One should take necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.

Experts and veteran guides have designed this itinerary. The trek is well-paced and allows your body to gradually get used to low oxygen levels in the mountain air.

The chart given below will give you a rough idea of the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.

Altitude

Oxygen Level

1,000m/3,281ft

88%

2,500m/8,202ft

73%

3,000m/9,843ft

68%

3,500m/11,483ft

64%

4,000m/13,123ft

60%

4,500m/14,764ft

57%


Drinking Water

It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluid.

To tackle the menace of plastic waste in the Annapurna region, the sale of bottled water has been banned since 2015.  Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will find several safe drinking water stations.  We highly recommend you to carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.

You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.

Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.

Teahouses offer boiled and filter drinking water at an additional cost. Charges vary according to altitude (the higher you reach, the more expensive it will be) and quantity. You will be charged from USD 1 to 2 for a pot of hot filtered drinking water.


Internet Connectivity

Internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Annapurna Region. You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. Teahouses charge extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot, but you can enjoy free wi-fi at Khopra Danda Lodge in Khopra Ridge.  

You can also buy a local sim card (Ncell or NTC) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data to use on your trek.


Packing Checklist for Khopra Ridge Trek

As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment for this adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Khopra Ridge Trek:

  • A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
  • Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with waterproof cover
  • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
  • T-shirts or shirts
  • Down jacket
  • Wind/ waterproof light jacket
  • Fleece jumper or jacket
  • Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
  • Socks and underwear
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
  • Inner and outer gloves
  • Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
  • Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  • Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
  • Water bottle and water purification tablets
  • 4 season Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner

These are only some of the essential items. Find a more Packing List For Trekking In Nepal.

Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.

You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.    


Guide(s) & Staff Arrangements

Khopra Ridge Trek takes you close to the Annapurna Massif, which is made up of some of the highest peaks in the world (Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, etc.). Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.

When you book a trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.

A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.

We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.

We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.


Travel Insurance

For Khopra Ridge Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest point you reach is Khayer Lake at 4,500 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.

Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment, and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.

Walking in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking adventure.

Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country. 

Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.


Trip Safety

We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have trekked on this route innumerable times.

To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days have been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.

If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort him/her and will follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.

If they feel alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to a lower elevation or get airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for expert medical aid.


A typical day on the Khopra Ridge Trek

A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.

To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.

Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.

Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.

On average, you may have to walk 5 to 6 hours daily. Day 5, which involves a long hike of about 9 to 10 hours to Khayer Lake, could possibly be the toughest day on this trek. Day three’s hike from Ghandruk to Dobato is also tiring as it involves climbing staircases, steep inclines, and a ridgeline walk for about 7 to 8 hours. 


Responsible Travel

Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful about throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment.  As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environmentally friendly.

Khopra Ridge Trek FAQs

If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.

Please do note that if you are traveling in a group, a member falling sick won’t disrupt your trip. While the sick person will be taken care of, the rest of the group will be able to continue with the trip.

If someone becomes ill on the trail your trekking guide will take the sick person’s condition on account and decide he or she shall continue with the trek or return to a lower elevation and wait for the rest of the group. If his or her condition is serious then the person will be flown by air ambulance to Kathmandu or Pokhara for expert medical attention. An assistant will take care of the sick person, while the rest of the group shall proceed onwards and complete the trip as per the itinerary. 

If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.

While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.   

Each day you can expect 5 to 7 hours of walking, covering around 10 to 14 km. However when you reach 3500m, you will be walking around 5 to 7 hours but the distance covered will be less as you will be walking slowly at higher altitudes. We want you to know that all our itineraries are flexible and can be altered by weather, geographical and physical condition of the individual participants.

The permits needed are - Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and TIMS(Trekkers’ Information Management System fee).

The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is pretty good and most of them offer facilities like western toilets, hot showers (may charge cost) and a wide range of items on their menu. The rooms are usually furnished with two separate beds with mattress, pillows, blankets and bed sheets. Most of the teahouses are family or community run establishments. Teahouses are like an extended home and have a warm and cosy feel to them.

We provide sleeping bag and down jacket but you need to bring your own personal gear. We can recommend some good stores where you can hire or buy new ones.

Teahouses offer boiled and filtered drinking water to trekkers for a price. Though you can purchase bottled water, we discourage the use of plastic bottled water on the trail because of the adverse effect on the environment. You can bring along with you a reusable bottle nd fill it up with drinking water. 

Your guide will check the condition of the water of the filtered water before you purchase it. Please be assured that our guide will thoroughly check whether the water has been boiled and treated properly before you drink it.

Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one. But in popular trails like Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp trail one can expect luxury standard accommodations too. 

You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.

Yes, single supplement will be available in the cities and at lower elevations while trekking. At higher elevations there are very few teahouses. During peak season when there is high demand for rooms, it will be difficult to book single rooms. However if you are travelling during off season a single room can be arranged at all places.

Most of the guides in our adventure company come from the mountainous areas. They are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. We provide guides that are experienced and fluent in English. With the objective of sustaining local communities, we employ guides from different ethnic backgrounds who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora and fauna, geography and history of Nepal.

Our guides have the required government license to guide tourists. They have all gone through intensive training programs like wilderness first aid, trekking guide training, eco training workshop and rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.

We carry a first-aid box with us while trekking. But if you want you can carry along some essential medicines like ibuprofen, codeine, paracetamol, lozenges, anti-diarrhea tablets and diamox for AMS.

Please do note, all our trekking itineraries incorporate adequate number of acclimatization days. You will get an extra day’s rest at a lower elevation to prepare your body for a walk up in the higher reaches.

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness usually occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere in high altitudes. Our body is not used to walking in high altitude and it requires a lot of time to adapt to thin air in the mountains. Technically there is no way of stopping AMS but you can surely prevent it by following the given tips:

  • Keep your body hydrated. Drink at least 4 liters of water daily.
  • Give up smoking, alcohol and caffeine, the major causes of dehydration and headache.
  • Go slow- it’s not a race. Take plenty of time to acclimatize to the increase in altitude.
  • Don’t skip the acclimatization day. Take Diamox, an over-the-counter pill used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

We would recommend all our clients to purchase travel insurance before booking any of our treks. Trust us you will have a pleasant holiday knowing that you have a good insurance cover. In the event of any sickness or injury while trekking in the mountains, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation will be considerable. Therefore, traveling with an insurance cover is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up for any of our trips. But be careful while choosing a policy as some policies make special exceptions for adventure travel.

Do read the fine print. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel itinerary and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken during the trip. Such as if you are planning to trek or climb (mountaineering expedition) in the Himalayas, your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tour in an urban area, insurance cover of air ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory. While booking a trip with us you need to send us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come for the trip.

No, you cannot get insurance in Nepal. Please also note that Third Rock Adventures does not arrange or sell insurance.

If you have to leave the expedition due to ill-health or injury, an emergency air rescue will be arranged whereby an air ambulance/helicopter will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain rescue. If you are able to walk down, one of the assistant guides will guide you down to a lower elevation where you can wait for the rest of the team or fly out to Kathmandu ahead of the group. Whether for health or personal reasons, please do note refunds for the unused days of your trip will not be given. Even if you leave the expedition beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters, and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired.       



KEEP is a non-profit organization that works for the welfare of guides and porters as well as raises awareness about the environment. The organization with its office in Kathmandu runs several environments and mountain tourism-related projects and workshops, including free training and education for guides and porters. KEEP has been instrumental in helping, guiding, and improving the lives of the least valued workers in the tourism industry, the Porters. The organization also has a clothes bank that provides free clothing and equipment to needy porters.

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99%
Based on 10 reviews


Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Clark Maxwell
flagsUnited States of America
Mar 04, 2024

Khopra Trek

I personalized this trek to 14 days. The company was flexible to accommodate to my needs and requirements. The guide I chose myself was super-amazing. I love how he manage the adventure. He has fine knowledge of the trek and good contact up in the mountain. I am glad that I choose this trek with THIRD ROCK ADVENTURES.
Yes
Leong Ming En
flagsSingapore
Nov 05, 2022

Khopraa Adventure

An experience never to be forgotten It was a well-organised trek. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will never forget the experience. The tour operator was very good and always there to answer queries. Highly recommended trek and travel agency.
Leon Thomson
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 27, 2022

10 day Khopra Trek

We just completed 10 days of Khopra Trek arranged by Third Rock Adventures. Naba, the owner of this company is a fine gentleman, he did fine job before booking this trek. We strongly recommend this company for any treks in Nepal.
Freddie James
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 27, 2022

Khopra trek

I did Khopra trek this year. Before this trek, I had lots of question. I texted on Whatsapp to Naba and he answered to all my questions. He didn't rush to book, instead gave me enough time to think, and rethink. In that time I checked their website, and reviews and social media. I loved their presence and recommendation. I chose this trek, because it's lot less known and less crowded than ABC trek I did before. Everything was perfectly well organized and from the beginning I felt comfortable. I had really experienced guide (Rishi). I totally recommend Third Rock Adventures for Khopra ridge trek.
Loh Kai Xin
flagsSingapore
Apr 14, 2022

very happy with Third Rock Adventures

Excellent value for money. THey did a great job by well organizing everything. We came across Third Rock Adventures when searching for Khopra ridge trek, we read their reviews and found the website user-friendly. We had amazing time doing this trek, mountain scenery from Khopra ridge was incredible. Naba sorted all our queries via Whatsapp , very fast response. Bimal was our guide, he did fantastic job. We are very happy with the services and recommend Khopra trek as well as Third Rock travel agency.
Jack Nilsen
flagsNorway
Mar 03, 2020

Memories of Cherish

I have done a few one-day hikes and a couple of short multiday treks, before doing 10 days Khopra Ridge Trek. While searching for a trekking company I came across Third Rock and I enquired. When they asked me, I told the team of Third Rock about my preferences. First, I wished to enjoy the Himalayas of Nepal in seclusion. Second, since this is going to be the first trek of my life, I wanted to do something where I can enjoy more than struggle through the trek. But, I was up for some challenges too, if they were rewarding. The team suggested me to go on Khopra Ridge Trek. It was a different suggestion than other trekking companies. I was skeptical at first but after I read the itinerary, I felt they had listened to me carefully and suggested as per my preferences. The trek went smoothly. Some of the highpoints of my trek was a thrilling ridgeline walk to Doughbato, a long hike to Lake Khayer, and magical sunrise from the famous Poon Hill. Hike to Khayaer was tough but the calmness I experienced there is invaluable. I have to say the weather was mostly in our favor. Watching mesmerizing sunsets (mostly) and sunrises over the Himalayas is etched in my memory. I had heard a good guide can make your trek the one to remember for a lifetime; can’t agree more.
I like itinerary,
Yes
Yes because they listen to your preferences and suggest accordingly
Owen Lenehan
flagsAustralia
Feb 02, 2020

Wonderful Experience

Hi, I did Khopra Ridge Trek in December 2019. I have done ABC and EBC Trek with Third Rock Adventures and wanted to do unique Trek, unheard one. Khopra Ridge Trek was the one (as suggested by Third Rock), something new, unique and off-the-beaten trek. I was worried if this trek would be not good as my ABC and EBC Trek but turned out a wonderful experience. But the credit goes to Mr. Babu, my guide who was so good and acquainted with the trail. He exactly knew what to do next, and it all added to beautiful memories. He knew all the core of this trek and I was thankful they assigned him to me. The Himalayan ranges, beautiful hills and path, the people there and their amazing lifetsyle was just as unique as I expected. I loved this trek. My itinerary afforded me to enjoy sunrise view from Poon Hill, and overnight in Ghorepani. I did enjoy my time in Ghandruk. This was the highlight of this trek for me. I loved every second there. I meet young travelers heading to Mardi Himal and ABC, shared wonderful time with them. Such a wonderful experience. I think I will have to take my friends there, so probably in a year or so, I will be back with my friends.
Yes
Felipe Martins Cunha
flagsBrazil
Feb 02, 2020

Wonderful trek to Khopra Ridge

I always enjoyed walking to the off-the-beaten-paths and Khopra Ridge Trek is definitely the best for me this year. I thoroughly enjoyed all days to Khopra Ridge. The majestic mountains and beautiful hills are something I am gonna miss. I think I will again go back to Nepal and trek to Khopra Ridge. Unlike Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek ( All I've done), Khopra Ridge Trek is something more. The people were different, their culture and Lifestyle were totally different and enticing. I have captured wonderful pictures of people and the villages there. Also, Ghandruk is truly beautiful. I wanted to spend 1 more days but had to stick to the itinerary. The sunrise view from Poon Hill, OMG, I am getting memories from Poon Hill as I am writing this review. I have to say that the guide from Third Rock Adventures made this all happen. He insisted me to wake up early so that I can enjoy spectacular sunrise views. Thanks to Him. My flights were on time, though I was bit scared that the weather would be a problem. Overall the trek was too good. I will be back soon. Till then miss you Nepal.
Yes
Tristan Evans
flagsCanada
Jan 10, 2020

Khopra Ridge Trek - Tranquil and Fulfilling

When I am in the mountain, I crave for solitude and quiet. Sharing the space with loads of tourists is not my scene. That’s the reason why I steer clear of most of the popular trails. When I enquired for a trek with TRA this was my major requirement - a trail which is not crowded and places which is not in the average tourist’s itinerary. Naba was quick to recommend me the Khopra Ridge Trek. The timeframe was ideal for my holiday and the trek looked like what I had in mind. Moreover it felt good to know that I would be helping the local communities and the needy porters by booking this trip. The highlight of this trek was of course the hike to Khayer Lake. Being a sacred lake, there was certain energy around the lake which was calming and soothing. This is such a great place to meditate if you are into meditation. Depak, our guide was experienced enough to manage the pace according to our speed. He was knowledgeable and gave us time to take in the views without interrupting or hurrying us. The views throughout the trek are great. If you are looking for a trek to unwind and be at one with nature this is a great trek. And yes this company is highly recommended!
They were prompt with their responsives and seemed like a legit company.
Yes
I wanted to go to a place which had less crowds.
Natasha Castillo
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 14, 2019

Superb Trek in Nepal

I am bound to write this review, not just for sharing my experience, but hoping to help travelers from around the world like me to know that a Nepali travel agency could be better than international agencies. At first, I was confused whether to choose international agencies or agency based in Nepal. I wasn't convinced at all to go for a Nepali travel agency, but somehow my heart said "let's try" and now I do not regret it, and I am thankful for my instinct that I did the best. The service was quality enough, I couldn't expect more. My guide was highly experienced. He did his job, superbly. The travel consultant was friendly enough, more like a friend. The president with his decades of experience answered all my questions and cleared my doubts. And the trek was undoubtedly superb! The trail, the mountains and the people, everything elated me. I ended up crafting beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime.
99%

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