The Khopra Ridge Trek also known as the Khopra Danda Trek is a hidden gem located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the largest conservation area of Nepal.
For many decades, the Everest and Annapurna region treks have been on the bucket list for most trekking among which Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Treks are famous.
But there’s another trek, in the Annapurna Region and much more rewarding, and that’s the Khopra Ridge Trek. Why is it rewarding?
This trek takes you through less-explored and newly-opened paths to Khopra Danda while letting you experience traditional villages, terraced farms, and amazing mountain peaks. You can witness the 2 highest mountains among the top 10 highest mountains in the world - Mt Dhaulagiri I (7th highest) and Mt Annapurna I (10th highest). You can see the Annapurna massif, Mt Machhapuchhre, Mt Nilgiri North and South, Mt Himchuli, and Mt Gangapurna, it’s endless.
The 6-day Khopra Ridge trek itinerary typically starts in Nayapul and passes through villages like Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Dobato, before reaching Khopra Ridge. Trekkers also have the option to visit the sacred Khayer Lake, adding an extra day or two to the itinerary. The descent follows a different route, providing diverse scenery throughout the journey.
The best time to embark on this moderately difficult trek is during the Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) seasons when the weather is clear, and the mountain vistas are at their most breathtaking. With several steep ascents and descents, the trek is manageable for those with average fitness and some trekking experience.
Trekkers will need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. When packing, ensure you have warm clothing, trekking poles, and sturdy hiking boots, as temperatures in the mountains can vary greatly.
Trek Facts
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Max Elevation: 4,827 m / 15,836 ft (Khayar Lake)
- Best Time: Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct & Nov
- Transportation: By Road (Private / Public Vehicle)
- Trek Duration: 6 Days
- Accommodation: Hotel / Teahouse
- Per Day Walking: 4 - 5 Hours
- Trek start and End Point: Pokhara
Trek Highlights
- Witness Awe-inspiring views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna mountains.
- Experience local traditional villages.
- Stand on Khopra Ridge, which has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the sacred Khayar Lake.
- Visit Ghandruk village.
- Witness an amazing sunrise view from Poon Hill.
- Enjoy hiking through rhododendron forests, especially in the spring when the bloom is vibrant red.
- Pass through green meadows and pastures.
- Spend time in the lake town of Pokhara.
Khopra Ridge Trek Overview
The journey begins from Pokhara, Nayapul, to Syauli Bazaar and Kimche. Your trek starts from Kimche and heads to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. After staying at Ghandruk for the night, you will head to Bayli Kharka the next day while passing Tadapani Village. Bayli Kharka has a few lodge settlements that provide a homely feel to your trek.
On the third day of the Khopra Ridge trek, you will reach Khopra Danda. The path will take you through Chistibang pastures and timberline forests. You will enjoy the views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Dhamphus Peak, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Annapurna South from the trails.
After waking up at the Khopra Danda, you can visit the scared Khayar Lake. From Khopra Danda, you will trek to Swanta village, known for its community-run cheese factory.
The next day, the Khopra ridge trekking takes you from Swanta to Ghorepani. You will join the classic Annapurna Circuit Trekking trails to pass through Chittre village and reach Ghorepani.
On the last day of this trek, you will take an early morning hike to Poon Hill, a famous viewpoint for sunrise and mountain views. Poon Hill is also one of the most favored photography spots.
After watching the magnificent views from the Poon Hill Viewpoint, you will return to Ghorepani and trek to Birethanti. From Birethanti, you will take a bus to Pokhara, which marks the end of Khopra Ridge Trek.
Khopra Danda Trek Itineraries
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kimche (1,784m). Trek to Ghandruk (1940m / 6,364ft)
The Khopra Ridge trek journey starts with a drive from Pokhara to Kimche.
From Kimche, you start trekking to the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk. Ghandruk is famous for Buddhist monasteries, mountain views, and houses made of slates and stones.
You will spend the night at Ghandruk.
Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk (1940m / 6,364ft ) to Bayeli Kharka (3,450m / 11,318ft)
Today, you will trek through rhododendron, primula, and oak forests to reach Bayeli Kharka via Tadapani. Before reaching Tadapani, you will not find any village settlements, but there are a few teahouses at Bhainsi Kharka where you can refresh for a moment.
After walking through a small pass and descending through rhododendron trees, you will reach today’s destination Bayeli Kharka.
From Bayeli Kharka village, you can enjoy superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world.
Day 3: Trek from Bayli Kharka (3,450m/ 11,318ft) to Khopra Danda (Ridge) (3,660m / 11,811ft)
From Bayli Kharka, you descend through forests to reach Chistibang pastures and ascend for about 2 hours above the timberlines to reach Khopra Danda.
On the way, you can get glimpses of Himalayan Tahr (goat) and Danfe (pheasant). You will witness the amazing views of Mountains like Dhaulagiri, Damphus Peak, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna 1, and Annapurna South.
The Khopra ridge also provides views of Kaligandaki Gorge - the deepest gorge in the world.
Day 4: Trek from Khopra Danda (Ridge) (3,660m / 11,811ft) to Swanta (2,214m / 7,874ft)
From Khopra Ridge, you hike up to the Khayar Lake (4,827 m / 15,836 ft), which will take around 5 hours. The lake is sacred and there is a belief that you can attain Nirvana by taking a dip into it.
After visiting the lake you will return to Khopra and trek down to reach Swanta village. Swanta village is known for its community cheese factory.
Day 5: Trek from Swanta (2,214m / 7,874ft) to Ghorepani (2,880m / 9,350ft)
Today you will head to Ghorepani. At first, you will descend through the village fields, cross a suspension bridge, and head upwards to Chittre village, from where you will join the classic Annapurna Circuit trail. You will be ascending for a while to reach the Ghorepani.
Day 6: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,525ft) then trek to Birethanti (1,039m / 3,250ft) - Drive to Pokhara.
Today you hike early morning to Poon Hill (3,210m) and witness a sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs - including Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
After witnessing heavenly sunrise views over the mountains, you will return to Ghorepani and trek to Birethanti.
From Birethanti, you will take a bus and drive back to Pokhara.
How Difficult is the Khopra Ridge Trek?
Khopra Ridge Trek is a moderately difficult trek.
Your trek starts from Pokhara, at an altitude of 2,760 ft, and reaches an altitude of 15,300 ft within 6 days of your trek. It is an easy hike overall but the terrain becomes moderately difficult as you get closer to Khayar Lake.
The summit day demands almost 9 hours of hiking. This makes the trek a moderate-difficult one.
You will need at least 2 months of solid preparation for this trek. You can begin preparation with cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.
When is the Best Time to do the Khopra Ridge Trek?
The best time to do the Khopra Ridge Trek is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) seasons.
Khopra Ridge Trek in Spring Season (March, April, May)
The spring (March-May) is one of the best times for the Khopra trek. The views are mind-blowing with mild climatic conditions.
In Spring, although you will find patches of snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than in Autumn.
The rainfall is low during this season and the trekking conditions are perfect. In Spring, expect daytime temperatures of around 20 °C. But at night it dips to almost zero levels.
Lower regions are warmer, making the trek pleasant for all nature lovers
During the April season, you can enjoy red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers. The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May. The cool temperatures and clear skies provide fantastic views of mountains along the way.
Khopra Ridge in Autumn Season (September, October, November)
Autumn (September, October, and November) is another great season for the Khopra Danda Trek.
Autumn provides moderate temperatures, mild wind, clear skies, and low rainfall perfect trekking conditions for a successful trek to Khopra Ridge.
During Autumn, daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C in high altitudes, the nights are colder at around 5°C.
The environment is clean, the grains are ripening in the fields, and the lowlands are green.
Nepal's biggest festivals - Dashain & Tihar - also fall during this season, adding a festive mood to your trekking.
What to Pack For the Khopra Danda Trek?
Headwear
- Sun hat or brimmed hat.
- Woolen cap.
- Neck gaiter / Microfleece buff.
Handwear
- Lightweight gloves.
- Heavyweight winter gloves.
Bodywear
- Hiking shirts.
- Thermal inner layer / Baselayer set.
- Hooded waterproof jacket.
- Fleece jacket.
- Lightweight cotton pants.
- T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool).
- Down jacket.
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
Footwear
- Hiking Boots.
- Casual shoes or slippers for a teahouse stay.
- Thick wool socks.
- Inner socks.
Gear and Additional Accessories
- Backpack with Rain Cover.
- Trekking Poles.
- Sleeping Bag.
- Rain Coat.
- Water Bottles.
- Thermal Flask.
- Phone Charger.
- Power Bank.
- Camera and Binoculars.
- Head Torch with Extra Batteries.
- UV protection sunglasses.
- Crampons.
- Games and Books.
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
- Bio-degradable Towel.
- Toilet paper.
- Wet Wipes.
- Biodegradable soap.
- Deodorant.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste.
- Nail Clipper.