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The Khopra Ridge Trek

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The Khopra Ridge Trek

The Khopra Ridge Trek

The Khopra Ridge Trek  facts

  • Duration of Trip: 15 Days
  • Trekking Days: 11 Days
  • Type of Trek: Teahouse / Lodge stay
  • Max. Altitude: 4620 m
  • Grade of Trek: Fairly challenging- strenuous
  • Main Attraction: Annapurna Parinama Hilalayan view 
  • Permit : Park USD 20,TIMS NRS 2000.

HE KHOPRA RIDGE TREK – 15 DAYS…Of rural mountain scenery that steals the heart…

As we head up west of the famous Annapurna Sanctuary route, a prime trail in the Annapurna region, we run into the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Trek which is popularly known as ‘The Khopra Ridge Trek’, there was a time when only fully organized camp treks were done in this area, but now with several community lodges built in this wild attractive zone and cosy home stay programs in existence, this marvelous untamed land is now an off-track ‘teahouse lodge’ trail of immense beauty.

The trail is also known as the Myagdi Parbat Eco-trek which is based in the area around Poon-hill, and is a small part of the Great Himalaya Lower Trail (the Cultural Route). The area is inhabited much by Gurung and Magar ethnic communities.

The Kopra Ridge is part of a community project in Nepal that makes your visit count in benefiting much of the community who live in this area. What you invest for this trek helps enhance avenues for many members of the community lacking education and health managed by Himanchal Education Foundation.The trek offers you a fabulous Nepal experience with a mixture of nature and culture in abundance. They say people come to Nepal for the mountains and return for the people. The views from Khopra, the highest point of the trek (3,650 m) are far better than from highly visited Poon hill. You have amazing views of both the impressive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massive. Besides, the encounters with the friendly villagers will make you want to come back again for sure!

An additional advantage: with its yak farm, Khopra Ridge is the only place in the Annapurnas where you can encounter yaks!

Trip Itinerary:

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
You arrive in Kathmandu and our representative will be on standby with our office vehicle to transfer you to your hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be scheduled to discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. Your can refresh your self, go for a walk down the street to get familiar with your surroundings before preparing for a tasty dinner of a local Nepalese cuisine which you will truly enjoy accompanied by a cultural dance performed by the local belles. Your first overnight in the city of temples, probably the most in the world
Meals included: 1 welcome dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu Cultural Tour
Today we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The cremation site here is used by the royal family and also for the simple man living next door. Your early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some curious shopping. You will be supplied with your trek departure information in the afternoon. 
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul (1080m) & Trek to Ghandruk (1940) - approx 5/6 hrs 

We begin our trekking holiday from Pokhara to Nayapul (1050m) which is a 01 hour drive, from Nayapul; our trek begins as the trail ascends slightly through forests to Ghandruk, a bustling village of the ethnic Gurung community who has their own dialect, culture, dress and traditions. Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a well known destination for trekkers as it is known for its beautiful mountain views and also because it's just a stone’s throw from Pokhara and Kathmandu. The afternoon is ours to visit the Annapurna Conservation Office, museums and explore the interesting village. Overnight in our tented camps – B. L. D

Day 04: Trek to Tadapani (2590m) - Approx. 3/4 hrs
We first descend further along the trail showcasing rich rhododendron forests, splendidly cascading sparkling mountain streams and other magical vistas of nature that surprise us. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we step on the territory of Tadapani at an altitude of 2590m. Tadapani offers the most awesome mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South. We then crash out for the night at our lodge – B. L. D

Day 05: Tadapani to Dobato [3420m] - 5 hrs
Our walk is on the gradual path for sometime through lush rain forest, after several hours of healthy hiking we come to a small clearing; we might stop here for lunch depending on the time. After a stop here, our walk continues to a slow climb for an hour through the rhododendron and pine wood, coming to an open large pasture with a strong wooden Shepard’s shade, from here our route diverts east with a short climb to a ridge through the short rhododendron bushes, from the ridge few minutes of descend brings us to a small path above the cliff side, this almost level path for 5-10 minutes could be risky walking in snow and hail-storm, which may occur sometimes, however this small section has to be undertaken cautiously.

After reaching the other side of the ridge near the boulders, our hike goes on a downhill slope overlooking terrific views of the surrounding landscapes, Annapurna range including the most amazing peak of Machhapuchare and Dhaulagiri range to the west. From here a gradual climb of less than two hours brings us to our overnight camp at Do Bato, which is a cowherd spot full of scattered temporary built huts in the middle of rhododendron and magnolia forest with excellent close-up views of Annapurna mountains and as far as to Manaslu range to the east. We crash out in our camps – B. L. D

Day 06: Trek to Chhistibung (3100m) – 4-5 hrs
After breakfast, we descend through clear ground and fine-looking forest to reach the pastures of Chistibung. After this, we ascend gradually through a forest before reaching Upper Chistibung which is a temporary herder’s settlement. If you are able to identify it, you might be fortunate to catch sight of the colorful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal, as well as Himalayan Thar on the grassy ridge high above the trail. Overnight in Chistibung in our tented camps – B. L. D

Day 07: Trek to Khopra Danda (4020m) – 3-4 hrs
After a warm hearty breakfast, we set out on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra. On nearing the Khopra Ridge, we see the tip of Annapurna South. Upon reaching Khopra we go for a brief hike down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. From Khopra we also approve of the stunning mountain panorama including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna South. Overnight in Khopra ridge in our camps – B. L. D

Day 08: Trek to Khayer BC (4620m)-visit to Kalibaraha Lake (4827m) – 5-6 hrs
At our own leisurely pace, we can head for a short hike around the ridge which has always been a summer pasture for the local shepards from Chitre and Ghorepani, and from as far of as Kimche Khola village. The scenery hereabouts of the surrounding snowcapped peaks are awesome and just simply unique; for folks who’ve got the stamina, a healthy stroll to Kalibharaha also called Khayer BC lake at 4620m can be done in a day, taking about 5-6 hours both ways.

Kalibaraha Lake is a revered lake, which is glacier fed from the peaks of Annapurna south and Bhara Shikhar (Annapurna Fang). Local folks from almost the whole region of Annapurna area and as far as from Ghasa and Tatopani head out here for pilgrimages annually, the auspicious time being the month of August for a holy ritual in which they sacrifice young goats and sheep's blood in the lake and offer prayers to the mountain gods. When there’s heavy snowfall, trekkers are advised to avoid this trail completely as the route is narrow with steep drops and the snow around this area takes a pretty long time to melt because its hidden from direct sunlight. We bunk out here in our tents – B. L. D

Day 09: Trek to Chitre (2370m) or Swanta (2270m) – 4-5 hrs
From Khopra Ridge we descend off the hillock and hike coolly downhill on a steep trail. Along the route we get more views of Mount Dhaulagiri with the towering peak providing a glorious backdrop to the terraced lush green fields and traditional houses in the villages scattered close by. Overnight in Swanta village in our tents – B. L. D

Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani (3190m) approx 4-5 hrs 
From Swanta village, we hike at our pace further along steep trails. Nature displays exotic sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life before us. We climb through rhododendron forest to Deurali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. We then continue walking for 3 hours and finally we will find ourselves in Ghorepani. Ghorepani also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers. We bunk out at our lodge. B. L. D

Day 11.Rest day at Ghorepani  explor  Day

Day 12: Trek to Tirkhedhunga (1540m) or Hille (1080m) 5-6 hrs
After a short hike along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015m) a large village with several shops and teahouses. From here, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. Our trail then climbs progressively up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495m and after a brief climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570m. The hike today is pretty brief and easy going, a lead up to the most pleasant trekking styles in the Annapurna region. Overnight in our tents – B. L. D

Day 13: Trek to Nayapul (820m). Drive to Pokhara, half day sightseeing in Pokhara – Hotel – 4-5 hrs

Same day guided tour of Barahi Temple and Boating in Fewa Lake. From Jhinu hot springs we walk by the right banks of Modi Khola for 4.5 hrs to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing hikes of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul and then it’s an hour drive which will take us back to serene Pokhara. We check into our hotel, refresh, have some tea and snacks and head out for a guided tour of Barahi temple, David’s fall and some lovely boating on the Fewa Lake. We then get back to our hotel and simply chill out. Overnight at our hotel – Breakfast

Day 14 – Fly or drive to Kathmandu – vice-versa
After breakfast, we get into our vehicle for our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Make sure your video cams are loaded for some great pictures from the windows of your bus of the fantastic landscapes you witness on the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing much else to do accept to shoot off some emails to your loved ones and companions you met on the course of your holiday, and yes, you’d want to organize those lovely photos. You can spend the evening laid-back at your pace, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate a complimentary dinner together in the evening with the Encounters Nepal .com trekking staff. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu – Breakfast

Day 15: Drive to the Airport to head back to that lovely place we call ‘home’’
After b/fast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer us to the airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was a wonderful joy and pleasure, we at Encounters Nepal Dot Com will cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this amazing country Nepal. We are sure that trekking in this beautiful region of the Annapurnas and Khopra ridge will give you lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Adios friends! Till we meet again. Breakfast

 

 

Price Includes:

  • Annapurna Conservation Entry Permits
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS Cards)
  • Three meals a day breakfast launch dinner
  • Accommodation in mountain at tea house lodge
  • Trekking beging and end point by bus
  • Guide: English speaking, insured, registered, well-equipped, salary, food and accommodation
  • One porter between two 
  • Emergency co-operation service, 
  • Medical kit box
  • safe drinking water

Price Excludes:

  • Bar & beverage bills,tea/coffee nature of personal expenses, bottled water, desserts, heater,shower, insurance, personal cloths, tips to the staff, and service not mention.

Useful Information

Useful info