The Khopra trek, also known as the Khopra Ridge trek, the Khopra Danda Trek, or the Khayer Lake Trek, is a famous off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna region. It’s a terrific alternative to the more popular (and congested) Ghorepani trek, taking you further higher to another spectacular Annapurnas viewpoint. This journey leads to Khopra Danda via lesser-known paths, passing through traditional villages, terraced farmland, and breathtaking mountain peaks (including Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak), as well as Poon Hill. The Khopra Ridge trip begins at Nayapul, the same place where the famed Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) climb begins. Instead, it ascends to Khopra Danda, a single community lodge perched on the brink of a ridge with breathtaking views of two of the world’s highest peaks.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Highlights
- Enjoy an amazing sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
- Stay at a teahouse with one of Nepal’s most beautiful panoramas.
- Descend to Tatopani via pastoral settlements.
- Hike to the holy Khayer Lake, located at the base of Annapurna South.
- Walking through the small village on the route to Ghorepani is a pleasant experience. You will pass through villages such as Nayapul, Sudame, Hile, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Banthanti, where you can witness the settlements of the pun and Magar people.
- Being at the top of the Khopra danda, at an elevation of 3660 meters, seems to have been a wonderful experience. The Dhaulagiri Range and the Nilgiri Mountains are visible from here, while Annapurna South (7,219 meters) is just beyond the Khopra Danda.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Quick Info / History
The trek is part of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community trek, which was created by Mahabir Pun, termed “the man who brought the internet to rural Nepal.” Mahabir is a local who, after contacting the BBC in 2001, was able to start an initiative to bring high-speed wireless internet to several of the villages along the trek with the support of international benefactors. Since then, he’s worked on a variety of sustainable livelihood projects, including establishing a community trek. The goal behind this trail was to have community-run trekking lodges, with all revenues going to local schools and health centers.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Route Description
The trail continues to Ghorepani, but then descends into the valley before going back up to a ridge north of Poon Hill (Khopra Danda). Unless you wish to break it up into two days and overnight at a teahouse in the village of Swanta, this will take around a day. A lone teahouse atop the ridge is run by a caretaker who comes up from the villages below every day. It takes a day to travel from Khopra Danda to Tadapani, where you can get a bus back to Pokhara (you’ll have to change buses along the route). You’ll pass past villages and terraces on your way back down into the valley, where you may stay for lunch or even spend an extra night in one of the village teahouses. Tatopani has a built-up hot spring that is open to the public.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Best Season
March-April and October-November are the two main trekking seasons in Nepal. These months have by far the greatest weather and avoid the rainy season in the middle of the year. Although the dry winter months can make for quieter routes, many teahouses close and the trail may become inaccessible. If you’re traveling during the beginning of the trekking season, it’s a good idea to inquire about trail conditions in Kathmandu before departing.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Equipment List
Head:
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Body:
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
- Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
- Hiking Boots
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential Gear:
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag (-15-degree bag is best in the high altitude trekking)
Extra Items:
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and passport photocopies
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
Khopra Ridge Trek: Permits and Fees
Permits can be applied for in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card will set you back 2000 rupees (US$20). The entrance fees for Annapurna Conservation Area are 3000 rupees (US$30). Please note that the fees are subject to change depending on the season you trek. You must have a basic itinerary, plenty of passport photos, and your travel insurance information on hand.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Cost/Price
The estimated budget is determined by the type of trek and the amount of money invested. On the other hand, the price ranges from around $999 to $1299 on average. It also depends on how much money is available for extra indulgences. The charge covers transportation, meals, and other amenities such as tents, camping, high-altitude tents, and other items listed in the Include section. The trek to Khopra Ridge can be done in either the spring or the autumn, although we recommend doing it in the spring. Please contact us if you have a large group interested in Trekking Khopra Ridge or any other trekking peaks in Nepal. We may be able to provide group pricing.
Khopra Ridge Trek: Accommodations
Traditional tea houses and new community lodges provide lodging on the khopra ridge trek. Traditional Nepali teahouses, managed and controlled by local families, will provide you with a memorable experience. Private rooms and a common bathroom are available in the teahouses. On cold nights, there will be a community space where you may order meals and sit by the fire. The community lodges, on the other hand, are larger than teahouses, built in a modern style, and run and sponsored by Mahabir Pun and his team in a unique way. It is managed by members of the local community who rotate through the position every few months. The money produced is subsequently distributed among the members of the community.