Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
You will arrive at the airport at any time and this will mark your first day of the trip. A representative from Visit View Nepal Treks will greet you at the airport and provide you with further details of the program. You will transfer to the hotel for check in, in a private vehicle. Since you have no plans on the first day of your arrival, you can rest at your hotel and enjoy the time.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour and preparation for the Trek
On your trekking day, you will receive comprehensive guidance and ample time for preparation. We will collect copies of your travel documents, including insurance, for safekeeping. The sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley will commence at 9 am and will showcase the cultural heritage sites listed under the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main attraction is the Kathmandu Durbar Square, featuring grand palaces from Nepal's monarchy era, the Kumari Mandir temple of the Living Goddess, and other magnificent architectural marvels. The tour will also take you to the revered Swyambhunath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa, both with deep religious significance. Another religious site, the Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, will allow you to witness the Hindu cremation ritual by the holy Bagmati river. After the tour, you will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m) Duration: 6 hours
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city. During the 6-hour journey from Kathmandu, you will be surrounded by the stunning landscape of terraced farmlands, rushing rivers, and towering hills. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into a hotel and in the evening, relax on a beautiful boat ride at Fewa Lake. On a clear day, you can see the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range on the calm waters. End the day with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1920m), Duration: 5 hours
After breakfast, you'll be driven to Nayapul, which is about an hour's drive away from Pokhara. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding terraced farmlands and alpine vegetation during the drive. Upon reaching Nayapul, you'll start your trek to the mountain village of Ghandruk. This historic village is famous for supplying soldiers to both the British and Indian armies. The houses in Ghandruk are of traditional design, and there are also some newer constructions. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre mountain peaks. You can also visit the Gurung Museum while in Ghandruk. You'll spend the night in a guesthouse in the village.
Day 5: Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,590m) Duration: 4 hours
Take a trek from Ghandruk through Deurali, passing through lush rhododendron forests, to reach Tadapani. Enjoy the scenic trail and witness the beauty of nature. In spring, the trail is adorned with the vibrant blossoms of rhododendron flowers. Overnight in Tadapani's guesthouse to fully immerse in the tranquil surroundings.
Day 6: Tadapani to Bayerka Kharka (3420m) Duration: 5-6 hours
Leaving Tadapani today, you'll embark on an off-the-beaten-path trek in the remote Annapurna region. This route takes you through lush rhododendron and oak forests, originally used by villagers to take their livestock to higher pastures in summer. The trail leads to Deurali, a small pass on a ridge, and further on to Bayeli Kharka, where you can admire views of the majestic Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the 7th highest mountain in the world. Overnight in a guesthouse, experience a unique journey through this serene, breathtaking landscape.
Day 7: Bayerka Kharka to Upper Chistibung (2,975m) Duration: 4 hours
The trail leads through pasturelands filled with foliage. Along the way, you'll see herders' huts and crossbreed cows and yaks called Dzos grazing peacefully. Keep an eye out for the colorful national bird of Nepal, Danphe pheasants, and possibly Himalayan Thars. End the day at a guesthouse for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Upper Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,660m), Duration: 3 hours
Climb from Upper Chistibung lodge and pass through alpine meadows and pasturelands to reach Khopra Ridge. Enjoy the stunning panorama of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna South peaks. After lunch, take a short walk to a viewpoint at Khopra Ridge to gaze at the breathtaking Kali Gandaki gorge below. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 9: Visit to the Kaire Lake from Khopra Ridge
Today, you will explore the beautiful Sapphire Kaire Lake surrounded by stunning views of the Fang Mountain and neighboring peaks. A hike to the lake can take several hours, but there is also a shorter half-day option from Khopra. After a day of adventure, you will spend the night at a nearby guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek to Swanta Village (2,200m) Duration: 5 Hours.
The trek from Upper Chistibung to Swanta village takes about an hour. Along the way, you'll see stunning views of Mount Dhaulagiri and traditional houses surrounded by terraced farmlands. After a quick drink break in Upper Chistibung, continue the journey to Swanta. Upon arrival, you can visit the Swanta primary school. Spend the night at the guesthouse for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Trek to Ulleri (2,050m) Duration: 5-6 Hours
An hour's journey from Swanta village takes you to the well-trodden trail to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Expect to meet more trekkers here, a change from the solitary Khopra Ridge trek. After reaching Ghorepani, you'll hike down through vibrant rhododendron forests to the village of Ulleri where you'll spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek to Nayapul, Duration: 5 Hours walking, then drive to Pokhara
Today is the final day of trekking, ending with a walk to Nayapul followed by a drive back to Pokhara. In Pokhara, relax with a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake or explore the city. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu. Duration: 6 hours
From Pokhara, we shall drive back to Kathmandu. The journey filled with the ever diverse landscape and changing topography. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14: Farewell/ Departure
The Visit View Nepal Treks representative will escort you to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight's departure. You will say goodbye to the amazing experience, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share.
What's included
- Airport pick up and drop off by private transport
- Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu city tours, including of all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
- Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
- Surface transfer to and from Pokhara on tourist bus
- Surface transfer to and from Nayapul by private vehicle
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Visit View Nepal Treks down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals and accommodation.
- All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
- All government and local taxes
What's not included
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa: You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
- Personal trekking equipment
- All kind of cold drinks including water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory)
The Khopra Ridge Trek is a scenic journey that offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path trekking experience. The trek takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and ethnic settlements, surrounded by natural wildlife, lush vegetation, and towering peaks. With views of majestic mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and more, this 14-day trek is a soul-satisfying journey that is unforgettable.
Starting from the capital city of Kathmandu, the trek begins with a flight to Pokhara, the city of lakes. From Pokhara, you drive to Nayapul, where you can admire the city’s natural beauty, including farmlands of mustard, rice, and rich vegetation, before continuing to Birethanti. This village offers a unique chance to experience the traditional living of the native people and their customs and lifestyle.
As you advance to Ghandruk, the world’s deepest gorge, you will be welcomed by the beguiling views of Machhapuchhre and Hiuchuli. The trek further leads you to the popular hill station of Poon Hill, before reaching the Khopra Ridge (3660 meters), where you will witness the stunning beauty of the Kaire Lake and the sapphire waters.
Khopra Ridge Trek
The Khopra Ridge Trek is suitable for most beginners, as it is a moderate trip that can be completed with ease. You will come across small rivers and water bodies, and visiting the Kaire Lake will present you with the surreal cliffs of the Fang Mountains, which have a mystical feel at dusk. The trek is an isolated journey, making it an excellent choice for trekkers who want to experience a secluded adventure in the Annapurna region.
In conclusion, the Khopra Ridge Trek is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and explore the beauty of the mountains. If you are looking for a similar experience, we offer the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Our team can also customize trips and itineraries that cater to your specific needs, ensuring you have the most memorable time in the mountains.
