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Khopra Ridge Trek

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12 days, 11 nights
Availability : Feb - June and October - December
Min Age : 10+
Max People : 12

THE KHOPRA RIDGE TREK

The Khopra ridge trek is one of the most rewarding short treks in the Himalayas. And if you only have a few days in Nepal and wish to get as close as possible to the mountains, this is the trek to choose. Magnificent mountain views,  idyllic villages, alpine rhododendron and oak forests, and the feeling of being on top of the world are just some of the features of trekking to Khopra. Furthermore, up-close mountain views from Khopra ridge are simply superb. The mountain panorama includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fang and Nilgiri. And as you ascend from Tadapani towards the Khopra ridge, the views of Macchapuchare (Fishtail) are simply spectacular. From Khopra ridge, you have the option to ascend further to Khayer lake. This trek is especially spectacular if you come in March/April when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

The Khopra ridge trek begins and ends in Pokhara. Our goal, Khopra ridge, lies north of Ghorepani-Pun hill. And it isn’t as busy as the Ghorepani trail. Check out more of our trek options in the Annapurna region.

Also, Meg Peterson, one of our most loyal trekkers (she’s trekked with us more than 9 times since the 90’s) completed this trek in December 2018 at the age of 90. Do read her blog which is an account of her Khopra ridge trek here.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

The Khopra Ridge Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are basic but clean. Additionally, meals are quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on lodge treks.

BEST SEASON

Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for trekking to Khopra ridge are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). Furthermore, it is also possible to do this trek in Winter months of December, January and February. While it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded and there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.

TREK RATING

The Khopra Ridge Trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at Khayer Lake (4,660 m/15,300ft), the highest overnight elevation is at Khopra Ridge (3,660m/12,031 feet). Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 8-9 hours on the optional day hike to the Khayer lakes. Regardless, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.

WHY TREK WITH US?

All our Khopra Ridge treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.

We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…

Trip at a glance

Brief Itinerary - Khopra ridge trek

Day Description Overnight Altitude
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu Kathmandu 1340m/4,300ft
Day 2 Exploring Kathmandu Kathmandu 1340m/4,300ft
Day 3 Kathmandu – Pokhara – Ghandruk Ghandruk 1,950m/6,400ft
Day 4 Tadapani Tadapani 2,630m/8,700ft
Day 5 Dobato Dobato 3,385m/11,100ft
Day 6 Chistibung Chistibung 2,975m/9,750ft
Day 7 Khopra Ridge Khopra Ridge 3,660m/12,031ft
Day 8 Rest day – visit Khayer Lake Khopra Ridge 3,660m/12,031ft
Day 9 Descend to Tatopani Tatopani 1,212m/3,978m
Day 10 Pokhara Pokhara 827m/2,700ft
Day 11 Fly to Kathmandu Kathmandu 1340m/4,300ft
Day 12 Final departure    
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Detailed Itinerary - Khopra ridge trek

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

You will be greeted on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport by a representative of Crystal Mountain Treks holding a placard at the arrival gate. You will then be escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once in the hotel you can refresh and take a rest as the day will be free. In the evening you will be entertained with a welcome dinner (included).

Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals: D

Day 2Exploring Kathmandu

After breakfast, drive to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Shiva, meaning “The Auspicious One”, also known as Mahadeva (“Great God”), is a popular Hindu deity and is considered to be the Supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in Hinduism. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River and many ascetics and Sadhus.

Then on to Bhaktapur, which is located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Patan. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs and open courtyards. As a World Heritage site listed by the UNESCO, Bhaktapur has been heavily restored since a 1934 earthquake severely damaged the city.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar.

Meals: B, L

Day 3Kathmandu - Pokhara - Ghandruk

Take an early morning flight to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft.). The flight duration is approximately 30 minutes.

A chartered 4 x 4 vehicle will transfer you to the starting point of the trek at Kimche. The drive out of Pokhara until Nayapul is on paved road. Then you drive on jeep track along the Modi Khola which originates from the Annapurna range. After Shyauli, begin the steady ascent on windy road through terraced rice fields to Kimche where the trek begins.

Today is a short day of hiking on gradual uphill (2 hours) to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

KIMCHE TO GHANDRUK:
Distance – 1.94 miles/3.122 kilometers
Ascent – 965 feet/294.13 meters
Descent – 32 feet/9.75 meters

Day 4Ghandruk to Tadapani

Majority of today’s hiking is uphill. Leaving Ghandruk, climb steadily to Deurali. The views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Macchapuchare (Fishtail) are spectacular. Most of today’s hiking is through thick forests of rhododendrons and oak and is abundant with Langur monkeys with their distinct black faces and silver hair. You soon reach a clearing in the forest at Bhaisi Kharka (literally meaning buffalo pasture). From here it is about an hours hike to Tadapani from where there are spectacular panoramic vistas of Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Annapurna IV (7,525 meters), Lamjung Himal (6,931 meters) among others.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

GHANDRUK to BHAISI KHARKA:
Distance – 4.14 miles/6.66 kilometers
Ascent – 1770 feet/540 meters
Descent – 108 feet/33 meters

BHAISI KHARKA to TADAPANI
Distance – 1.7 miles/2.73 kilometers
Ascent – 591 feet/180 meters
Descent – 32 feet/9.75 meters

Day 5Tadapani to Dobato

Leaving the main Ghandruk-Ghorepani trail, we begin a steep ascent. Today is another day of mainly hiking uphill. Looking back, the imposing face of Macchapuchare dominates the skyline above the trees. The trail soon becomes a more gentle ascent as we continue through the forest. We soon approach a collection of lodges. The trail continues to ascend as we reach Dobato for the night.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

TADAPANI to ISHARU:
Distance – 3.49 miles/5.6 kilometers
Ascent – 2,077 feet/632 meters
Descent – 108 feet/33 meters

ISHARU to DOBATO
Distance – 1.22 miles/1.96 kilometers
Ascent – 802 feet/244 meters
Descent – 89 feet/27 meters

Day 6Dobato to Chistibung

The day begins with numerous ups and downs as we follow the trail on the ridge. The forest gives way to a small pasture at Lower Chistibung. We re-enter the forest and hike onward to Upper Chistibung.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

DOBATO to BAYELI:
Distance – 1.55 miles/2.49 kilometers
Ascent – 526 feet/161 meters
Descent – 431 feet/131 meters

BAYELI to CHISTIBUNG
Distance – 3.63 miles/5.84 kilometers
Ascent – 714 feet/217 meters
Descent – 2098 feet/639 meters

Day 7Chistibung to Khopra Ridge

Today is an all uphill day. We ascend steadily and soon the forest gives way to alpine meadows. We should arrive at Khopra ridge for early lunch. The views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and other mountains are simply awe-inspiring.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

CHISTIBUNG to KHOPRA
Distance – 2.39 miles/3.84 kilometers
Ascent – 2094 feet/638 meters
Descent – 20 feet/6 meters

Day 8Rest day. Visit Khayer Lake.

Today is an optional day. You have the option to take the long but rewarding 10 hour hike to Khayer Lake and back. The views are outstanding and you will trekking along an ancient pilgrimage trail to the site an annual Hindu Festival. The trail takes you closer to the impressively sheer cliff face of Annapurna’s Fang Face. You also have the option to rest and/or take a short hike.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9Descend to Tatopani

Today is an all downhill day as you descend over 8,000 feet in a few hours through the Magar villages of Lareni and Poudhwar through forests, pastures and terraced fields.

Once at Tatopani, enjoy a dip in the relatively clean natural hotspring.

Overnight Lodge

Meals: B, L, D

KHOPRA to TATOPANI
Distance – 8.83 miles/14.21 kilometers
Ascent – 266 feet/81 meters
Descent – 8,131 feet/2,478 meters

DAY 10 Drive to Pokhara

Board a 4 x 4 for a 4 hour drive back to Pokhara. The road is a jeep track until Beni. From here it is a paved road until Pokhara. Evening is free for shopping or to enjoy one of the many restaurants/bars along the lake.

Overnight Big Pillow Inn or similar

Meals: B, L

DAY 11 Fly to Kathmandu

The morning is free for relaxation or some last minute shopping in Pokhara. Board an afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. A farewell dinner is planned for in the evening.

Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals: B, D

Day 12Final departure

Transfer to the airport for final departure. (B)

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Cost Information - Khopra ridge trek

Per person price (valid until December 31, 2024)

1 persons: US$2,800 per person (includes single supplement)

2 – 3 persons: US$2,450 per person

4 or more persons: US$2,200 per person

Single supplement: US$200

Please inquire for quote in GBP, AUS$ and Euros

Current Promotions for this trek:

  • US$ 200 per person discount on Winter treks in November, December, January and February.

Payment policy:

  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Balance is payable a week prior to departure.
  • Contact us for coupon code if you are eligible for a US$150 low season discount or a US$150 alumni discount. Only one discount is applicable.

Cancellation policy:

  • Deposit is non-refundable.
  • No refunds for unused services once trek begins.

 

 

Price Includes

  • All airport transfers
  • One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments
  • Three nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu
  • One night twin sharing hotel accommodation at Big Pillow Inn in Pokhar
  • Round trip airfare: Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Chartered vehicle Pokhara to Kimche and Tatopani to Pokhara
  • Lodge trekking as indicated in the Khopra Ridge Trek itinerary
    • Three meals a day
    • Boiled water for your bottles two times a day
    • Use of Steripen to sterilize water
    • Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
    • Guide and staff insurance
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
    • Trekkers Information Management Card

Price Excludes

  • Your international airfare
  • Nepal Visa
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
  • Travel insurance (Required)
  • Other expenses of a personal nature
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Trip Gallery
Map

Map of Khopra Trek

 

Options

This trek is very similar to the Skyline trek but it doesn’t go to the Ghorepani ridge. You can opt to end the trek by descending from Ghorepani instead of trekking to Tatopani. Or you could do both.

You can also add Annapurna Base Camp to this trek.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When is the best time to do the Khopra ridge trek?

There are two preferred seasons for the Khopra ridge trek: Spring (March through May) and Fall/Autumn (October through December). Day time temperatures range in the 50’s and 60’s (10 to 15 Centigrade) while night-time temperatures are in the 30’s and 40’s (0 to 5 Centigrade). Spring is around 10 degree Fahrenheit warmer than the Fall/Autumn.

In November and December, expect night time temperatures of below Freezing near the Khopra ridge. And expect some late-afternoon showers in the Spring which is the season for rhododendrons and magnolias. The whole hill is painted red by the rhododendrons. October is historically regarded as the best month to trek with clear skies and better views of the mountains.

We highly encourage you to trek in the winter months of December, January and February when days can be quite sunny and warm (40/50 Fahreheit – 5/10 Centigrade) although you should expect temperatures below freezing on most nights above Tadapani. But the trails and lodges aren’t as crowded. We offer a $150 per person discount for treks in the Winter.

How fit do I need to be to do the Khopra Ridge Trek?

Anyone who is reasonably fit and can hike 8-10 miles a day can sign up for the Khopra ridge Trek. This is a roller-coaster trek with a lot of ascents and descents (some quite steep). So the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the trek. The descent from Khopra ridge to Tatopani is about a 9,000 feet descent in one day. You may opt to break up this day by adding another day.

We rate the Khopra ridge a 4 (Strenuous) on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging).

It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before signing up for a trek.

What kind of food should I expect on this trek?

In general, expect porridge (Oatmeal), toast, eggs (any style), muesli, hash browns, sausages etc for breakfast. And sandwich, pizzas, momos, noodles (dry and with soup), rolls, fried rice, Indian bread with vegetables etc for lunch and dinner. And expect Nepali dal-bhat (rice-lentils with vegetables and/or meat) at all the lodges.

Ours is an OPEN menu. Meaning we allow our clients to order anything from the lodge menu besides bottled beverages, specialty coffee and packaged snacks. We also don’t limit the number of items per meal as long as you aren’t wasteful. When choosing your trekking company, ask if meals are fixed or if you are only allowed to order one item from the menu.

What are the toilets like on the trek? Will I have a chance to take a shower?

Most tea houses have a common toilet. Some tea houses, especially those at the beginning of the trek, have en suite rooms. While squat toilets are more prevalent, newer lodges have Western style toilets.

It is possible to shower in a few of the lodges. And hot shower usually means a bucket of boiled water. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $2-$5 for this service.

What gear do I need for the trek? Can I purchase/rent gear in Kathmandu?

Layering is key. And it’s always recommended to trek with good branded gear. A good pair of hiking boots that’s been broken in is very important. Good top and bottom base layers, a mid layer (fleece or capilene), and an outer layer (Gore-tex or other material). If you tend to get cold quickly, bring a down parka especially for the evening at the lodge. On most days, you’d be hiking in a convertible hiking pant that can be converted into shorts and one or two top layers.

if you’re trekking with Crystal Mountain Treks, we provide a sleeping bag (rated to 0 degree F or -17 degree C), duffel bags, down jacket and Steripen for water purification to our clients for no charge.

It is possible to buy cheap and relatively functional gear in Kathmandu – convertible pants, down jackets, fleece, Gore-tex jackets. But remember, you get what you pay for. Wool gloves, hats, socks are available too.

There are quite a few branded stores too. North Face, Moutain Hardwear, Marmot and Sherpa. If you’re coming from Australia or Europe, items in these shops are probably cheaper than back home. But if you’re coming from the US, it’s better to buy branded gear at home.

Can I drink tap water on the trek? How can I get water that is safe to drink?

Nepali tap water is NOT safe to drink. Even if you see the locals drinking water straight from the tap, never drink water before boiling or sterilizing. Bring water purifying tablets or other water purifiers. At higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to buy boiled water from teahouses. If you plan to use a STERIPEN, bring wide mouth water bottles. You would need at least 2 one-liter water bottles for the trek. Even if you plan to bring a hydration pack, bring 1 one-liter water to sterilize the water before pouring into your hydration pack.

Crystal Mountain Treks will provide you with a Steripen to use on the trek for no charge.

Do read our blog on safe drinking water options: Hydration on treks in Nepal

How should I prepare for this trek?

The more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. There are three aspects to training for any trek. 1) Cardiovascular Training will make your body more efficient in using oxygen. Running, walking, swimming or biking, or any combination of these are great for cardiovascular conditioning. 2) Strength Training by either using free weights or machines at the gym will build hiking strength. Walking stairs, especially with a pack will simulate the hiking environment. We also recommend practicing squats. Trekkers will encounter low hanging obstacles to duck under, and many toilets are at ground level, which requires a low squat.
3) Endurance Training is where you build endurance in the months leading up to your trek, slowly increase your length of training sessions. By the time you are 2 weeks from the scheduled trek date you should be able to ascend 3,000 ft. in a 3-4 hour period.

In the end, the more your training simulates a trek, the better off you will be. So hiking 4-5 hours outdoors, uphill and downhill, about once or twice a week in addition to other cardio vascular training at the gym or at home will greatly benefit and prepare you for the trek.

Are ATM's available on this trek?

No, ATM’s are not available.

Is there mobile signal on this trek? Wi-fi?

Most of the places on the Annapurna Base Camp trek route now has cell coverage. In some locations, lodges will offer wi-fi for between $1 to $10 per hour. You can also buy a Sim card with 5GB or 10GB data for under $25: do this in Kathmandu.

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