Khopra Dada (Ridge) Trek -11 Days

Starting right away after an early breakfast, you’ll depart from Kathmandu, headed towards Pokhara. The highway is called Prithvi Highway, where you can have a scenic journey that lasts around seven hours. To cover the approximate 200 kilometers, you will start from Nayabazar, Sorakhutte,  reach the checkpoint at Nagdhunga, drive along Trishuli to reach Mugling, have lunch, enter Marshyangdi River Valley, arrive at Damauli, and finally reach Pokhara. As you approach Pokhara, you’ll enjoy views of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges. Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel and explore Lakeside before calling it a day.

Starting early after breakfast, you will drive to Nayapul, the actual starting point of this trip in the wilderness. From here you will drive via Lumle to Birethanti. It’s a charming little village with shops and teahouses, and a pleasant climate. After a brief stopover here, your route continues through bamboo forests and incredible waterfalls. You will ascend further through the terrain, cross rivers, and rest in a hamlet. Here, you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and landscapes before heading on to Tikhedhunga. Views of terraced fields, forests, and beautiful hamlets will occupy most of this section. Further up, you will continue through dense forests of rhododendron and oak before arriving at Banthanti. A lunch-stoppage ensues surrounded in a serene environment. A few hours of trekking from there will bring you to Ghodepani — your destination for the night. Located at 2,870 metres, you will have panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peaks among others.

You will wake up well before dawn and reach Poon Hill for a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As the very first rays of the sun softly touch the white peaks, the landscape suddenly comes into colour. A cosmic wash of golden and pinkish hue creates the most surreal and magical sunrise. The distant mountains are dramatically illuminated in alpenglow, and cast long shadows, revealing their majestic aura. This experience is what draws people from all over the world to Poon Hill — the famed vantage point with unobstructed views of Himalayan peaks. Camera shutters click hastily around you as spectators marvel at the incomparable sight. Following this wonderful experience, you will descend to Ghodepani for breakfast. Later you will continue the trek through forests of pine and rhododendron, and several other landscapes before arriving at the village of Swanta for the overnight stay.

You will begin the trek from Swanta along a smooth, nearly-flat trail before descending into a green valley. Enjoy the views of the hills and steadily climb toward the ridge. As you ascend, the landscape opens up, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and dense forests. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri rise in front of you, as if magically, and the white jagged peaks of Annapurna range will appear in all their glory. Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and Nilgiri will be seen in the north, making for a wonderful climbing experience. The trail is challenging today — including both downhill and uphill treks. Your stamina will be tested now and then, but after about seven hours of trek, you will arrive at the tranquil danda aka ridge of Khopra. Here you’ll check into a lodge for the night.

You will begin the day with an early breakfast followed by a morning trek toward the serene Khayar Lake. Although the lake itself is located at a staggering altitude of 4,500 meters right inside the heart of the Annapurna range, it is visited via Swanta from an altitude of 3,600 meters. This 8-kilometer trail from Khopra takes around five to six hours to complete. On the way to the lake, you’ll be immersed in an awe-inspiring panorama of the surrounding peaks. As you approach the lake’s tranquil water, take time to admire the crystal-clear reflection of the mountains. After a short break and exploration of the lake, you will head back to Khopra where you’ll enjoy a warm meal, relax by the fire, and share stories with fellow trekkers. 

You will begin the beautiful trek from Khopra to Dobato with a steady descent through vibrant rhododendron forests and lush valleys. Early on, you will have stunning views of the Annapurna range – with plenty of stopovers along the way. The six-hour trek includes several uphills and downhills along stone-clad stairways and paths through the forest. Molde, a famed viewpoint for both sunrise and sunset, is a notably scenic stop on the route. As you approach Dobato later in the day, the scenery shifts to breathtaking mountain vistas. You’ll see the same peaks, but from slightly new perspectives. A night in Dobato is memorable for its starry night skies perfect for stargazing. Enjoy a simple meal at a basic lodge before heading for the bed. 

Immediately after a light breakfast, you will continue the trek through forests of pine and rhododendron, and several other landscapes to arrive at Tadapani. Spectacular close-up views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges will call for a hot cup of tea or coffee. From here, continue on to Ghandruk, where you can experience Gurung culture firsthand, including their language, traditional dress, and food. You will trek downhill through rhododendron forests, and cross streams and hamlets. Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village, is renowned for its Gurung culture. It houses Gurung Museum — showcasing local traditions and history. Ghandruk, with its unique lifestyle and scenic beauty, provides stunning views of Mt. Lamjung and Manaslu. Hop into a lodge, enjoy a peaceful evening, and have a traditional dinner nestled in the laps of breathtaking nature. 

Your trek from Ghandruk to Birethanti is the last leg of this trek. A leisurely 4-hour walk along the gently descending trail near the banks of Modi Khola will bring you to the nature-clad village of Birethanti. Picturesque views of the beautiful countryside will begin to fade as you take one more glance at the peaks in the distance. The strenuous parts of the trek are over; and now the same strong legs of yours that carried you to the high-altitude Khayar Lake, will suddenly feel tired at the first sight of your private vehicle. So take a break here, have a refreshment, and only then begin the drive to Pokhara. Once there, spare no second and head to the hotel for a comfortable sleep and proper dinner in days. 

After breakfast, we will begin the scenic eight-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Right after embarking you will have final glimpses of the majestic Annapurna mountain range coming out of Pokhara. The route is scenic, with mesmerizing views of the changing landscapes, but the ongoing construction and expansion in the highway means the trip will be a slow one. Leaving behind the serene beauty of Pokhara, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the remarkable adventure you had in the past week. Later, upon arriving in Kathmandu you will immediately notice the vibrant energy of the city — a stark contrast to the peaceful trails you just travelled. In the evening, you can explore around, visit shops for souvenirs, or simply relax in a session of massage. Later, as we gather for the dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip in the Annapurna Region. 

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.