Khopra Ridge Trek

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will meet you at the hotel and provide a briefing about the upcoming trek, including the itinerary, safety information, and important preparations. He will also assist you with all the necessary trekking formalities and paperwork.

After the briefing, we will go on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley, visiting famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. On this day, we will also arrange the TIMS card and other required permits for the trek.In the evening, you will have time to prepare your trekking gear and make the final arrangements for the journey ahead. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, we begin our scenic drive toward Pokhara, covering approximately 200 km over 6 – 8 hours by road. Starting from Kathmandu at an elevation of around 1,400 meters, the journey gradually descends to Pokhara at 822 meters, offering ever-changing landscapes along the way.

The drive follows winding mountain highways alongside the Trishuli River, passing through picturesque hills, terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and vibrant roadside towns. Along the route, travelers can experience the beauty of Nepal’s countryside and observe the daily lifestyle of local communities. As we approach Pokhara, the atmosphere becomes more peaceful, with stunning views of the Annapurna range welcoming us to Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city and gateway to the Himalayas. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Leaving the peaceful lakeside city of Pokhara behind, we begin our journey toward the Annapurna region with a scenic drive to Nayapul, the gateway to the trek. The drive covers approximately 42 km and takes around 1.5–2 hours, passing through rolling countryside, river valleys, and traditional hillside villages.

From Nayapul (1,070 m), we set out on a rewarding 10 – 12 km trek through terraced farmlands, lush forests, and charming local settlements en route to Ghandruk (1,940 m), taking approximately 4 – 5 hours. Along the way, breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) accompany us throughout the journey.

Upon arrival in Ghandruk, we settle into a traditional teahouse for an overnight stay, where warm hospitality, local cuisine, and the serene mountain atmosphere provide a truly authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

From Ghandruk (1,940 m), we continue our trek toward Tadapani (2,590 m) on a scenic uphill trail that winds through dense rhododendron forests, peaceful woodland paths, and rich Himalayan terrain. This section offers a true immersion into nature, with moments where the trail opens to reveal sweeping views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges.

The ascent is steady and rewarding, gradually gaining elevation while maintaining a balance of adventure and tranquility. The route is known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, making it one of the most enjoyable segments of the Annapurna region.

The trek covers approximately 7 – 9 km and takes around 4–5 hours, arriving at Tadapani. Surrounded by thick forest and panoramic mountain scenery, this quiet settlement provides a perfect setting to relax and experience the peaceful rhythm of the Himalayas. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

Leaving Tadapani (2,590 m), we ascend into a more remote and scenic section of the Annapurna region as we make our way toward Bayeli Kharka (3,420 m), passing through the ridge settlement of Dobato (3,420 m) along the route.

We follow a steadily rising trail through dense rhododendron and oak forests, where the journey gradually opens into expansive ridgelines and increasingly dramatic Himalayan scenery. As we approach Dobato and continue onward, we are rewarded with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on clear days, making this one of the most visually striking sections of the trek.

This section covers approximately 10 – 11 km and takes around 5 – 6 hours of trekking, with a consistent and rewarding elevation gain throughout the day.

We arrive at Bayeli Kharka (3,420 m), a peaceful high-altitude pasture set against vast mountain landscapes and open alpine skies. Here, we settle into a teahouse for an overnight stay, surrounded by the quiet beauty and serenity of the high Himalayas.

We leave Bayeli Kharka (3,420 m) and begin a gradual descent toward Upper Chistibung (approximately 3,000 m), entering a quieter and more forested section of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail first passes through open alpine meadows before slowly transitioning into dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, where the atmosphere becomes noticeably cooler and more sheltered.

Along the way, we enjoy a peaceful walking experience through one of the region’s more untouched stretches, with the possibility of spotting Himalayan wildlife such as pheasants or musk deer in the surrounding forest. The trail features a gentle mix of descents and mild undulations, making it a comfortable and scenic trekking day with a strong sense of wilderness.

This section covers approximately 6 – 7 km and takes around 3 – 4 hours of trekking. We arrive at Upper Chistibung, a small and serene settlement set within forested hills, where we settle into a teahouse for an overnight stay. The location offers a calm environment, surrounded by nature and far from busy trails, making it a peaceful stop in the high Himalayas.

We set out from Upper Chistibung (3,000 m), beginning a steady and scenic ascent toward the breathtaking Khopra Ridge (3,660 m), as we move deeper into the high alpine landscape of the Annapurna region. The trail climbs gradually through open grasslands and rugged terrain before reaching exposed ridgelines that open up increasingly vast Himalayan views.

We continue along a peaceful mountain path where the surroundings become more dramatic with every step. As we gain elevation, the air turns crisp and the wilderness more pronounced, offering a strong sense of solitude and high-altitude adventure.

The trek covers approximately 6 – 7 km and takes around 4 – 5 hours, with a consistent uphill climb throughout the journey.

We arrive at Khopra Ridge (3,660 m), a spectacular viewpoint known for its wide 360-degree Himalayan panorama. From here, we take in stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre, making it one of the most memorable ridge experiences in the Annapurna region. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

We begin our descent from Khopra Ridge (3,660 m), leaving behind the high alpine panoramas and gradually entering a greener, forested landscape as we make our way toward Swanta (2,220 m). The trail initially follows open ridgelines before easing into dense rhododendron and oak forests, where the environment becomes more sheltered and rich in natural beauty.

We continue along a long and varied downhill route with a mix of steady descents and gentle undulating sections. Along the way, we pass through quiet forest paths and traditional grazing areas, offering a closer glimpse of rural Himalayan life and the changing ecosystems of the region.

The trek covers approximately 9 – 11 km and takes around 5 – 6 hours, involving a significant descent from the high ridges down to the mid-hill villages.

We arrive at Swanta, a peaceful village surrounded by terraced fields and forested hills. Here, we settle into a teahouse for an overnight stay, enjoying warm local hospitality and a calm atmosphere in the lower Himalayan foothills.

Setting out from Swanta (2,220 m), we make a steady ascent toward the lively mountain village of Ghorepani (2,874 m), re-entering the beautiful forested landscapes of the Annapurna region. The trail climbs gradually through terraced fields and traditional settlements before entering dense rhododendron and oak forests.

We continue along a consistent uphill route featuring stone steps, forest paths, and occasional ridge sections. The terrain remains varied but steadily gains elevation, offering a rewarding trekking experience as the surroundings become greener and more alpine. Along the way, brief openings in the forest provide glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks and refreshing mountain air.

The trek covers approximately 9 – 11 km and takes around 5 – 6 hours, with a total elevation gain of about 650 meters.

We arrive at Ghorepani, a vibrant Himalayan settlement known for its panoramic viewpoints and welcoming teahouses. Here, we settle into our lodge for an overnight stay, preparing for the early morning hike to Poon Hill for unforgettable sunrise views over the Himalayas.

Early in the morning, we hike up to the famous Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Annapurna region. The short but rewarding climb takes us through stone steps and forested trails, leading to a breathtaking sunrise panorama over the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and surrounding peaks.

After enjoying the views, we descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing our trek toward Tikhedhunga. The trail then descends steadily through dense rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and long stone staircases, offering a scenic and immersive journey into the lower foothills.

The day covers approximately 12 – 14 km in total (including the Poon Hill hike and descent trek) and takes around 6 – 7 hours, with a significant drop in elevation as we move down toward the valley.

We arrive at Tikhedhunga, a peaceful riverside settlement, where we settle into a teahouse for an overnight stay and enjoy a relaxing evening after a memorable day in the Himalaya

We begin our final day of trekking from Tikhedhunga (1,540 m), descending toward Nayapul (1,070 m) through the lower foothills of the Annapurna region. The trail winds through terraced fields, small villages, and lush river valleys, offering a relaxed and scenic walking experience as we gradually leave the mountain landscape behind.

The trekking distance covers approximately 8 – 9 km and takes around 3 – 4 hours, mostly downhill with a gentle descent of about 450 meters in elevation.

Upon reaching Nayapul, we meet our vehicle and begin the drive back to Pokhara, which takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. The route passes through charming countryside, riverside scenery, and rural settlements, providing a comfortable and scenic transition back to the city.

We arrive in Pokhara (822 m), marking the end of our Annapurna trekking journey, with the peaceful lakeside atmosphere offering a perfect place to relax and reflect on the experience. Overnight Stay at a hotel.

We begin our return journey from Pokhara, leaving behind the serene lakeside atmosphere as we drive back toward Kathmandu. The drive covers approximately 200–210 km and takes around 6 – 8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

The route follows the scenic Prithvi Highway, winding along rivers, terraced hills, and charming roadside settlements. As we ascend gradually toward the capital, the landscape transitions from tranquil valleys to bustling towns, offering a final glimpse of Nepal’s diverse countryside.

We arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon or evening, marking the end of the journey with memorable experiences from the Himalayas and the Annapurna trekking region. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Today marks the completion of your Khopra Ridge Trek. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred from your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward departure.

As you leave Nepal, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories of the Khopra Ridge Trek, its stunning Himalayan viewpoints, peaceful alpine trails, remote mountain villages, and the warm hospitality experienced along the way. Thank you for being part of this journey, and we look forward to welcoming you again for future adventures in Nepal.