Khopra Ridge Trek 6N-7D
Overview
The trek starts from Pokhara after two hour drive to Kimche. We pass through sub-tropical valley forests, crossing the Modi River at Birethanti and follow till Shyaulibazaar then to Kimche on drive. The trails from Kimche slowly ascend to Ghandruk. Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. After the Lunch at Ghandruk, we continue upwards through Deurali and into the dense rhododendron forests. The Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and when they bloom, the forests turn into gardens of dazzling red flowers. After trekking over a small pass we reach Tadhapani where we get to enjoy excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight at Tadapani in a lodge.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodations
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner,
- Transportation
- An experienced English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Pickup
- Any other transportation except included in the section
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Tour Plan
Day 01.Pokhara – Tadhapani (2700m.): 5-6 hrs.
The trek starts from Pokhara after two hour drive to Kimche. We pass through sub-tropical valley forests, crossing the Modi River at Birethanti and follow till Shyaulibazaar then to Kimche on drive. The trails from Kimche slowly ascend to Ghandruk. Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. After the Lunch at Ghandruk, we continue upwards through Deurali and into the dense rhododendron forests. The Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and when they bloom, the forests turn into gardens of dazzling red flowers. After trekking over a small pass we reach Tadhapani where we get to enjoy excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight at Tadapani in a lodge.
Meals included: Lunch Dinner
Day 02. Tadhapani to Dobato (3,350m.): 4-5 hrs.
From Tadhapani we leave the main trail and for the next five days we will walk in a more remote area of the Annapurna region. On our trek today we get to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the region and of course the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Trekking in a relatively easy trail we reach Dobato which is dominated by the excellent view of the Annapurna South. Overnight at Dobato in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 03. Dobato to Upper Chistibung (2,975m.) 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. Next, we ascend gradually through a forest before reaching Upper Chistibung which is a temporary herder’s settlement. If we are lucky, we might even spot the colorful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal, as well as Himalayan thar on the grassy ridge high above the trail. Overnight at Upper Chistibung in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04. Trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660m.): 3-4 hrs.
We start on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra. As we approach Khopra Ridge, we see the tip of Annapurna South. Upon reaching Khopra we go for a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. From Khopra we also admire the stunning mountain panorama including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna South. Overnight at Khopra in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05. Trek to Swanta Village (2,200m.): 5-6 hrs.
Today, from Khopra Ridge we descend off the hillside and continue downhill on a steep trail. Along the way we get more views of Mount Dhaulagiri with the mountain providing a lovely backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06. Trek to Ghorepani (2860M.): 4- 5 hrs.
We descend through the village and fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here we cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where the trail joins the main trekking trail to Ghorepani. After few hours of walking we reach Ghorepani. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07. Trek to Birethanti with a visit to Poon Hill(3210m.) : 5-6 hrs.
Poonhill is also the best place to have a sunrise view over the Himalayas. So to catch this opportunity we make an early morning hike along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 15 highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After taking photographs and having some coffee or tea, we descend to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we descend to Birethanti via Ulleri through the rhododendron forest then drop steeply to Tikhedhunga on stone stair cases .The trail rom Tikhedhunga gradually descend to Birethanti from where we will drive to Pokhara.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek.