Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek, an exciting adventure where walk takes you to remote isolated corners of Annapurna Himalaya region as well close to massive Dhaulagiri mountain range, truly a most scenic spot after walking past popular areas of Ghorepani and Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views over an array of Himalayan peaks. Annapurna Khopra Lake treks certainly a walk of great thrill with ever exciting views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range of mountains with Manaslu and other adjoining peaks, where one can view worlds three highest peaks at one single glance. Not only for glamorous scenery of mountains and landscapes the culture of local Gurung and Poon-Magar people are equally fascinating to observe while walking through farm villages of high Annapurna hills covered with enchanting tall rhododendron and pines forest.
Starting adventure to Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek from beautiful Pokhara city and its verdant valley where a drive leads to foothills of Annapurna, then walking through serene forest witch spectacular panorama of sunrise over the chain of mountains from Poon Hill, and then leaving the main trekking trail towards complete wilderness away from villages and human settlement towards high Khopra Ridge. As tree lines fade away on reaching at high Khopra Ridge where you will soak into fabulous scenery of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri’s, Annapurna Fang (Vara Shikar) with peaks of Annapurna South. Enjoying lovely time then heading back taking a scenic route through Gurung village at Ghandruk and then on drive to scenic Pokhara for last overnight within Annapurna Himalaya around Nepal Mid-West region.
“Adventure from low warm areas to cooler alpine high hills within close to mountains
Scenic trek on high ridges to Khopra with the hike to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views
Walking into Gurung and Poon-Magar villages enriched with colorful Buddhist cultures
Lovely woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-pines-holly oaks and silver fir trees
Explore beautiful high country around Nepal Mid-Western Himalaya facing marvelous scenery
Amazing views on daily walks with constant scenery of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks
Explore the hidden corners of Annapurna Himalaya with high hills walks to Khopra”
Mode of accommodation: Hotels and local Lodge on treks.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest spot on treks: At Kopra Ridge 3,870 m high.
Trek Duration: 08 Nights and 09 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara).
People and Culture: Populated by Gurung and Poon-Magar people of Buddhism religion and colorful culture with ancient traditional heritage and custom.
Best Seasons: Nearly all months of the year except the wet months from June to mid-September, where’s March to May lively with wildflowers and rhododendron (Nepal national flower in blooming times, where days are clear for views. October to December another best months for clear views but with short lights, cold in the morning and night times chances of snow on route walks.
Total Trip: 12 Nights and 13 Days (arrival to final departure)
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu with transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Drive or Fly to scenic Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel- 06 hrs journey.
Day 03: Drive and trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,430 m – 05 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 2,874m – 05 hrs.
Day 05: Morning hike to Poon-Hill and trek to Sauta 2,200 m – 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Cistibung 3,000 m -05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Khopra Ridge 3,870 m -03 hrs.
Day 08: At Khopra Ridge with options for a day hike to holy Khair lake – 06 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Dobato 3,420 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Ghandruk 1,950 m -05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Syauli Bazaar and drive to Pokhara 3 hrs walk with 2 hrs ride.
Day 12: Fly or drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 13: Final departure from Kathmandu homeward bound or to respective destinations.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu with transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu international airport get transferred to hotels after received by our guides and staff, at hotel check-in and join in for group briefing regarding treks and other useful information, with welcome dinner.
Day 02: Drive to Fly to Pokhara 860 m – 06 hrs ride and 30 mins via air.
An early morning departure from the hotel taking an overland drive to reach Nepal Mid-West at scenic Pokhara, during six hours drive views of snow-capped peaks, then arriving by the lake a side of Phewa in Pokhara, where many good hotels located with grand views of Annapurna peaks.
(Flying options of 30 mins panoramic flight to land at Pokhara from Kathmandu)
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul 1,100m and trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,430m -05 hrs.
Morning two-hour drive to reach the foothills past towns and villages with views of Annapurna mountain range and Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”. As this reaches Nayapul (new bridge) where our adventure begins with a gentle walk through Bhirethati, and past farmlands as walk completes at Tirkhedhuga village in the comfort of a nice lodge after a good day walks.
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 2,874m – 05 hrs walk.
Morning walk on uphill for two hours all the way to Ulleri village with views of Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchare, from here on walk gets better past Bhanthati, and then on a pleasant trail within the alpine forest of oaks-pines and rhododendron trees. Slowly walk leads with short climb gaining heights on reaching at Ghorepani village with fabulous views of Mt. Dhaulagiri range of peaks, Ghorepani village populated by Poon / Magar ethnic tribe, famous for Poon Hill viewpoint.
Day 05: Morning hike to Poon-Hill and trek to Sauta 2,200m – 05 hrs.
Early morning hike to Poon-Hill at 3,210 m offers sunrise views of mountains from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal towards the far-east horizon with Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”. After superb mountain views and sunrise walk continues from Ghorepani to reach Sauta village heading off from the main trail away after Chitre village, trek leads through rhododendron forest, on down-hill with last short climb to Sauta village for an overnight stop.
Day 06: Trek to Chistibung 3,000 m -05 hrs.
Starting morning walk past farm fields and scattered villages, trekking north and into serene rhododendron and bamboo forest, then with slow climb following route towards Khair ridge, walk leads uphill to reach at Chistibung for an overnight stop, a small place with few small huts serving as tea-houses.
Day 07: At Khopra Ridge with options for a day hike to holy Khair lake – 06 hrs.
Today’s walk of few hours heading to our destination at Khopra ridge, from here gaining altitude leaving tree lines for short alpine bushes. The morning after few hours of scenic walk finally reaching at overnight stop at Khair / Kopra ridge, a scenic spot with amazing views of surrounding landscapes and Mt. Dhaulagiri massive range, Vara-Shikar (Annapurna Fang), Annapurna South which towers from this wonderful spot.
Day 08: At Kopra Ridge for a day hike to holy Khair lake.
A great place for rest day and hike to holy Khair Lake located at 4,247 m. a long day hike takes you at holy site where religious festival held in the month of August. Villagers from surrounding area assemble here to worship and pray to Lord Shiva and bathe in the icy waters, sacrifices sheep and goats.
Day 09: Trek to Dobato 3,420 m – 05 hrs.
After a wonderful time at Khair and Khopra ridge, morning walk leads to descending within grazing lands in the midst of rhododendron forest to reach our overnight stop at Dobato a summer pasture grazing land for the local Sheppard’s with striking views of Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchare.
Day 10: Trek to Ghandruk 1,951m – 04 hours.
From Dobato with beautiful views of mountains walk leads to a large Gurung village at Ghandruk walking within rhododendron, oaks and pines forest, after pleasant morning walk reaching at Tadapani and the continue walks to Ghandruk village for an overnight stop.
Day 11: Trek to Syauli Bazaar and drive to Pokhara 3 hrs walk with 2 hrs ride.
Our last day of the trek, where morning leads to a nice pleasant walk downhill towards low and warm farm areas at Syauli Bazaar, where an interesting short drive takes you at the scenic and beautiful Pokhara for overnight stops by famous serene Lake Phewa.
Day 12: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure.
Morning from Pokhara an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu on route observe farm villages and towns and then reach Kathmandu by afternoon, rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Day 13: Final departure from Kathmandu homeward bound or to respective destinations.
Last day in the land of Himalayan Wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel for an airport for your international flight back to home countries or other respective destinations.
I have done 3 treks with Anjan and Nepal High Trek & Expedition Langtang gosainkund Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek and Island peak climbing and Annapurna circuit Trekking 5 years before in Nepal. That’s was wonderful and lifetime trip in my life. Due to weather conditions, we had to change our plans and return to Besi chair and then do the Annapurna Base Camp with a few extra places along the way. My guide was Anjan and he was so helpful. When our itinerary had to change he was helpful, suggested other options and did what he could to make the best of a situation beyond all human control. Anjan is very proud of his country and willing to share all his knowledge and experience with his clients. Nepal High Trek & Expedition is trustworthy, takes all responsibility and all problems The staff at Nepal High Trek are very helpful and willing to help you with any information or anything else you may need. I would highly recommend this agency as they are professional, competent and helpful! I will definitely be back and trekking with them in the future.
Ghorepani poon hill trek “Lieber Anjan, das Trekking mit dir war super! Es hat uns sehr viel Spaß gemacht! Die Kombination aus Abenteuer, Natur und Wandern ist ideal zum Abschalten! Du bist ein großartiger Führer!!!”
In 2010, my son, husband and I did the Langtang Valley Trek with Anjan as our amazing guide. His knowledge of the area was extensive, including walking expectations, weather and terrain conditions, and the best places to stop, rest, eat and sleep. So much so, that other Trekkers called on his advice despite having their own guides. He was a very acknowledges an expert mountain guide. On the trek, Anjan was nurturing, fun and extremely amicable with everyone. He had a very endearing personality, and over the two-week trek, he became a member of our family. I highly recommend Anjan to anybody considering undertaking any trek in Nepal.