Khopra Ridge Community Trek

Altitude : 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.-Kathmandu

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu,, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will be holding a “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” sign outside the terminal to greet you.

You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in and freshening up, our representative will meet you to give a detailed briefing on the upcoming itinerary, along with important safety guidelines and hygiene to ensure a smooth and safe trek.

Altitude : 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: Guided Cultural Tour of Kathmandu Valley

Start your day with a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. Explore the vibrant Kathmandu with our expert guides, who will share insights into the area’s rich history.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka Durbar), a historical royal complex with temples, palaces, and shrines dating back to the 15th century. Key attractions include Kumari Ghar (the house of the living goddess) and Kasthamandap, built from a single tree.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Next, head to Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, a sacred site for both Hinduism and Buddhism. Admire the stunning white dome and golden spire, while soaking in the serene atmosphere filled with incense and prayer wheels.

PM: Boudhanath Stupa

Visit the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a spiritual center for Tibetan culture, surrounded by prayer flags, monks, and devotees chanting ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’.

Pashupatinath Temple

Conclude your tour at the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples, located along the Bagmati River. Here, you can witness profound spiritual rituals, including the moving sight of open-air cremations, which hold deep cultural significance. After immersing yourself in this sacred experience, you will transfer back to your hotel.

Altitude: 2,012 m/6,601 ft. – Ghandruk Village
Flight Duration: 25 minutes
Driving Time: 2 hours approx.
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours approx.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start your adventure with a scenic flight to Pokhara, followed by a short drive to Syaulibazzar (682 meters/2,240 feet), the beginning of your trek. Trek through lush forests and terraced fields, with stunning views of Machhapuchhre Himal (6,696 meters/22,690 feet) and the Modi River. Arrive at Ghandruk, a charming village offering authentic culture and panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif. Explore cobbled streets, visit the cultural museum, and enjoy unforgettable sunrise and sunset views.

Altitude: 2,590 m/8,497 ft. – Tadapani
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours (approx.)
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Start your day with stunning views of the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in Ghandruk. Trek uphill through Deurali, and then into a beautiful rhododendron forest. Continue to a small pass before reaching Tadapani.

If you trek in spring, enjoy the vibrant rhododendron blossoms along the way. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy the peaceful village. Tadapani is surrounded by a forest of rhododendron, magnolia, and oak trees.

From here, take in spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (6,996 meters/22,953 feet) and Annapurna South (7,219 meters/23,684 feet). It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Khopra Ridge Trek.

Altitude: 3,420 m/11,220 ft. – Bayeli Kharka
Hiking Duration: 6-7 hours (approx.)
Accommodation: Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leave Tadapani and head off the beaten path, trekking to the more isolated villages of the Annapurna region. Walk through beautiful forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees. Ascend along the ridgeline and reach Deurali, a small pass offering amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/26,795 feet), one of the tallest mountains in the world.

The trail then brings you to Bayeli Kharka, an expansive meadow surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. As you arrive, watch mountain goats and sheep peacefully grazing. The sight of the distant, snow-capped peaks creates a surreal, tranquil atmosphere. Relax and spend the night in this serene location, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Altitude: 3,150 m/10,335 ft. – Upper Chistibung
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Accommodation: Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a fulfilling breakfast, depart from Bayeli Kharka and head toward Chistibung. Start your journey on a grassy slope, passing through pastureland dotted with herder’s huts and Dzo (crossbred cow and yak). Along the way, keep an eye out for the colorful Danphe pheasant, Nepal’s national bird. You might also spot the elusive Himalayan Tahr on the high grassy ridges above the trail.

As you continue along this rich, natural trail, passing small villages, you will reach Upper Chistibung, a tranquil spot surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Altitude: 3,660 m/12,008 ft. – Khopra Ridge
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours (approx.)
Accommodation: Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, begin your gradual ascent through the alpine meadows. As you approach Khopra Ridge, catch your first sight of Annapurna South, a sign that you are getting closer to your destination.

Arrive at Khopra Ridge Lodge just in time for lunch. From the ridge, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South, towering just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) above you, with Fang and Nilgiri standing tall to the north.

After lunch, enjoy a short walk to a viewpoint that overlooks the Kali Gandaki River in the deep valley below. From here, take in the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri Mountains, offering a stunning panorama that will leave you mesmerized. You can also hike towards Khayer Lake, a sacred lake in the Annapurna region, where locals visit to worship the gods.

Altitude: 2,214 m/7,267 ft.– Swanta Village
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours (approx.)
Accommodation: Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, begin your descent down the hillside, retracing your steps toward Chistibung. As you walk through dense green oak forests, you’ll notice a difference from the brown oak. Pass the Chistibung Lodge, cross a wooden bridge, and continue through bamboo forests, navigating both ascents and descents.

Upon reaching Swanta Village, the landscape opens up, showcasing traditional homes surrounded by fields of rice and potatoes.

In the afternoon and evening, explore the village at your leisure. Be sure to visit Swanta Primary School, which is supported by local community funds and run by two dedicated teachers.

Altitude: 2,050 m/6,726 ft. – Ulleri
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours (approx.)
Accommodation: Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, begin your descent through the village fields towards a small river, passing by a traditional watermill.

Next, cross the suspension bridge and climb up to Chittre, where you’ll rejoin the main trail to Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, descend through the rhododendron forest on a steep trail, eventually arriving at Ulleri.

Altitude: 1,302 m/4,268 ft. – Kathmandu
Flight Duration: 25 minutes (approx.)
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, take a short flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. You can shop for souvenirs or unwind after your unforgettable adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, it’s time to fly back home, cherishing all the incredible memories of Nepal. A representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Please make sure to check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight for a smooth departure.