Khopra Ridge Trek 14 Days

Khopra Ridge Trek Overview 

The Khopra Ridge is situated in the Annapurna region. The route of Khopra Ridge Trek moves away from the main trails through the solitary off-the-beaten-path. The viewpoint at Khopra Ridge offers a stunning view of over a score of majestic Himalayan peaks including, Machapuchare, Nilgiri North and South, Himchuli, and Gangapurna. The Annapurna massif appears at arm’s distance while Mt Dhaulagiri appears right in front.

The deepest gorge in the world — Kaligandaki River — separates the Dhaulagiri range from the Annapurna range. During the trek, the trails drift above a bed of clouds that help gain the heavenly experience. It is worth catching the sun setting above the beds of clouds. Kaire Lake is a major attraction of this trek which is located closer to the Khopra Ridge trekking trail. The lake hidden alpine lake is a pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. A number of shrines can be seen nearby the lake. The Khopra Ridge Trip is a great choice as it combines the best of what Nepal has to offer — amazing mountain views, agricultural and pastoral villages with rice and potato fields layered on top of each other, descending down onto the valley. It could be the best part that very few people know about Khopra Ridge Journey.

There are very few treks in the world where you walk for two whole days on a ridge with the great mountains on either side. The Khopra Ridge Treks offer magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif that has a peak over (8,000m/26,000 ft), 13 peaks, and over (7,000m/23,000 ft), and 16 others over (6,000m/20,000 ft). The off-the-beaten-path of Khopra Ridge goes uphill and downhill but does not have the steps like in Annapurna Base Camp. Also, the trails are less crowded than the ABC Trek.

Before the trek epic begins, you will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. The following day, you will take a flight to Pokhara, the base camp for Khopra Ridge Trek. From Pokhara, you will take a drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk. From here, you will gain access to the Khopra Ridge by hiking through Tadapani, Bayerka Kharka, and Upper Chistibung in five days.

Although the route of Khopra Ridge was officially opened in 2012, the tea houses in the region serve the best quality food compared to other trek routes. In the beginning, the trail passes through a valley covered under dense oak trees and then through Rhododendron forests. The trails appear to be isolated, but as you advance the abandoned huts start popping out of nowhere. It takes effort and pain to climb the Khopra Ridge (3,660m) which is rewarded with unobstructed views of the magnificent peaks. Gaining a high altitude may pose a little challenge as it requires one to have good endurance.

It has to be noted that the altitude and position of the ridge offer spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks also during the sunset. Likewise, hiking to Kaire Lake (15,700 feet) from the ridge becomes an adventure as it helps gain spiritual experience. Subsequently, you will pass by the village of Swanta which spreads out to the top of the hill where the huts are not clustered together. You will be mesmerized at the sight of huts separated by terraced farms. The farms are rice and potato fields.

The trail further goes through dense green oak trees relatively different from Brown oak. This also demonstrates the presence of a variety of forests in the region. The diverse landscape keeps one engrossed throughout the trek. The landscape changes depending on the seasons. The Khopra Ridge Tour is suitable throughout the year except for the monsoon (July to mid-September). You will complete the trip with a unique heritage, culture, and breath-taking view of the landscape. The epic trek ends at Ulleri from where it takes a three-hour drive back to Pokhara.